March 19, 2024
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On the November Library page: New youth programs on tap for November; Book Review
10/30/2014

New youth programs on tap for November
Fall lineup includes crafts, storytimes and S.T.E.M. series

By Sarah Robertson
Splash Contributor 

The weather is cooling down, night is falling earlier and people are wondering what to do now that we can't spend all of our free time outdoors. 

No need to worry. The Liberty Lake Municipal Library has it covered. November is full of fun and educational programs for children and youth.

Create Space
4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (canceled Nov. 11 and 27)

This program helps first through fifth graders spend time learning a new skill and creating something along the way. According to Melanie Boerner, youth services librarian, the Create Space program has become so popular that it will now be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate twice as many crafty kids.

The projects are hands-on along a monthly theme. November's theme is sewing where kids will learn sewing basics and eventually create a pillow pet during the last session. Interested participants must register and attend all three classes in November because the skills build upon each other. 

Pajama Storytime
7 p.m. Thursdays (canceled Nov. 27)

After a brief hiatus, pajama storytime is back on Thursday evenings. All ages are encouraged to attend-in their PJs of course-this family-friendly evening of fun. 

Each night will have a different theme. Teddy Bear Sleepover is the theme Nov. 6. Bring your teddy or other cuddly creature for stories, and leave them at the library for their own sleepover. Pick them up the next day, and there will be a special treat waiting for you!

Nov. 13 will feature Frozen-themed activities and a special story. And who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt? Bring your flashlight and join other kids and families for a hunt through the library on Nov. 20. 

Hunger Games
4 p.m. Nov. 19

In anticipation of the latest Hunger Games movie, the library will host a Hunger Games party for the older crowd. Open to students in grades 6 through 12, the afternoon will include Hunger Games-themed games and food plus button and jewelry making. 

STEM-tacular Saturdays
2:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 1: Dig and Play Dinosaur World
2:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 15: Solar Robots

The library and Liberty Lake Parks and Recreation Department are partnering for a very special STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics) series.

"Each class will focus on one of the STEM categories and will include fun lessons and hands on activities for kids," said Michelle Griffin, parks and recreation coordinator. "The classes will be taught by city staff, librarians and a reading and math tutoring instructor." 

Classes will be held twice a month on Saturdays through April. The material is designed for children ages eight and older. Registration is required through the parks and recreation department, and each class has a small fee that covers the cost of materials. Fees range from $3 to $15 depending on the activity.

According to library director Pamela Mogen, "I expect it will be a lot of fun. We're looking for things out of the ordinary. We're encouraging kids to be makers."

Saturday Crafts
1:30 p.m. most Saturdays

Nearly every Saturday, children six and older can gather to learn real crafting skills. This isn't just cutting and coloring; it's learning about crafts through hands-on activities. Past projects included loom-band potholders and a toy dog made of tennis balls. 

Because the crafts are very involved, parents are encouraged to attend and help their kids with the projects. November's theme will be Thanksgiving, so come and make something to show off at Thanksgiving dinner.

For further details on the library's November schedule, visit www.libertylakewa.gov/library.

• • • 

DON'T FORGET!
The library will be closed Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day as well as Nov. 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

• • • 

Book Review: Must-have books for young children
Check out the following titles for little ones. They would make great Christmas presents! 

Toddlers: "Tuck Me In" 
By Dean Hacohen with illustrations by Sherry Scharschmidt

The moon is up, the stars are out. There are animals that need to be tucked in bed tonight. From pig to zebra, each animal has a special blanket that your little one can fold over to tuck them in. And who is the last little one to be tucked in? It's you!

The baby animal illustrations are vibrant and cute, and each blanket has a different design to fit each animal's qualities. "Tuck Me In" is a sturdy book with thick pages that would be difficult to rip, and the half pages made for the blankets will stand up to a child's need to pull at them.

Preschoolers: "Trashy Town" 
By Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha with illustrations by Dan Yaccarino

Mr. Gilly is the trash man, and he loves cleaning up Trashy Town. He makes stops at the school, doctor's office, fire station and other community buildings. Accompanied by two rat friends, he collects, dumps and smashes the trash to help clean up.

With repetitive text and questioning dialogue, "Trashy Town" promotes interaction. Children will enjoy responding if the trash truck is full and delight in seeing all the fun places Mr. Gilly travels to around town. The retro style illustrations are easy to understand which makes it a joy to read to a single child or a large group.

Easy Readers: "Go, Dog, Go!" 
By P.D. Eastman

A must have for your book shelves. "Go, Dog, Go!" is a classic, richly illustrated beginning reader book that follows dogs in some interesting circumstances. The dogs are on the go from sun up to sun down, working, playing and partying!

From differing sizes, shapes and colors to going in cars, boats or even a unicycle, these dogs are on the move. This story teaches children early abstract concepts such as up and down, in and out, over and under. This book will stand the test of time as you can read it to toddlers on up to early readers.
Melanie Boerner is children's and youth services librarian at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.


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