Very Merry Ereaders

Did you receive an ereader, tablet, laptop, or smartphone this Christmas?

Remember that ...
- The Library offers ebooks and eaudio books free to download to your new devices! Visit our downloadables page: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/digital_downloads.html
- The Library offers Technology Sandboxes to help you get familiar with your new devices! Here are upcoming dates.

• Friday, December 28, 2-4pm
• Monday, January 7, 10am-Noon
• Thursday, January 17, 2-4pm
• Thursday january 24, 10am-Noon
• Monday, January 28, 10am-Noon

- Please ask us with any questions

Helping Children Cope with Tragedy

Many parents have been talking about how best to discuss tragic events like those in Newtown with children. Here are a few resources our colleagues have recommended.

United Way of Connecticut
This local resource guide includes phone numbers if you or your child wants to speak with a counselor
http://www.211ct.org/Parents/Trauma.asp 

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA11-DISASTER/SMA11-DISASTER-09.pdf

National Association of School Psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org/ - See resources underneath photo in English and Spanish

The following resources are from Healthnet : Connecticut Consumer Health Information Network

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
>From the American Psychological Association

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do/How Parents Can Help
>From the National Institute of Mental Health

http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/age_related_reactions.pdf
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
>From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_and_the_news
Children and the News
>From American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_brochures_coping_unexpected_events
Coping With Unexpected Events: Depression and Trauma
SEE SECTION:  Helping and Talking with Children
>From the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

http://www.aacap.org/galleries/default-file/Talking_to_kids_aurora_shooting.pdf
Tips for Talking to Children about the Aurora Shooting
>From American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Children's Events this week

Thanks to everyone who participated (and might still be shopping) to support the Library at Barnes & Noble of Milford or online using our ID# 10852390

Remember, this week, we have:
- Holiday Wordle Cards for ages 8 to 12. Wednesday at 4 p.m.
- PJ Storytime for ages 2 to 7. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
- Baby Lapsit Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
- Decorate a cookie. Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Please register for programs - storytimes are drop in - by calling 203-385-4165 or email us at childrens [at] stratfordlibrary [dot] org

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

Children will have a 'magical' night at the Barnes & Noble Bookfair!

Attend our “Reading is Magical” Bookfair Fundraiser at the Barnes & Noble of Milford from November 30-December 5 with a percentage of purchases benefiting the Stratford Library Children’s Department. 

Family Night will be Friday, November 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble of Milford.

 From 6-8 p.m., Enjoy:

- Play Wizard of Oz mini-golf
- Make wands
- Join a magical scavenger hunt,
- For younger children, play enchanted star games.   

Special Events6:15 p.m. Magician Jay Reidy will present a 20 minute magic show.
6:40 p.m. children can participate in a costume parade. 

The Barnes and Noble Bookfair is co-sponsored by Barnes & Noble of Milford and the Stratford Library. Library patrons can shop November 30-December 5 using a bookfair voucher at Barnes & Noble of Milford. Vouchers are available at the Stratford Library and online at www.stratfordlibrary.org. Supporters may also shop online at bn.com/bookfairs using the Library’s ID number (#10852390) on the payment page. For more information, please call the Library at 203.385.4165 or visit the website at www.stratfordlibrary.org. 

Stratford Halloween postponed to Saturday

I'm sure you can guess why :)
Saturday's forecast looks good, so here's to a fun Saturday!

PJ Storytime canceled for 11/7

Due to inclement weather and/or Stratford Halloween being on (pick one!), PJ Storytime will be canceled for this Wednesday, 11/7. Wherever you go, we hope you are safe and dry, and Ms. Clark says she will miss you all!

This week's schedule

Back to school and back to normal...we hope!
This week's schedule includes:

Tuesday - Preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m. Wear Halloween costumes
Make holiday cards for soldiers - 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday - 2nd grade class visits begin! Ask your teacher when your class is scheduled to arrive.

Thursday - Baby Lapsit at 10:30, Snack 'n Study at 4:00 p.m. Bring homework, we'll provide the snack!

We're Here!

Happy Halloween and welcome back! The Library is open with power, internet, and charging stations.
We in the Children's Department have board games, a craft, and the Halloween Challenge! If you read for 15 minutes and color us a coloring page, you can receive a trick-or-treat. We may also have WII set up for later.

Questions? Call us at 203.385.4165

POSTPONED: Monday-Tuesday 10/29-30 Children's Events

Due to the weather forecast, the Halloween Toddler Time and Halloween Preschool Storytime will be postponed one week to Monday and Tuesday, November 5 and 6. We will be trick-or-treating as planned, and children are welcome to wear their costumes!

Also, Aspiring Authors will now take place Monday, November 5 at 4:00 p.m.

Thanks for your understanding.

Monday and Tuesday storytimes ... and the weather!

The weather for Monday/Tuesday (October 29-30) looks as though it may be somewhat windy and rainy. Or not! The weather forecasters have been wrong before :) Although we are all tough New Englanders!, please be safe in Stratford. Please check conditions before coming out to Library programs on Monday and Tuesday.

Here's a fun article on the 1991 Perfect Storm that also happened around Halloween!
http://www.accuweather.com/en/home-garden-articles/earth-you/remembering-the-perfect-storm/618195

Teen Volunteer Ceremony this Saturday!

It's going to be a crowded event this Saturday, October 20 at 11 a.m. for our annual Teen Volunteer Ceremony. We have many, many volunteers to celebrate. Congratulations to all of you, and see you Saturday!

Tooth Fairy!

We have a new Tooth Fairy visiting the Library next Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. That's October 24.  The Tooth Fairy is for children ages 3 and up, and the Tooth Fairy will talk about dental hygiene and bring each child a gift.

Sign up by calling 203-385-4165

Cookie Chat with author Jennifer Stewart

Skype with Author Jennifer Stewart at our Cookie Chat!

Wednesday, October 10, 6:30 p.m.
Library Lovell Room
Cookies for all!
Part of the Library's One Book Program

Hear about Ms. Stewart's time in Nepal, where she saw snakes, goats, and many other awesome sights! Ask questions about being an author or traveling around the world!

Register at 203-385-4165

One Book, One Stratford ... for Kids!

The One Book, One Stratford community wide reading event has chosen “Close Encounters of a Third World Kind” by Jennifer Stewart as their young readers’ selection. Like “Little Princes” (the One Book title), “Close Encounters” takes place in Nepal and describes Stewart’s experiences there. The Library will host a Skype chat with the author on Wednesday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. and a book discussion on Thursday, October 18 at 4 p.m. All patrons ages 8 and up are invited to the Skype chat in the Library’s Lovell Room. To register, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit its website at www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Upcoming Events

Just a few upcoming events to mention! 

Bird Festival Event at the Stratford Library 
 In conjunction with The Great Stratford Bird Festival, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering a bird themed craft for children ages 5 to 12 on Saturday, October 6 from 12:00 to 2 p.m. sponsored by the Lakeshore Learning Company. To register, please call the Library at 203.385.4165.

Magical, Musical Me at the Stratford Library 
Magical, Musical Me is a half hour music program geared toward babies and siblings under age 5. The program meets Sunday, October 7 at 1:30 p.m. To register, or for more information, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.

Reader’s Theatre Movie Making
Children ages 7 to 12 can participate in a Reader’s Theatre Movie Making Class at the Stratford Library on Monday, October 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Act out scenes from children’s book and see your play on our big screen. To register, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.

Inquiring Minds 
Inquiring Minds invites children ages 3 to 5 to learn about math, science, and nature topics in a book-based activity program. Class meets Wednesday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m. This month’s theme is “birds.” To register, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.

Ready, Set, Learn!

We have seen many families preparing for that all important back-to-school experience. We're so glad that you're stopping in to pick up books, ask a few questions about your math packets (remember fractions? I'm glad I do!), and check out the Library's fall schedule.

I saw this article about preparing to go back to school, and I thought you might enjoy it. I have heard parents talking about re-establishing sleep schedules, so here are a few more tips!
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/family-health-12/back-to-school-prep

Saturday Music Class cancelled

Due to staff illness, the Saturday Magical Musical Me program on August 18 at 10:30 a.m. is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Summer Reading Updates!

Hi, everyone!

Just to remind you, Summer Reading is on-going. Don't forget to visit our Summer Reading page for all the info.

Our kickoff author is Eric Berlin, visiting June 30 at 11 a.m. for ages 8 and up.

Miss A will now be doing the Music Time on June 25 at 10:30 a.m. This is a registered program, with space for 35 children.

Register for either program at 203.385.4165

Summer Reading!

As you can imagine, we are busy at work preparing the Summer Reading Program. 

- Sign ups begin June 1. Independent readers can sign up online with their Library cards. Young listeners please sign up at the Library.

- Summer Flyer is now available! Please check it out! There are TONS of programs and activities for children of all ages.

- Summer Reading lists are being collected. Our summer website has a page of booklists, updated as we receive news from the schools.

- The June calendar is available in the Library and will be online soon.

We hope to see EVERY child at the Library this summer! Make sure your child returns to school ready to read, ready to learn.

May Schedule Changes

Hi, everyone!

Due to some scheduling changes, the following program dates have changed:

PAJAMARAMA STORYTIME will only meet Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30. Please see our June/July calendar for further dates.

KNITTING has been postponed to the Summer. Please see our summer flyer for days and times.

SENSORY STORYTIME on May 19 has been cancelled.

NEW PROGRAMS ADDED:
- Monday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m. Friendship Adventure Anti-Bullying Program. Ages 5 to 12. Sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House.
- Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Meet Venus the Golden Retriever. Meet our newest therapy dog, Venus. Ages 3 and up.
- Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids. Join Naturopathic Doctor Jennifer Holdorf as she demonstrates how to prepare healthy snacks for families.
- Saturday, May 19 - Read to Venus the therapy dog. Time to be announced.  Ages 3 and up.

Stratford Library visits your school!

The Stratford Library will visit all Stratford children in grades 3 to 6 this spring. We talk about good books and share top secret details about our Summer Reading programs, games, and events.

May 17 - We visit Lordship!
May 21 - We visit Nichols!
May 23 - We visit St. James!
May 24 - We visit Wilcoxson!

More schools in June!

Movie Making Workshop

Monday, April 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. 
Movie Making workshop 
Children ages 8 to 12. 

We'll be making a movie to celebrate the Library's Summer Reading Program.  Our theme this year is "Dream Big." Children are needed as actors in our movie. They will audition for parts and then go through their scenes just like in the real movies -- Yup, we say "CUT!" an awful lot.  We even have a bloopers reel.

Space is limited. Please call the Library at 203.385.4165 to be part of the fun.

This week for Children

Hi, everyone!

Coming up this week, today (Wednesday), we have Knitting at 3:45 and PJ Storytime at 6:30.
Thursday, Baby Lapsit at 10:30 a.m. and Book Discussion at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, Robert the Guitar Guy at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Intro to Typing at 10:30 a .m.
Like to attend a program? Please call us at 203.385.4165.

Also, our April Calendar is now available. Check it out online or pick up a copy in the Children's Department.

Events this week

A few things going on this week of special note:
- Afternoon storytime Tuesday at 4 p.m. Ages 3-7
- Knitting Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. Ages 7-12 in the Children's Book Nook
- Tooth Fairy visits Friday at 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-3 on up.
- Music Time Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Ages 0-5
- Winter Art Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Ages 5-10

Please call us to register at 203.385.4165!

March news

The March enewsletter just went out.  Would you like to be on our Children's Department mailing list? We usually send out 1 email a month (Yes, such a huge number, LOL!)


Join by clicking here!

Siena & Drago, Therapy Dogs, visit Thursday

March is another busy month at the Library with many events for children to enjoy. This Thursday, sign up to read to Siena & Drago, our therapy dogs, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Call us at 203.385.4165 to reserve a spot.

Stop by and visit us anytime!

Vacation Week Schedule

Hi, everyone!


Please remember that the Library is closed Sunday-Monday (February 20-21) for the President's Day holiday. Also, storytimes will not meet the week of school vacation (February 21-24).

For the vacation week schedule of events (too numerous to mention!), please visit our Library calendar.

Afternoon Storytime Canceled for Feb. 7

The February 7 at 4:00 p.m. afternoon storytime has been canceled due to illness. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Vacation Week Activities

The Stratford Library Children's Department will have a bunch of activities during vacation week.
To see the schedule, please click on our calendar :)

Hope to see you soon!

Magical Musical Me canceled for February 11

There will be no Magical Musical Me on Saturday, February 11. The March class will meet Saturday, March 10. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Doggie Dos and Don'ts Program

Therapy Dogs International Evaluator Dona Campbell and her dog Hana

The Trap Falls Kennel Club of Fairfield County, Connecticut, will be at the Stratford Library on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. to present "Doggie Dos and Don'ts."

Children ages 5 and up and their grown-ups (but not your pets!) are invited to learn about Dog Ownership and Training. Discover how to communicate with dogs and how to encourage proper behavior. Certified Therapy Dogs will demonstrate Obedience and Rally techniques. To register, please call the Stratford Library at 203.385.4165.

Trap Falls Kennel Club (TFKC) is a certified all-breed dog club and a member club of the American Kennel Club, located in Upper Fairfield County, Connecticut. TFKC sponsors an annual all-breed point show, and Obedience, Rally, and Agility Trials. TFKC also participates in public education, library READ programs (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), and hosts training classes to start your puppy off on the right paw.

We Love Art Group Predicts Children's Book Winners

The We Love Art Children's Book Group has chosen their picks for this year's Caldecott Award, an award for excellence in children's illustrations.  Their top choices are:

Tied for first place: Mouse and Lion by Rand Burkert and Nancy Ekholm Burkert and Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

 What the Children Had to Say: 

Wonderstruck is awesome. The charcoal and pencil illustrations are in black and white, but it's 'still interesting.' The changing perspective shows us the story close up and far away. They all wanted to check it out and read the entire story.

Mouse and Lion looks like colored pencil, but it's watercolor.  It is so detailed and fine.  The colors are calm, except when the lion and the mice are moving. We really like the color palette and the fine detail.








 Caldecott Honor Choice: Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

What the Children Had to Say: This story is watercolor with india ink and antique engravings. We love the photograph of the real Jane Goodall at the end and we love that her childhood dream came true when she was an adult and she visited Africa. The colors are bold and bright and the illustrations are in a cartoon style. The numerous, pale engravings are interesting to look at.