Swampscott Public Library » Children’s

March author of the month: Sid Fleischman

Beth Coughlin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:34:01 +0000

Our March author of the month is Sid Fleischman. Sid Fleischman is the winner of the 1987 Newbery Medal for his book The Whipping Boy. His son, Paul Fleischman, won the Newbery Medal in 1989 for his book, Joyful Noise. They are the only father-son pair to receive Newbery awards.
Before becoming an author Sid was a professional magician, and he often includes magic in his books. In 2006 he published a highly acclaimed biography of Houdini entitled Escape. This was followed in 2008 with The trouble begins at 8, a life of Mark Twain in the wild, wild west, and he is soon to release a biography of Charlie Chaplin. He has been on the American Library Association lists for best books numerous times, and won the Boston Globe Horn Book Award for his book Humbug Mountain in 1979.
In 2003 the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators created the Sid Fleischman award for humorous book writing in honor of Sid’s great success with humor. They felt that humorous books were often overlooked at awards time.

St. Patrick’s Day Program

Beth Coughlin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:12:23 +0000

Wednesday, March 17, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. join us in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your green and become an honorary Irishman for the day. We will create a simple Irish craft and enjoy some green punch and cookies. No registration is needed.

Construction Club

Beth Coughlin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:09:16 +0000

Do you enjoy building things?
On the first Saturday of each month, at 11:00 a.m., we will begin a Construction Club for children ages 7 & up using LEGO® or other building blocks. This is a non-competitive group where the object is to just have fun! The first two meetings will take place on March 6 and April 2. Each session will last about 1 hour, including time for some light refreshments at the end. All children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We will have some blocks available for those who don’t have them, but we encourage children to bring their own blocks. We are also looking for donations of LEGO® blocks.

February Author/Illustrator of the Month: Jerry Pinkney

Beth Coughlin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:04:24 +0000

This month we are celebrating Jerry Pinkney, who just received the 2010 Caldecott Medal for his new book The Lion & the Mouse. He has received a Caldecott Honor citation five times, the Coretta Scott King Award five times, four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards (most recently in 2006 for Little Red Hen), four Gold and four Silver medals from the Society of Illustrators, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (John Henry, 1994). In 2000 he was given the Virginia Hamilton Literary award from Kent State University and in 2004 the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for outstanding contributions in the field of children’s literature.

Winter/Spring Programs

Beth Coughlin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:34:38 +0000

STORYBOOK FUN

Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
February 1 to May 10.
Ages 2 to 5
A story time program that is perfect for groups of siblings or friends, this activity consists of stories, songs and finger plays and action rhymes designed to encourage early literacy. Librarians will present 20 to 30 minutes of stories and songs that will tickle, delight, and amuse. After Storybook Fun the children are encouraged to play and socialize. All ages can join in the fun!
All children attending this program must be accompanied by a parent or other adult who will sit with them and participate in the activities. No registration is required.

OPEN PLAY GROUP
Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 to 24 months
Parents with children ages 6 months to 2 years are invited to come to the library for an open play group. Drop in any Friday for a casual visit. This is a great opportunity for new moms to connect with other families.

Pirate night pics

Beth Coughlin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:12:49 +0000

Our recent Pirate Night was featured in the Salem News. Check it out at Pirate Night

Summer Activities, July 27-31

Beth Coughlin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:13:03 +0000

July 27

Messy Mondays crafts 10:00 a.m.

July 28

“Spoon Man” Jim Cruise performs at 2:00 p.m.
What Does He Do? He plays with 2 ordinary household tablespoons with music in the background. He has an audience Sing-A-Long competition. Everyone gets involved. Hilarious Impressions! A-Rock-N-Roll and A Rap-Spoon Player! He creates a Hillbilly Band out of the Patrons and Staff. He jumps into the audience playing spoons on their hands. Everyone gets “spooned.” Spoon Man
Jim has great educational messages, which are blended into his show.
+++

July 30

Mother Goose on the Loose 10:00 a.m.
Music program for ages 2 to 3. Registration began on July 13.

Haiku program with Yetti Frenkel 2:00 p.m.

In this workshop participants write a haiku and then illustrate their poem in a card. Instruction is given on how to integrate the poem into the card design so that there is a logical flow or connection between the front, middle and back of the card. Yetti Frenkel is the artist who created our wonderful mural! Recommended for ages 7 and up. Registration is required, beginning on July 20. Yetti.com

July 31
Drop-in crafts.

Drop in crafts. 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to drop in and create a self directed craft.

Summer Activities, July 20-24

Beth Coughlin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:26:46 +0000

July 20
Messy Mondays crafts 10:00 a.m.

July 21

Dr. Seuss Celebration 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a belated celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 50th birthday. Hear some of your favorite Dr. Seuss stories, create some “Seussian” crafts, and enjoy some coloring and game pages. Recommended for ages 4 to 7. No registration needed.

Gross out Tuesday 2:00 p.m.
Kids age 6 & up are invited to hear some gross stories, create some slimy crafts and “enjoy” a gross snack. Not for the easily queasy! No registration needed.

July 22

Teddy Bear Picnic 11:30 a.m.
Bring your favorite bear and a picnic lunch and listen to some Teddy Bear stories. We will be out on the lawn if the weather permits. All ages are welcome, no registration needed.

Cooking with Katie 2:00 p.m.
Join Katie Wilton for a hands-on cooking class where students will make recipes from her cookbook “You’re the Cook!” including Deviled Eggs, Pizza Wontons, Parmesan Pita Triangles, Yogurt Fruit Shakes and Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries. Ages 9 and up. Registration is required, beginning on July 14. Register at the Reference Desk. Cooking with Katie +++

July 23

Mother Goose on the Loose music 10:00 a.m.
Join Jen Strom, singer and multi-instrumentalist, in this musical program celebrating the joys of Mother Goose and other classic kid’s rhymes. The kids will be clapping and singing along in no time. Using guitar and fiddle, Jen will cover the classic kid’s favorite songs as well as finger-plays and dance songs like the Hokey-Pokey. Recommended for ages 2 to 3. Registration is required for this program. Sign up will begin on July 13. +++

+++Funded by the Friends of the Library.

Summer Activities July 13-17

Beth Coughlin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:27:52 +0000

July 13
Messy Mondays crafts 10:00 a.m.

July 14

Curious George Program 10:00 a.m.

Children ages 3 & up are invited to hear some stories about Curious George and create some monkey crafts.

Spa Day at 2:00 p.m.

Learn to make your own beauty products and have a manicure. For children ages 7 & up. Registration required, beginning on July 6.

July 15
Royal Tales 10:00 a.m.
All young princes & princesses are invited to hear some royal stories and create a special craft. Children are encouraged to dress like their favorite royal. Ages 3 & up.

Rosalita’s Puppets Show 2:00 p.m.

“Goldilocks and the Three Dragons” is an original look at a traditional story. In this show Mummy, Daddy and Baby dragon live happily in the forest till naughty Goldilocks arrives to cause a commotion. Rosalita’s Puppets +++

Thursday, July 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Pizza & Pages book discussion of Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars. In anticipation of our September 15 visit by acclaimed author Lois Lowry we will be hosting a book discussion of this Newbery Award winning title for children entering grade 4 & up. Pizza and soft drinks will be served and books will be available at the library. Registration is required, beginning on June 25.

Friday, July 17 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Drop-in crafts.
Children of all ages are invited to drop-in at the library and enjoy a craft project. You may stay 10 minutes or the whole time!

+++Funded by the Friends of the Library.

Take an alien on vacation

Beth Coughlin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:42:33 +0000

Kids are invited to decorate their own space alien and take him on all of their travels during their summer break. Take a picture of him having fun and bring it in or email it to the library. We’ll post all the pictures in the library to see how many fun places our space alien can visit.
Print your own drawing here by clicking on the word
Alien
or pick up a copy of the drawing in the Children’s Room. Our e-mail is swa@noblenet.org Use the subject line Alien

With special thanks to Lauren Scheuer for creating our visitor from outer space!