Time to register for March K-2 Storyhour!

Believe it or not, it's already time to register for our March session of Kindergarten thru Second Grade Storyhour. Registration begins on Saturday, February 9th. This session we will make no-bake cookies, try out some new-to-you fruits, munch on carrots and, of course, read some exceptional books. Good food and good books always go hand-in-hand, don't you think? (Well, clean hands, though!) The K-2 class is limited to 20 so hurry in or call Youth Services at (708) 798-0121 x 222. When you register, please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

New Graphic Novels

We've received three new junior graphic novels that I think you'll enjoy. "Gear School" by Adam Gallardo is a futuristic novel that deals with a thirteen-year-old cadet, Teresa Gottlieb, who is learning to drive war machines in the attempt to defeat the alien invaders. She is also learning about boys, school and awful instructors at the same time. Finally, action graphics for girls!
A new series called Twisted Journeys begins with "Captured by Pirates" by Justine and Ron Fontes. In this graphic novel series, you choose your own fate, either as a pirate or a member of the Navy. Last but not least, "Artemis Fowl the Graphic Novel" has arrived! (Don't you think it should have been a graphic novel first?) Mulch Duggins, in all his gaseous glory, and Holly Short, that spunky fairy, finally have been drawn and they match perfectly with what I imagined them to be.

Read Them or Weep!

Every so often we run across a book that we know has a great storyline but it just hasn't been checked out very often. Unfortunately, those books usually are removed from the collection for lack of activity. We've assembled a display, entitled it "Read Them or Weep" and showcased these poor overlooked books. There are horse stories, historical fiction about Native Americans, girlie books, boyish books and other savory tidbits. You'll find this display in the former reference area of the Youth Services department. So read these books and save their lives! Well, perhaps that was a bit dramatic but please take a look and try a few. We're sure you'll enjoy them.

Fun Polaroid craft!

Do your parents still own a Polaroid camera? Try this fun craft that you can do with your parents. Take a picture of someone you love. The Polaroid camera makes instant prints and takes some time to develop. When the picture is almost developed, cut off the surrounding white frame. Gently peal away the front from the back. You should have a thin piece of see through plastic with some goo still attached. Using rubber gloves and damp paper towels, have your parents gently wipe off the goo but be very careful, as it is toxic. You will go through many paper towels! When you have removed all the goo, you will be left with a ghostly image! Then, for fun, go back and check out the back part of the picture. It will have a really unusual greenish, purplish image of your loved one. How should you use these? Well, you could put it in your family's scrapbook and surround it with pics of your house--ooooo ghostly! Be cautious and don't place your backing pic too near a window, as the sun will slowly fade it. Have fun, be creative and I'd love to see your craft when you come to the library. Want more ideas? Check out this craft video from YouTube!

Quotes to live by

Fun quotes from two of your favorite characters:

"A little glitter can turn your whole day around." Junie B. Jones

"Singing a song is like taking your voice on a little field trip....It deserves to have a little fun." The Riot Brothers.

Try out this song found in the back of the Riot Brothers new book,"Stinky and Successful".

To the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat":

Flare, flare, flare your nostrils
Gently in the air
Flap your arms and wiggle your rear
Only if you dare.

Oh my! There are two more goofy songs included in the back of that book. Enjoy!

Storyhours are back!

Well, it's storyhour registration time again and we have some exciting news! Our Thursday night 6:30 Preschool Storyhour has now been changed to Starlight Storyhour. Starlight Storyhour will be a family storyhour--parents/caregivers will stay with their children. Siblings are invited to stay also. There will be a limit of 20 children but no registration is required. Miss Sarah has put together an awesome story hour for you and I know you'll be amazed at her creativity! Stories, activities, a snack and a craft will be included. Hey, you can even wear your pjs!

Our Tot Time, Preschool Storyhour, K-2 Storyhour and Field Days registration begins Saturday, January 12th.
As you recall, Tot Time is designed for 2 thru early 3 year olds. You will have your choice of Monday or Wednesday Tot Time at 11:00-11:30.
Preschool Storyhour is a 45 minute program designed for late 3 thru 5 year olds. It will meet on Wednesday at either 9:45 or 1:00.
K-2 (kindergarten thru second grade) Storyhour will meet Thursdays in February at 4:00-5:00. We will be celebrating Chinese New Year (eggrolls and fortune cookies, anyone?), making a freedom quilt for the Youth Services office window, reading some awesome books and just having a great time!
Last but not least is our Field Days at the Library. Thanks to the generosity of the Harris Loan program at the Field Museum, the Homewood Library is able to check out kits dealing with geography, geology and all sorts of fun stuff. This month's program will deal with geology. Due to the popularity of this program, we have restricted registration to 18.
Whew! So that's our lineup. Hope to see you all soon!

Vintage Children's Book Website

I blundered into this Vintage Kid's Books My Kid Loves website and really enjoyed it. If you would like to introduce your child to some favorites from the not too distant past, check out this website. This blogger finds her books at garage sales, Ebay, used book stores and library sales. Now that we're all thinking "green", used books are just one way to help the environment.
Speaking of library sales, did you know that funds from the Friends of the Library book sales finance more than just everyday library needs? If you visit the Youth Department, you'll see our new Peek-A-Book, provided by our generous Friends. We are so lucky to have such supportive Friends and patrons, too! Thank you all!