Grab & Go crafts
Each week in May we will have crafts ready for pick up! There will be an option for Pre-K - Grade 1 (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
Let us create a personalized book bundle for your child! 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 will be available here.

Spring is in the Air – Grab & Go Kit
Beginning Monday, May 2
Kids in grades 2 – 5 can get a special craft bag with spring themed crafts to make at home. Parents may drop in or call to arrange for pick up beginning Monday, May 2 and continuing through the month while supplies last.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Spring Nature Journals
Monday, May 2
Sign up beginning May 2 to reserve our Nature Journal! This journal is full of fun, boredom-busting outdoor activities for kids. Some materials needed will be included. Available while supplies last.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Indoor Stories, Songs, and Sunshine
Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24 and 31, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for an all-ages story time INDOORS! We’ll welcome in the morning with stories and songs. Please attend with no more than one adult per child due to our limited capacity. Registration is required.

Outdoor Stories, Songs, and Sunshine
Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24 and 31, 11:30 a.m.
Join us for an all-ages story time OUTDOORS! Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a story (or two) and a song (or two).  We will be located on the Library Green. Please remember to bring seating (blankets or chairs). This will be a repeat storytime from the previous indoor session. Registration required.

Indoor Family Storytime
Thursdays, May 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6:00 p.m.
Stories, songs and more for the whole family! Please attend with no more than one adult per child due to our limited capacity. Registration is required.

Children’s Author Spotlight: Michele Kean
Saturday, May 7, 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.

StoryWalk®

Our special StoryWalk® is located on the Library Green. Walk together and enjoy a story along the way. A new story, The Thing About Spring by Daniel Kirk, will be up in early April. Use #lrwlkids on Instagram so we can see that you visited or scan the QR code to answer a brief survey. If you take the QR Code survey, you have the chance to win a prize! Call 860-665-8720 for more details.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

2022 Summer Reading:
Stay tuned for Oceans of Possibilities this summer! Both our Children’s and Teen summer reading programs will start on Friday, June 17, and end on Wednesday, August 24. There will be activities and prize giveaways! More information to come on both programs. 

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 Spring 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.