Children's Programs Set at the Library

Editor's note: This version of the story, updated Sept. 22, has the correct spelling of Arlie Matera.

The hosts many events specifically to children and teens.

The first of which is a spelling bee for children from fourth through the eighth grade.

Arlie Matera, who works in the children’s and youth services department, regrets there is no available prize, but says the kids still enjoy it anyway.

There is still time to sign up children for the three competitions on Oct. 6, Oct. 13 or Oct. 20.

Then, if they pass one of the initial rounds, they will go to the competitor meet and greet on Oct. 27 and, ultimately, the championships on Nov. 4.

“The preliminary rounds are after school on weekdays in the multipurpose room, so it’s more laid back and casual,” Matera said.

But the final competition will be “lights and mics and the whole thing,” she added.

If your kids aren’t into spelling, there are two other events they can partake in:

• Sept. 24 - Zap the Magician – Join Zap for magic, balloon animals and comedy at 7 p.m. in the main library’s multipurpose room.

• Oct. 22 – the Bubble Lady – Featuring a kiddie pool full of bubbles, the Bubble Lady, who happens to be Zap the Magician’s wife, entertains children by encapsulating them in giant bubbles and otherwise letting them explore the soapy substance.

“The Bubble Lady is super popular,” Matera said.

For teens there are a few upcoming programs, which include a tie-dye T-shirt day on Sept. 27 and, on Oct. 14, an event called the Science of Skateboarding.

“That’s just talking about skateboarding and physics in a really cool way,” Matera said. “Not in a boring way.”

Of course, the Lakewood Public Library’s event calendar is updated regularly and can be found online.