Kids

Vote, vote, vote! The deadline for selecting your favorite Great Stone Face title is drawing nigh. Ballots cast after April 27 cannot be counted. The 20 books in contention have been on display since last May, but for all you procrastinators out there, you still have a chance to read one or two more. It is not necessary to read every title in order to vote...just pick one that you read and really enjoyed! The winner will be announced in May, and the new books listed for 2018-2019 will be put out on the GSF table.

They're here! The list of contenders for this year's Ladybug Picture Book Award has been released, and all the books have been put out on display. Our young patrons ranging in age from Age 3 to Grade 3 are invited and encouraged to come in and check them out. The New Hampshire Center for the Book sponsors this contest every year. Voting takes place in November, so you have plenty of time to start reading and selecting your favorites. See if you can read all ten!

Spring is just around the corner, and that means Storytime is commencing a fun new season! Did you know that these classes serve all youngsters from birth through age 6? For drop-in sessions, geared to children 3 years of age and older, no registration is needed...just come on by and join us on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday mornings. Programs for infants and toddlers do, however, require on-line registration on our library's website, due to high demand and limited resources. Sign-ups will be opening up on March 12 at 9:00am.

Book Buzzers will find a lot to like in April's club selection: Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan. Even though published over 8 years ago, when it won many awards, the topic is in the current headlines almost daily. When Esperanza's wealthy father is killed in Mexico, she and her mother must immigrate to the U.S. to find work in the agricultural labor camps. She is in no way prepared for the poor living conditions and demanding work now expected of her.

Our lovable Lilly continues to make a hit on her monthly visits to the library. She loves to meet and greet the kids, and she loves having them read to her even more! Each child gets a 15-minute private session to practice his or her reading skills, with Lilly sitting by to encourage...she never mocks or scolds! Some kids prefer to have other family members sit in...that's okay! Statistics show that reading to a dog can significantly boost a child's confidence when called upon to read aloud in class.

February Vacation is right around the corner, so hang in there, kids! And just in case you're looking for something to do, the library has lined up some boredom-busters, just for you!

Monday, February 26...Our Magformers will be available for free play for all ages from 12:00-4:00pm.

Calling all Book Buzz  members and wannabes (grades 4-6)...you won't want to miss the next exciting book up for discussion!  Unsinkable is the first volume of Gordon Korman's Titanic series. Plenty of danger awaits four young passengers who have  recently become friends, despite having very different background stories. Historical details are woven throughout this suspenseful tale, written by one of the most popular writers for youth out there today.

Calling all dads, granddads, uncles and all interested parties! How about a special morning with your kids at the library? Storytime will include picture books, music and movement, and a fun craft to do with your child. Oh, and did we mention the donuts? Donuts and coffee will be on offer, as well. (And milk for the kiddos, of course!) This event takes place on Saturday, February 3rd, from 10:00 - 11:00am. Please sign up on-line, so we'll know how many munchies to have on hand!

Lilly can't wait for her monthly visit to the library to see her young friends! She will be here on Thursday, March 1st, from 4:00 - 5:30pm.  She will sit by patiently and listen to the kids practice their reading skills in private 15-minute sessions. Children may prefer family members to sit in...their choice. If you would like to secure a time slot, you may call the library during the week prior to her visit...or, just drop by and hope for an opening.