Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Storytellers Cindy Killavey, Christopher Carbone and Piper Padilla will be performing favorite Dr. Seuss stories at the Middletown Public Library on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 4 pm.  The program, "Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!" will feature Reader's Theater and musical interpretations of "The Cat in the Hat", "Green Eggs and Ham", "The Sneetches" and other beloved Seuss books.  Seuss bookmarks and puzzle sheets will be available to take home.

The performance is sponsored by The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling.  For free tickets and more information, please call the the Children's Room at 846-1573.

March Into Reading!

As February draws to a close, the March Into Reading campaign begins!  It kicks off on Friday, February 26, when authors and illustrators will be visiting local schools to discuss their books with students.  It continues on Saturday, February 27 at Salve Regina University's O'Hare Academic Center from 9:30 am - 1 pm.  There will be children's discovery rooms, author and illustrator workshops, book sales and signings, and community information centers.  All are *free* and open to the public.

Click here for the full schedule of events! 

Black History Month

February is National Black History Month!  Celebrate the cultural contributions,  achievements, and extraordinary lives that African Americans have given and lead in our country this month by visiting the library to check out the books that we have to offer on Black History.  There are multiple book displays around the library for readers of all ages to browse and check-out.

In the Children's Room, visit our special display of books where you can read books such as:

"Coretta Scott: Poetry" by Ntozake Shange with paintings by Kadir Nelson
"Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Explorer Matthew Henson" by Dolores Johnson
"Satchel Paige" by Lesa Cline-Ransome with paintings by James E. Ransome
"Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive" by Carole Boston Weatherford with illustrations by Eric Velasquez
"Ray Charles "by Sharon Bell Mathus with illustrations by George Ford

These are just some of the many books that we have to offer in the library, so please let us know if there is a biography or history book that you are looking for during Black History Month!

Stories from Snowy Lands

Sparky’s Puppets will perform “Stories From Snowy Lands” at the Middletown Public Library on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

The show will feature lively adaptations of “The Snowman,” “The Bear Goes Ice Fishing,” “The Grasshopper and the Ant,” “The Tale of the North Wind” and other classic tales.

Sparky’s Puppets have been dramatizing children’s stories in schools and libraries throughout New England for over 25 years. The show features colorful hand puppets, lively humor and audience participation. Free tickets can be picked up at the Children’s Room Desk or by calling the library at 846-1573.

Happy Valentine's Day!

You're invited to join us for a free Valentine's Day program where your child can make a Valentine card for their favorite person or pet, listen to a story, and have a chocolate treat!

When: Thursday, February 11th at 4 pm

Who: Grades K-4

Where: The Meeting Room of the Middletown Public Library

To register, please call the Children's Room Desk at 846-1573

Preschool Storytimes

Registration for Middletown Public Library's "Your Two and You" and "Playful Preschoolers" storytimes will begin at 9:30 am on Monday, January 25, 2010.

"Your Two and You" will be held on Wednesday's at 10:30 am beginning February 3. "Your Two and You" is a special sharing time for parent/caregiver and child. Children who have turned three years old and have never been to a storytime may also join this program. Registration is limited to 10 children.

"Playful Preschoolers" will be held on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am beginning February 4. This storytime is for children three to five years old who are ready to join a group. Registration is limited to 14 children.

All storytimes feature stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft on a weekly theme. Each session runs for four weeks. Parents may register for these free programs at the library or by calling the Children's Room Desk at 846-1573. We hope to see you here!

Abigail Jefferson's Multicultural Celebration!

   Celebrate and Participate on Saturday, January 9th at 11 am!

Storyteller Abigail Ifatola Jefferson and performance artist Cynthia Burke will share interactive stories, songs and rhythms from around the world. Begin your New Year with a program that creates a spirit of joyful community!  The performance is for families with children ages 4-10. Please call the Children's Room Desk at 846-1573 for free tickets and more information.