Children's Events

  1. Mon Oct. 2

    Storytime for Ones

  2. Tue Oct. 3

    Play For All

  3. Wed Oct. 4

    Storytime for Twos
View All
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Contact Us

  1. Library

    Physical Address
    100 Garfield Street
    Newington, CT 06111


  2. Children's Services

    Phone: 860-665-8720

Virtual Events & Programs may be held via the Zoom platform, or through Facebook Live.


Many of our virtual programs that are live will take place on our Zoom Platform.  Information on how to join a program can be found by clicking here. Registration is required for these programs. You may now register online by clicking here or calling the library at 860-665-8700. Program information as well as the Zoom link to access the program will be emailed prior to the event.   We also offer some live programming on our Facebook page. We hope to see you there! 

Other programs that are recorded and do not require registration are on our YouTube Channel and can be accessed via YouTube or on this events page listed below.
 

In Person Programs & Outdoor Programs

 Please contact the library or view this webpage for the most up to date information.  These programs may need to change based on COVID-19 restrictions or inclement weather.  We appreciate your patience in this matter.  Our primary concern is everyone's safety.

Past Programs

To view recorded programs that you may have missed, scroll down to the end of the page to view the video

Upcoming and Ongoing Programs

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Indoor Challenges
Our department has put together some fun, passive activities for kids to enjoy indoors! Come check out our I-Spy tank and see what you can spot. Challenge yourself with our Scavenger Hunt to see if you can find all the pictures. We hope you enjoy!

Childrens Book Bundles

Children’s Book Bundles
Let us help you! Answer some questions online by filling out a special form, located on our Reading Recommendation page. Your librarians will select up to 10 customized book titles for your child.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten fox reading

1000 Books Before Kindergarten
We are excited to share the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program with our patrons! This self-paced program encourages families to explore the world of books, get prizes, grow as readers, and have fun together. The library is here to cheer you on and connect you and your baby, toddler, or preschooler with books perfect for laughs, cuddles, and building literacy skills. More information will be available on our website.

NutmegAward

Nutmeg Book Awards
The new Nutmeg Nominees are here! Librarian booktalks are available now. Click below to access our Nutmeg Book page to see a listing of all the new titles.

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Buzz lightyear library card sign up month

Library Card Sign-Up Month! (New registrants only)
September 1 – 30
Calling all children from birth through grade 6 who live in Newington! Apply for a library card at the Circulation Desk, then come to the Children’s Department to receive a free goody bag.

join the friends

Friends Annual Membership Drive Drive 
September 1 - October 20
If you love the library, all of the great childrens programming, museum passes and more, support the Friends who fund many of these great services. Join the Friends of the Library or renew your membership between September 1 - October 20 and be entered to win a surprise giveaway - "Fall in Love with Reading " gift basket (on display at the library). Gift basket includes a $50 Stew Leonard's gift card. The name of each new or renewed member will be entered into the drawing that will be held at the Friends Reception on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Need not be present to win. 

Click here for more information or to renew or join online.

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WEEKLY PROGRAMS:
Please note that registration is required for all programs. You may register up to two weeks in advance for programs. Call 860-665-8720 or visit the Kids’ Event webpage to register. 

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Storytime for Ones
Mondays, September 18 – October 30, 10:15 a.m. (No storytime on October 9)
Stories and songs for children 9 - 24 months, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.

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Play For All
Tuesdays, September 19 – October 31, 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for this program geared for families with young children who have special needs. All are welcome! Registration required. Partnered with Creative Interventions, LLC.

storytime - toddlers

Storytime for Twos
Wednesdays, September 20 – October 25, 10:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, and crafts for children 24 months and older, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.
 

storytime

Storytime for 3-5 year olds 
Thursdays, September 28 – October 26, 10:15 a.m. 
Stories, songs, and crafts for children ages 3 - 6, without caregivers. Registration required.
 

families read

Family Storytime (No storytime on October 26)
Thursdays, September 21 – November 16, 6:30 p.m. 
Stories and songs for the whole family. Registration required.

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Newington Fire Department

Newington Fire Department Visit - All Ages
Saturday, October 7, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Join firefighter and staff member Joanna Cistulli and others from the NFD for a morning at the library. We will have a storytime and learn about fire prevention and get to see a firetruck and awesome gear. Registration required. Sponsored by the Newington Fire Department.

clip art kids baking

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, October 11, 6:00 p.m.
Welcome fall with pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes! Registration for kids in grades 3-5 begins September 27. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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Little Yogi
Saturday, October 14, 11:00 a.m.
For ages 2-5 with a caregiver. Do you love storytime? Have you ever wanted to move along with the characters in a book? Join for us for literacy integration yoga with Heather from Nourished Mind Wellness. Registration begins September 30. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Green Slime with spiders

Frankenslime
Tuesday, October 17, 6:00 p.m.
For grades 1 – 5 with a caregiver. Make your own slime – there will even be Halloween-themed options! Registration begins October 3. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

junior cookbook club

Junior Cookbook Club
Wednesday, October 18, 6:00 p.m.
Join us as we make pumpkin pudding. Registration for kids in grades K-2 begins October 4. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

clipart kids doing yoga on a book

Storytime Yoga
Saturday, October 21 11:00 a.m.
For ages 5-9. Join us for literacy integration yoga with Heather from Nourished Mind Wellness. Participants will explore the feelings associated with different stories while also developing an understanding of the contextual use of yoga and mindfulness in normal life. Registration begins October 7. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library 

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Disney Magic Concert - All Ages
Sunday, October 22, 1:00 p.m.
Join musical group CabareT to celebrate with beloved musical selections from throughout Disney’s history on stage and film. Fun for Disney fans of all ages! Costumes are welcome. The concert will be held at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center at 120 Cedar Street.  Registration is required. Sponsored by The Anita Wilson Memorial Family Concert Series.

Halloween Science with Cool-ology

Science Magic
Tuesday, October 24, 4:00 p.m.
Amaze your friends and mystify your parents (in a good way!) by learning how to use science to make magic. Cool-ology is back to share mind-boggling magic tricks while exploring science concepts such as magnetism, chemistry, surface tension and gravity. Children ages 6-11 may register beginning October 10. 

Spooktober bat

Spooktober
Thursday, October 26, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
If you're looking for some scary good fun, you'll have a scream at the Library! Kids of all ages will enjoy making spooktacular crafts to celebrate the spooky season. Registration begins on October 12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

What did I miss Hamilton Thomas Jefferson

Did you miss a librarian program? Please check out our YouTube channel here.