The Debra Fish Early Childhood Resource Library remains available to assist you with research needs & requests for books & other library materials. Our library’s physical space is closed to the public, but the librarian, Jennie, is available to respond to your phone (651-641-3544) and email (librarian@thinksmall.org) inquiries.
The Debra S. Fish Library is open for curbside pickup!
Request materials from our collection, MNLink, or other St. Paul Public Library branches. When your item becomes available, the librarian will contact you to arrange a time for pickup.
Think Small is home to the Debra S. Fish Early Childhood Resource Library, a public library that supports early childhood trainers, child care providers, and parents of young children. You will find over 6,000 exceptional early childhood materials on a variety of topics: positive guidance, play, developmentally appropriate practice, anti-bias education, nature, ethics, technology, family engagement, and much more.
Also available are National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)- and Parent Aware-approved curricula, as well as story-kits and children’s books in English, Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen, Somali, Cambodian, and Chinese.
Visit us during business hours, call the library at 651-641-3544 or email the librarian for assistance.
Bias and the Developing Brain – Season 2: Episode 7
On the season two finale of Early Risers, host Dianne Haulcy speaks with University of Minnesota cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Damien Fair about how we can train our brains to recognize bias and why the first thousand days of a child’s life are so critical for brain development.
Request library materials here if you have a St. Paul Public Library (SPPL) card or if your local library card has been added to SPPL’s system.
A single point of entry into Minnesota’s library catalogs. Search for library materials from all over the state of Minnesota and have them sent to your local library.
Materials can be checked out at Think Small and through your local library! A current library card is all that is required.
Non St. Paul card-holders: The first time you use your local library card in the St. Paul system you will need to present your library card, along with a picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address. After that you need only present your card.
Residents of cities or counties whose libraries are served by MELSA also may use their library cards. Bring in your library card, along with a picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address.
We have put together a list of possible resources by topic. If you would like a custom bibliography, please contact the librarian.
Children’s Titles:
Parent/Provider Titles:
Cont. Parent/Provider Titles
Library cards are free. If you do not have a library card in your home system, you may apply for one at any SPPL library. You will need the following documentation: A picture ID with your name and current address or a picture ID and a piece of recently posted mail with your current address. Elsewhere in Minnesota, ask your local library for instructions.
Most library card registrations are good for 2 years. After two years, you will need to re-register your card by verifying your address with one of the identification options listed above. Registrations for non-Minnesota residents are good for 1 year. Library cards with Teacher status are good through the school year and need to be re-registered each August.
If you have lost your library card and need to get a new one, the charge is $1.00 for a replacement card. Bring a photo ID and second proof of residence (e.g., a bill mailed to your address) to any library branch.
Library Mission and Policies | Library Collection Policy