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

The art will be on display from August 10 through the end of the month in the Community Room. Come check out Newington's talent! 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.

Ready for Kindergarten
Tuesdays, August 2, 9, and 16, 6:30 p.m.
Children who will be starting kindergarten for the 2022 – 2023 school year, and a caregiver are invited to listen to stories and participate in lots of hands-on activities that will help children to develop the skills needed for a successful start in school. In order to create a special one-on-one learning time with your soon to be kindergartener, please make other arrangements for siblings. Please call to register beginning July 19. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

We Like to Move It!
Thursday, August 4, 10:30 a.m.
Does it slide, roll, or stay put? The Children’s Museum will be here with ramps to explore concepts of energy, force, and motion. Children ages 3 – 5 may register beginning July 21.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Crafternoon
Monday, August 8, 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 25.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, August 10, 6:00 p.m.
Cool off as we make our own ice cream in a bag. Kids entering grades 3-5 may register beginning July 27. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Junior Cookbook Club
Wednesday, August 17, 6:00 p.m.
Explore our Oceans of Possibilities as we create Frushi (fruit sushi). Kids entering grades 1-2 may register beginning August 3.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Polymer Power
Thursday, August 18, 6:00 p.m.
The Children’s Museum will be help us conduct slimy experiments to learn about solids, liquids, and the strange chains called polymers. Children in grades K – 5 may register beginning August 4.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Family Game Night - Outdoor
Friday, August 19, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
We will have a handful of GIANT games, courtesy of The Carnival Party LLC, for families to play outside. Registration will begin on August 5. Registered families can stop in at any time to play during those 2 hours! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Mr. Joe Sings: An Outdoor Family Concert
Monday, August 22, 6:00 p.m.
We invite you to come sing, laugh, and learn with Mr. Joe! Bring a blanket, some snacks, and get ready to sing along. This program is best suited for ages 2 – 7. Registration will begin on Monday, August 8.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Last day for Oceans of Possiblilities - Summer Reading 2022!
Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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.