Vote for your favorite Nutmeg book!

Voting for the 2010 Nutmeg Book Award will take place in the Stratford Library Children's Department during the month of January.  The Nutmeg Book Award celebrates quality literature for children in grades 4 to 6 (intermediate level) and grades 7 and 8 (teen level).  Kids can vote for their favorite Nutmeg Book, and the winners will be announced February 14, 2010.  What book will win?  Stop by the Children's Department, fill out a ballot, and help determine the winner.  Your vote counts!

Holiday Storytime Schedule

Just to remind everyone ... storytimes will not meet December 21 through January 3.  However, don't worry!  There will be a few extra programs during vacation week. 

On Monday, December 28 at 10:30 a.m. we'll have a special session of Magical Musical Me.  This program is for children 5 and under with their families.  We sing, we use scarves, we have crazy fun. 

And on Tuesday, December 29 at 10:30 a.m. we will be hosting Family Holiday Time. This program is for families with children ages 3 and up.  We'll be celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah in stories, songs, games, and crafts.  It will probably last from 30-45 minutes. 

And, you can Read to the Dogs, Siena and Drago on Wednesdays, December 23 and December 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.  Today, they're in costume.  Who knows what next week will bring?!

Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble this Saturday

The Stratford Library Children's Department would like to thank everyone who helped make our Barnes & Noble Bookfair such a tremendous success.  From Paddington the Newfoundland, to Tamara Danilowicz who played the role of The Cat in the Hat to Alexis who made balloon animals for 2 hours, to all the staff and patrons who attended, supported, wrapped, shopped, sent good wishes, we are truly thankful.  Of course, we also thank the staff at Barnes & Noble for being so welcoming.

And for our second act, Stratford Library staff will be wrapping gifts at Barnes & Noble in Milford this Saturday, December 12 from 6 to 10 p.m.  Stop by and see us!  We'll be gift wrapping, but wait, there's more!  We have bookplates, gift tags, and handmade bows to splash up any gift.  Purchasing for that special young lady?  Ask for one of our headband bows that can be removed from the gift and worn!  All donations go to benefit the Children's Department.  Questions? Call us at 203.385.4165.

Read to Siena and Drago this Thursday

Read to Siena and Drago, therapy dogs, this Thursday, December 10 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.  Sign up by calling the Library at 203.385.4165. Reading to dogs helps children build reading proficiency and self confidence.  Plus, they're dogs and what could be more fun than that? Hope to see you soon.

The Snowmaiden Puppet Show

On Wednesday, December 2 at 4 p.m., the Purple Rock Productions puppet company will present The Snowmaiden for families with children ages 3 and up. This is part of the Stratford Center Holiday Festival. The Town of Stratford’s annual tree lighting will immediately follow the performance. The Snowmaiden is a winter fantasy puppet show based on the Russian folktale. A child made out of snow delights her village before retreating into the forest, promising to return again each winter. The show includes marionettes, live music, and an introductory dance. Experience the joys of winter through this classic tale that celebrates children, friendship, and the change of the seasons. To register, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.

Happy Thanksgiving - Storytime Schedule for next week

During the week of Thanksgiving, there will be no storytime Wednesday and Friday, November 25 and 27.  The regular storytime schedule will begin again on Monday, November 30.  See you soon!

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

The Stratford Library Children’s Department presents “A Visit from the Tooth Fairy” on Tuesday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. The Tooth Fairy’s visit will take the place of the Library’s regularly scheduled preschool storytime at that time. Learn about good oral hygiene from the expert. Each child will receive a free gift to take home. To register, or for more information, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.

Magical Musical Me on November 14

Magical Musical Me is our song and rhyme time for families with kids ages 5 and under.  Bop along with familiar favorites like Hickory Dickory Dock and Pat-a-Cake and learn new tunes to sing at home or in the car.  This program meets onces a month on a Saturday.  The next meeting is Saturday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m.  Call 385-4165 to register.

Bookfair next Friday!

The Stratford Library Association Children's Department will be hosting a Bookfair at Milford Barnes & Noble on Friday, November 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.  Stop by and visit us!  You can meet the Cat in the Hat, receive a balloon animal, and for parents, learn about new books that make good gift suggestions.  A portion of anything purchased with a Stratford Library Association voucher will benefit the Children's Department.  Thanks for your support.  Also, vouchers are good for any shopping done November 20-25.

Welcome!!

Welcome to the Stratford Library Children's Blog.