NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The main New Rochelle Public Library and the Huguenot Children’s Library (HCL) are offering a terrific array of free programs for children during the February school vacation week. These free activities are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library. All programs are on a first-come, first-served basis to the capacity of the facility.
On Tuesday, February 17, a workshop led by ArchForKids will provide children ages 6 and older with the opportunity to “Build a Mini Greenhouse.” The workshop will take place in the main library meeting room, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Participants will construct a tabletop greenhouse of their own, and will be given seeds and soil to grow plants for spring gardens. ArchForKids provides fun, hands-on experiences grounded in architecture and design. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 10:45 am.
Also on Tuesday, February 17, a LEGO® Workshop will be held at Huguenot Children’s Library, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. A LEGO® master will help participants ages 4 – 8 years unleash their imagination as they build a cool Bricks 4 Kidz® model. Pre-registration required: 632-8954
On Wednesday, February 18, the Ossie Davis Theater at the main library will feature musical adventures for all ages. In the morning, from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon films based on picture books will include Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin, Musical Max, and other wonderful stories for children ages 3 and older.
On Wednesday afternoon, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, a live performance of Peter and the Wolf and “Meet the Woodwinds!” will be presented by the Lehman Woodwinds Quintet. The performance will involve lots of audience interaction and fun, and is appropriate for children in Pre-K and up.
Children ages 4 years and older are invited to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year on Thursday, February 19, with a craft workshop from 11:00 to 12:30 pm at the Huguenot Children’s Library. Participants can create a dragon puppet and red lantern before sampling a Chinese New Year treat. As space is limited, pre-registration is required: 632-8954.
Also on Thursday, February 19, a cooking workshop exploring African-American foodways will take place in the main library meeting room from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. As demonstrated by the extraordinary illustrations in the library’s current exhibit by James Ransome, many traditions came north with the Great Migrations of African-Americans from the Deep South. Chef Giovanni Green will give hands-on demonstrations on preparing some of the most favorite traditional southern foods, in a fresh, heathy style. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served, beginning at 1:45 pm.
Singer and Songwriter Zev Haber will entertain children ages 3 – 7 years and their parent or caregiver on Friday, February 20th, at 10:30 am in the Main Library’s Ossie Davis Theater. One of our favorite children’s performers, Zev will treat the audience to another upbeat performance of funny stories, silly songs, and rousing audience participation.
On Friday afternoon, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, an “Adventures in Gardening Workshop” for children in grades 2 – 5 will allow families to get a head-start on spring planting! Expert guidance, a selection of seeds and an assortment of containers will be provided. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served, beginning at 1:45 pm.