Summer Fun at the Library: Puppets, Crafts & Live Animals

There are plenty of opportunities to escape the heat and have some fun at the library this summer. According to Library Director Kimberly Paone, there are over 75 programs planned for kids of all ages, from infants through teenagers, that happen every day.

About 15 to 20 children typically register for each event. Paone said that they have a required pre-registration for most events due to the limited space available.

Preschool

Summer Crafty Kids runs the same program twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 AM beginning Monday, June 20. This summer's theme is "One World, Many Stories." The children first read a story and then do a related craft. Registration is required.

Summer Songs, Stories & More offers a variety of stories, songs and fingerplays that also go along with this years Summer Reading Club's theme, "One World, Many Stories." Registration begins June 7 and the program runs on Tuesday mornings starting June 21 at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM or 11:30 AM.

Bugs on the Go! Bugs from all over the world will visit the library on June 26 at 1:00 PM and 1:50 PM. Come learn about where they live and what they eat. Registration begins June 17. This program is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Drop-In Crafts are for all ages and do not require registration. Stop by the library on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 starting June 29. There will also be drop-in crafts on some Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM starting June 25.

Come for some Lego Fun on June 29 at 10:30 AM. Play with Legos and then paint with them. Paintings will be on display for the summer. Registration begins June 22. This program is recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Mastedons, Cavemen and Bears, Oh My! Paleontologist Mike Straka will be sharing the history of cavemen at the library through fossils and other artifacts on July 10 at 1:00 PM. Registration begins July 1. This program is recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Move to the music at Music to Move By with Ann Wild, The Music Lady on July 13 and August 10, at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. registration begins July 6. This program is recommended for ages 0 to 4.

Go on safari with Dora the Explorer on July 27 or July 29 at 10:30 AM. Find all the wild animals on the loose at the library! Registration begins July 20. This program is recommended for ages 2 and up.

First to Third Graders

Travel around the world this summer at he library! The "Around the World" program runs weekly on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 3 PM starting on June 28 and June 30. Each week will focus on a different country, including Scotland, Australia, Brazil and Korea. Children will have the opportunity to explore the culture of each country through stories, food, crafts and even learning a few words in the country's native language.

Mammals from around the world will be visiting the library for Wallaby Tales on July 17 at 2 PM. Learn about what they eat, where they live and what they do. Registration begins July 8. This program is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Enjoy a puppet show of The Giving Tree and The Selfish Giant on July 6 at 11:00 AM presented by Miss Mariah and her puppets. Registration begins June 29. This program is recommended for ages 2 and up.

Come perform some Mad Science with dry ice experiments on August 7 at 2:00 PM. Registration begins July 29. This program is recommended for first through fifth graders.

Tweens (Fourth through sixth graders)

Get a Taste of Italy and learn how to make your own pasta on July 20 at 5:30 PM. Try some Italian soda too! Registration begins June 18.

Learn the art of Origami paper folding and make your own creations on June 30 and July 28 at 5:30 PM. Registration begins June 18.

Go back to school in style! Come decorate your own notebook or one provided by the library on August 8 at 7:00 PM. Registration begins June 18.

Compete in Candy Olympics on July 21 at 5:00 PM. Participate in Swedish fishing, sorting M&Ms and gumball relays! There will be a "sweet" prize for the winning team. Registration begins June 18.

Design your own Rice Crispie Creations on July 27 at 7:00 PM. Rice Crispie Treats are your own building blocks in this program. Registration begins June 18.

To register for these free programs, visit the library's website or call at 732-593-9100.