Coming Soon...

Start 2011 by coming to some new library programs!

On Saturday, January 8 we have Dog B.O.N.E.S. - a program that lets children practice reading by reading to therapy dogs! Space is still available for independent readers in grades 1 to 5, but does require registration. Call us if you're interested!

On Monday, January 10 we have Cool Crafts time! This month kids in grades 4 and 5 are welcome to make paper bag fans! Again, space is still available, but does require registration. Sign up today!

Be sure to check out all of our programs here.

Dogs! At the library?

On select Saturdays there are dogs in the Children's Room. They are part of the dogs building opportunities for nurturing and emotional support group based on the south shore. Dog B.O.N.E.S. - get it? So why are they here at the Watertown Free Public Library? For you of course! Reading out loud to a dog is a great way to practice reading in a low pressure environment. All of the dogs participating in this program are certified therapy dogs, which means they are very good and patient listeners.

There is still space for our next session on Saturday December 11 from 2:00pm to 3:40pm. Intereseted? Curious? Give us a call at 617-972-6431 with questions or to sign up. This program is for independent readers.

Book review on "Secrets of the Cirque Medrano" by Elaine Scott

The book "Secrets of the Cirque Medrano" by Elaine Scott is fiction, but based on the painting "Family of Saltimbanques" by Pablo Picasso. The book is about 14 year old Brigitte, who, because of her mother's illness, moves from Poland to France to live with her Aunt and Uncle at their cafe. While she's working at the cafe, she meets many interesting people, including Pablo Picasso. She soon befriends a young circus performer, Paco and his sister. They are then thrown into an adventure.
The main characters are Brigitte, Aunt Dominique, Henri, Pablo, Paco, Pavlo and Anna Maria.
I enjoyed this book because of the characters. They seemed like real people that you might meet. The author did a great job in describing the characters for the reader. I enjoyed seeing what Paris was like in 1904 in this book.
My overall experience reading this book was great, although the ending was a bit disappointing to me. I would recommend this book to kids aged 9-16. Young kids may have a hard time reading it and it could be a bit frightening.
By Kirsten Aucoin

Toddler Craft!

Tuesday, November 23, join us for Toddler Craft at 11:00am in the Children's Program Room. We are making hand turkeys! Once you display your turkey on the fridge, your entire kitchen will feel Thanksgiving festive! This program is for children ages 5 and under and does not require registration.

Children's Technology Workshop!

Do you like movies? Have you ever thought about how movies are made? Then sign up for Animation Alive! A Stop Motion Animation Workshop on Wednesday, November 10 at 3:00pm! Participants will work in small groups to make their own movies! Participants will discuss the principles of storytelling, prop design, filming and editing before filming their own movie. Final movie files will be available to download and share with friends and family. This program is for children in grades 3 to 5 only and registration is required. Materials will be provided.

Interested? Call the Children's Department at 617-972-6431 to sign up now!

No School Day!

Hey hey! There's no school tomorrow (Tuesday November 2)! The Children's Room is offering Story Time for children ages 3 to 5 at 11:00am in the Children's Program Room. Later, join us for Movie Matinee at 2:00pm! We will be screening Toy Story 3, rated G, with a running time of 103 minutes. Enjoy a new movie on the big screen with snacks! No registration.

Questions? Call and ask!

Save the Date!

Tomorrow, Thursday October 28, the Children's Room has lots going on!
Join us at 11:00am for Baby & Movie - we are showing Date Night, rated PG-13, with a running time of 88 minutes in the Watertown Savings Bank Room. Baby & Me Movies are new release films for adults with young children. Dirty diapers welcome!

Later, join us at 6:00pm for our Halloween Spooktacular! Don your Halloween costume and head to the library for a spooktacular time! Hosted by the Teen and Children's Departments, kids in grades K-5 are welcome to stop in for grossology, oddities, hilarity, and Halloween fun. Be prepared for creepy snacks, spooky tales, dazzling face painting, creative crafts and more! This program will be held in the Watertown Savings Bank Room and does not require registration.

Questions? Contact the Children's Room at 617-972-6431.