Complete List of Free Children’s Programs At The Libraries This Summer

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library has a full schedule for children this summer.

School-aged children may choose from a wide range of free summer workshops and programs at the New Rochelle Public Libraries – the Main Library and the Huguenot Children’s Library. The programs are designed to complement the Summer Reading Game theme, “Dream Big @ Your Library” and provide children with enriching educational experiences through the summer. Admission to most programs is on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning 15 minutes before the start of each program.

Craft Workshops: Children ages 5-12 years are invited to drop-in to create wonderful projects to take home, Mondays, July 2 – August 6, from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon at the Main Library.
Exploring Other Lands Workshops: Children ages 6 – 12 years will get a glimpse into past and present traditions of different cultures, when the talented “2 Hands 2 Learn” team introduces great
crafts, fascinating beliefs, delicious foods, and other aspects of daily life, on Tuesdays, July 3 – August 7, from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon, at the Main Library.
Calligraphy: The beautiful art of handwriting using italic lettering is taught by librarian Mary Jackson to children ages 8 – 11 years, on Fridays, July 6 – August 10, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Huguenot Children’s Library, (sign-up at first class); and from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm at the Main Library, (sign-up at first class).
Chess: John Gallagher, NY state certified teacher and chess instructor, provides the chess boards and pieces and expert guidance to assist beginners, intermediates and pros, ages 8 – 12 years, on Thursdays, July 5 – August 9, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm at the Main Library.
Yoga and Creative Movement: Fun movements and games that promote strength, flexibility, balance, relaxation, concentration and self-confidence – while stimulating creativity, for children ages 4 – 10 yrs., on Thursdays, July 5 – August 9, from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm at the Main Library.

Wednesday Programs in the Ossie Davis Theater: For children ages 5 – 12 years, presentations featuring live shows and films that include big dreams will be presented on Wednesdays, from July 11 – August 8, at 2:00 pm in the air-conditioned theater of the Main Library:

July 11: Film – Monsters, Inc.

July 18: Live Show: “One World Musical Adventure”
Chris Merwin will take the audience on an amazing interactive journey around the world that includes singing and moving to exotic instruments, participating in a calypso “Simon Says” routine, playing a giant Tibetan trumpet, competing in the “limbo”, and jamming with the band on various percussion instruments.

July 25: Film – Muppets Take Manhattan
August 1: “Night Time in the Animal Kingdom” from Animal Embassy
Join Animal Embassy on a night-time journey through the fascinating night life of the animal kingdom! Meet a red-eyed tree frog, a hedgehog, a sugar glider, ball pythons, a spotted salamander, a crested Gecko, and more animals with special night-time adaptations.

August 8: Film – Where the Wild Things Are
Summer Fun on the Patio at the Huguenot Children’s Library will run Mondays through Fridays,

June 25 – August 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (except July 4). Made possible by the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library, this is a free drop-in program providing good old fashioned summertime fun – ping pong, arts and crafts, jump rope, games, kickball, and many more outside activities that are supervised by experienced, enthusiastic adults and teens. 
Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. The Summer Fun program does not take place in rainy weather.
The free summer reading programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.

Free Summer Workshops For Teens At The New Rochelle Public Library
Students ages 10 – 17 years of age have a choice of great workshops to keep them engaged and enriched this summer, as the New Rochelle Public Library again offers a slate of free programs designed especially for and by teens and tweens. These workshops are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning 15 minutes before each session, and are made possible by the Friends of the Library and the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation.
On Mondays, Creative Crafts & Cooking will be held from July 2 – August 13, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm in the library’s Meeting Room. Denise Link will provide the expert guidance and materials for making fabulous projects and tasty samples. The drop-in workshops are limited to 16.
African Dance and Drum lessons will be held on Tuesdays, July 3 – August 7, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. Anthony Wooden, director of Bokandeye Dance Troupe, and an accompanist drummer returns to NRPL with traditional African dance to share with tweens and teens, and their parents and grandparents. Participants will perform with Bokandeye on Tuesday, August 7th at 7 pm.
The drop-in sessions, held in the Ossie Davis Theater, are limited to 20.
On Wednesdays, July 11 – August 8, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, the Gamers Garrison Club will feature a weekly walk on the Gaming Side for teens in 6th – 12th Grade. Open gaming and competition will include videogames and card/RP gaming each week. The Club requires registration with Ken Petrilli, Teen Services Librarian, (phone 813-3735 or email HYPERLINK “mailto:planetfire@hotmail.com” planetfire@hotmail.com). The sessions take place in the Meeting Room and Ossie Davis Theater.

Reader’s Theater Workshops will be held every Thursday, from July 5 – August 9, 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Ten to twelve young adults, ages 14 – 17 will become the community’s Reader’s Theater Troupe, which will present vignettes from the book, Sun, Stone and Shadows: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories, in various venues throughout the community in September and October, 2012. Pre-registration is required: 632-8254.
Also on Thursday nights, Movie Madness will take place in the Teen Room, July 5 – August 9, from 6:00 – 7:45 pm. Six films based on the Summer Reading Theme, “Own the Night”, will be shown.
A Photography Workshop on Fridays, July 6 – August 10, from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, workshop will allow participants to wield a camera as easily as they hold a pencil! Ahmed Mobasher will familiarize everyone with the basics of photography and composition in cinematography. Pre-registration is suggested, by calling (914) 632-8254.
At Board Game Bonanza every Friday, July 6 – August 10, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, students entering grades 6 – 12 will have the opportunity to challenge friends. All the favorite board games – from Monopoly and Life to Jenga and Uno will be available.

Summer 2012 Reading Programs for Children Dream Big @ Your Library!

Summer Kick-off Party
Saturday, June 23 Preschool through Grade 5
1:00 pm Main Library Lobby & Library Green
One of our favorite performers, Louie, launches the summer reading game with songs, games and laughter – at 1:15 pm out on Library Green (or Ossie Davis Theater, if rain)
We’ll have lots of hands-on activities and children can sign-up for the Summer Reading Game. Be sure to check-out loads of books to get started on summer reading & dreaming!

End of Summer Awards Parties
Tuesday, August 14 Preschool through entering Kindergarten
2:00 pm Main Library Theater
Make music, sing crazy songs, and have a blast with the popular children’s entertainer, Kurt Gallagher. For children who completed the Summer Reading Game, certificates and gifts will be awarded following the lively show.

Wednesday, August 15 Grade 1 through Grade 5
2:00 pm Main Library Theater
Here’s your chance to dream about being out on the open seas, as the acclaimed “Pirate School” is coming to the End-of-the-Summer Party! Pirate School combines active, full audience participation with magic, original music, eccentric props and slapstick antics. After the fun, award certificates will be presented to all who successfully completed the Summer Reading Game.

FREE PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS

Craft Workshop (5-12 yrs.) Limited to 25
Barnard teacher Debbie Rosario returns to help you make terrific projects to take home.
Mondays, July 2 – August 6 Main library, Meeting Room
10:30 am – 12:00 noon Drop –in; first come, first served, beginning at 10:15 am.

Exploring Other Lands Workshops (6 – 12 yrs.) Limited to 20/25
A glimpse into past and present traditions of different cultures will involve crafts, beliefs, foods, and other aspects of daily life – with the wonderful “2 Hands 2 Learn” team.
Tuesdays, July 3 – August 7 Main Library. Meeting Room
11:00 am – 12:00 noon Drop –in; first come/first served beginning at 10:45 am.

Yoga and Creative Movement (4 – 10 years) Limited to 30
A series of fun movements and games that promote strength, flexibility, coordination, balance,
relaxation, concentration and self-confidence – while also stimulating creativity, with Nora LeMorin.
Thursdays July 5 – August 9 Main Library Meeting Room
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Drop –in; first come/first served.

Chess (8 – 12 yrs.) Limited to 20
John Gallagher, NY state certified teacher and chess instructor, provides the chess boards and pieces and expert guidance to assist beginners, intermediates and pros.
Thursdays, July 5 – August 9 Main Library Meeting Room
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sign-up first day of program, to capacity.

Calligraphy (8 – 11 yrs.) Limited to 20
Learn the beautiful art of handwriting using italic lettering with Mary Jackson. This workshop teaches basic skills to complete greeting cards, invitations, book covers, borders and banners. Earn a certificate by attending at least four sessions.
Fridays, July 6 – August 10 Main Library, Meeting Room
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Sign-up first day of program, to capacity.

Old Fashioned Summer Fun on the Patio
Huguenot Children’s Library
Mondays through Fridays, June 25 – August 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (except July 4)
Made possible by the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library with support from Junior League on the Sound

A free drop-in program at the Huguenot Children’s Library provides good old fashioned summertime fun – ping pong, arts and crafts, jump rope, games, kickball, and many more outside activities that are supervised by experienced, enthusiastic adults and teens.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
Summer Fun does not take place in rainy weather.

Summer Programs for Children and Families are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.

All programs subject to change. Photographs may be taken of your child for purposes of library promotions only.

Dream Big @ Your Library – Live Shows and Film
2:00 pm at the Main Library
A variety of live, interactive shows to entertain and enrich, alternating with family movies. First-come, first-served to the 145-seat capacity of the Ossie Davis Theater

Wed. July 11 Film: Monsters, Inc.
Lovable Sulley (John Goodman) and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at MONSTERS, INC., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it’s the monsters who are scared silly, and it’s up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home. 93 minutes. Rated G.

Wed. July 18 Live Show: “One World Musical Adventure”
Chris Marwyn will take the audience on an amazing interactive journey around the world that includes singing and moving to exotic instruments, participating in a calypso “Simon Says” routine, playing a giant Tibetan trumpet, competing in the “limbo”, and jamming with the band on various percussion instruments.

Wed. July 25 Film: Muppets Take Manhattan
Kermit, Miss Piggy, and their friends are dreaming of “making it big” when they take their college variety show to Broadway. They soon realize it’s not as easy as they thought – but find one young and idealistic producer willing to give them a try. After several mishaps and much confusion, things begin to come together for them. 94 minutes. Rated G.

Wed. August 1 “Night Time in the Animal Kingdom” from Animal Embassy
Join Animal Embassy on a night-time journey through the fascinating night life of the animal kingdom! Meet a red-eyed tree frog, a hedgehog, a sugar glider, ball pythons, a spotted salamander, a crested Gecko, and more animals with special night-time adaptations.

Wed. August 8 Film: Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak’s beloved book comes alive in this film. Once Max is sent to bed without his supper, is he dreaming or has he created his own world -a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler?

Free Summer Programs For Preschoolers 2012

At the Main Library
Drop-in; First-come, first-served
These programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.

Bouncing Babies (6 mos. – 24 mos.)
Music, movement and Mother Goose rhymes with Nora Maher. Meeting Room.
Thursdays, July 5 – August 9 9:30 –10:00 am

3, 4 & 5’s (3 – 5 yrs.)
Stories, songs, finger plays and a take-home craft. Children’s Room.
Tuesdays, July 3 – August 7 10:00 – 10:45 am

Bedtime Stories (3 – 5 yrs.)
Pajamas and stuffed animals encouraged. Children’s Room
Mondays, July 2 – August 6 6:30 – 7:00 pm

Let’s Pretend ( 3 – 5 yrs.)
An introduction to theater through games, songs and nursery rhymes, with Nora Maher. Meeting Room.
Thursdays, July 5 – August 9 10:15 – 11:00 am,

Music with Mandy (2 – 5 yrs.)
The talented Mandy Jensen will engage and delight children and their parents/caregiver with her interactive songs and movements, in the Alphabet Garden on nice days, or theater if rainy.
Fridays, July 6 – August 3 11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Live Shows & Films for the Younger Set (2 – 6 yrs.)
Dream Big @ Your Library is our theme for the Summer Reading Program – and our Wednesday programs in the Ossie Davis Theater. All begin at 10:30 am
July 11 Live Show with Robert the Guitar Guy
July 18 Films from Picture Books: The North Star and More Stories about Following Your Dreams and The Napping House and More Stories that Rhyme.
July 25 Live Show: Musician and entertainer Zev Haber
August 1 Films from Picture Books: Curious George – “Sweet Dreams”
August 8 Live Show: Lionheart Puppet Company performs “The Little Red Hen”

At Huguenot Children’s Library
Drop-in; first-come, first-served (except Bedtime Stories, which requires registration)
These programs are made possible by the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.

Bouncing Babies (6 mos. – 24 mos.)
Music, movement and Mother Goose rhymes with Nora Maher
Thursdays, July 5 – August 9 11:45 am – 12:15 pm

3, 4 & 5’s (3 – 5 yrs.)
Stories, songs, finger plays and a take-home craft
Mondays, July 2 – August 6 10:30 – 11:15 am

Let’s Pretend ( 3 – 5 yrs.)
An introduction to theater through games, songs and nursery rhymes, with Nora Maher
Thursdays, July 5 – August 9 12:30 – 1:15 pm

For All Ages: International Music & Dance
One of NRPL’s most popular series, the sounds and movements of global cultures thrill and delight all ages! All performances begin at 7:00 pm. First-come/first-served to the capacity of the library’s Ossie Davis Theater. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Please note: seats may not be “held” and doors will close promptly at 7:00 pm if theater is filled to capacity.

Tuesday, July 3 Homegrown String Band
A perfect warm-up to the Fourth of July! Inspired by the rural American string bands of the early 20th century, this family band plays unique instruments including guitar, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, jaw harp, doumbek, and percussive dance to put their own stamp on blues, bluegrass, country, and folk.

Tuesday, July 10 Greek American Folklore Society
Escape to the Aegean islands, Macedonia, central Greece and the Peloponnese, when members of the Greek American Folklore Society perform traditional dances in authentic costumes and accompanied by traditional Greek instruments – flute, clarinet and bouzouk. Oopa!

Tuesday, July 17 Members of the acclaimed Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will delight all ages with their colorful costumes and dances from various regions of Mexico.  This celebrated dance company celebrates the rich, regional dance traditions of Mexico’s diverse cultural history interpreted through its unique artistic vision, honoring Mexico’s past and immigrant life in the United States.

Tuesday, July 24 Arabian Dance by Aszmara with Music of Armenia, Turkey and Egypt
The renowned dancer and belly dance instructor Aszmara performs to the folkloric sounds of Arabia and the Middle East by Armenian Musicians Haig Manoukian on oud, Souren Baronain on G-clarinet, and Mal Stein on doumbek,

Tuesday, July 31 New York Chinese Cultural Center
Dressed in full, traditional Chinese costumes, dancers will perform “China Patterns”, a kaleidoscope of dance pieces from different ethnic regions throughout China, including a Ribbon Dance, Sword Dance, and Tibetan Dance. This fun and engaging program introduces the traits, customs and patterns of Chinese life.

Tuesday, August 7 Bokandeye African Dance and Drum Troupe
The crowd-pleasing Bokandeye Troupe, directed by Anthony Wooden, closes the 2012 series with African dance to djembe drumming. The cultural traditions of African villages come alive as the troupe’s multigenerational dancers perform in authentic costume.

For Families: Disney Summer Hit Parade 2012

Six free family films to enjoy together, in the air-conditioned Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library. All movies start at 6:00 pm.

Monday, July 9 THAT DARN CAT! (1965)
Starring Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall
A girl with an overactive imagination (Mills) contacts the FBI when her Siamese cat “DC” (Darn Cat) comes home wearing a wristwatch. She’s convinced it’s the tip-off to crack a bank robbery and kidnapping case that has the authorities baffled. Laughs and romance ensue when an allergy-prone FBI agent (Jones) is assigned to “tail” the cat! Color, 112 minutes.

Monday, July 16 THE COMPUTER WORE TENNIS SHOES (1969)
Starring Kurt Russell, Joe Flynn, Cesar Romero, William Schallert
Medfield College student Dexter Riley (Russell) accidentally turns into a human computer through a shocking lab mishap, and becomes the center of a winner-take-all tug-of-war between greedy college deans and dangerous gamblers. Color, 90 minutes.

Monday, July 23 SNOWBALL EXPRESS (1972)
Starring Dean Jones, Nancy Olson, Harry Morgan, Keenan Wynn
Johnny Baxter (Jones), a New York accountant, inherits a hotel in the Rocky Mountains, quits his job and moves his family out West to beautiful Colorado. The Rockies never seemed rockier as the Baxters find their “estate” in a state of total dilapidation! Color, 93 minutes.

Monday, July 30 THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG (1975)
Starring Bill Bixby, Susan Clark, Don Knotts, Tim Conway
When three young orphans stumble upon a huge golden nugget, they join forces with two bumbling outlaws (Knotts and Conway) to stage a robbery of the gold to fend off the greedy townspeople. Little do they know that a surly gang of sharpshooters plans to beat them to the draw! Color, 100 minutes.

Monday, August 6 ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (1975)
Starring Kim Richards, Eddie Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence
Two young orphans with psychic powers are lured to the mansion of evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Milland), who plans to exploit their clairvoyance for his own gain. The children escape and befriend a friendly camper (Albert) who helps them unravel the mystery of their origin. Color, 97 minutes.

FREE PROGRAMS FOR TWEENS & TEENS Ages 10 – 17

Mondays July 2 – August 13 (no session on July 23)
Creative Crafts & Cooking
Fabulous projects and tasty samples- made by you! Denise Link will provide the expert guidance and materials.
3:30 – 4:30. Meeting Room Drop-in, limited to 16

Tuesdays July 3 – August 9
African Dance and Drums
Anthony Wooden, director of Bokandeye Dance Troupe, and an accompanist drummer returns to NRPL with traditional African dance to share with tweens and teens, and their parents and grandparents. Participants will perform with Bokandeye on Tuesday, August 9th at 7 pm.
4:00 – 5:00 pm Meeting Room Drop-in, limited to 20

Wednesdays July 6 – August 10
Anime and Gamers Club
Anime screenings, videogames and card/RP gaming take place each week, and special events will include DDR and Karaoke tournaments, candy sushi making and more. The Club is for students entering grades 7 – 12 and requires registration with Ken Petrilli, Teen Services Librarian, (phone 813-3735 or email planetfire@hotmail.com)
4:00 – 6:00 pm Meeting Room and Theater Registration Required

Thursdays July 5 – August 9
Reader’s Theater
Ten to twelve young adults, ages 14 – 17 will be selected to become the community’s Reader’s Theater Troupe, which will present vignettes from the book, Sun, Stone and Shadows: 20 Great Mexican Short Stories, in various venues throughout the community in September and October, 2012.
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Meeting Room and Theater Registration required: 632-8254

IN THE TEEN AREA

Own the Afternoons in the Teen Room
Six fun, hands-on game/activity or simple craft-based programs will happen on various afternoons in the Teen Room. For teens entering 6th – 12th grade.

Own The Night: Teen Summer Reading 2012
In 7 weeks, read as many books as you can to rack up points for prizes that will be gifted on a weekly basis and at the end-of-summer pizza party in August.

These free programs for teens are made possible by the Friends of the Library and the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation.

Two Great Summer Book Sales

Mark your calendar! The Friends of the Library super one-day summer book sales will be held on Friday, July 13th and Friday, August 10th, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm in the library lobby. Terrific reads for the beach or vacation destination, including best-selling fiction and non-fiction, biographies, classics, audio books, dvds, gift books, and more, more, more – will be available for purchase at rock-bottom prices. Stock up and soak up some escape time with a stack of good books.

Can’t make the book sale? Stop by the Friends Book Store and pick up more great bargains. The shop is located on the first floor by “Large Print Books” and next to the Community Relations Office.
Summer Bookstore Hours:
Tuesdays: 1 pm – 3 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 1 pm