What a great turn out for Swing and African Dance with Dance Instructor Shelby Jones!
 
Our after school kids got into rythm with Dance Instructor Shelby Jones of Rutland.  Shelby Jones introduced the kids to some Swing moves and then took the kids to Africa.  She brought along fabrics from different parts of Africa and the kids dressed up and immersed themselves in African dance.  The kids learned how African dance moves often tell a story.  So, while they were dancing, they were also giving thanks to the earth, praising their food, praying for rain, and loving their parents.  At the end of the program, a circle was formed, kids got a chance to play the drums, and whoever wanted to enter the circle and dance was encouraged to do so, this was a fantastic program and a great opportunity for the kids to experience a different part of the world though dance.  Shelby loved the energy of the kids and promises to return.  Thanks Shelby!  PS. I think this would make a great Adult program- let me know if you are interested.
 
~Traci
 see the rest of Traci's photos HERE.

Thank you Richard and Selica of Peak Survival for presenting a great after school program.  Richard and Selica asked the kids to focus in on their five (or was it six) senses.  Then, they asked them to make a connection with these senses and the natural world.  After doing so, the kids set off to put it all into action.  Through a series of great games and exercises, the kids learned how to smell their way around, how to listen for their 'pack', and how to 'feel' their way back home.  They worked together to untangle a human knot and got a sense of what it is like to be part of the 'food chain'.  On such a gorgeous day, there was a lot of running around, the sound of laughter, and genuine enthusiasm.  Richard and Selica ended the program with a great book, Shel Silverstein's, The Giving Tree.  Great program!
      ~Traci

What a great turn out for our VINS program.  Thank you to all the volunteers that made this happen!

Join us for a Raptor Presentation and LIVE Eagle Encounter with VINS! Tuesday March 9th at 3:45. MEET AT THE LIBRARY.

Our program continues each week with:

High Energy Outdoor Fun!  
On March 16th 
High Energy Outdoor Fun!  On March !6th Selica and Richard of Peak Survival, located right here in Pittsfield, have designed a program that will get us outdoors and moving.  Plan for an orienteering relay race and more! Please com prepared for being outside!


Let’s Dance and Drum!  
On March 23rd 
Let's Dance and Drum! On March 23rd instructor Shelby Jones will introduce some African, Swing, and Belly  dance moves.  There will be a drumming section, so if you have a drum- bring it!
 

Eunice is in the Kitchen Again! 
On March 30th

Get Crazy with Color! 
On April 6th  

All children attending programs must be registered at the beginning of each SERIES OF programs. CHILDREN MAY BRING THE FORM TO THEIR FIRST PROGRAM OR REGISTER IN ADVANCE by drop-off box or mail. (One registration covers all spring after school programs - forms available in the LINK IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN------->).

Children of all ages are welcome to attend our programs.  However, children 2nd grade and younger require a parent present.  Parents are encouraged to accompany an older child who may benefit from your guidance.

Parents are responsible for their children while they are at the library or attending library programs, including when the child is dropped off by bus, or when the parent chooses to leave the building or program site. Programs start at 3:45 and end promptly at 5pm when the library closes.