Children’s Summer Reading 2020: Imagine Your Story!
Monday, June 22 – Friday, August 28

The Children’s Department is offering a wonderful Summer Reading Program! This year Imagine Your Story is fantasy, fairy tale, and mythology themed. Beginning on Monday, June 22, a Summer Reading Log* will be posted on the library’s website that can be printed from home. The Summer Reading Log will provide more details. All Children’s programs will be done virtually through our website or other media.
*If you are unable to print a Summer Reading Log from home, please contact the Children’s Department at 860-665-8720.

Page Turner Adventures Program Series
Monday, June 29 – August 28, weekdays only
The Lucy Robbins Welles Library presents the Page Turner Adventures series! Get ready to laugh, have fun, and be entertained! This NINE week program series will run from June 29- August 28. Each week will feature a different theme and each day will bring a new adventure! Access a new link each weekday on the Kids event page.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 
Monday: SHOW DAY – Every Monday, a different Virtual Comedy Story Theater show will be shared. Length: 45-60 minutes. 

Tuesday: PROJECT DAY – Do crafts, games, recipes, science experiments, and activities that go along with that week’s theme. Length: 30 minutes.

Wednesday: AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR DAY – Get ready for fun interviews and activities with some of the most amazing authors and illustrators in the business! In addition to the interview, there will be read-alongs, activities, and trivia games. Length: 30 minutes.

Thursday: TWEEN DAY – Crafts and activities for upper elementary and middle school kids. Length: 30 minutes.

Friday – SPECIAL GUEST DAY – Each week, watch a bonus show with another amazing performer! These include Ringling Clowns, magicians, Grammy winning singers, ventriloquists, and more. You’ll also “visit” exciting places like zoos, science museums, and the International Clown Hall of Fame. Length: 30 minutes.

Grab & Go crafts

Each week in July and August we will have crafts ready for pick up! There will be a Prek – 1^st Grade option and/or a Grade 2 – 5 option. Please note that supplies are limited. Parents may call to register the Monday of that particular week to reserve a craft bag. Call 860-665-8720 for pickup details. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Virtual Book Kits 

Check out the library’s Facebook page for weekly Virtual Book Kits. We will share a particular book and accompanying crafts/activities that can be done at home to extend the experience. 

Sew Simple with Miss Sarah
Wednesday, July 1, 1:00 p.m.

Follow along with Miss Sarah in a virtual sewing class perfect for beginners and budding young tailors. Together you’ll go through all the steps to create your own hand sewn creations. This time we learned how to make a fried egg pincushion.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Digital Storytimes:

Your librarians miss you! Come watch one storytime a week on our Digital Storytime page. 

Pajama Yoga
Tuesday, July 7, 4:30 p.m.

For ages 4-8. Get your comfy pjs on and get ready to do some yoga! Beth Agdish, a certified Next Generation Yoga for Kids instructor, will teach us techniques and traditional poses. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Virtual Magic Show
Monday, July 13, 1:30 p.m.

Watch Matt the Balloon Man perform a magic show! Matt will have his young audiences rolling with laughter as he performs amazing feats of magic and mind reading, with lots of silliness in between. Registration is required. All registrants will be emailed the link to the program.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

StoryWalk®
Who said you can’t read & walk at the same time? Beginning in July, visit Mill Pond for our first ever StoryWalk®! Walk together and enjoy a story along the way.

Sponsored with Parks & Recreation. 

Virtual Science: Color Changing Milk
Wednesday, July 15, 1:00 p.m.

Scientists are welcome to watch the Virtual Science: Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments with Ms. Joanne. When you mix baking soda and vinegar there is a fun chemical reaction. Then enjoy doing the experiments on your own!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Topic Totes
Coming mid-July, the Children’s Department will debut their Topic Tote collection!  Have a child who loves Frozen? Trucks? Bugs? Need some books to encourage potty training or bedtime? Totes with books focused on one topic will be available for circulation. Parents can check out up-to-date topic lists and information on the new Children’s Reading Recommendation webpage.  

Dragons: Return of the Ice Sorceress
Monday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.

In a faraway world, two brave villagers go on a daring journey to release the dragons and save the entire kingdom from the evil ice sorceress. Join the Sciencetellers on an action-packed adventure! This interactive story features amazing special effects & a behind the scenes look as you explore the science of matter.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Virtual Cookbook Club
Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 p.m.

Mrs. Mendelsohn has created a video cooking demo that you can do at home. Learn how to make a delicious doggie cake and doggie ice cream for your furry friend! A link to the recipes will accompany the video. 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Books and Babies!
Monday, July 27, 10:00 a.m.

Join us in a virtual program for our youngest library fans!  Babies, ages 0-12 months, and their caregivers will enjoy a stimulating, age-appropriate program that will gently introduce them to the Library.  We will also have a "Welcome to the Library" gift bag ready. Parents can call to reserve a bag beginning July 13 for pickup on Thursday, July 30.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Shadow Camp
Thursday, July 30

For ages 7-11. Get to know the mysterious world of shadow puppets! Matt Sandbank’s Shadow Factory has created 3 self-paced online workshops. There will be skits, artist guidance, and simple at-home activities. Registration is required. All registrants will be emailed the link & password to access the shadow camp.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten Grab and Go Activity Kit

Sign up beginning August 3 for a fun and educational kit containing a variety of activities you can do at home with your soon to be kindergartener. Practice writing, cutting, gluing, letter names/sounds, rhyming, patterning, counting and more! The kit is for children who are starting kindergarten this upcoming school year. 

Sew Simple with Miss Sarah
Wednesday, August 5, 1:00 p.m.

Follow along with Miss Sarah in a virtual sewing class perfect for beginners and budding young tailors. Together you’ll go through all the steps to create your own hand sewn creations. This time we learned how to make a Stuffed Felt Cookie.

Preschool Yoga
Tuesday, August 11, 10:30 a.m.

Kids will be encouraged to move, play, and explore their bodies in creative ways! Beth Agdish, a certified Next Generation Yoga for Kids instructor, will teach us techniques and poses.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

Virtual Cookbook Club
Wednesday, August 12, 2:00 p.m.

Mrs. Mendelsohn has created a video cooking demo that you can do at home. Learn how to make cookie butter! A link to the recipe will accompany the video.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Jester Jim
Friday, August 14, 10:30 a.m.

An all ages event. Jester Jim is back! Join us live to witness even more of his awe-inspiring juggling skills. Registration is required. All registrants will be emailed the link to the program.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Simple Science @ Home
Wednesday, August 19, 1:00 p.m.

Water is amazing! Scientists are welcome to watch the Virtual Science: Water Experiments with Ms. Joanne. Then enjoy doing the experiments on your own! 

The last day for Imagine Your Story! - Summer Reading 2020 is Friday, August 28.