February is B-I-G in the Children's Department!

Come and visit us February for all our great programs and "Love Your Library." Read and win!

New this year -- register online! You get a bookmark when you come to get your reading log. After you read two hours, you can come in and get a voucher for Dunkin' Donuts. Once you have completed four hours, bring in your reading log and recieve a book -- Free! In addition to printed books, you can use Tumblebooks, which is an online program (Check on the Children's Department webpage). You can also count Playaways or Audiobooks as part of your reading time.

This year there is a bonus! Each time you attend a Children's program or visit the Friends of the Library Book Sale (February 12 and 13), you will have a chance to enter a drawing for a prize to be given away at the end of the month.

Come in and sign up today! Check our Events Calendar to be sure to enter our drawing as many times as you can!

Love Your Library Begins February 1st!

Beat the Winter cold by reading! Love Your Library reading incentive program starts February 1 and goes through February 28. You must read 4 hours to complete the program. You get a couple prizes when you do! Sign up online today by visiting our website!

Castle Project

Someone came in today from Eastside Elementary School with a project where they needed to build a model castle. It needed to be a small model and they needed to include 30 items. So they wanted to get books with pictures of castles and all the things like "the Keep" and "the "Portcullis" and "Battlements" Unfortunately most of our books on castles were already checked out by other students working on this project. We have one book at the desk that we are loaning for in house use so that students can see what all the parts of the castle look like. But one person asked about a pattern for how to build a castle, so I tried putting "how to build a model castle" into Google. I got several good websites, typing "model castle" into Google and searching images also produced some good results. Here are a few of the sites with how to information:

http://www.yourchildlearns.com/castle.htm
http://www.stormthecastle.com/paper-castle/make-a-cardboard-castle.htm
http://www.buildmodelcastles.com/html/castles.html
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/buildingstownscitiesartscraftstideasprojectskids.html

Family Movie Nights

Did you know you can come to the library with the whole family and see a movie for FREE?
These are not just some old movies, but new releases like Columbia Pictures Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (rated PG). We have a sound system, a big screen, and there are lots of chairs. Kids can even snuggle up on the floor in the Story Hour Room and watch! These movies are on Mondays and start at 6 pm. Give us a call at 641-2448 and we will be happy to give you upcoming dates and titles!

Funtastic Friday program

Have you come in for Funtastic Friday yet? This program is geared toward 4 and 5 year olds. It is Fridays at 10:30 am. For January we are concentrating this program on winter and snow. Come on in for our indoor snowball fun!

This program will take place on January 22, and 29, and February 2, 9, and 16.

Great Scavenger Hunt Contest for ages 9 to 18

You may not have heard about the new contest the library is participating in -- The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest! Here is how the contest works:

• Choose a book from the list of books online or at the front desk of the Children’s Department. (See the link on each of the Children’s lab computers.)
• Read the whole book. Be sure to remember the title of it!
• Ask a librarian to print out the trivia challenge for the book you read. Answer the questions.
• Turn the finished quiz in to a librarian. If you get at least 8 out of 10 answers correct, you are entered into an online contest. If you don’t pass the quiz you can retake it.
• Each month one online entry is chosen as the winner of a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card (good in stores or online).
• If you are the winner, the library will receive prize books to add to our collection!
• Winners are announced online and in a monthly update flyer. Only the winner’s first name and last initial will be used.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to call the Children's Department at 641-2448.

Can You Crack the Code at Awesome Activities?

Tuesday, January 19, at 4:30 pm will be the first 2010 installment of the after school program Awesome Activities for ages 8 to 12 years. It is called “Cracking the Code.”

Learn to write in code! We will introduce several kinds of code. We will practice using invisible ink using items that can be found in your own kitchen. After school snacks will be served.

First Toddler Tango a Success!

The first installment of our Toddler Tango programs was themed "Antarctica or Bust!"

36 people braved the cold and sang songs, played, and ate a snowball snack. There was also frozen snow playdough, and the children got to paint with ice paint!
If you missed today's installment, never fear! Thursday at 10:30 this program will be repeated!

Net Cetera Connecting Kids to Tips for Online Safety

Do your children spend time on the computer during this cold weather? To promote online safety, the Federal Trade Commission has released "Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online." It is full of tips for caregivers on how to talk children about predators on the web, cyberbullying, keeping your personal information and passwords safe, and so on. There is a free download, but it can also be ordered from the FTC. It can be viewed in English or Spanish.
The FTC also has other free publications. Check out their website at http://www.ftc.gov/ to find out more information on many subjects.

2010 Brings New Series of Programs!

Hope you're having a great 2010 so far! Make those gray skies blow away by joining us in our weekly Children's programs! We're off to a great start!

Mondays (through February 15)
Babies to 12 months at 10:30 am
Babies 12 to 24 months at 1 pm

Tuesdays (through February 16)
Toddler Tango for ages 2 through 3 years at 10:30 am
Words! Words! Words! for ages 4 through 5 years at 2 pm

Wednesdays (through February 17)
Goodnight Library for children through age 5 at 6 pm

Thursdays (through February 18)
Toddler Tango for ages 2 through 3 at 10:30 am (a repeat of Tuesday)
Super Science Sleuths for ages 6 to 10 years at 4:30 pm

Fridays (through February 19)
Funtastic Friday for ages 4 through 5 years at 10:30 am

Summer Reading Wrap-up Party!

Join us Saturday, August 1st, from 1:00 to 3:00 for our Summer Reading Wrap-up Party!

Summer Reading 2009

This year's Summer Reading theme is “Be Creative”


Rules

Children’s Summer Reading is open to anyone ages 0-up to going into the 5th grade.

1. Go to any Anderson Public Library location to register (Main Library, Bookmobile, or Lapel Branch) from June 1-July 31.

2. Fill out a Registration card with your name, age, and school.

3. Choose whether you want to measure the number of books you read, or the amount of time (20-minute blocks) you read. If you like longer chapter books, this is for you!

4. Receive your reading log, and incentive, and START READING! Write your titles on your reading log folder, or make a list on any paper you like.

5. Bring your log in to any Anderson Public Library location to receive prizes.

6. Collect your prizes when you've read 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 books (or reading blocks). Prizes available while supplies last. (First come, first served.) You can see samples of prizes for each level at the library.

• Once you have completed the program, no more prizes are awarded (but you can keep reading all summer long!).

• If you lose your reading log, you will receive credit for any books you have already reported to the library, otherwise we’ll give you a new log and you start over from the beginning.

• Come to any of our library programs, and get a ticket for a chance to win a prize. Door prizes will be awarded at all June and July Children’s programs.

Be Creative this summer – everybody wins!


Program courtesy of Friends of the Library

May Children's Programs: May 2009

Wednesday, May 6
4:30 – 6:00
Create-A-Card Make and Take
(Ages 3 to 12)
Come and create a card for a special person in you life.
Materials provided.
Adults must stay with children under 7.


Monday, May 11
4:30 – 5:30
Book! Book! Book!
(Ages 6 to 12)
Come and help us with a reader’s theater skit, a craft, plus some music and movement.
Based on Deborah Bruss’ story about farm animals and their trip to the library.
Don’t be chicken … Come and have fun with us.


Monday, May 18
6:30 p.m.
Movie Monday
(All ages)
Join us for The Tale of Desperaux –
A free movie for the whole family!


Questions? Call 765-641-2448 or
email childrens@and.lib.in.us

April 12 - 18

Wednesday, April 15th, come join us for after-school Bingo!
Ages 6 to 8 years
Time: 4:30 pm

If you would like to register for Mr. Steve's Super Science Spectacle
Ages 8 to 12 years
this Thursday, April 16th at 4:30,
click here, or call (765) 641 -2448

If you would like to register for the Potty Gala
For families with children ages 18-42 months
this Saturday, April 18th at 11 am,
click here, or call (765) 641-2448)

Later this month . . .

Later this month:

For families with children ages 18-42 months:

It's a Potty Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2009!

We will have a potty themed storytime complete with toddler art and activities.
Come for some potty training ideas and trade in your diapers for some great incentives!
The "Underwear Boutique" will be open as well.
Click here to register, or call (765) 641-2448.
We request the presence of caregivers at this toddler social event.

Location: Anderson Public Library Story Hour Room
Start Time: 11:00 AM
End Time: 12:30 PM

Spring Break!

Come to the library at 4:30 p.m. for a whole week of fun while you are out of school!

Monday, March 30
-- Game Day
-- Play board or card games with your friends!
-- 6 to 12 years

Tuesday, March 31
-- Surprise Crafts
-- Make a craft from items in a bag!
-- 6 to 12 years

Wednesday, April 1
-- BINGO!
-- Play bingo for prizes!
-- 6 to 12 years

Thursday, April 2
-- Mr. Steve's Science Spectacle
-- Come join the science and math fun!
-- Registration is required for Mr. Steve's Science Spectacle.
-- To register call 641-2448, or go online at http://www.and.lib.in.us/
-- 8 to 12 years

Friday, April 3
-- Movie: Scooby Doo and the Goblin King
-- Enjoy a movie with friends!
-- All ages

Regular weekly programs over for now

Last week was the end of our weekly programs for Fall. Don't worry, there are some more great things coming up, just for the holidays!

Monday Movie Nights continue with The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie on November 24th. Wall-E will be showing on December 8th. Both movies begin at 6:30PM, and the whole family is invited!

Winterfest takes place on Friday, December 5th this year. It's winter fun for everyone with winter crafts! Stop by the Children's Department to make a craft between 4:00 and 5:30PM.

Jingle Jam is Thursday, December 11th. It is from 6:30 to 8:00PM in the Chief Anderson Room. 6:30-7:00PM -- Listen to Christmas stories and sing songs.
7:00-8:00PM -- Make holiday crafts, have refreshments, and visit with Santa Claus.

We look forward to seeing you and yours at one or all of these great programs!

Our Heroes' Tree

Our Heroes' Tree is beginning to get some ornaments on it!

Have you stopped by to see the tree and consider making an ornament?

People in our community have the ability to create ornaments for their loved ones who have served our country, past or present, in the military. The tree is part of a program called "Our Heroes Tree". During October and November we will display the tree and you may add homemade ornaments to it to honor those who have served for our freedom. The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University is sponsoring this project. There is also an online virtual tree and the ornaments can be uploaded to it! Please feel free to come in and make ornaments using our craft supplies. Then you can hang the ornament on the tree.

Our Heroes Tree

No, it's not quite the holiday season yet, but we have a tree in the Children's Department!
We are asking the public to help us with decorations. The tree is part of a program called "Our Heroes Tree". During the month of October and most of November we will have this tree on display and you may add homemade ornaments to it to honor those who have served for our freedom. The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University is sponsoring this project. Please feel free to make ornaments and bring them in to hang on the tree!

Toddler Topics

If you have a toddler, you know some advice might be in order, just for sanity's sake! We have several toddler-based topics coming up in future programs. These are for families with children ages 18 to 42 months.
"Potty Gala" will be Saturday, September 20, at 10AM in the Delaware Room.
"Car Seat Mambo" will be Saturday, October 18, at 10AM in the Miami Room.
"Turn that 'No' into a 'Yes!'" will be Saturday, November 15, at 10AM in the Miami Room.
Join us for one or all of them. To register call (765)641-2448 or online at www.andersonlibrary.net

Family Literacy Nights

If you were unable to attend our Family Literacy Night on the 11th, you missed a night of fun for the family!
We had around 100 people attend the event. A book was given to each family, thanks to the grants we have received. Everyone was fed a delicious meal of pasta with chicken, a bean salsa with tortilla chips, and a fruit salad. After the meal the families had time for activities, like playdough, reading together, flannelboard activities, and even shaving cream fingerpainting!
The next Literacy Night will be held on Thursday, October 9th, 6 to 7:30PM. Sign up soon, because people from the first night liked it so much they may sign up again!

Upcoming programs

The Children's Services staff is working feverishly planning a great set of programs for Fall!
For children aged birth to five years there will be babies who are busy, toddlers who are doing the tango, and a reading roundup each week! There will also be Family Literacy Nights and Toddler Topics if you just can't get enough of a good thing!
For families, Movie Mondays will return every other week. We have a lot of newer movies that will be shown. Fall Fiesta and Jingle Jam will be in October and December.
Then there is our Cool After School series for children ages 6 to 12 years. This series will be a blast this fall with a program each about Hannah Montana, SpongeBob, Manga, High School Musical, and Scooby Doo! Bring your friends!
All of these programs can be found on our Events Calendar online. You will be able to get a paper copy soon at our Children's desk as well. We look forward to seeing you at a program soon!

Wigwam

This week Children's staff are at the Wigwam handing out free books, toys, and pencils to children of Anderson Community Schools. This is all happening for the textbook and lunch assistance days. Maybe we will see you there!

Last day to collect prizes for Summer Reading!

Today is the last day to collect your prizes for Summer Reading. So whether you have one prize to collect or five, come on in and visit with us!
Tomorrow evening from 5 to 7PM we will be having a carnival-type party for the end of Summer Reading. We hope you will join us for refreshments, games, and prizes! Wear your green tee shirt if you already have one. We will release our butterfly friends, too.

Butterflies galore!

We now have 10 painted lady butterflies! We plan to realease them at our Super Fantastic "Catch the Reading Bug" Party to celebrate everyone's success in the Summer Reading Program. Be sure to come and see them before they're gone!

We have a new friend!

One of the painted lady butterflies we are raising has come out of its chrysalis! It happened this morning just before the library opened for the day. Be sure to come by soon -- there will be more to come in the next few hours or days!

How time flies!

July is on its way out, but there is still time to read and catch that reading bug! There is one more week to read and collect your prizes. If you don't have your green tee shirt yet, stop in and read just five books to move yourself along to the next level!

At Home with Books calendars

Have you seen our new "At Home with Books" calendars?
They are bright and available now! The reason for the calendars is to get children ready to learn, ready to go to school and succeed, ready for kindergarten! If you have a child who is four years old, and will be attending kindergarten the fall of 2009, come in and pick one up today! We will be more than happy to tell you how to use it.

Summer reading numbers are WAY up!

So far this year 1,777 children have signed up for the summer reading program at the Main library. Of those children, 724 have finished the program and are donning their green tee shirts all over town!

Our caterpillars' progress

If you come into the library, be sure to look at the caterpillars. They have stopped eating and are hanging upside down, motionless. They are slowly hardening into chrysalis form now. What a neat thing to watch! Soon they will emerge as butterflies and fly away!

Butterflies in the library!

Have you seen our new butterflies?

The Children's Department just got a new set of caterpillars in a netted caterpillar house. They are busily chomp chomping away at their food and growing every day! Soon they will turn into painted lady butterflies, like the one you see here. These are some reading bugs you can visit every day to see how they grow.

Summer Reading is a Record Breaker!

This year's Summer Reading Program has been a real blast and a record breaker!
We have 1,691 children who have signed up so far. Of those, 521 have already received their green tee shirt by completing the program! That's a lot of green in Anderson!

Huge caterpillar

Have you seen the humongous caterpillar in the Children's Department? It has body parts with the names of all the children signed up for our Summer Reading Program. It is growing week by week throughout the summer! Wow, that's one BIG worm!

The Children's Van

Have you seen our van around town? We get around to 17 daycares and preschools. Wave at us if you see us!

Welcome to the Children's Department Blog!

We are excited to be able to share with you all the exciting things that happen in the Children's Department on a weekly basis. Be sure to stop by our blog to see what is coming up next @ your library!