Children’s Programming

August

STORYHOURS - Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and Thursdays from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The Tuesday morning storyhours, for children 3½-6 years old, will be held on September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. The Thursday afternoon storyhours, for children 3½-6 years old, will be held on September 4, 11, 18, and 25. As usual, there will be enjoyable stories and crafts. Preregistration for September's storyhours will begin on August 18 and run through the end of August. Preregistration is required.

TODDLER STORYTIME - In collaboration with Tri-Town’s Even Start Literacy Program, the library will present toddler storytime programs for children aged 2-3¹/₂ on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. A parent/caregiver must participate in the program. Pre-registration is required. NOTE: During August, Toddler Storytime will ONLY RUN ON WEDNESDAYS.

CHILDREN’S ROOM DISPLAY – The Children’s Room display case is featuring a fantastic collection of Polly Pocket Toys. Girls love to collect Polly Pocket toys and playsets. Toys and playsets vary from Polly Pocket Fruity-Licious Single Figure, Polly Pocket Stylin’ Pose, Polly Pocket Accessory Pack, to a Polly Pocket Totally Bead-iful Jewelry Kit Playset. The display was organized and developed by Jessica Lawton and we thank her for loaning it to the library. Stop by the Children’s Room and check out this colorful and exquisite display.

ALL-STAR READING TEAM – What is the All-Star Reading Team? It’s a cool way to stay in the “reading game even when you’re out of school! By playing this game, you also can win cool prizes for you and your family! Who is eligible to become an All-Star Reader? Rhode Island residents between the ages of 6 and 12 who have completed the Rhode Island “Catch the Reading Bug Summer Reading Program.” On a simple entry form, participants will write a paragraph, poem, or draw a picture that answers the question “What was your favorite book this summer and why?” Completed entries are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on August 14, 2008. One participant from each library in the state will win four tickets to the Pawtucket Red Sox game on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. at McCoy Stadium. At the game, one All-Star Reader will be randomly selected to win the grand prize of a TRIP FOR FOUR TO WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT IN FLORIDA! Good luck to all of the participants!!

T-SHIRT DESIGN – Tuesday, August 5, at 6:30 p.m. Teens will use their imagination to come up with a design for their shirt, whether it be the Mona Lisa or a certain motto. Participants must supply their own light-colored, pre-washed shirt.

PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP – Tuesday, August 12, at 6:30 p.m. Do you have an old photo you would like to touch up? If so, then sign up for this workshop on enhancing your photos using Photoshop Elements. It can be a pleasurable, unique, and eye-opening experience. You can learn how to manipulate photos to make yourself, or your friends, taller, shorter, older, younger, or even give them purple skin. The fun begins here!

NEW SELECTED LIBRARY MATERIALS:

Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction

The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs – Cynthia DeFelice

1001 Wizard Things to Spot – Gillian Doherty

The Ghost Sitter – Peni R. Griffin

Truly Winnie – Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Lucy Rose: Big on Plans – Katy Kelly

Georgia the Guinea Pig Fairy – Daisy Meadows

Bella the Bunny Fairy – Daisy Meadows

The Arrival – Shaun Tan

Bugs – Sarah Courtauld

Butterflies – Kate Davies

Shakira – Katherine Krohn

Gwen Stefani – Katherine Krohn

September

STORYHOURS - Tuesdays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and Thursdays from 1:00-1:45 p.m. The morning story hours, for children 3¹/₂-6 years old, will be held on October 7, 14, 21, and 28. The afternoon story hours will be held on October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. As usual, there will be enjoyable stories and crafts. Pre-registration for October's story hours will begin on September 15 and run through the end of September. Pre-registration is required.

FRIDAY IS GAME DAY AT THE LIBRARY! – Beginning Friday, September 12 and continuing each Friday throughout the school year, Game Day will take place from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Come, bring a friend or make a new friend, and play a board game. See you there!!!!

TODDLER STORYTIME – In collaboration with Tri-Town’s Even Start Literacy Program, the library will present a toddler story time program for children aged 2-3¹/₂ on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Toddler story time includes stories, finger plays, and a craft. A parent/caregiver must participate in the program. Pre-registration is required.

NIGHTY-NIGHT STORYTIME @ EAST SMITHFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY – Beginning on Wednesday, September 17, at 6:15 p.m., children, ages three through six, are invited to Nighty-Night Storytime featuring stories, finger plays, songs, and crafts. This program is specifically scheduled for parents who are unable to bring their children to the daytime story hours. Children may wear their pajamas and bring a favorite blanket or treasured stuffed animal to storytime. This is a new program for the East Smithfield Public Library so there will not be any registration for September. Registration will be required for October. For more information, please contact Mike Cardin at 231-5150 x3.

SATURDAY SPECIALS - September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. – EXPLORE AND CREATE PICTURE BOOK ART. Families are invited to participate in this fantastic and visually-stimulating program. This program will introduce participants to children’s book illustrations. Please wear your work clothes to this activity because you never know where the paint will land. Hopefully, your work of art will become a permanent part of your family’s history. September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – PICTURING AMERICA. All ages are invited to come to the library and peruse, examine, and discuss the various items making up the Picturing America collection. This collection is a new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to bring masterpieces of American art into libraries. Through this program, citizens will gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history, culture, and character. Some of the art forms depicted in the posters include drawings, photographs, collages, murals, paintings, engravings, and sculptures. A few of the notable Americans highlighted in the posters are George Washington, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Booker T. Washington. Stop by the library and check out this notable and worthwhile collection. Pre-registration is required for both Saturday Specials. Please call the library at 231-5150.

CHILDREN'S DISPLAY CASE - The library is always interested in having children show their collections in the exhibit case. Please contact one of the Youth Services Librarians to sign up for this terrific opportunity.

DISPLAY – This September, the Children’s Room display case is featuring Timothy Edsall’s collection of Animal Figurines. Timmy has been collecting animals his whole life! From an alligator, to an eagle, to our favorite four friends from Madagascar, be sure to come by to see his extensive collection! Tim is loving learning to read about his favorite animals and is looking forward to being in Miss Hennessy’s 1^st grade class at Old County Road School this year!

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS - The staff of the library would like to extend our appreciation and congratulations to all of the children and teens who participated in our annual Summer Reading Programs. The children and teens read hundreds of books, but whether they read 5 books, or 35 books, they were all winners as concerns the further development of their minds and constructive utilization of their leisure time.

SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM MISS BABS – I want to thank the many people who helped make the 2008 Summer Reading Program a huge success. This year 63 children completed the program and collectively read hundreds of books. I am always amazed at the enthusiasm of the children, parents, and grandparents who come to the library all summer to borrow books, participate in programs and share with me what they have been reading.

We are also very fortunate to have a special collaboration with the dedicated faculty of Old County Road School who once again volunteered their time over the summer to share storyhours with the children.

I would also like to thank the Friends of the Library (FOL) who very generously donated to the Summer Reading Program. Through the combined efforts of the library and the FOL, the children were able to experience many performances and enjoy rewards throughout the summer.

CONGRATULATIONS – Congratulations to Renee Laliberte for being the top reader in this year’s young adult reading program “Metamorphosis.” For her literary achievements, she was awarded a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble booksellers.

PAWSOX ALL-STAR READING WINNER – Congratulations to Alexia Santos, East Smithfield Public Library’s PawSox All-Star Reader. Alexia was randomly selected from many entries that were received as part of the Summer Reading Program. Alexia won four free tickets to see the Paw Sox play at McCoy Stadium. We are proud that she represented the East Smithfield Public Library. This event was sponsored by Coca-Cola, Citizens Bank, and the Pawtucket Red Sox.

HOMEWORK EXPRESS – The Homework Express is up and running at the East Smithfield Public Library. For youngsters in grades K-8, this is the ticket for you. Each Thursday, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., your friendly neighborhood Children’s/Young Adult Librarians will be ready to help you with your homework. Whether you need help finding a specific book, guidance with a tricky question, or just some advice on how to get started, the Youth Services Librarians will give you the encouragement and confidence you need to tackle any homework assignment. Don’t hesitate to avail yourself to this warm, friendly, and professional service. Drop by the library (no sign-up necessary) and get rolling on the Homework Express! Hope to see you soon.

HOMEWORK HELP – Could you use some help on your school assignments, projects and papers? If so, stop by the library on any Monday (3-8 p.m.), Tuesday (3-8 p.m.), or Wednesday (3-7 p.m.) and Mr. Mike will assist you in utilizing the best reference resources for your homework. You will learn how to find the most useful books and how to use the electronic resources and Internet to get the most current articles on topics you are researching. Learn how to properly cite articles and organize your resources into a cohesive report. No registration is required. To access homework help from home, go to the library’s homepage and click on the Young Adult (Y/A) Teen Page, and under Reference, click on either the Online Reference Homework Help or Schoolwork and Research/EBSCO Databases link.

THANK YOU! – During the hot and steamy month of July, Principal Jill Barnhardt and the teachers at Old County Road Elementary School volunteered their time and talents to make the Summer Reading Program at the East Smithfield Public Library a tremendous success. These dedicated individuals provided storytelling, crafts and other enrichment activities to the young children of Smithfield. The children who participated in these educational and recreational sessions were glad to escape from the blistering summer heat and enjoy interacting with their friends and fellow classmates in a “cool” environment. On behalf of the children and caregivers who participated in this program, the library gives a hardy and heartfelt “thank you” to Jill Barnhardt and the teachers for their time, effort, and caring throughout the summer months. Smithfield should be grateful that it has dedicated and caring professionals who are truly committed to making a difference in the lives of our children. The children will surely be the benefactors of this cooperative school-library endeavor.

DISPLAY – The main display case is featuring an interesting and fascinating presentation on SpongeBob. The exhibit was organized and developed by Eva Robidoux who has been collecting SpongeBob merchandise for over seven years. Most of her collection has been given to her as gifts throughout the years. What started out as a project for the guest bedroom has turned into an entire basement playroom for both kids and adults. This display is only a small sample of the growing Bikini Bottom collection that has brought Eva so much laughter and joy. Stop by the library and check out this exquisite and unique collection.

TUESDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB – The group will meet on Tuesday, September 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the library. The Wife by Meg Wolitzer will be discussed this month. Registration is required. Please call 231-5150, or stop in, to reserve your spot.

SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH – Your library card will give you access to one of the greatest resources in your local community: YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY. Your library is a goldmine of books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, the Internet, storyhours, and other great resources and services for the entire family. In this day and age of high energy prices, where else can you take your family for FREE! Also, for parents shopping for school supplies, remember: A LIBRARY CARD IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SCHOOL SUPPLY OF ALL.

FREE DIGITAL MEDIA DOWNLOADS – East Smithfield Public Library is a member of The Ocean State Libraries E-Zone! Anyone with an Ocean State Libraries (OSL) card can access this database and download digital media (audiobooks, music, e-books, and videos) for FREE! Digital media can be downloaded and listened to on your home personal computer (PC), burned to CD for your car stereo, and transferred to many portable audio devices, all without leaving the comfort of your home. Now your library never closes. Check one out today. For more information and a listing of titles available visit http://riezone.lib.overdrive.com.

PRESERVATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS - We are all responsible for protecting the physical condition of library materials. Helpful hints: a) clean hands prevent buildup of grime and sticky substances; b) removing books from the shelves by pulling on the headband (top of the spine) will weaken and eventually destroy the book - to remove a book, gently push in the books on either side, grasp the book in the center, and remove it.

DONATIONS - We would like to express our thanks to all of our patrons and friends who have donated library materials during the past year. Your kind generosity in donating valuable materials such as books, periodicals, videocassettes, CDs, DVDs, and other resources is much appreciated. You epitomize and perpetuate the true meaning of community library.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK – September 27 – October 4. Banned Books Week (BBW) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met. Remember, it’s your freedom we’re talking about. For more information, go to www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm.

LIBRARY HOURS – Now that students will be preparing for another school year, the library will be reopening on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., beginning September 6.

RECENT ADDITIONS:

Juvenile Fiction/Nonfiction

Frida: Viva La Vida = Long Live Life – Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

The Little Squeegy Bug – Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

Dancing Larry – Daniel Pinkwater

Frankie Stein – Lola M. Schaefer

I’m the Best Artist in the Ocean – Kevin Sherry

A Taste of Honey – Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

The Willoughbys – Lois Lowry

Red Moon at Sharpsburg – Rosemary Wells

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac – Gabrielle Zevin

Sergio Makes a Splash – Edel Rodriguez

Splat the Cat – Rob Scotton

Buffalo Music – Tracey Fern

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