Looking for Something Spooky?

With Halloween just around the corner, I'm sure there are many of you out there looking for something just a little bit spooky to read. From the slightly scary to the all out creepy, the Children's Library has something for everyone. I won't lie, I am not a fan of scary books, so I'm going to rely on all of you to help come up with some truly spooky suggestions. Please post your recommendations in the comments!



For those of you out there like me who aren't so keen on being scared out of your skin, I have a great book recommendation for you: Dear Dracula by Joshua Williamson and Vincente Navarrete. What happens when Sam, a huge fan of Dracula, decides to write Dracula a letter? Dracula shows up on his doorstep ready to turn Sam into a real live vampire, of course. This silly, funny, graphic novel (that means it reads like a comic book) is chock full of great artwork and is the perfect book to help you get in the mood for Halloween!

-Kari

Parent-Child Activity Center

The Wallingford Children's Library has a fantastic new service to offer! If you have been to the library in the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed a new piece of furniture with a "Coming Soon!" sign on it. We are happy to announce that our new Parent-Child Activity Center is now up and running!

Located where the kitchen used to be (don't worry, we still have the kitchen - it's just now on the other side of the train), this Activity Center is specifically designed for kids ages 3-5 to use with their parent or accompanying grown-up. Right now, we are featuring activities to help with the social and emotional skills that are so important in starting school. The center has nine bins and each bin features a different skill. Included in each bin are tips for parents for things to do at home, and at least one activity to help develop the skill. Keep checking back as the activities in the bins will change!

The activities and information for parents included in the center have been adapted from the book, "Seven Skills for School Success: Activities to Develop Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children" by Pamela Byrne Schiller. Copies of this book are available for check out from our library.

Stop by to take a look and give it a try the next time you and your preschooler are in the library! We look forward to seeing you!

-Kari

Guys Read!

Attention Guys in 4th and 5th Grades!

Convinced that you will never find a book that you like? The Wallingford Children's Library is starting a new book club just for you! We promise, this is not just any old book club. Based on Jon Scieszka's Guys Read Initiative, this club is designed to help every boy find a book he likes to read.

Interested? Stop by or call the Children's Library to sign up. Our first meeting will take place on Monday, September 27th at 4:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fire Safety Program

Grab your helmet and come meet a real Wallingford Firefighter!

On Monday, October 4th, instead of our regular Preschool Story Time, we will be having a special program all about fire safety. This program is for kids ages 3 to 5, and does require registration. Please stop by or give us a call to sign your child up! After the program, kids will have a chance to see one of Wallingford's fire engines up close.

Please note: this special program begins at 10:30, instead of the regular time of 10:00.

Fall Programs

Story times are back! This morning we had an amazing turn out for our first Preschool Story Time of the season. Here's the lowdown on what we have this fall:

Itty Bitty Babies
Thursdays @ 1:30 p.m., September 16th - November 4th
This story time is especially designed for our youngest patrons - anyone up to 12 months old. Older siblings are always welcome!

Waddling Ones
Thursdays @ 10:00 a.m., September 16th - November 4th
Designed for graduates of Itty Bitty Babies, this story time is for children 13-24 months.

Musical Mother Goose
Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m., September 14th - November 9th
Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m., September 15th - November 10th
This lively, interactive program is geared towards children 1-2 years old and their caregivers. As this program is extremely popular, please remember to bring proof of Wallingford residency with you, and to arrive early.

Preschool Story Time
Mondays @ 10:00 a.m., September 13th - November 8th (except October 4th & 11th)
Wednesdays @ 1:30 p.m., September 15th - November 10th
Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., September 16th - November 4th
Join us for some books, flannel board stories, rhymes, and more in this program just for kids 3-5 years old.