One look at the Events Calendar and you will see that things are hopping in the Children's Room! Due to space and materials constraints, some programs require registration. This will be indicated in the event listing in the calendar.
Story Times
The Youth Services Department recognizes that early literacy is a key component to the development of area youth into adults leading happy, successful, rich lives.
The Children's Room offers many story time programs for children ages 2-6.
Merry Movies & More!
Ages 2-3. Wednesdays, 10:30am. Every other month (rotates with Rhyme Time!)
Short children's films based on picture books, stories and fingerplays.
Pajama Story Times
Ages 3-6. Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Every other month.
An evening storytime featuring stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts.
Preschool Story Times
Ages 3-5. Tuesdays & Fridays, 10:30am. Every other month.
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts.
Rhyme Time!
Ages 2-3. Wednesdays, 10:30am. Every other month (rotates with Merry Movies & More!)
Come experience fun nursery rhymes, songs and fingerplays.
Saturday Story Times
Ages 3-6. Varies, one Saturday per month.
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts.
Early Literacy Programs
Research shows that your child's literacy development is greatly enhanced through 6 pre-reading skills. In addition to story times, Children's Room staff regularly conduct a variety of workshops for caregivers of all kinds, including parents, grandparents, other family members, educators, daycare providers, and members of other community organizations, to demonstrate how to incorporate these 6 pre-reading skills into their own reading and everyday activities.
TogetherTime
TogetherTime is a story time workshop that brings together caregivers and their children in a story time setting. During the story time, a particular skill is demonstrated to the caregivers while the children enjoy the story. Following the story time will be a craft or activity to reinforce the skill discussed.
TogetherNet
TogetherNet is a 4 part program designed to show parents and caregivers how to use computer play to boost the pre-reading skills of their children. During the first sessions, children stay with a babysitter (provided by the library for free) and learn about the pre-reading skills and how to use websites to develop them. During the remaining sessions, children and caregivers use the computers together to work on these skills. Note: Basic computer skills such as keyboard, mouse and internet navigation are necessary for this workshop. If you need help in these areas, please see the calendar to find out about upcoming computer classes.
Summer Reading Program
Sponsored by M&T Bank / Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation, the Summer Reading Program is an extravaganza of reading and fun. Featuring guest performers such as magicians, storytellers, and more, as well as incentives for reading, and an end-of-summer carnival, the Summer Reading Program is not to be missed. The Summer Reading Program runs for 6 weeks from the end of June through the beginning of August. Be sure to watch the calendar to find out when this year's program starts!
Imagination Unlimited Art and Poetry Contests
Annually, the library calls for entries into its two major Imagination Unlimited contests, one for Art and one for Poetry. The Art contest happens in the fall, while the Poetry Contest happens in late Winter. Cash prizes are awarded at a Awards Reception honoring the many talented youth in Utica.
Other Programs & Special Events
In addition to the programs listed above, the Children's Room offers many Arts & Crafts programs, Game programs such as Bingo or Teen Jeopary, and monthly contests and raffles. The Children's Room is also excited to regularly offer special presentations and workshops, both entertaining and educational, with guests from outside the library. Quite frequently, these events will take place during school breaks, but happen at other times, as well. Stay tuned to the calendar to see when these special events are taking place.
Tutoring & Homework Help
The Children's Room offers one-on-one tutoring to children up to age 13 that are having difficulties with homework assignments. Tutoring is subject to availability of staff and volunteers. Please contact the Children's Room for more information.
Beyond the Children's Room
In addition to the services listed above, the Children's Room librarians make many outreach visits each month to local Utica area organizations to conduct story times and early literacy workshops. If your local organization is interested in having a librarian provide a story time or workshop, please contact the Director of Youth Services, Joshua J. Carlson.
