Grab & Go crafts

Each week in March we will have crafts ready for pick up! There will be an option for Pre-K (older kids' crafts will be monthly). Please note that supplies are limited. Parents may call to request a craft beginning the Monday of that particular week. Curbside pick-up is also available.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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.

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 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.

Storytimes

All in-person storytimes (Tuesday morning and Thursday evening) have been postponed until further notice due to the high rate of COVID cases.

Children’s Winter Reading 2022: Get Smitten with Books!
Monday, February 7 – Monday, March 14

Get your mittens on a good book and join the Children’s Winter Reading Program! Beginning on Monday, February 7, registration will be available online. A Winter Reading Log will be posted on the library’s website. Once registered, you may print the log from home or come in to pick up a copy. When the log is completed, please call the Children’s department to claim your reward, which can be picked up inside the library or through curbside pickup. This reading program is for all children up to 6^th grade.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Read Across America Week
March 1 - 7

Come to the Children’s department anytime from March 1 - 7 and get a free Gerald McBoing Boing book. While supplies last. Call 860-665-8720 for more information.

Paint Kit Grab & Go
Monday, March 14

For grades 2 – 5. Create a masterpiece in your own home! Limited kits are available beginning March 14. All supplies are included. Happy painting!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

StoryWalk® @ the Library - New StoryWalk® coming this Spring
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story.

Sponsored with the Friends of the Library.

Get Your Mitts on a Good Book! - Virtual
Need some suggestions for our upcoming winter reading program in February? Check out our winter booktalk videos! We will have book recommendations for grades 1 – 6. The video links are available now on our 
Reading Recommendations page. 

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.

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 Winter Scavenger Hunt to see if you can find all the books. Lastly, check out the obstacle courses we have waiting for you in our book stacks. We hope you enjoy!

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. 

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.