Children’s Programming

September

STORYHOURS - Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and Thursdays from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The morning story hours, for children 3¹/₂-6 years old, will be held on October 7, 14, 21, and 28. The afternoon story hours will be held on October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. As usual, there will be enjoyable stories and crafts. Pre-registration for October's story hours will begin on September 15 and run through the end of September. Pre-registration is required.

FRIDAY IS GAME DAY AT THE LIBRARY! – Beginning Friday, September 12 and continuing each Friday throughout the school year, Game Day will take place from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Come, bring a friend or make a new friend, and play a board game. See you there!!!!

TODDLER STORYTIME – In collaboration with Tri-Town’s Even Start Literacy Program, the library will present a toddler story time program for children aged 2-3¹/₂ on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Toddler story time includes stories, finger plays, and a craft. A parent/caregiver must participate in the program. Pre-registration is required.

NIGHTY-NIGHT STORYTIME @ EAST SMITHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY – Beginning on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:15 p.m., children, ages three through six, are invited to Nighty-Night Storytime featuring stories, finger plays, songs, and crafts. This program is specifically scheduled for parents who are unable to bring their children to the daytime story hours. Children may wear their pajamas and bring a favorite blanket or treasured stuffed animal to storytime. This is a new program for the East Smithfield Public Library so there will not be any registration for September. Registration will be required for October. For more information, please contact Mike Cardin at 231-5150 x3.

SATURDAY SPECIALS - September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. – EXPLORE AND CREATE PICTURE BOOK ART. Families are invited to participate in this fantastic and visually-stimulating program. This program will introduce participants to children’s book illustrations. Please wear your work clothes to this activity because you never know where the paint will land. Hopefully, your work of art will become a permanent part of your family’s history. September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – PICTURING AMERICA. All ages are invited to come to the library and peruse, examine, and discuss the various items making up the Picturing America collection. This collection is a new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to bring masterpieces of American art into libraries. Through this program, citizens will gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history, culture, and character. Some of the art forms depicted in the posters include drawings, photographs, collages, murals, paintings, engravings, and sculptures. A few of the notable Americans highlighted in the posters are George Washington, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Booker T. Washington. Stop by the library and check out this notable and worthwhile collection. Pre-registration is required for both Saturday Specials. Please call the library at 231-5150.

CHILDREN'S DISPLAY CASE - The library is always interested in having children show their collections in the exhibit case. Please contact one of the Youth Services Librarians to sign up for this terrific opportunity.

DISPLAY – This September, the Children’s Room display case is featuring Timothy Edsall’s collection of Animal Figurines. Timmy has been collecting animals his whole life! From an alligator, to an eagle, to our favorite four friends from Madagascar, be sure to come by to see his extensive collection! Tim is loving learning to read about his favorite animals and is looking forward to being in Miss Hennessy’s 1^st grade class at Old County Road School this year!

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS - The staff of the library would like to extend our appreciation and congratulations to all of the children and teens who participated in our annual Summer Reading Programs. The children and teens read hundreds of books, but whether they read 5 books, or 35 books, they were all winners as concerns the further development of their minds and constructive utilization of their leisure time.

SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM MISS BABS – I want to thank the many people who helped make the 2008 Summer Reading Program a huge success. This year 63 children completed the program and collectively read hundreds of books. I am always amazed at the enthusiasm of the children, parents, and grandparents who come to the library all summer to borrow books, participate in programs and share with me what they have been reading.

We are also very fortunate to have a special collaboration with the dedicated faculty of Old County Road School who once again volunteered their time over the summer to share storyhours with the children.

I would also like to thank the Friends of the Library (FOL) who very generously donated to the Summer Reading Program. Through the combined efforts of the library and the FOL, the children were able to experience many performances and enjoy rewards throughout the summer.

CONGRATULATIONS – Congratulations to Renee Laliberte for being the top reader in this year’s young adult reading program “Metamorphosis.” For her literary achievements, she was awarded a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble booksellers.

PAWSOX ALL-STAR READING WINNER – Congratulations to Alexia Santos, East Smithfield Public Library’s PawSox All-Star Reader. Alexia was randomly selected from many entries that were received as part of the Summer Reading Program. Alexia won four free tickets to see the Paw Sox play at McCoy Stadium. We are proud that she represented the East Smithfield Public Library. This event was sponsored by Coca-Cola, Citizens Bank, and the Pawtucket Red Sox.

HOMEWORK EXPRESS – The Homework Express is up and running at the East Smithfield Public Library. For youngsters in grades K-8, this is the ticket for you. Each Thursday, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., your friendly neighborhood Children’s/Young Adult Librarians will be ready to help you with your homework. Whether you need help finding a specific book, guidance with a tricky question, or just some advice on how to get started, the Youth Services Librarians will give you the encouragement and confidence you need to tackle any homework assignment. Don’t hesitate to avail yourself to this warm, friendly, and professional service. Drop by the library (no sign-up necessary) and get rolling on the Homework Express! Hope to see you soon.

HOMEWORK HELP – Could you use some help on your school assignments, projects and papers? If so, stop by the library on any Monday (3-8 p.m.), Tuesday (3-8 p.m.), or Wednesday (3-7 p.m.) and Mr. Mike will assist you in utilizing the best reference resources for your homework. You will learn how to find the most useful books and how to use the electronic resources and Internet to get the most current articles on topics you are researching. Learn how to properly cite articles and organize your resources into a cohesive report. No registration is required. To access homework help from home, go to the library’s homepage and click on the Young Adult (Y/A) Teen Page, and under Reference, click on either the Online Reference Homework Help or Schoolwork and Research/EBSCO Databases link.

THANK YOU! – During the hot and steamy month of July, Principal Jill Barnhardt and the teachers at Old County Road Elementary School volunteered their time and talents to make the Summer Reading Program at the East Smithfield Public Library a tremendous success. These dedicated individuals provided storytelling, crafts and other enrichment activities to the young children of Smithfield. The children who participated in these educational and recreational sessions were glad to escape from the blistering summer heat and enjoy interacting with their friends and fellow classmates in a “cool” environment. On behalf of the children and caregivers who participated in this program, the library gives a hardy and heartfelt “thank you” to Jill Barnhardt and the teachers for their time, effort, and caring throughout the summer months. Smithfield should be grateful that it has dedicated and caring professionals who are truly committed to making a difference in the lives of our children. The children will surely be the benefactors of this cooperative school-library endeavor.

DISPLAY – The main display case is featuring an interesting and fascinating presentation on SpongeBob. The exhibit was organized and developed by Eva Robidoux who has been collecting SpongeBob merchandise for over seven years. Most of her collection has been given to her as gifts throughout the years. What started out as a project for the guest bedroom has turned into an entire basement playroom for both kids and adults. This display is only a small sample of the growing Bikini Bottom collection that has brought Eva so much laughter and joy. Stop by the library and check out this exquisite and unique collection.

SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH – Your library card will give you access to one of the greatest resources in your local community: YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY. Your library is a goldmine of books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, the Internet, storyhours, and other great resources and services for the entire family. In this day and age of high energy prices, where else can you take your family for FREE! Also, for parents shopping for school supplies, remember: A LIBRARY CARD IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SCHOOL SUPPLY OF ALL.

FREE DIGITAL MEDIA DOWNLOADS – East Smithfield Public Library is a member of The Ocean State Libraries E-Zone! Anyone with an Ocean State Libraries (OSL) card can access this database and download digital media (audiobooks, music, e-books, and videos) for FREE! Digital media can be downloaded and listened to on your home personal computer (PC), burned to CD for your car stereo, and transferred to many portable audio devices, all without leaving the comfort of your home. Now your library never closes. Check one out today. For more information and a listing of titles available visit http://riezone.lib.overdrive.com.

PRESERVATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS - We are all responsible for protecting the physical condition of library materials. Helpful hints: a) clean hands prevent buildup of grime and sticky substances; b) removing books from the shelves by pulling on the headband (top of the spine) will weaken and eventually destroy the book - to remove a book, gently push in the books on either side, grasp the book in the center, and remove it.

DONATIONS - We would like to express our thanks to all of our patrons and friends who have donated library materials during the past year. Your kind generosity in donating valuable materials such as books, periodicals, videocassettes, CDs, DVDs, and other resources is much appreciated. You epitomize and perpetuate the true meaning of community library.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK – September 27 – October 4. Banned Books Week (BBW) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met. Remember, it’s your freedom we’re talking about. For more information, go to www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm.

LIBRARY HOURS – Now that students will be preparing for another school year, the library will be reopening on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., beginning September 6.

RECENT ADDITIONS:

Juvenile Fiction/Nonfiction

Frida: Viva La Vida = Long Live Life – Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

The Little Squeegy Bug – Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

Dancing Larry – Daniel Pinkwater

Frankie Stein – Lola M. Schaefer

I’m the Best Artist in the Ocean – Kevin Sherry

A Taste of Honey – Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

The Willoughbys – Lois Lowry

Red Moon at Sharpsburg – Rosemary Wells

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac – Gabrielle Zevin

Sergio Makes a Splash – Edel Rodriguez

Splat the Cat – Rob Scotton

Buffalo Music – Tracey Fern

October

STORYHOURS - Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and Thursdays from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The morning story hours, for children 3¹/₂-6 years old, will be held on November 4, 18, and 25. The afternoon story hours will be held on November 6, 13, and 20. As usual, there will be enjoyable stories and crafts. Pre-registration for November's story hours will begin on October 14 and run through the end of October. Pre-registration is required.

SATURDAY SPECIALS: October 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Halloween Craft and Stories. Come to the library and listen to not-too-scary stories, make a spooky craft, and enjoy refreshments. This program is for children ages 4-10. October 25, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – RISD Museum Presents Worlds of Wonder with Meris. Explore the world of “DRAGONS” through art and folklore. Create your own dragon inspired art! This program is for children in grades K-5. Pre-registration is required for both events.

TODDLER STORY HOURS – In collaboration with Tri-Town Even Start Literacy Program, the library provides a toddler story time program for children ages 2 to 3 ½ on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 – 11:00 am. A parent/caregiver must participate in the program. Pre-registration is required.

NIGHTY-NIGHT STORYTIME – On Wednesday evenings, at 6:15 p.m., children, ages three through six, are invited to Nighty-Night Storytime featuring stories, finger plays, songs, and crafts. This program is specifically scheduled for parents who are unable to bring their children to the daytime story hours. Children may wear their pajamas and bring a favorite blanket or treasured stuffed animal to storytime. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Mike Cardin at 231-5150 x3.

AUTUMN CRAFT – Thursday, October 9, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Stop by the library and make a decorative autumn centerpiece with the members of the Apple Blossom Garden Club. This program is for children in grades K-5. Pre-registration is required.

FRIDAY IS GAME DAY AT THE LIBRARY! From 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Come play a board game, enjoy a snack, bring a friend or make a new friend. See you there!

ART WORKSHOP: HOLIDAYS OF THE WORLD – Starting Thursday, October 16, 2008, there is going to be a party at the library! Did you know that somewhere in the world a celebration is always happening? Now is your chance to find out about some of these holidays and make an AMAZING ART PROJECT to go along with the fun! To join the party, please sign up with Miss Michelle or Miss Babs. The classes are for children ages 6-10 and are limited to 12 participants. The 4 class dates are October 16 (Mexican Holidays and the Day of the Dead), November 13 (Indian Holidays and the celebration of Divali), December 18 (Native Americans and the Hopi celebration of Soya-Luna), and January 15 (Chinese holidays and the Chinese New Year or Venice Carnival). Each program will run from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Sign up as soon as possible for this fantastic and fun-filled program.

COUNTING CONTEST - All of our younger patrons in grades K-5 are invited to participate in our Halloween Counting Contest - counting the number of candy corns in a special container. Stop by the Children’s Room and place your guess in the box provided and you could be a winner! The youngster who comes the closest to the correct number will win a special Halloween prize. Each child is allowed ONLY ONE GUESS. The winner will be drawn on October 24. The winner will receive a spooktacular treat! Good luck to all of the participants.

DISPLAY – This month the Children’s Room display case features a fascinating collection of Barbie Dolls. This display was organized and developed by Sarah Sirois. Sarah has been collecting Barbie dolls for many years. Sarah also plays electric guitar, sings, and enjoys reading. Her dream is to own a donut shop. She will call it Sarah’s Donuts. Stop by the library and check out this interesting and unique display.

SHARE-A-STORY BOOK GROUP – Thursday, October 23, from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Children in grades 4 and 5 and their parent(s)/caregiver(s) are invited to come to the library and participate in an informational meeting concerning how the book group works. This is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters and adults to get together with other individuals who like to read and talk about their common interests and concerns. Hope to see you there! Refreshments will be served.

TEEN READ WEEK – Attention Teens! Stop by the library and celebrate Teen Read Week – October 12-18. The theme this year is Books with Bite @ Your Library! Indulge your biting curiosity and check out books and graphic novels on animals, technology, cooking and even vampires!  Stop by today and pick up a page turner that you can read or listen to, just for the fun of it!

TEEN READ CAFÉ – Come to the library on Thursday, October 16, at 7:15 p.m. Teens in grades 6 and up will be discussing what they have been reading with other teens. Advance Reader Copies (ARC) of current teen fiction will be given away to all teens who attend this exciting program. Hope to see you there!

MUSIC WITH MISS HOLLY – Saturday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m. Miss Holly’s presentation will expose children, ages 1 to 5, to a variety of musical styles through movement, vocal play, finger play, creative play, singing, games, circle dances, story time, and instrument exploration. Some of the instruments used are egg shakers, rhythm sticks, jingle sticks, drums, and a variety of well-known percussion instruments. Space is limited so please sign up today! Sign up in the Children’s Program Binder in the Children’s Room, or call the library at 231-5150 x3.

HOMEWORK EXPRESS – The Homework Express is continuing at the East Smithfield Public Library. For youngsters in grades K-8, this is the ticket for you. Each Thursday, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., your friendly neighborhood Children’s/Young Adult Librarians will be ready to help you with your homework. Whether you need help finding a specific book, guidance with a tricky question, or just some advice on how to get started, the Youth Services Librarians will give you the encouragement and confidence you need to tackle any homework assignment. Don’t hesitate to avail yourself to this warm, friendly, and professional service. Drop by the library (no sign-up necessary) and get rolling on the Homework Express! Hope to see you soon.

HOMEWORK HELP – Could you use some help on your school assignments, projects and papers? If so, stop by the library on any Monday (3-8 p.m.), Tuesday (3-8 p.m.), or Wednesday (3-7 p.m.) and Mr. Mike will assist you in utilizing the best reference resources for your homework. You will learn how to find the most useful books and how to use the electronic resources and Internet to get the most current articles on topics you are researching. Learn how to properly cite articles and organize your resources into a cohesive report. No registration is required. To access homework help from home, go to the library’s homepage and click on the Young Adult (Y/A) Teen Page, and under Reference, click on either the Online Reference Homework Help or Schoolwork and Research/EBSCO Databases link. Also, ask Mr. Mike about our new service: AskRI.

ASKRI.ORG – A new world of online library resources. This fall, online resources will be available to all Rhode Islanders from their favorite library, or wherever they connect to the Internet. All you need is a library card. These core resources include Tutor.com, World Book and World Book Discover, and a selection of EBSCO databases including Academic Search Premier, Master File Premier, History Reference Center and many more. Check out these free and invaluable resources by accessing http://www.askri.org/.

TASTY TREATS – Join us on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. as we take a bite out of some interesting snack foods gathered from numerous cookbooks on our bookshelves. All of the participants will be involved in preparing these foods. We will make Salsa, Nachos, and Shish Kabobs! Bring your appetite to this mouth-watering and delicious event.

PUZZLES - If you are looking for something to do on a rainy day, stop by the library and browse through our puzzle collection. We have puzzles depicting various landscape scenery, animals, people and events. The puzzles are interesting and challenging and you will feel a sense of accomplishment when the "last piece" is inserted.

HOLIDAY CLOSING - In commemoration of Columbus Day, the library will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2008.

HALLOWEEN NOTE: Remember, even though we stock up on sweets and goodies for the little ghosts and goblins who will be visiting our homes, we should not forget that many cultures earnestly leave out food, sweets, and cigarettes as an offering for the dead who are believed to revisit the earth on the October 31 of each year.

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS! – Mahatma Gandhi born, 1869 – October 2; Thurgood Marshall became first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, 1967 – October 2; Eleanor Roosevelt born, 1884 – October 11; Molly Pitcher, Revolutionary War Heroine, born, 1754 – October 13; John Adams born, 1735 – October 19; United Nations Day – October 24; Steven Kellogg, author, born 1941 – October 26; Fire Prevention Week – week of the 5^th; and National Magic Week, 4^th week.

RECENT ADDITIONS:

Juvenile Fiction/Nonfiction