A Glimpse at Hanukkah Stories, Songs, and Snacks

Tonight was our Hanukkah Storytime and great fun was had by all who attended! Here's just a small glimpse:

Debbie Coltin reading The Chanukkah Guest

Debbie Coltin and David Wesson led the children in Hanukkah Songs! 

Winter Storytime Schedule - Now Available!

The Winter Schedule is now here! It can be viewed under Winter Storytime Session.

We are happy to say that Baby Bookworms, Terrific Twos and Threes, Music & Movement, Rhythm & Rhyme, Lego-Mania, and World of Wizarding are all returning.

Also be sure not to miss our Saturday Storytimes or our Lunar New Year Event!
Look for more information on those soon!

Remember - registration begins January 17 and must be done in person, in the Children's Room.

Story Contest Winners!

Congratulations to our

Story Writing Contest Winners!

1^st – 3^rd Grade

1^ST PLACE: Puppy Escape by Caroline

2^ND PLACE: The Dreaded Days of Summer Camp by Amelia

3^RD PLACE: When I got my Adenoids Out by Owen

Honorable Mentions: (In No Particular Order)

The Moon and the Sun by Abi

Fletcher on the Run by Oscar

Best Friends Forever by Millie

The Cave Discoverer by Jack

The Walking Talking Flowers by Ariel

Mary and Her Glasses by Liza

Moving to America by David

4^th – 6^th Grade

 1^st PLACE: The Magical Book by Annalia

Many thanks to our esteemed panel of judges:

Sarah Lauderdale, Head of Reference, H-W Library

Barbara Lawrence, Local Author

Robert Gates, Editor of the Hamilton-Wenham Patch

and

special thanks to Pat Purdy, Owner of the Banbury Cross Bookshop of Wenham, for the generous donation of the wonderful prizes!

Winter Session Registration Date

Registration for our Winter Storytime Session will be January 17 at 10am.
Mark your calendars now so you don't miss out!

We're still working out all the details so check back soon and we'll have the schedule up.

In the meantime, don't miss our December Drop-In Story Programs!

Congratulations to our Food Guessing Contest Winners!

Congratulations to

Amelia, 5

and

Grace, 9

Winners of our food guessing contest!

There were

84

food items in our grocery cart!

Acord food pantry came to pick up all the items, can you help us fill it again?

Dads & Donuts, Holiday and Hanukkah Storytimes

There's been some conflicting information about which story time is happening which Saturday.
The information below is correct.

Tomorrow - Saturday December 3 at 11am

Dads and Donuts! 

This month's theme - Star Light, Star Bright

Mom's are always invited. 

Saturday December 10 at 11am

Holiday Storytime and Craft

Enjoy some holiday favorites, then create a festive craft. 

No registration necessary - just stop in for all the fun.

Click for all the details. 

We also have more information about the Hanukkah Storytime on December 15! 

Click for the flyer with all the information.

Can't make Saturday's?
Don't forget about all of our drop-in programs throughout December!

Story Writing Contest Deadline in One Week!

This is your reminder everyone - the story writing contest officially ends in just one week, next Monday.

Make sure you finish up your story and bring it in to us by 8pm on November 28!

Unfortunately, we cannot accept any late entries.

Need a reminder about the rules? Find them here.

We look forward to all of your entries.

Food Guessing Contest!

We've filled the shopping cart with donations for the Acord Food Pantry and we're continuing to take donations!

We're so excited about filling it, we've decided to create a guessing game. Between now and December 2 when you come in to the children's room make sure you fill out an entry and guess how many items are in the cart.

Still have donations to bring in? There's a box where the cart used to be and all donations can be put there.

Delightful December Saturdays!

All the information about the Holiday Storytime and Craft and Dads and Donuts is now available.
The flyer is here so mark your calendars!

And a reminder that the Thanksgiving Storytime and Craft is this Saturday, November 19 at 11am. Don't miss it!

Also don't miss all of our other great drop-in sessions happening throughout the month of December, just click the link above titled December Drop-Ins.

World of Wizarding: Highlights from the Fall, Returning in the Winter

Today completed the last day of our first round of Harry Potter happenings.
This round we made lumos wands (that really lighted up), magic quills that wrote, bubbled a magic potion, and designed our own Marauder's Map (complete with secret messages).

Did you miss it this round? Don't worry - World of Wizarding is returning in January!

One note: this round I was able to stay almost entirely in the first book. That will be changing next time and parts of the other books will be read. I encourage anyone to attend, even if they haven't read it, but those kids that don't want spoilers might want to read, listen, or watch as much as possible beforehand.

Parents: I know the books get significantly darker throughout the series, I'll be choosing activities from the "lighter" portions of the books. For instance, I won't be reading any sections where Lord Voldemort appears, but if you have concerns, don't hesitate to ask me about what we'll be doing.

In the meantime, here are some pictures from this round to get you psyched for next round!

Designing the Marauder's Map

Our Felix Felices really bubbled over!

Acord Food Pantry Cart

It's that time of year again! The cart to take donations for the Acord Food Pantry is back in the Children's Room. Remember to bring in a non-perishable food item next time you stop in.

Items needed include: 

Pasta

Spaghetti sauce

Baked beans

Solid white tuna

Juice boxes

School snacks

Cake and brownie mixes

Condiments

Peanut butter

Grape jelly

Coffee

But don't stop there! Any non-perishable food item is great!

December Drop-Ins: Music & Movement, Rhythm & Rhyme, and Legomania!

We are happy to say there will also be December Drop-In programs for Music & Movement, Rhythm & Rhyme, and Legomania! There will also be a Hanukkah Story Hour on December 15 at 4pm. Check back for more information. You can get an overview of all of our drop in programs here.


Individual Flyers:

Music & Movement.

Rhythm & Rhyme.

LegoMania.

Or stop by the Children's Room for a hard copy of a flyer!

December Drop-Ins Terrific 2's & 3's

The flyer for the drop in sessions of Terrific 2's & 3's is now up. There will be three sessions Mondays at 11am. Click the tab above for more information. Look for the drop in sessions of your other favorite storytimes. Information will be coming soon!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners Announced!

Our pumpkin decorating contest was a great success this year. There were so many amazing entries - check out what categories these amazing pumpkins one here. Congratulations to all of our participants!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Error and Correction

The Pumpkin Decorating Contest information has an incorrect date on it.
Pumpkins must be turned in by 4pm on Saturday October 29.
NOT Sunday the 30th as the flyer states.

Story Writing Contest this November!

Join us this November to celebrate Massachusetts Family Literacy Month and National Novel Writing Month. Children first through sixth grade can participate in our Story Writing Contest between now and November 28th. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be awarded (to two age groups) but everyone that submits a story wins a prize! 

Find all of the guidelines here. 

Parents? Are you interested in National Novel Writing Month? 

You can find out more about it and all the great events the Library is hosting for you here. 

November Saturdays - Story Writing Contest Coming Soon!

The flyer and dates for the November Dads and Donuts and our Thanksgiving Storytime and now posted here. Dads and Donuts is early this month, November 5 so make sure you don't miss it. This month's theme is Folklore and Fairy tales.

As always, no registration is necessary for these events so pop in if you are free that day.

Also coming soon: information on our Story Writing Contest this November. This contest is for 1st through 6th graders so get those creative juices flowing, we'll have all the details for you next week.

Irish Magic Show - Part of our 10th Anniversary Gala!

On Sunday, November 6 don't miss this family event - an Irish Magic Show!

You can find all the details here.

For more information on the Gala, you should visit the library's website.

And don't forget to stop into the Children's Room and guess how many books there are - the winner will be announced at the Gala!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest and October Saturdays

The information for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest is here. As well as under that tab. We will not accept pumpkins until October 1st, but you can start planning now! And remember, pumpkins that are carved cannot be accepted.

The dates and information on the October's Dads and Donuts, along with the Halloween Storytime and Craft can be found here as well as in the tab above.

Also, one last reminder that Registration for story programs as well as World of Wizarding, Legomania and Chess begins on Monday, September 26. Registration can only be in person. You can see the whole fall schedule here

Lego-Mania Registration Next Week

If you haven't heard - Lego-mania is back this fall!

It will run three Wednesdays, October 12, October 26 and November 9 from 3-4 pm.

It's open for Grades 1-5 and pre-registration is appreciated.

Pre-registration begins next Monday, September 26 at 10am and must be done in person in the Children's Room.

You can also register for all other story programs beginning Monday, September 26 at 10am.

Chess for Kids is Back!

Are you in 1st - 6th grade?

  Join Sandra Stolle,

former teacher and chess instructor,

for some chess fun!

Come find out how to play the game,

learn new moves, sharpen your skills!

4 THURSDAYS THIS FALL

OCTOBER 6, 13, 20, 27

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED,

beginning on Monday, September 26, 2011

Register in the Children’s Room, space is limited. 

No prior experience necessary.

 Players of all skill levels are welcome.

Come to all the sessions or just a few.

Free and open to the public. 

Former players  welcome!

Fall Program Information is Here!

The fall program information is now available. You can find it by clicking the tab above labeled Fall Story Programs or by clicking here. Registration is Monday September 26 at 10:00 am and story classes begin the week after on October 3.

In the meantime don't miss our two September Saturday Programs:
Dads and Donuts and the Autumn Storytime and Craft. More information can be found here.

If you have a child between 18-30 months don't miss this opportunity for two drop-in sessions of Music and Movement. Come and try out this program before registering for the fall session. More information.

Lastly, we are happy to announce a new program this fall: World of Wizarding. This Harry Potter themed program will take place four Wednesdays from 3-4 pm. It will combine readings from the books with activities and games. You can get all the information here.

Superb Saturdays in September!

Your favorite Saturday story programs are back!

Join us on September 17 for the return of Dads and Donuts. Then come back September 24 for an Autumn Storytime and Craft. All programs are free and open to the public and great for ages 2 and up. 

You can find all the details here

Topsfield Fair Passes Ready for Pick Up

If you signed up for the Topsfield Fair passes, they are ready for pick up. Come in to the Children's Room anytime we are open.

The passes MUST be picked up by September 16 or they will be returned to the Topsfield Fair. This is a requirement of the Topsfield Fair Read and Win Program.

Leni spends her last week at Grassy Roots!

Len's last week was spent visiting Grassy Roots in Wenham. Owen, age 7 spotted her there. Leni has now stopped traveling and you can visit Leni in the Children's Room. You can see all of Leni's adventures here.

Super Summer Ice Cream Party on Patch

The Hamilton-Wenham Patch has posted some wonderful pictures from our Super Summer Ice Cream Party this past Wednesday. Be sure to see all the smiles here.

Pajama Storytime finished with Dentist Lisa Murray!

This week concluded our Local Heroes Pajama Story Time as well as all of our Story Programs for the summer. It was a great session and we loved seeing all of you here. 

Our story programs concluded with the exception of our Terrific Twos and Threes. Drop in Sessions will continue Mondays at 11am on August 22 and August 29. 

We hope to have the Fall Session information out soon. We don't have any set dates, but registration is likely to be the last week in September. Check back with us at the beginning to middle of September for full information on all of our programs. In the meantime - get out and enjoy this last week of summer before school starts.

Super Summer Ice Cream Party a Hit!

Last night's Super Summer Ice Cream Party ended our Wow, It's Wednesday's for our One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Program. Children and parents alike enjoyed ice cream sundaes while awards for the Photography Contest were passed out. 

A reminder that the store closes for the summer this Friday. Your last two chances to collect your dinero are today, August 18 from 12-2 pm and tomorrow, August 19 from 12-4 pm. 

Vanessa spotted Leni at Connolly's!

Vanessa, age 6, found Leni at Connolly's Pharmacy in Hamilton this week. You can see all of Leni's travels here

Leni is still traveling through Friday August 19 so don't miss your last chance to find her!

Photography Contest Winners!

Congratulations to all of the winners of our

One World, Many Stories Photography Contest 2011

Children Grades 1 -3

1^st Place                 Meena                   “Anand Wins the Race”

2^nd Place                Owen                    “The Birthday Cake!”

3^rd Place                Eloise                    “The Adventure of Joey the Lobster”

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

Vanessa                 “Learn to Read. Read to Learn”

Lily                        “Rockport”

Caralyn                  “Camping”

Amelia                   “My love for Dogs Took Me on a Journey to Gloucester”

Libby                    “Animal Friends”

Oscar                    “The Glass Show”

Camilla                  “The Cute Dog, Fletcher”

Children Grades 4-6

1^st Place                Camden                “Kyla’s Farm”                                   

2^nd Place            Margaret            “My First Wedding: When Two

                                                     Cultures Come Together”                            

3^rd Place            Bryn                   “The Story of Eggbert’s Life!”           

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

Mackenzie             “The Ducks and Me”

Caroline                 “Summer Camp”

Amy                      “The Fourth of July”

Amy                      “Fourth of July: Busy at Work”

Amy                      “July 4, 2011: Celebrate!”

Amy                      “Fun in the Sun!!!”

Michelle                 “The Boston Breakers”

Emma                   “A New Family”

Annalia                  “My Photo Collaboration during Project Adventure”

Sophia                   “Enrico Caruso, My Amazing Cat”

Dimitri                  “Disappearing Watermelon”

Miranda                “A Day at the Races”

Haley                     “A Night on the Waters of New England”

All the winners are invited to attend our Super Summer Ice Cream Party where prizes will be awarded. See you there!

Didgeridoo Fun at the Library!

Last night, Raihan Alam from Didgeridoo Down Under put on a wonderful performance for everyone. Children enjoyed learning about Australia and the Aboriginal culture. As a treat, Raihan even brought his Blue-tongued Stink along. Next week concludes our Wow, It's Wednesday Summer Programs with the Super Summer Ice Cream Party! You do need to sign up ahead of time - so stop in to the Children's Room. We want to make sure there's enough ice cream for everyone.

Children pretended they were crocodiles, lying in wait. 

Raihan teaching children how to play during the Aussie Funk Workshop.

Pajama Storytime - Next Week is the Last Week

If you haven't come to our Pajama Storytime on Monday Nights, you are missing out. This past week - Amy Job, owner of Jolie Tea Company came to read stories while children enjoyed tea and treats afterward.

Next week is our last week of Local Heroes Pajama Storytime and Dentist Lisa Murray will be wrapping things up for us. See you next Monday at 6:30 pm!

Leni visited the Post Office! In Wenham this time.

Last week Leni was visiting the Wenham Post Office. Jordan, age 9 spotted her this time! Can you find her this week? To see all of Leni's travels so far click here.

Last Day for the Topsfield Fair Pass!

Today is the last day you can cash in your Dinero from the Summer Reading Program if you want to get the Topsfield Fair Voucher. The store is open until 4pm and again from 5:30 -7:30 pm. Make sure you stop in if you were planning to earn this!

Although our store remains open for another week and a half you will no longer be able to receive the Topsfield Fair Voucher after today.

Vehicle Night on Patch!

The Hamilton-Wenham Patch was at Vehicle Night on Wednesday and got some great pictures of the event. I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to see them here.

Vehicle Night Pictures and Didgeridoo Next Week!

Last night proved perfect weather for our 13th Annual Vehicle Night! Just warm enough and the rain held out for us. The kids had blast climbing on the equipment. A few pictures can be found below and more on facebook.

 Children loved climbing on the various diggers.

 Firefighter in Training.

Be sure that you don't miss next week's Didgeridoo Down Under. A performance for all ages beginning at 6:30 pm. 

And do you have a child 8 or older? If so sign them up for the Aussie Funk Workshop at 5:30 pm! Links below for more information. 

Didgeridoo Down Under

Aussie Funk Jam Workshop

Pajama storytime a hit once again - don't miss next week's Tea Party!

This week, Mrs. Patton, owner of Green Meadows Farm came to read to the children. The children loved it, as usual.

Don't miss next week's special Pajama Storytime as we enjoy a Tea Party with Amy Job owner of Jolie Tea Company.Tea, Juice and cookies will be served.

Leni spotted at SalemFive! Terrific Twos and Threes in August!

Two exciting updates: First, Ashley, age 5 spotted Leni at SalemFive Bank last week. Leni has moved on to a new spot this week - can you find her? Track all of Leni's travels here.

Also, we are happy to announce Drop - In Sessions of Terrific Twos and Threes will continue through August. Mondays at 11am as usual: find the details here

Tanglewood Marionettes draws a huge audience!

Over 150 people attended our Wow It's Wednesday program this week. Tanglewood Marionette's brought and performed An Arabian Adventure. It was a great, fast and entertaining story as the children went from scared to laughing all in one scene. Below are a couple pictures from the event. A clip of the performance can be found on our facebook here.

And don't miss our Wow, It's Wednesday - next week is Vehicle night from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Library Parking Lot. Find more information here.

 The marionettes up close.

Tanglewood performs An Arabian Adventure

Monarch Butterfly Program and the Caterpillars are Back!

Some of you may have noticed that our caterpillars are back! If you haven't seen them yet - come to the children's room to get a look at caterpillars and chrysalises.

Charlie Hoffman was here Saturday to talk with children and families about how they could help Monarch Butterflies by raising them. Charlie taught children how to find, identify and care for the Monarchs throughout their life cycle.

Chief Stevens - Pajama Storytime!

This Monday night Chief Stevens of the Hamilton Fire Department read the children stories about firefighters, fire trucks, and fire safety. Fun was had by all the children and there is more to come in the next few weeks. No registration is required - simply drop in for the fun one or all of the nights.

Don't miss Joanne Patton next week - she is a special storytelling treat!

Leni spotted at Talbots!

This past week our One World, Many Stories mascot Leni was found at Talbots by Lily, age 8. Congrats Lily!

Leni is still out visiting somewhere new this week. Have you seen her? Come in to the Children's Room to write down where you found her and enter your name in a raffle.

See all of Leni's Travels here.

Otha Day Drumming Circle - Photos and Patch Link

Last night Otha Day was our Wow, It's Wednesday special guest. Otha taught children how to drum to the beat. Children were able to learn different drum beats as well as African chants. Below are a few pictures from the event as well as the link from the Hamilton-Wenham Patch. 

Otha led the Children in different drumming patterns. 

Otha led the children in an African Chant.

And don't miss all the great pictures on the Patch.

Don't miss next week's great event as Tanglewood Marionettes present An Arabian Adventure. You can find more information here.

Super Summer Ice Cream Party Sign Up!

I wanted to let everyone know that you can officially sign up for the Super Summer Ice Cream Party!

You do need to come into the Children's Room and put your name on the list, but don't worry - there is plenty of space.

Just don't forget to bring your reading log as your admission ticket!

Isabella found Leni - can you find her this week?

Congratulations to Isabella age 10 for spotting Leni at this Hamilton Post Office on Railroad Ave! Check out the link under the "Look for Leni" to see all of Leni's travels so far.

Have you spotted her this week? Make sure you come in and write down where you saw her - you could will a surprise just like Isabella!

Aussie Funk Jam Workshop - extended to ages 8 and above!

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the didgeridoo? 

Our Aussie Funk Jam Workshop on August 10 at 5:30pm is now open to ages 8 and above! 

In this great program you will: 

Use sound variations to create animal calls. 

Practice circular breathing while playing.

Experience Australian & Aboriginal culture.

Take part in an uplifting jam session.

Experience a naturally exhilarating, buzzing sensation. 

Registration is required. Visit the Reference Desk to register. 

Interested in learning more? Visit www.didgrevolution.com.

Don't miss the great event to follow - Didgeridoo Down Under at 6:30 pm - open to all ages! No registration necessary. 

Chief Walsh - Pajama Storytime Hit!

This Monday our Local Heroes Guest was Chief Walsh of the Wenham Police Department. Children enjoyed stories and songs while in their pajamas. Joins us next Monday at 6:30 pm with our Local Hero Guest Chief Phil Stevens of the Hamilton Fire Department. 

Taino's Calypso Jam - O - Rama - Fun for all Ages!

Last night - we held our third Wow It's Wednesday event featuring Taino, a husband and wife team. They performed Calypso, Reggae, and Mento music while children were able to shake and play instruments.

Below are pictures from this fantastic event. If you've missed out on the fun so far - what are you waiting for?There are plenty more great Wednesday events coming soon. Check out the information on next week's Otha Day's Drum Circle here.

 Children loved listening to the Reggae music.

Sana helped children play instruments and create their own music.

Dr. Pett Kicks Off Local Heroes Pajama Storytime!

This Monday, Dr. Pett of the Hamilton-Wenham Veterinary Clinic kicked off our Local Heroes Pajama Storytime. Children loved hearing stories and singing songs about pets.

Make sure you join us next week, Monday July 18 at 6:30 pm when Chief Ken Walsh joins us from the Wenham Police Department as we learn about the Police Department and all they do!

Dr. Pett read stories about pets to children on Monday night.

Katie found Leni! and Taino's Calypso Jam-O-Rama

Congratulations to Katie, age 11 who spotted Leni while she was visiting the Hamilton-Wenham Veterinary Clinic. Katie then visited the Children's Room to enter our raffle and won. Here's Leni while she was visiting Dr. Pett. Can you spot her this week?

Also, you do not want to miss another Wow It's Wednesday! This week we have Taino's Calypso Jam-O-Rama. This will be an exciting participatory performance featuring Mento, Calypso and Reggae music. The fun begins at 6:30 pm. This program is offered at no charge and is open to the public. No registration necessary.

See you there!

Creature Teachers on Patch

I wanted to link you all to some great photos that the Hamilton-Wenham Patch took during our Creature Teachers.

Find them here!

We'll see you next Wednesday for Taino's Jam-O-Rama!

Creature Teachers - What a Feature!

This Wednesday - our program was Creature Teachers. Children had a chance to see and learn about Animals from around the World. Below are a few pictures from the event.

Don't miss next week's program, Taino's Calypso Jam-o-Rama! More information can be found here.

 A few children were able to touch or hold the animals!

Children listened attentively to Rick.

Pajama Storytime Schedule

Today, we've added the Pajama Storytime Schedule to the website. You can find it under the tab above or by clicking here.

Don't miss all of our local heroes. The fun begins on Monday, July 11 - no registration necessary.

Designed for preschool - kindergartners. Pajamas are encouraged!

Museum of Science - A Hit Once Again!

Yesterday, we were happy to welcome back the Museum of Science traveling program, this time presenting A World of Bridges: An Engineering Tale. Children were able to make small bridges themselves and work together to create a roman arch bridge that they were able to walk over! Here are just a few from yesterdays event you can find more on Facebook here.

 Children and adults worked together to build small bridges over the river.

 Children were able to walk across the roman arch bridge that they built together.

Exploring Egypotology a great hit!

Last night, we kicked off our Wow, It's Wednesday! programs with Having Fun with Pyramids and Pharaohs with Paulette Morin. All who came, enjoyed learning about artifacts, mummification and even how to dance like an Egyptian. Below are a few pictures from the night.

Children were able to try on and examine the artifact reproductions up close!

Children and Adults alike enjoyed learning how to dance like an Egyptian! 

Don't miss the rest of our great Wow, It's Wednesday! programs. Click on the tab above for all the information. Next up: Creature Teachers on July 6 ,2011 at 6pm.

More Summer Updates!

There are few more summer updates added. You'll notice is there is now a copy of the July and August Calendars for you to view. You can also now view the flyer for our next Wednesday program - Creatures Teachers and our first Saturday program - the photography workshops.

Creature Teachers begins at 6:00 on July 6 and everyone is welcome to attend - no registration necessary!

Children's Photography Workshops is open to children entering first grade through sixth grade. There is limited space available and pre-registration is required.

Whether you can attend the workshop or not - make sure you don't miss our Photography Contest. The guidelines are now available under the Photography Contest Tab.

If you have any questions - as always, don't hesitate to come in and ask!

Explore Egyptology - June 29!

Next Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 pm is our Having Fun with Pyramids and Pharaohs program. This exciting program kicks off our Wow! It's Wednesday! summer programs. You can find the informational flyer here or by clicking the Pyramids and Pharaohs tab above.

Information on all of our Wow! It's Wednesday! Programs can be found under that tab. Each week I will update the flyer for that week's event. Starting Monday June 27, you can pick up hard copies of any flyer in the Children's Room.

Terrific Twos and Threes is Back!

We are happy to announce that there will be three Drop In Sessions of Terrific Twos and Threes this July!

Join us on Monday July 11, July 18, and July 25 at 11am for this great program.

Designed for ages 2 and 3, no registration is necessary. Free and Open to the Public.

Summer Program Information

As you can see Summer Programs have been added to the website! Our theme this year is One World, Many Stories and we are excited about all the events coming to go with it. We'll be continuing to update as programs get closer, so keep checking back. You can view more information by clicking on the tabs above labeled such things as "Wow, It's Wednesday" or "Super Saturday" .

Brochures with an overview of the entire summer will be available in the Children's Room starting Monday, June 13. Registration for story programs and events is not until Monday June 27. Individual flyers will be available as the events get closer.

In the meantime, pick up a brochure or browse the website to mark your calender for these great events. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or stop by and ask. We're happy to answer anything.

LEGOMANIA Zipline Fun - More to Come Next Week!

This week the 1st and 2nd graders once again had a chance to make creations that would zip down our fishing wire. Great fun was had by all participants, and we'll be back at it again next week for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

This session will be drop in - so feel free to come by even if you haven't signed up or attended the others. Its the last session before the summer break, so don't miss it.
(Don't worry they'll be plenty of other great events for school age children to attend - information coming soon!)

Here's a picture from today as one creation zipped toward the end.

The Museum of Science is Back - With Bridges!

The Museum of Science is coming back again with a great NEW program. Join us for

A World of Bridges: An Engineering Tale

Travel around the world and throughout history

with this interactive adventure. A read-aloud

story introduces best friends Alicia and Miguel

as they try to build a bridge across the stream

separating their homes. The audience will learn

how other cultures faced such challenges, and

solve the problem with a hands-on engineering

activity. For the finale, the group will construct a

Roman Arch Bridge big enough to walk over.

This program is designed for ages 4 - 10. 

ALL children must be accompanied by an adult. 

There are four sessions: 11:20 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:10 PM. 

Please sign up for one session only. 

Sign up must be done in person, in the Children's Room. 

Click here for our flyer.

Growums - New Program next week!

We are very excited to announce that on Friday, June 10 at 3:30 pm we are offering a one time new program called Growums. During this program children will plant the ingredients to grow their choice of a pizza garden, herb garden or taco garden. This program is great for ages 4 and up. Special thanks to the Topsfield Fair for sponsoring and running this event.

To find out more information click here.

Space is limited so come to the Children's Room to sign up!

Father's Day Storytime and Craft

Come join us in the Children's Room on June 18 at 11:00 am for a Father's Day Storytime and Craft. A great time will be had by all and you'll leave with a gift for Dad, Granddad or whoever you choose!

Click here for more information.

Hop to Storytime!

Yesterday we held "Hop to Storytime" where children listened to stories and songs featuring bunnies before meeting the our live friend - Penny the Rabbit. Below are a few pictures from the event. Special thanks to Penny's owner, Rebecca.

Children listened to stories about bunnies before meeting Penny!

Children were careful to pet Penny gently and not scare her!

April Vacation Programs - Great Fun by All!

Just a few weeks ago we had two amazing events. The first - Rockets: There and Back Again led by the Museum of Science. The second - Kite Day led by Archie Stewart. Children and families of all ages had a blast both days and we look forward to working with both the Museum of Science and Archie again.

Did you miss these events? Make sure you keep checking this blog so you can attend all future events in the Children's Room!

 Children loved testing their parachutes in this re-entry activity!

Over 200 people attended our Kite Day where participants enjoyed making and flying their own Kites!

Live Ducks at Storytime!

Over 40 children and their parents gathered today for our Ducks Like Rain and Storytime!

Neither the ducks nor the children were afraid to get up close during this visit and fun was held by all.

A great thanks to Blackie, Samer and Peeps for having hands all over them and still staying calm and to their owner Elise for bringing them to visit! We can't wait for their next visit - in the meantime, check out some pictures from today.

 Children listened to just a few stories before the ducks made their appearance. Everyone was excited!

Children came up close to pet our friends Blackie, Samer, and Peeps!

Owner Elise holds one duck for mom and girls to see. 

Massachusetts Children Book Award 2011

Massachusetts Children Book Award has been announced for 2011!

Come in to the Children's Room to check them out and view the complete list of winners for past years.

Winner:

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

Amanda and Leo, best friends with the same birthday, had a falling out on their tenth birthday and have not spoken since, but peculiar things begin to happen as the day of their eleventh birthday repeats itself again and again.

Honor Books:

No Talking! by Andrew Clements

"Boys vs. girls" : The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest.

Savvy: by Ingid Law

Recounts the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her "savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is injured in a terrible accident.

The Magic Half by Annie Barrows

Eleven-year-old Miri Gill feels left out in her family, which has two sets of twins and her, until she travels back in time to 1935 and discovers Moly, her own lost twin, and brings her to the present day

The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman

Born in the eighteenth year of Enclosure, ten-year-old Honor lives in a highly regulated colony with her defiant parents, but when they have an illegal second child and are taken away, it is up to Honor and her friend Helix, another "unpredictable," to uncover a terrible secret about their island and the corporation that runs everything.

Mother's Day Storytime and Craft

This year in the Children's Room we'll be celebrating Mother's Day (and Father's Day in June). Join us on May 7, at 11am to listen to stories honoring mothers and make a craft for the mother, grandmother, or special person in your life.

You can find more information here.

No registration necessary, all ages are welcome!

Spring Eggs Contest Winners

Congratulations to

Harry, age 3

and

Julie, age 9

Winners of the Hamilton-Wenham Library’s 

Children’s Room

Spring Eggs Guessing Contest

There were 410 jelly beans! 

Museum of Science Rocket Program Almost Full!

Our Rockets: There and Back Again program, being brought to you by the Museum of Science is nearly full. There are still a few spots available, but if interested you must come to the Children's Room and pre-register in person. Don't miss out on this great program!

If you are not able to attend this: make sure you check out Kite Day on Thursday, April 21. All ages are welcome and no registration is necessary - just stop by!

Ducks Like Rain and Storytime!

Don't miss our special program Thursday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m for a chance to meet our special guests - the ducks! Peeps, Blackie, and Samer will be joining us with their owner Elise D'Ambrosio. There will be stories, songs and lots of time to meet our friends.

You can find more information about it here.

April Vacation Events

We have some great events planned for April Vacation. On Wednesday, April 20 the Museum of Science is presenting a fantastic program "Rockets: There and Back Again". Space for this event is limited and you must register in person in the Children's Room. More information can be found here or by clicking the Rockets Tab Link above.

On Thursday, April 21, don't miss our Kite Day with Archie Stewart! You can come and build a Kite from 1-3 in the Meeting Room and the fly and watch a great demonstration of kite tricks from 3-4 in the Recreation Center Gymnasium. You can find more information on that here or by clicking the Kite Day link above.

We look forward to seeing you all there!