Simply Silly Storytime is our Wednesday morning storytime for kids of all ages. With music, stories, activities and playtime, Simply Silly is our biggest weekly program!
The storytime is hosted each week by either Miss Jen, Miss Erin or Miss Alissa, and every week there is a different theme - like zany animals, big red apples and friendship fun.
Kids (and caregivers) will learn rhymes and fingerplays, and get a chance to get all their wiggles out.
Simply Silly starts promptly at 10:30 each Wednesday during our regular programming sessions, and it lasts for 45 minutes. There's no pre-registration for Simply Silly - caregivers just sign up on the Meeting Room door the day of the program. Space is limited to the first 36 kids.
Because Simply Silly, like our other toddler and baby programs, is an interactive program, we depend on moms, dads, grandparents and babysitters to join in our rhymes and songs each week. It's a great place to meet other parents and caregivers with similarly aged children, and there is plenty of social time, but during the stories and songs, it's important that grown-ups set a good example for kids and practice quiet listening.
Check it out this week!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Good Reads Tuesday - When You Reach Me
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
New Lenox Library Call Number: J STE
When You Reach Me is a really unique story. There are lots of plot twists and turns, so it's sort of a mystery, but there are elements of science fiction and realistic fiction, too.
Miranda is a sixth grader living in New York in the 1970s. She's a lot like most kids. She has a favorite book (A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle). She's having trouble adjusting to middle school and the new rules about friendship that she finds there. She's dealing with issues with her mother, who raised Miranda all alone.
But unlike most kids, Miranda starts getting mysterious notes from someone who seems to know what's going to happen before it does. As the story unfolds, Miranda and the mystery note-writer have to try to save the life of a friend of Miranda's.
The last few chapters of the book explain the mystery, and after I read this book the first time, I wanted to go back and read it again to pick up all the clues I missed before. This is a great read!
-Miss Alissa
New Lenox Library Call Number: J STE
When You Reach Me is a really unique story. There are lots of plot twists and turns, so it's sort of a mystery, but there are elements of science fiction and realistic fiction, too.
Miranda is a sixth grader living in New York in the 1970s. She's a lot like most kids. She has a favorite book (A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle). She's having trouble adjusting to middle school and the new rules about friendship that she finds there. She's dealing with issues with her mother, who raised Miranda all alone.
But unlike most kids, Miranda starts getting mysterious notes from someone who seems to know what's going to happen before it does. As the story unfolds, Miranda and the mystery note-writer have to try to save the life of a friend of Miranda's.
The last few chapters of the book explain the mystery, and after I read this book the first time, I wanted to go back and read it again to pick up all the clues I missed before. This is a great read!
-Miss Alissa
Monday, September 28, 2009
Homework Help Mondays - Help Now!
Need some homework help? Stuck on a math problem or need another set of eyes to look over an essay?
We have a solution! It's called Help Now, and it's a live tutoring service that New Lenox Library cardholders can access from home or here in the library. Students in grades 3 through 12 can go to the site, and receive personal attention from a tutor - whether it's help with a specific homework problem or just practicing skills. Plus, there's test prep!
Youth Services staffer Liz has been using Help Now to help her daughters with their homework. They have tried Help Now several times, mostly with math homework. Liz said she loves the way that a live tutor is there to assist each kid with their individual needs.
The tutors actually work with students to find solutions, showing them the steps to take to solve math problems. If students want more problems to practice a particular skill set, the tutors will create some.
To try Help Now, just click here, or go to the New Lenox Library's Web site and click the Brain Fuse icon. You'll be asked to download some free software, then you'll be good to go.
Want to try it out at the library or need help accessing it? Just ask at the Youth Services Reference Desk and a staff member would be glad to show you!
The library is also hosting a demonstration on October 15. Parents and teachers are invited to attend a 5 p.m. session and students are asked to stop by at 6 p.m.
Help Now, powered by Brain Fuse, is a great homework help tool for kids who are struggling, for the occasional stumper or for parents who are looking for a little extra direction for their kids. Best of all, it's ABSOLUTELY FREE for New Lenox cardholders.
Have you tried it out? What did you think?
We have a solution! It's called Help Now, and it's a live tutoring service that New Lenox Library cardholders can access from home or here in the library. Students in grades 3 through 12 can go to the site, and receive personal attention from a tutor - whether it's help with a specific homework problem or just practicing skills. Plus, there's test prep!
Youth Services staffer Liz has been using Help Now to help her daughters with their homework. They have tried Help Now several times, mostly with math homework. Liz said she loves the way that a live tutor is there to assist each kid with their individual needs.
The tutors actually work with students to find solutions, showing them the steps to take to solve math problems. If students want more problems to practice a particular skill set, the tutors will create some.
To try Help Now, just click here, or go to the New Lenox Library's Web site and click the Brain Fuse icon. You'll be asked to download some free software, then you'll be good to go.
Want to try it out at the library or need help accessing it? Just ask at the Youth Services Reference Desk and a staff member would be glad to show you!
The library is also hosting a demonstration on October 15. Parents and teachers are invited to attend a 5 p.m. session and students are asked to stop by at 6 p.m.
Help Now, powered by Brain Fuse, is a great homework help tool for kids who are struggling, for the occasional stumper or for parents who are looking for a little extra direction for their kids. Best of all, it's ABSOLUTELY FREE for New Lenox cardholders.
Have you tried it out? What did you think?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
This Week @ NLPL
Here's what's happening this week at New Lenox Public Library!
Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years (registration required)
Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Chess Club @ 4 p.m. for grades 1-8
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up (registration required)
Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
Happy Books, Happy Cooks @ 7:00 p.m. for ages 3 and up (registration required)
Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years
Book Adventures @ 4:30 p.m. for kids grades 3 and up (registration required)
Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years (registration required)
Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Chess Club @ 4 p.m. for grades 1-8
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up (registration required)
Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
Happy Books, Happy Cooks @ 7:00 p.m. for ages 3 and up (registration required)
Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years
Book Adventures @ 4:30 p.m. for kids grades 3 and up (registration required)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Banned Books Week!
This week, if you come into the library, you'll see an unusual sight - an army of brown-wrapped books, standing at attention on top of the Juvenile Reference collection.
While books do make great gifts, that's not why they are all wrapped up. The display has a different purpose. This week, libraries and book stores across the country are celebrating Banned Books Week. Banned books are books that have been pulled from the shelves of libraries and schools because people think some of the content is inappropriate. Hundreds of books are challenged, or questioned, every year.
You might be thinking, "If banning books is bad, why should we celebrate it?"
We celebrate the fact that, even though so many books are questioned or challenged, many of them remain on library shelves and classroom reading lists. We celebrate because we live in a country where, thanks to the First Amendment, every citizen has the right to access information. And we celebrate because, despite attempts at censorship, great books are still being written and read by people of all ages.
Some of the books on display this week are the Harry Potter series, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the Captain Underpants series, and Olive's Ocean, but there are many, many more books that have been challenged or even banned in past years.
More information is available online at http://www.ala.org/ or http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/.
What's your favorite "banned" book?
While books do make great gifts, that's not why they are all wrapped up. The display has a different purpose. This week, libraries and book stores across the country are celebrating Banned Books Week. Banned books are books that have been pulled from the shelves of libraries and schools because people think some of the content is inappropriate. Hundreds of books are challenged, or questioned, every year.
You might be thinking, "If banning books is bad, why should we celebrate it?"
We celebrate the fact that, even though so many books are questioned or challenged, many of them remain on library shelves and classroom reading lists. We celebrate because we live in a country where, thanks to the First Amendment, every citizen has the right to access information. And we celebrate because, despite attempts at censorship, great books are still being written and read by people of all ages.
Some of the books on display this week are the Harry Potter series, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the Captain Underpants series, and Olive's Ocean, but there are many, many more books that have been challenged or even banned in past years.
More information is available online at http://www.ala.org/ or http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/.
What's your favorite "banned" book?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday Fun: Meet the YS Staff
Wonder who it is that's helping with your reference question? Want to know more about the person leading your program? For the next few weeks, the New Lenox Kids! blog will be helping you get to know your YS staff.
This week, you get to meet Dana, the Youth Services Department Head.
Name: Dana
How long have you been at New Lenox Public Library? Two years the beginning of October
What's your favorite thing about working in a library? There’s always a variety of things to do and things going on so it’s never boring.
Do you run any programs? Not any regular programs, except for the annual Hamster Race. I also have done some Saturday programs and tours or programs for visiting groups.
What is your favorite book? I have very many favorite books, but one of my favorite chapter books is The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins is a very funny easier chapter book. I love anything by Mo Willems. And I’m a big fan of the Scaredy Squirrel books by Melanie Watt.
If you could be any character from any book, who would you want to be? Maybe one of the characters from the Harry Potter books, mostly because the world Rowling created was fascinating. When I was reading those books, I wanted to see characters moving around in paintings and be able to eat chocolate covered frogs and see a game called Quidditch.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? Yes, I have two cats: Lilah and Sami, both female.
Do you have any kids? No
What is one random fact about you? I lived in Japan for nearly seven years.
What is your favorite food? My favorite type of food is Mexican. And I’m a big fan of popcorn!
If you didn't work in a library, what would you want to do? Something that would allow me to travel anywhere I wanted to go.
How long have you been at New Lenox Public Library? Two years the beginning of October
What's your favorite thing about working in a library? There’s always a variety of things to do and things going on so it’s never boring.
Do you run any programs? Not any regular programs, except for the annual Hamster Race. I also have done some Saturday programs and tours or programs for visiting groups.
What is your favorite book? I have very many favorite books, but one of my favorite chapter books is The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins is a very funny easier chapter book. I love anything by Mo Willems. And I’m a big fan of the Scaredy Squirrel books by Melanie Watt.
If you could be any character from any book, who would you want to be? Maybe one of the characters from the Harry Potter books, mostly because the world Rowling created was fascinating. When I was reading those books, I wanted to see characters moving around in paintings and be able to eat chocolate covered frogs and see a game called Quidditch.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? Yes, I have two cats: Lilah and Sami, both female.
Do you have any kids? No
What is one random fact about you? I lived in Japan for nearly seven years.
What is your favorite food? My favorite type of food is Mexican. And I’m a big fan of popcorn!
If you didn't work in a library, what would you want to do? Something that would allow me to travel anywhere I wanted to go.
Have questions for Dana or any of the other YS staff members? Feel free to ask, or just stop by the reference desks to say "hi!"
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday Treasure: Movies @ NLPL
Did you know that you can borrow movies on VHS and DVD from the library? It's easy! All you need is a library card.
We have all kinds of DVDs and tapes to rent, from episodes of Spongebob and Dora the Explorer to popular recent features like The Jonas Brothers Concert Experience . You get to keep them for a whole week. Some of the tapes and DVDs have a $2 rental fee, but some are completely free!
What are some of your favorite movies?
We have all kinds of DVDs and tapes to rent, from episodes of Spongebob and Dora the Explorer to popular recent features like The Jonas Brothers Concert Experience . You get to keep them for a whole week. Some of the tapes and DVDs have a $2 rental fee, but some are completely free!
What are some of your favorite movies?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday Spotlight: Tales & Tunes
Tales & Tunes is our Thursday morning toddler program. Offered to kids ages 2 to 3 1/2 years, the half-hour program has kids singing, dancing and doing fun fingerplays.
Miss Alissa is the instructor, and she loves picking silly, simple stories to read to the kids, and funny songs to get them up and moving. Each week, the kids (with the help of parents) make a cute craft to take home, too.
Handouts with additional rhymes and songs, as well as an early literacy tip of the week, go home with parents or caregivers each week.
There's no registration - caregivers just sign up on the Storytime Room door the day of the program. Miss Alissa has two sessions, one at 10:30 and another at 11:15. Space is limited to the first 15 kids in each session. Older (or younger) siblings are welcome to sit in, but they need to be signed in, too. Crafts will be given out to the 2 to 3 1/2 year olds first, though.
Miss Alissa is the instructor, and she loves picking silly, simple stories to read to the kids, and funny songs to get them up and moving. Each week, the kids (with the help of parents) make a cute craft to take home, too.
Handouts with additional rhymes and songs, as well as an early literacy tip of the week, go home with parents or caregivers each week.
There's no registration - caregivers just sign up on the Storytime Room door the day of the program. Miss Alissa has two sessions, one at 10:30 and another at 11:15. Space is limited to the first 15 kids in each session. Older (or younger) siblings are welcome to sit in, but they need to be signed in, too. Crafts will be given out to the 2 to 3 1/2 year olds first, though.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Good Reads Tuesday - Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
New Lenox Library Call Number: J KEL
Callie Vee has a hard enough time being the only girl in a family of seven kids. But when she turns 11, her mother decides that it's time that Callie learns how to be a proper lady - and that means giving up her dreams of being a scientist. In 1899, it was hard for women to get into fields like biology, but with the help of her grandfather and an important discovery on her family's property, maybe Callie can convince her mother that needlepoint and cooking aren't the only skills a girl can use.
I really liked this book because I thought Callie was an awesome character, and the relationships that she had with her mom, brothers and grandfather seemed really genuine. Plus, I love stories that have a strong female as the protagonist. I also liked the historical aspect of the book, and the time that Callie "grew" up in is very different from the one we live in now - girls today are lucky to be able to study whatever interests them in school!
Did you read this book? What did you think?
-Miss Alissa
New Lenox Library Call Number: J KEL
Callie Vee has a hard enough time being the only girl in a family of seven kids. But when she turns 11, her mother decides that it's time that Callie learns how to be a proper lady - and that means giving up her dreams of being a scientist. In 1899, it was hard for women to get into fields like biology, but with the help of her grandfather and an important discovery on her family's property, maybe Callie can convince her mother that needlepoint and cooking aren't the only skills a girl can use.
I really liked this book because I thought Callie was an awesome character, and the relationships that she had with her mom, brothers and grandfather seemed really genuine. Plus, I love stories that have a strong female as the protagonist. I also liked the historical aspect of the book, and the time that Callie "grew" up in is very different from the one we live in now - girls today are lucky to be able to study whatever interests them in school!
Did you read this book? What did you think?
-Miss Alissa
Monday, September 21, 2009
Homework Help Mondays - Textbooks @ NL Library
Have you ever gotten all the way home from school, then realized you left your vocabulary book in your desk? Or needed to read ahead in your Language Arts book, but forgot it?
You're in luck! Just behind the main youth services desk, we have almost every school textbook for the New Lenox elementary and middle schools. You can stop by, make copies, and still get your homework turned in on time!
Only a couple of rules: You can't check them out to take home with you, so you have to make copies or do your homework at the library. And, even though you can use the textbooks anywhere in the library, you have to bring them back to the youth services desk. Pretty easy, right?
You can always call ahead to make sure we have the textbook you need: 815.485.2605
Happy homeworking!
You're in luck! Just behind the main youth services desk, we have almost every school textbook for the New Lenox elementary and middle schools. You can stop by, make copies, and still get your homework turned in on time!
Only a couple of rules: You can't check them out to take home with you, so you have to make copies or do your homework at the library. And, even though you can use the textbooks anywhere in the library, you have to bring them back to the youth services desk. Pretty easy, right?
You can always call ahead to make sure we have the textbook you need: 815.485.2605
Happy homeworking!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Coming Soon!
Look for all new features on our New Lenox Kids! Blog - things like helpful homework tips, book reviews, cool Web sites and information about all our cool programs! Plus, you can "meet the staff" with special posts!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Yargh, Mateys!
Avast ye mateys! Batten down the hatches and celebrate "Talk Like A Pirate Day" on September 19! The Youth Services staff got into the swing of all things swashbuckling today - yargh!
Miss Dana, Miss Judy, Miss Liz, Miss Erin, Miss Alissa and Miss Jen will make you walk the plank, if you're a scaliwag!
Do you have a favorite pirate story or movie? Let us know!
Miss Dana, Miss Judy, Miss Liz, Miss Erin, Miss Alissa and Miss Jen will make you walk the plank, if you're a scaliwag!
Do you have a favorite pirate story or movie? Let us know! Tuesday, September 1, 2009
New Fall Programs!
The fall session of regular programming starts next week at New Lenox Public Library!
Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years (registration required)
Family Bingo @ 4:30 p.m. for all ages
Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up (registration required)
Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
WordPlay Young Writers' Group @ 4:30 p.m. for 3rd grade and up (registration required)
Happy Books, Happy Cooks @ 7:00 p.m. for ages 3 and up (registration required)
Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years
Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years (registration required)
Family Bingo @ 4:30 p.m. for all ages
Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up (registration required)
Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
WordPlay Young Writers' Group @ 4:30 p.m. for 3rd grade and up (registration required)
Happy Books, Happy Cooks @ 7:00 p.m. for ages 3 and up (registration required)
Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years
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