Naughty or Nice

To kickstart National No-Name Calling Week (January 24-28, 2011), check out our display in the Children's Department on books that promote friendship, self confidence, and no bullying!

Start the new year right, and talk to your child about No-Name Calling Week.

See you at the Library!

Vacation Week Schedule

So, no storytime this week (I know, so sad!), but we do have things going on this week and next week.
All this week: holiday crafts to make! 
- Monday, December 20. Knitting at 3:30 for ages 7-12.
- Tuesday, December 21. Countdown math games at 4:00 for ages 5-9.
- Thursday, December 23. Dress up for the therapy dogs in your holiday finery. 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Friday, December 24 to Sunday, December 26. Library closed.
Monday, December 27. Knitting at 3:30 fro ages 7-12.
Tuesday, December 28. 10:30 a.m. Family Holiday Storytime for ages 3+
Wednesday, December 29. 3-4:30. Video & Board Games. Ages 7-12.
Thursday, December 30. 3:00-4:00 p.m. Circle Games for ages 5-9.

Please register at 203.385.4165, and if we don't see you, enjoy your winter break!

This week in the Children's Room

Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. Pajamarama Storytime for children ages 2-7.
Thursday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m. Baby Lapsit for lapsitters only please.
Friday, December 17 at 10:30 a.m. Story Train for children ages 0 to 5.

Please remember that storytimes will not meet December 20, 2010 through January 2, 2011. There will be a special Family Holiday Storytime on Tuesday, December 28 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and up. You may register by calling 203.385.4165.

Enjoy the snowy weather!

South End Community Center Coat Drive - Library Drop Off Spot

Spread a little warmth this December! The South End Community Center is collecting clean, gently used toddler and children's winter coats in sizes 3T to 12. The Stratford Library Children's Department is a drop off point for donations, so feel free to stop by anytime with coats. 

One of our librarians has been scouring the shelves for books about coats, so here is one of our favorites. Thanks for your help!

Tree Lighting Moved to December 2

Due to inclement weather forecasts, the Magic Show and Tree Lighting will now be on Thursday, December 2 at 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the December Holidays Magic Show

What better way to welcome the cold month of December but with some December holiday magic? Join magician Debbie O'Carroll for a family afternoon of stage magic, lively dance, and enchanting holiday lore celebrating all the holidays of December.  The show will be Wednesday, December 1 at 4:00 p.m. in the Library's Lovell Room and is suitable for ages 3 and up. Stroller parking will be provided in an area of the library for everyone's convenience and safety. Call us to register at 203.385.4165.

Afterwards, head on over to the West Broad Green to enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, and the annual lighting of Stratford's Christmas tree. 

Still time to shop the bookfair!

If you missed the Bookfair at Barnes & Noble last night, you still have time to support your Library.  Shop Barnes & Noble of Milford until Wednesday, November 24 or shop online at bn.com/bookfairs and use our ID # 10298842 at checkout.  Buy yourself or your loved ones a treat, and support the Stratford Library at the same time.  Everybody wins!

Need suggestions? Here's our annual gift giving list for those special children on your list.

 

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

We would like to invite everyone to support the Children's Department at our Barnes & Noble Bookfair from November 19-24 at the Barnes & Noble of Milford. Opening Night, Friday, there will be special events at Barnes & Noble from 7 to 9 p.m. including visits from our therapy dogs, free balloon animals, and more!
Shop in store or online at bn.com/bookfairs using our ID# 10298842.




For more info:
- Visit our Bookfair web page:  http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/bn_bookfair.html
- See great ideas for holiday gifts:  
- Print out Bookfair Vouchers to bring with you to the store (or just mention the Library!):  
- See the flyer with Friday 11/19 events:

Native American Storytime

Make a Dreamcatcher at our Native American Storytime, this Saturday, November 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register by calling 203.385.4165.









courtesy of Flickr user Shadowwolf13

Is Your Family Safe at Home? Lead Prevention Day Tomorrow

Just a quick reminder that the Bridgeport Department of Health will be visiting us tomorrow, Tuesday October 26 from 11-6 to address the issue of lead poisoning in children.  Here are some facts that I learned; stop by tomorrow and learn some facts of your own!

- 80% of Stratford homes contain lead, primarily in windows pre-1977
- A new law requires windows in pre-1977 homes to be replaced by EPA approved contractors
- Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays in children
- Toys can also contain lead or cadmium

Want to learn more? Stop by tomorrow, and keep your family safe!

Dogs @ the Library!

We're very excited to have our therapy dogs coming 3 different times in the next month.  Children can read to therapy dogs to increase their read-aloud confidence or to help motivate emerging readers, or just because dogs are impossible to resist.  To sign up for one of the following time slots, call us at 203.385.4165

This isn't Lola, but it IS what a Newfoundland looks like!

This is Drago, one of our therapy dogs!

Reading Schedule

Lola the Newfoundland: Thursday, October 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Lola the Newfoundland: Monday, November 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Siena & Drago the Italian Spinoni: Thursday, November 18 from 4:30-6 p.m.

Storytime Announcement October 25-30

Children may wear their costumes the week of October 25-30. Books with a Halloween theme may be read during these storytimes. Hope to see you in all your finery!

Displays around the Library

 On Friday, we installed 3 new displays in the Children's Department.  Unfortunately, only 2 of my pictures came out, so here is the evidence! We have an Alice in Wonderland board up for our Barnes & Noble fundraiser beginning Friday, November 19 and continuing through November 24, 2010. Purchases made in Barnes & Noble of Milford or online will help support the Library. More details available at the Library.



The second display is an intricate one starring Russian dolls and artifacts.  It's fascinating to spend a few minutes looking at them all.  Some were donated by staff members; others by Eugenia Cody of the Perry House. Hope you can stop in Saturday, October 23 at 10:30 to enjoy Russian stories in English for children ages 6 to 12. Phone us at 203.385.4165 to register.

Swindle Book Discussion

Here's an Animoto video celebrating our upcoming book discussion on Swindle by Gordon Korman.
Short and sweet, I know; maybe we'll have the kids make one with more pizazz!

Want to sign up? Book discussion meets Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. Grades 4 to 6. Read the book before the discussion. Call 203.385.4165 to register.

News of the week!

A few odds and ends for this week.
1. Storytime schedule for this week can be found on our calendar page.  This week's storytime theme for Tues/Wed is Harvest Home.

2. Saturday is quite a busy day with 3 programs: At 10:30 there is Sensory Storytime for children with sensory needs.  At 1:00 p.m. there is Russian cartoons including Beauty and the Beast in Russian. At 2:30 there will be an Embroidery Class for children ages 7 to 12 ($5 material fee due by Thursday).  Register by calling 203.385.4165.

3. The Science Fiction Assignment has begun. We have lists in the Library for ideas, but if you're online, try Here or Here for some possibilities.

Events for Parents & Kids coming up

The fall books are being checked out like crazy and the Halloween books are starting to fly!  A few trees have red and gold leaves, and while the air is still warm, everyone definitely seems to be in the swing of the school year, homework included.

For parents and kids, stop by for:
- All About Audiobooks on Wednesday, October 6 from 6-6:30 p.m. You can learn about the Library's downloadable audiobooks, Playaways, and other audio book options.  All ages.
- Children's Room Tour. Thursday, October 7 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Learn about the Children's Department in this lively all ages tour. 
- Phone us at 203.385.4165 if you'd like to attend.
- Also don't forget, our October Calendar is always online for you to read.

Storytime is for the Birds ... but just on Saturday

Saturday is our Bird Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and up.  As with most of our preschool storytimes, this one comes with a craft.  We hope you'll enjoy the storytime and spend a little time outside watching for birds as part of the Great Stratford Bird Festival.

THURSDAY PROGRAMS CANCELED

Due to illness, the following programs are canceled for Thursday, September 23. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Baby Lapsit at 10:30 a.m. will not meet
- All About Audiobooks at 6:30 p.m. will not meet

Welcome to the Children's Room is this Thursday

Join us this Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. for a quick and lively tour of the Children's Department.  Find out about our different collections and how to search for materials.  We'll have a few surprises in store.

Call 203.385.4165 to register.

Origami is our first Decorative Arts Class

If you've visited the Children's Department before,  you probably know we have a few tremendous artists (sadly, not me!). So, you can imagine that we are very happy to offer a new program called Decorative Arts.  Each month we'll feature a different type of decorative art that children can learn.  September, we're featuring Origami thanks to the wonderful Japan Society of Fairfield who are making a return appearance due to popular demand. This Saturday, September 11, children 7 to 12 can join us for origami at 2:30 p.m. Register by calling 203.385.4165 or email children@stratfordlibrary.org.

In case you're curious, the other fall Decorative Arts programs will be:
- Learn Embroidery. Saturday, October 9 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. (materials fee due at registration)
- Learn Felting. Saturday, November 13 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. (materials fee)
- Learn Paper Art. Saturday, December 11 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. (materials fee)

Fall Art Program

Our first program of September will be Fall Art, on Wednesday, September 8 at 4 p.m. for ages 5 to 9.  Listen to a story, then create art based on the book.  Sally Head, local art instructor, will be hosting this class, back by popular demand!
If you want to join us, please call 203.385.4165 or email children [at] stratfordlibrary.org to register.

Our full calendar can be found here.

Back to School

We want to wish Stratford children an awesome first day back to to school.  Check out this helpful first day info. And don't forget that the Library has some great back to school programs for school age children. Check out our Calendar for details.

School Dismissal Schedule

Bus Schedules

Back to School Tips from Parents.com 

Back to School Fashion for Girls

Backpack Trends

Summer Reading Wrap Up

All the librarians in the Children's Department would like to congratulate our summer readers.  We are so proud of all of you for reading, setting goals, and working hard to accomplish them.  We know you will return to school smart and ready to go.

So, how did we do? Here are some fun facts from summer reading.
- 1104 children participated.  That's about 200 more kids than last year, which was our record high. Wow!
- 8800+ books were read.  I'm trying to picture a stack of books that high, and I just can't!
- 7600+ activities were completed.  That's a ton of reading done by parents and siblings, not to mention rhymes, songs, and other activities.
- 4500 raffle tickets were given out.  The fashion bag had the most entries.
- 1400 free books were given away to children.
- Next year's theme will be One World, Many Stories.  We're already planning raffle bags from every continent! If you have any coins from a foreign country we'd love to include them in next year's bags.

We also would like to thank our sponsors and invite you to visit them.
- Appleby's
- Bella Napoli
- Bridgeport Bluefish
- Quassy
- Stella's Restaurant
- Subway @ Walmart
- The Carol Pieper Memorial Fund

Summer Reading Parties

Congratulations to the over 1100 children who participated in Summer Reading.  If you're coming to one of the parties this week, here's what you should know:

Read to Me Party has been moved to Christ Church at 2000 Main Street.  You may park at the Library or on Academy Hill.  You will need a ticket to be admitted.

Summer Reading Party is at the Baldwin Center.  This party is completely full, so only children with tickets and their grown ups will be admitted.  Please make other arrangements for siblings. You may park at the Library; the Baldwin center is the building next to the Library (we share a parking lot).

We're so proud of all of you for your reading accomplishments.  Every day you made us laugh or taught us something.  So thank you to everyone who participated, and here's to another great year!

Fire Department will be visiting at 10:30 a.m. next Wednesday

The updated date and time for the Fire Department visit is Wednesday, August 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Thanks for your patience!

Meet Karen Romano Young

Meet author and deep sea diver KAREN ROMANO YOUNG at the Library on Wednesday, August 11 at 2 p.m. She will be talking about her ocean experiences and sharing her doodle art with children. Register by calling 203.385.4165.

This program is sponsored by the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.

Magician Tomorrow!

Jay Reidy our local magician comes to the Library tomorrow at 3 p.m.  Call us at 203.385.4165 to reserve your spot! Ages 5+.

See you soon!
Miss A

Under the Sea Party update

Hi, everyone!

We moved the Under the Sea Party to the Lovell Room so if you still want to come and were told it was full, you can call us at 203.385.4165 to register.  Sorry for the confusion, but we hope you get this message!

Summer Reading continued

Don't forget that next week starts arts and crafts and games, thanks to our wonderful teen volunteers.  Stop in next week and say hello!

Summer Reading!

Over 500 of you have signed up for Summer Reading!

Find out all about summer reading at:
http://slachildsummer2010.blogspot.com/

Jay Mankita comes Wednesday!

Are you ready for summer reading to kick off? Join us Wednesday at 11 a.m. for Splash Along Songs with singer Jay Mankita. All ages welcome; call 203.385.4165 to sign up.

Only a few more days of school!

Are you excited for summer? So are we. Stop by anytime to sign up for Summer Reading!

Summer Reading

Don't forget, you can sign up for summer reading anytime.  Read all about it on our Summer Reading website.

Booksale Weekend!

Stop by for the booksale and enjoy some children's events at the same time!

Friday, June 4
- 10:30 a.m. Magical, Musical Me. Songs and rhymes for ages 5 and under
- 2-4 p.m. Drop in Craft. Stop by anytime to make butterfly bookmarks.  Place one inside a book from the booksale!

Saturday, June 5
- 2-4 p.m. Christina the Magician! All around the library.
- 2:45 p.m. Magic Show in the Children's Department

School Visits

Have you seen a librarian at your school?  Stratford Library Children's Librarians will be visiting Stratford schools during April, May, and June. See when we'll be visiting you! The Library also has copies of the books we discussed for children to check out.

- St. Mark's - May 7
- Lordship - May 10
- Second Hill Lane - May 12
- Chapel - May 17
- Johnson House - May 18
- Franklin - May 21
- St. James - June 1
- Nichols - June 3
- Wilcoxson - June 7
- Eli Whitney - June 16

May Days

Well, despite our frantic endeavors to explain our recent cold weather with volcanic ash theories, May is still its charming, sunny self, even though temperatures are raw. Sign ups are now available for:
- A Visit from the Tooth Fairy on Tuesday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m.  She wears a pink dress, she carries a sparkly wand; she will tell your children all about good hygiene habits and pass out gifts.  Stop by!
- Teddy Bear Picnic on Sunday, May 23 at 2:30 p.m. When was the last time your favorite stuffed animal had an outing?  Bring your bear to the Library for games, songs, and a craft. You'll have a bear-y good time!

Playaways!

The Stratford Library Children's Department has Playaways!

Playaways are pre-loaded digital audio books. They are great for families who love to listen to books everywhere and everywhere!

Check out one Playaway per card at the Children's Desk. Playaways can be found in the children's audiobook area. Batteries included; you supply the headphones. Still have questions? Stop by and ASK US!

New books

Well, my picture is a little blurry because I took it with my phone (yay, technology!), but as you can see, the new book shelf has lots of good choices on it. Looking at it, I spy ...
- My Garden by Kevin Henkes, a wonderful picture book that's perfect for the season.
- Alvin Ho, a great chapter book that some of the librarians have fallen in love with.
How Many Baby Pandas, a nature counting book, perfect for Earth Day or every day.

Stop by the Library and check out the shelf for yourself!

Vacation Week Preview

Just a heads up that the Children's Department is on vacation week schedule April 12-17.
- Monday, April 12 - Yes, Toddler Time will still be happening at 10:30!
- Tuesday, April 13 - No storytimes, but crafts for kids ages 5 and up from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 14. Play Blingo! for ages 8 and up from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pajamarama is still on at 6:30 p.m. for storytime.
- Thursday, April 15. Read to Siena and Drago from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday, April 16. Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
- Saturday, April 17. Typing at 10:30 a.m. WII Love Our Dads from 2-3:30 p.m.

Except for storytimes, events require registration.  Call us at 203.385.4165 to register.

March 29-April 3 in the Children's Room

This week's goings-on!
- Toddler Time on Monday at 10:30
- Knitting on Monday at 3:30 p.m. We're starting our Project Linus squares for children in need.
- Preschool Parade Storytime on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and Lively Listeners on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Pajamarama on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This week's theme: Bunnies!
- Nutmeg Bookgroup meets Wednesday at 5 p.m. Come discuss Night of the Howling Dogs or No Talking. 
- Baby Lapsit on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
- Read to Siena and Drago, therapy dogs on Thursday from 4:30-6 p.m.
- Closed Friday!
- Magical, Musical Me on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

What we're reading: 
Picture Book: Let's Make Rabbits by Leo Lionni

Chapter Book: Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey.

What are you reading?

This week in the Children's Department!

Fog ... okay, that's just the weather.  After a morning singing with the toddlers, we are all bright eyed and ready to go.  Don't forget to join us for:

• Storytimes: Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
• Knitting: Today at 3:30 p.m. Ages 7 and up.
• Science Kids. Wednesday at 4 p.m. This program is full, but we can take waitlist names. Grades 1-3.
• Lapsit. Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
• Book Voyagers. Thursday at 4 p.m. The last session. Stop by ahead of time to pick up the two books they are sharing. Ages 6 to 9. 
• Toddlers. Friday at 4 p.m. 
• Typing. Saturday at 10:30 a.m. This program is full, but April sessions are open.
• Comics Club. Saturday at 3 p.m. Ages 8+. 

See you at the Library!

This week's schedule

Lots going on to finish up this week.  Don't forget...
- Galley Party for ages 8 to 12 this Wednesday (today!) at 4 p.m. Get new copies of free books!
- Book Voyagers for ages 6 to 9 tomorrow, Thursday from 4-5.  Copies of the picture books are available in the children's department.
- Sensory Storytime this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Storytime for children with sensory needs.  Call for info.
- Pooch Palooza! this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Ages 4 and up can meet our therapy dogs, and play dog games, crafts, face painting!

Call us with questions at 203.385.4165.  Hope to see you soon!

Down the Rabbit Hole

If you're excited about the new Alice film, you're not alone.  Check out this listeners' guide to Alice in Wonderland on audio, a great way to introduce Alice to young audiences.  I listened to it first on records, and I vividly remember starting the needle and hearing the skips.

For our digital audience, here is a great site to jump into Alice in Wonderland - it even includes (on the right) a FREE audio download of the book from March 3-16, 2010.   http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/event/0310_landingpage.html

Pooch Palooza

Love your dog? Bring a picture of your favorite canine to the Children's Department We'll display your dog's photo on our Wall of Pooch. Don't forget to sign up for Pooch Palooza on Saturday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m.  We welcome all children ages 4 and up to meet Siena and Drago our therapy dogs, sing dog songs, play dog gone games, and have our faces painted like dogs!  Call us at 203.385.4165 to register! Woof!

Nutmeg Book Group meets Thursday - "No Talking!"

The Nutmeg Book Discussion Group will discuss "No Talking" by Andrew Clements.  We will meet Thursday, February 25 at 5 p.m. Pizza dinner served.  In the book, Dave decides to try to stop talking at school after he reads about the Indian protester Mahatma Gandhi.  Then, it escalates into a fifth grade competition.  Who can talk the least? The girls or the boys?  All children in grades 4 to 6 are welcome. To register, please call us at 203.385.4165.

Comics Club Meets Saturday

The Comics Club will meet Saturday, February 13 at 3 p.m. We'll be drawing, maybe doing a comic act out, and playing a drawing game that will make you laugh! Call to sign up at 203.385.4165.

Children's Department Vacation Week Schedule - Follow the Link!

Stratford Library - Children's e-News

Sensory Storytime cancelled for February 13

Sensory Storytime will not meet Saturday, February 13.  It will meet in March on Saturday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Children's Schedule for February 8-13

Here's what's going on in the Children's Room this week!
Monday, the Toddlers meet at 10:30 a.m. and Knitting meets at 3:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, we have storytime at 10:30 and at 4.  Both of these storytimes work for children ages 3 and up. Also, the Lee Y Seras progam starts Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Lee Y Seras is for Spanish speaking parents and caregivers who are interested in learning about pre-literacy and literacy tips for their kids.  It's a social gathering with lots of sharing.

Wednesday, Read with Siena and Drago our therapy dogs from 4:30-6 p.m. or enjoy Pajamarama at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday morning at 10:30 the Babies arrive for Lapsit and we have Intro to Typing at 4 p.m. (It's pretty full but we're happy to take names for future classes.)

Friday the toddlers meet again at 4 p.m. Saturday we have Sensory Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for children with sensory needs, and in the afternoon, Comics Club meets for kids ages 8-12. 

Questions? Phone us at 203.385.4165 or email us at children [at] stratfordlibrary [dot] org

Don't Forget Magical Musical Me this Saturday

Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 is the next meeting of Magical, Musical Me.  This program is for children ages 5 and under and features music, rhymes, and movement.  All are welcome. Questions? 203.385.4165.

This week's storytime schedule

We're back to our regularly scheduled storytime schedule, which, in case you forgot, is the following! Drop in anytime.

- Babies: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for Lapsit
- Toddlers: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays at 4 p.m. for Toddler Time
- Preschoolers through age 6: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

See you at the Library!

This Year's Best Books

Booklovers around the country are excited over yesterday's announcement of the 2010 Children's Book Award winners.

The Caldecott Award, for excellence in children's illustration went to Jerry Pinkney's The Lion and the Mouse, a nearly wordless book that will ellicit oohs and aahs when you turn its full color pages.

The Newbery Medal, for excellence in children's literature, went to Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, a mysterious story involving a girl, a game show, and cryptic messages.

Other awards included the Geisel, for easy reader books, the Sibert, for information books, and the Printz, for teen literature.  See the complete press release at http://www.ala.org/

Toddler Time reminder

Toddler Time meets this Friday, February 12 at 4 p.m.  Due to the holiday and staffing, there will not be Toddler Time Monday January 18 or Friday, January 22.  However, children 5 and under are welcome to attend Magical Musical Me on Saturday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m.  And Toddler Time resumes its regular schedule January 25 (Monday).  Thanks!

Stratford Kids Pick This Year's Best Illustrated Books

During the Children's Caldecott Committee meeting today, kids presented and voted on this year's best picture books.  They reviewed the criteria of the Caldecott Medal for excellence in illustration, and presented their pics for this year's winner. The 'official' Caldecott Medal winner, along with many other children's book and media awards, will be announced nationally Monday, January 17. 
Here in Stratford, the children talked about lines, medium, perspective, and other elements of the artwork trying to narrow down to their favorite books.  After two votes, the kids narrowed down to two books as their 'Caldecott winners.'" Two favorite books, Yummy and Sneaky Weasel weren't eligible because their illustrators live outside the U.S.

Mock Caldecott winner: 14 Cows for America by Carmen Deedy

Mock Caldecott honor: Birds by Kevin Henkes

Miss A's Caldecott pick: All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant

Knitting Club will recommence on Monday, January 11

After a gloriously successful scarf project that benefited the Sterling House's mitten tree, Knitting begins for the winter session on Monday, January 11 at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7 and up are welcome to attend.  Bring needles (US sizes 8-11); scrap yarn provided.  For returning knitters, get ready to learn some new skills.  We'll be working on purling and starting individual projects.  New knitters are also welcome.  Questions? Call us at 203.385.4165. Knit on!