Stratford Public Library's Kid's (Web) Site has been designed to promote its vision (to promote literacy skills, increase information literacy and provide life-long learning in a safe environment).

A key word in this vision is the word "safe". In order to make this site as safe as possible, users cannot insert a URL (ie, the location bar does not appear). The children can, however, access:

• Three search engines which are designed with the safety and the information needs of children in mind (Kids Click, Yahooligans, and Ask Jeeves).

• Specific (external) web pages/sites which have been chosen for their safety and suitability for children within each topic or subject area.

There were many more sites in existence for most subject areas than what could be chosen as links for our Kid's Site... or the number of links might have appeared to be overwhelming. Therefore, choices had to be made, and some good sites for children simply could not be accommodated as links on our site. Some of the criteria which were considered in the selection of the sites were as follows:

• to strike a balance between links to sites designed for younger children, for children in the elementary grades, and for the children of the 10 to 12 years old range ... where possible!

• to strike a balance between the sites that will help with curriculum requirements, and those which are "fun" as well as educational.

• to include Canadian sites where they were suitable and relevant. In a few subjects/areas, however, most or even all of the very best sites were not Canadian. These are designated with a Canadian flag rather than a star.

• to avoid sites which are too commercial. (A small number of the sites which were chosen are a little commercial, but are also informative.)

Please keep in mind that the links to external sites will be checked on a regular basis to see that they are still in existence and still suitable. Website changes happen quickly and often, and we can delete links and add new selections as needed. Please let the webmaster know if you notice that a site has either moved or if the link is broken.

The website is only part of a "Children's Interactive Computer Network." The network will allow children access to computers for not only Guided Internet use, but also for word-processing (Microsoft Word), and library supplied cd-rom access.  Funding for interactive cd-roms has been provided from the Royal Bank of Canada. 

This website was created by Sally Hengeveld (content) and Krista Robinson (design), both of the Stratford Public Library.  If you have questions or comments, please contact the webmaster at splkids@pcin.on.ca.