Registration required for all special events. Call 385-4165 or come to the Children's Department.
Magical Musical Me is a half hour music program geared toward families with children ages 5 and under. The program meets Saturday, August 7 at 10:30 a.m. Learn songs your little ones will be singing at home, in the car, and around town. The program uses song and rhyme, as well as scarves, instruments, and other props to develop rhythm, coordination, and phonemic awareness in young children. Registration is requested. To register, or for more information, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Summer Reading Program
Stratford children may sign up for the Stratford Library Summer Reading Program which began on June 1. The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Splash into Reading at the Stratford Library.” The program encourages children 12 and under to read books, receive prizes, and enjoy special programs at the Library. Children should choose a summer reading program based on their age and reading level. Children not yet reading on their own join the Read-to-Me Program. Complete 10 activities to receive an invitation to the Read-to-Me party in August. Independent readers Kindergarten and up join the Summer Reading Program. Read 5 books to receive an invitation to the Summer Reading party starring Casey Carle’s Bubblemania program. Sign up for summer reading at the Library or on the website at stratfordlibrary.org.
For further information, or for a list of summer programs and storytimes, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Trained therapy dogs Siena and Drago will visit the Stratford Library Children’s Department every Wednesday in July from 10:30 - noon. Therapy dogs undergo special training to work with children and they are great listeners. Children build self confidence in reading aloud as they share stories with this captive audience. Advance registration is required. To register or for further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Vamos a Leer Bilingual Storytime led by Migda Carrera of Parents’ Place will take place Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in July in the Stratford Library Children’s Department. Enjoy stories, songs, and activities in Spanish and English, followed by a craft. This program is part of the Stratford Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading,” and registration is not required. For further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Children ages 5 to 8 can celebrate the art of a good story in the Stratford Library’s summer storytime, “Read, Splash Art.” The storytime meets every Thursday in July at 10:30 a.m. Children will listen to great stories and then create artwork that ties into the themes of the books. This event is part of the Stratford Library’s “Splash into Reading” Summer Reading Program. To register, or for more information, please call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Knitting for Kids at the Stratford Library will meet Monday, August 9 at 3:30 pm. Children grades 1 to 6 are welcome to attend. The classes are aimed at new knitters or those wishing to refresh their skills. Knitters are asked to bring their own needles (US sizes 8-11 recommended). Class will be held in the Children’s Department’s Book Nook. To register or for further information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Cool down this summer with a Water Carnival at the Stratford Library on Tuesday, August 10 at 3 pm. (Raindate August 12). Children ages 5 to 12 can play water games including fishing, water balloons and splashball. This event is part of the Stratford Library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading.” Registration is required. For more information, call the Library at 203.385.4165.
Children ages 5 to 8 can celebrate the art of a good story in the Stratford Library’s summer storytime, “Read, Splash Art.” The storytime meets every Thursday in July at 10:30 am. Children will listen to great stories and then create artwork that ties into the themes of the books. This event is part of the Stratford Library’s ongoing “Splash into Reading” Summer Reading Program. To register or for more information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
Meet children’s author Karen Romano Young on Wednesday, August 11 at 2 pm. in the Stratford Library’s Lovell Room. Children ages 7 to 12 can visit with Ms. Young as she describes her deep sea diving experiences that inspired her book, Across the Wide Ocean. She will also share her doodle art from her newest book, Doodlebug. Autographed copies of her books will be available for purchase. This program is sponsored by the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Registration is requested. To register or for further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
The Stratford Library presents its Fourth Annual Children’s Pet Show on Thursday, August 5 at 10:30 am. Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to bring their pets (or a photo) to the Library courtyard to participate in the pet show. All animals are welcome and pets will be judged on a variety of categories with prizes and certificates awarded. The pet show judges will be Veterinarian Dr. Louis Pieper, a representative from PetCo Animal Supplies and Stratford Library staff. Pets must be pre-registered by Friday, July 30 to participate. Spectators and pet lovers of all ages are also welcome to attend. This program is part of the Stratford Library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading.”
For a list of pet show guidelines and to register pets, stop by the Stratford Library Children’s Department desk. For further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
The Stratford Library’s Children’s Department and Boy Scout Troop 75 will offer the program “Shipwrecked!” on Thursday, August 5 from 2:30 to 4 pm. Geared for children ages 8-12, the object of the game is to escape a deserted island using skills learned during the program. Children will earn points for each survival skill they master. Prepare for a few silly surprises mixed in with wilderness training.
The program is part of the Stratford Library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading.” Registration is required. To register or for further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
The Stratford Library’s Children’s Department will hold a book discussion series called Nutmegs @ Noon for children entering grades 4 to 6. Titles from Connecticut’s Nutmeg Book Award for children will be discussed. The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 4 to 6 to read from an annual list of ten nominated titles and to vote for their favorite each January. The first discussion will be Tuesday, July 9 at noon. Students will discuss The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Wilson. In The Lemonade War, Evan challenges his brainy younger sister to a lemonade stand competition to prove which sibling is smarter. Children should read the book prior to the discussion. Pizza lunch will be served, and registration is required. This program is part of the Stratford Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Splash into Reading.” To register or for further information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165.
The classes for ages 7 and up are aimed at new knitters or those wishing to refresh their skills. Knitters will learn stitches and skills that can be used to make scarves, hats and other items. Scrap yarn will be provided, but knitters are asked to bring their own needles (US sizes 8-11 recommended).
Knitting class will meet Mondays at 3:30 pm and will be held in the Children’s Department’s Book Nook. To register or for further information, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165
The Stratford Library honored two special teen volunteers recently. Stratford students Tamara Danilowicz and Alexis Cunzio were recognized for their volunteer efforts at the Library's Barnes and Noble fundraiser last month. “The Barnes & Noble Bookfair” was sponsored by the book store in order for non-profits to encourage their supporters to shop at the store during a designated time period with a percentage of profits benefiting the library. The Children's Department hosted the event and Danilowicz and Cunzio entertained children for several hours while their parents shopped to benefit the library.
Danilowicz, a freshman at Stratford High School, was costumed as the Cat in the Hat. She posed with children for holiday pictures and performed songs for the audience. Cunzio, a long-time volunteer for the library and a senior at Bunnell High School, created hundreds of balloon animals for the youngsters. Both teens received a certificate of appreciation signed by the Library Director and Library Board President.
Stratford Library Association
2203 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615
203-385-4165
