Check out this month’s recommendations for upcoming events at the library and around town, and new picture books for children ages 5 younger and their families, curated by the Youth Services department.
Sign up for the library’s annual Summer Reading Program and take the 20/20 Challenge! Read with your child for at least 20 minutes a day, and when you have completed 20 days of reading (in a row or not), stop by the library to claim your free book and Thomas Sweet ice cream certificate. Complete up to three 10-day bonus rounds for additional fun incentive prizes. And remember, attending story time counts. Registration opens on Friday, June 14 and closes Saturday, Aug. 17. Prizes may be collected through Sunday, Sept. 5. To register and get a reading record, please see the Youth Services staff at the information desk on the third floor of the library.
Musical AstroTots with Kristin Cahill
Children ages 18 months to 5 years are invited to experience music through books, movement, rhythm and improvisation. Learn how to make the piano sound like it is in outer space to blast off your summer reading. Enjoy creative activities with bubbles, castanets and scarves, and experience a musical lift off! Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26 in the Story Room at 10 a.m. All four sessions are led by pianist and faculty member Kristin Cahill of the New School for Music.
Roary’s new friends
Your preschooler may already know Roary the Library Lion, the friendly little plush lion available for checkout at the Youth Services desk. But soon, Roary will have new friends joining him: a narwhal and a llama! These three happy critters each come with their own carrying case and can be taken home for up to three weeks. We encourage you to share the adventures your child has with their library friend by recording them in each animal’s journal. Come meet Roary’s new friends!
“Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things”
This delightful new picture book introduces more than 200 words, including foods, numbers, shapes, colors, and feelings and features illustrations from favorite Eric Carle books. It’s a solid “first words” book for babies and toddlers.
The library will be there, will you? You don’t want to miss this annual party that kicks off the summer season. jaZam’s Toy and Bookstore hosts this free and fun event in Palmer Square on Friday, June 21, beginning at 6 p.m. Activities include crafts, live music, demonstrations, favorite local food trucks, and much more family fun!
Photo courtesy of the author.