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 are available here.

Summer Reading 2022 – Oceans of Possibilities 
June 17 - August 24
Have oceans of fun with summer reading! Sign up online or in-person. Click here for the Summer Reading page where you can register online as well as print out a game board. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

WEEKLY PROGRAMS:
Please note that registration is required for all programs. You may register up to two weeks in advance for programs. All programs except for Outdoor Stories, Songs, and Sunshine will be indoors. Call 860-665-8720 or visit the Kids’ Event webpage to register.
 
Storytime for Ones
Mondays, July 25 – August 29, 10:15 a.m.
Stories and songs for children 9 - 24 months, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.
 
Outdoor Stories, Songs, and Sunshine
Tuesdays, July 19 – August 30, 10:15 a.m.
Join us for an all-ages storytime OUTDOORS! Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy stories and songs.  We will be located on the Library Green. Please remember to bring seating (blankets or chairs). Registration required.

Storytime for Twos
Wednesdays, July 20 – August 31, 10:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, and take-home crafts for children 24 months and older, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.

Storytime for 3 – 5 year olds
Thursdays, July 21 – September 1, 10:15 a.m. (No storytime August 4)
Stories, songs, and take-home crafts for children ages 3 - 5, without caregivers. Registration required.

Indoor Family Storytime
Thursdays, July – September 1,  6:30 p.m. (No storytime July 14 & August 18)
Stories and songs for the whole family. Registration is required.

Tiny Art Show – All Ages
Begins Friday, July 1
Display your artistic talents in our Tiny Art Show! Call beginning July 1 to register for a mini artist kit. Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, return it to the library by Friday, August 5 to be part of the exhibit! The art will be on display from August 10 through the end of the month. The mini artist kit includes: 4?x4? canvas and easel, acrylic paint, and brushes. All ages are welcome to participate! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Catch the Hatch: Baby Chicks @ the Library!
Tuesday, July 5 – Tuesday, August 9
Starting Tuesday, July 5, we’ll have special guests – little chicken eggs that are getting ready to hatch – in the children’s department. We’ll have an incubator set up and families may even get to see the eggs start to hatch! After hatching, the chicks will stay at the library until August 9 before heading back to Farmer Joe’s Gardens in Wallingford. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Babies Love Art! – Outdoor
Monday, July 18, 10:30 a.m
Babies 6 months to 24 months will bond, play and engage in stimulating art activities.  Our little artists will take home an age appropriate art project. So much fun and a little messy!  Registration begins July 4.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Crafternoon
Tuesday, July 19, 4:00 p.m.
Children entering grades 1–5 are invited to join us for an hour filled with activities designed to let you explore and create!  Registration begins July 5.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, July 20, 6:00 p.m.
Cookbook Club is back featuring a summer theme – watermelon salsa! Kids entering grades 3-5 may register beginning July 6.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Junior Cookbook Club
Wednesday, July 27, 6:00 p.m.
Explore our Oceans of Possibilities as we create ocean-themed treats. Kids entering grades 1-2 may register beginning July 13.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Mermaid Tea Party - Outdoor
Thursday, July 28, 1:00 p.m.
Come meet your favorite Mermaid Princess! We will sing songs, sip tea, hear a story, and more. Snacks will be served. Costumes are welcome! Children ages 4 and older may register beginning July 14.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Foam Party - Outdoor
Saturday, July 30, 1:30 p.m.
It’s like a pool party without a pool! Come to the library for an afternoon of foam and fun! Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet and remember to bring a towel and water shoes with you.  Children ages 6 –11 may register beginning July 16.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

StoryWalk®
Our special StoryWalk® is located on the Library Green. Walk together and enjoy a story along the way. Enjoy our new story, Off & Away by Cale Atkinson. 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.

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 Summer Scavenger Hunt. Lastly, check out the obstacle courses we have waiting for you in our book stacks. We hope you enjoy!

Topic Totes
Check out the Children’s Department's Topic Tote collection!  Have a child who loves gardening? 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.