New Library Program
Max the Reading Dog for Kids!

Wait a minute, dogs can't read! But kids love reading to Max in a relaxed comfortable environment. It's a real confidence booster for early readers to share their new skills with an appreciative and non-judgmental doggy listener.

Max, a bichon-frise, is a certified Therapy Dog owned by Joanne McDonnell (Rochester's Town Clerk). Max will be available for private reading sessions with early readers at the library on two Saturdays during October. For now we only have three slots available and are asking you to commit to attending both Saturdays. Your session will be you, your child, Max and Joanne, for 15 minutes, the library will be closed to other patrons so you will have a private, comfortable space.

Our fun Saturday music for children programs are back.

Programs will be offered:
Saturday October 24th at 11am - Hilarious Halloween
Saturday November 14 at 10am - Dinosaurs
Saturday December 12 at 10am - Zzzzzzip!

 

October 24th program :

“Hilarious Halloween" - Sing-a-long songs, finger plays, felt board activities, riddles and books-to-be-sung are all part of this seasonal program created and performed by children's entertainer Susie Smolen. Join us this Halloween season in a rousing rendition of "Three Little Spiders Jumping on Their Web" and visit a very unusual farm in the felt board activity "Old MacDonald Had a Haunted Farm". Susie sings and accompanies herself on guitar and ukelele. She brings her experiences as a parent, musician, librarian and educator to all of her performances.  Mix this with a genuine love of people and fun and you've got a crowd-pleasing program!

Paragraph.

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.  All programs meet at the library.

October 13th -  Let’s Strike a Pose!  Yoga
Well, we may not strike a pose but with help from Kripalu Yoga Instructor Alison Hans of Sangha Healing Arts we may ease into one.  Come unwind from a long day at school, be sure to eat a big lunch because we’ll snack at the end, and bring a mat if you’d like.  Parents welcome to join!

October 20th -  Our Enchanted Backyard!
Are there fairies and elves living in your garden or woods?  Kelly O’Brien will lead us on a scavenge for twigs, leaves, and whatever natural material we’ll need to construct houses for our enchanted friends.   Take them home and hide them in your own secret place.

0ctober 27th -  It’s that Boootiful Time Again!
Join us for our Annual  Carving of the Pumpkins!  Trish from Pittsfield Garden has picked out some boootiful pumpkins and we can’t wait to see what you carve this year.   We’ll light them Halloween night for all to see!

November 10th & 17th -  Who said “No Drama”?
We’ve invited Justine Calnan, also known as JC, to bring her professional knowledge of Acting and Theatre to our After School Program.  In her words, "children will learn basic fundamentals of theater through activities in creative dramatics.  Performance-based material will emerge through the support of teamwork and group creativity.  I will cover the physical aspects of theater as well as the structure of putting together a cohesive scene or group of scenes, by beginning with mime and continuing with a series of games that will lead to beginning playwriting.  Students will not only learn certain aspects of theater but begin learning how to overcome nervousness and finding comfort in their individual creativity."

On November 10th  JC will focus on working with the younger kids through  3rd grade,  the older kids will participate in a theme related project.
On November 17th JC will focus on working with kids fourth grade and up,  the younger kids will participate in a theme related project.
We’re excited to have JC and can’t wait for the Drama!

Our after school program will be starting up again on Tuesday October 13th with likely pumpkin carving, drama, scavenger hunt and bat programs.  

As usual our programs are free and open to the public, PARENTS PLEASE READ OUR KIDS POLICY:

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.  All programs meet at the library.