Durham Library Announces Fall, Winter Children's Programs

Just think — in a few months, cabin fever is going to be a real thing when the winter months set in! If your children experience this phenomenon each year, check out the Durham Public Library’s fall and winter children’s program.

“Registration begins today for our October Children’s Programs,” the Durham Public Library posted on Facebook. “Call 860-349-9544 or stop by the library to register.”

Drop-In Story Programs — No Registration Required

Bouncing Babies! (birth to crawlers). Mondays, Sept. 15 to Dec. at 11:00 a.m. Babies and caregivers enjoy nursery rhymes, songs, and movement activities together.

Mother Goose Storytime (walkers to 30 months). Mondays, Sept. 15 to Dec. 1 at 10:15 a.m. This program features simple stories, rhymes, fingerplays, and activities for toddlers and their parents or caregivers.

Time for Tots (2 ½ to 3 ½ years). Wednesdays, Sept. 17 to Dec. 3 at 10:15 a.m. Stories, songs and fingerplays to encourage a love of books and early language development. Program will include a simple craft activity.

Preschool Storytime (3 ½ to 5 years). Tuesdays, Sept. 16 to Dec. 2 at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Stories, songs and craft program designed for preschool-aged children. Children will make their own craft to take home.

Bedtime Storytime (ages 2 to 5 years). Mondays, Sept. 15 to Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. This program features bedtime stories, gentle music, and sing-along time. Wear your PJs!

Elementary Programs — September

LEGO Club (6 — 12 years). Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. LEGOs provided; just bring your creativity! Drop in — no registration required.

Elementary Programs — October(Registration for programs in October will begin September 15th)

Scratch Programming (8 — 11 years). Thursdays, Oct. 2, 9, and 16 at 6:30 p.m. Learn computer programming basics using the free Scratch programming language. Registration required.

Kids in the Kitchen (8 — 11 years). Wednesdays, Oct. 15 & 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Try new foods and learn new skills in the kitchen. Registration required.

Saturday Science Club (8 — 11 years). Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2:00 p.m. Explore the fun side of science in this hands-on program. Registration required.

LEGO Club (6 — 12 years). Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. LEGOs provided; just bring your creativity! Drop in — no registration required.)

Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (Grades 4 — 6). Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch; dessert provided. We will be discussing Counting by 7′s by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration required.

Not So Spooky Stories (5 — 8 years) Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Halloween stories, games, and crafts. Drop in.

Elementary Programs — November (Registration for programs in November will begin October 20th)

Paws to Read (5 — 8 years). 3-week session, Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8, & 15. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. Henry, a Portuguese Water Dog, and his handler Don Bourret, are registered members of Pet Partners, a therapy dog training organization. Why read to a dog? Dogs are completely nonjudgmental listeners, which allows struggling readers to gain confidence and fluency in a supportive and fun environment. Registration required.

Colonial Kids (5 — 9 years). Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The Connecticut Historical Society will present Colonial Kids. Using reproduction objects and hands-on activities, children will be introduced to daily life in colonial Connecticut. They will compare their own lives to those of colonial children as they learn about both work and play. Children will examine differences in clothing, learn about daily chores, try out some colonial toys, and make a reproduction “hornbook.”

Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (Grades 4 — 6). Saturday Nov. 15 at 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch; dessert provided. We will be discussing Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration required.

Kids’ Bake-Off (age groups 7-10 and 11-14) Saturday, Nov. 15. Drop off your dessert items between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. Come back at noon to hear the winners and sample all the delicious treats!

LEGO Club (6 — 12 years). Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. LEGOs provided; just bring your creativity! Drop in — no registration required.

Saturday Science Club (8 — 11 years). Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2:00 p.m. Explore the fun side of science in this hands-on program. Registration required.

Elementary Programs — December (Registration for programs in December will begin November 24th)

Paws to Read (5 — 8 years). 3-week session, Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, & 20. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. Henry, a Portuguese Water Dog, and his handler Don Bourret, are registered members of Pet Partners, a therapy dog training organization. Why read to a dog? Dogs are completely nonjudgmental listeners, which allows struggling readers to gain confidence and fluency in a supportive and fun environment. Registration required.

Gingerbread Houses (7 — 11 years). Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Build and decorate a “gingerbread house” using graham crackers and assorted candies. Registration required.

LEGO Club (6 — 12 years). Thursday, Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. LEGOs provided; just bring your creativity! Drop in — no registration required.

Lunch Bunch Book Discussion (Grades 4 — 6). Saturday Dec. 13 at 12:30 p.m. Bring your lunch; dessert provided. We will be discussing Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richardson Jacobson. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration required.

Saturday Science Club (8 — 11 years). Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2:00 p.m. Explore the fun side of science in this hands-on program. Registration required.

(Photo Credit: Durham Library)