Frogs in hot air balloon mural


 Lucy Robbins Welles Library

Children's Events Newsletter for September 2021


Lucy Robbins Welles Library | 100 Garfield Street | Newington, CT 06111
Telephone: 860-665-8720 |  Fax: 860-666-0034

Children's


You can call to register for programs.

For Adult or Teen: 860-665-8700
 For Children's: 860-665-8720 

Library hours


Online Events/Programs on our Website or via Zoom
Some events will take place on Zoom and all of the information on how to join an event can be found on our website at www.newingtonct.gov/library. You can view the event on your device or listen to the event by calling in on your phone. Registration is required by calling 860-665-8720. With other events, which are not live and do not require registration, the link will be available from the library’s website.

grab and go on brown paper bag


Grab & Go crafts

Each week in August we will have crafts ready for pick up! There will be a Prek – 1st Grade option and/or a Grade 2 – 5 option. Please note that supplies are limited. Parents may call to register & arrange curbside pickup beginning the Monday of that particular week to reserve a craft bag.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

rabbit on turtle both reading books - tails and tales


Library Card Sign-Up Month!
Calling all children from birth through 6th grade who live in Newington! Come to the Children’s Department anytime between September 1 – 30 to sign up for a library card and receive a free goody bag (new registrants only).


brainfuse helpnow


HelpNow - Brainfuse HelpNow is now available for on demand eLearning for all ages and levels, offering personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation, skill building, and foreign language support. Students will communicate with live online tutors. Sign in with your Newington library card.

book stack tied in ribbon


Children’s Book Bundles

Introducing a new service! 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. 

Nutmeg book award logo - nutmeg branch


New Nutmeg Booktalks
Need some reading recommendations? Check out our booktalk videos on the brand new CT Nutmeg Award nominees! We will have book recommendations for grades 2 – 6. The video links are available here.

koala in hammock reading

Stories, Songs, and Sunshine
Tuesdays, September 7, 14, 21, and 28,10:30 a.m.

Join us for an all ages story time OUTDOORS! We’ll enjoy a story (or two) and a song (or two) to welcome in the morning. We will be located on the Library Green near the lower Garfield Street parking lot. Please bring blankets or chairs for your family. Registration begins two weeks prior to the listed dates. 

otter family reading

Family Storytime
Thursdays, September 9,16, 23, and 30, 6:00 p.m.

Stories, songs and more for the whole family! We will be located on the Library Green near the lower Garfield Street parking lot. Please bring blankets or chairs for your family. Registration begins two weeks prior to the listed dates.

General Tso's meatballs with chopsticks

Culinary Delights: Churro Muffin - Virtual
Monday, September 13

Join Chef Rob Scott as shares a yummy sweet cinnamon treat. A video link & the recipe will be available on the Kids Event page beginning the day of the program.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.



ellie the boxer

Tales to Tails
Thursday, September 16, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Children who love dogs or need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 15-minute session reading to Ellie, a certified therapy dog. We will meet outside on the Library Green. Call to register beginning September 2.

Donated by Natalie Harbeson.

book rio and silas dogs

Children’s Author Spotlight: Michele Kean
Saturday, September 18, 11:00 a.m.

Local author Michele Kean will be reading from her debut, Rio & Silas With Love, a children’s book which focuses on two canine brothers looking for a forever home and, most importantly, love. We will also have a Q&A session and books will be available for purchase. This event will be outside on the Library Green. Please bring blankets or chairs for your family. Registration required.

cookbook club

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, September 29, 6:00 pm

Kids in grades 3 – 6 can sign up for a modified Cookbook Club that will take place on the Library Green. We will be making watermelon salsa. Space is limited. Registration begins September 15.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

StoryWalk®

StoryWalk®
Who said you can’t read & walk at the same time? Visit the Library Green for our special StoryWalk®! Walk together and enjoy Once Upon a Goat by Dan Richards along the way. Use #lrwlkids on Instagram so we can see that you visited! Scan the QR code at the end to be entered to win a prize. Call 860-665-8720 for more details.

Sponsored with the Friends of the Library.

1000 book before kindergarten with reading fox

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 or by clicking here.

brown paper mystery box


Pop-Up Picks

Watch out for our pop-up book picks! Each week (you never know when!) a curated batch of Children’s books & a small prize will pop up on our library’s Facebook page. If you’re interested, act fast! Call the Children’s Department to reserve the books for checkout and YOU get to keep the prize. 

tote bag full of books

Topic Totes

The Children’s Department is proud to 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.  


The Friends of the Library sponsor many of these programs.  If you would like to become a member of the Friends, please click on the image and you will be taken to the Friends' page.  Thank you!

Friends logo


More Resources


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Events for Adults
Events for Teens
Events for Children
Lucy's Kids Blog
Children's Dept Pinterest
Downloadable Media
Online Resources
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200 Garfield Street, Newington, CT. 06111

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