PAWS-FOR-READING at the library

Belle, a beautiful mixed-breed dog, is going to be visiting the Children’s Room on several different dates this spring. Belle just loves to listen to stories, and is hoping that some of you will come and read to her!

Her person, Nancy, is a retired special-ed teacher and a grandmother, who adopted Belle 6 years ago, and has helped her to earn her Canine Good Citizen certification and R.E.A.D. training. She will be bringing Belle to visit on Wednesday, April 13 from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. They will return on Saturday, April 16, from10:30 to 11:30 in the morning. “Team Belle” will also visit in May and June.

To sign up to read to Belle, or for more information, please call us at 673-2288 or visit our website calendar at www.amherst.lib.nh.us.

Learning a Language at the Library

This just in---! We're updating our collection of children's language media. We will now be offering
Little Pim DVD's for very young children, and Muzzy programs for elementary-age children. These are both award-winning approaches to early foreign-language acquisition, so come on in, and give them a try! Programs in French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese are available.

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK FUN

Wow! Even though we were here in cold, snowy New Hampshire for our vacation week---we had a lot of fun! Several hardy souls made it out on a stormy Monday to watch "Lilo and Stitch" and munch on popcorn. On Tuesday, we got in touch with our 'inner dancers'---dressing up in grass skirts, and movin' to some tropical tunes! Wednesday's Indoor Beach Party was a big hit---we had fresh fruit smoothies and pretzels to snack on while listening to stories from the seaside---then Miss Sarah got everyone up and moving to the "Boogie Board Boogie" and other original songs. Thanks so much to Miss Sarah's helpers---Meghan (smoothie-maker extraoridinare!), Ben (headwaiter at the smoothie table), and Cassandra(expert facepainter!). Thursday's Craft Club got together and made some amazing Lion Pillows---it was hard work, but they were up to the challenge---the pillows came out great. Thanks to Kali and Shelley for helping out!
Check out the slideshow to the right to see more pictures!

SCHOOL VACATION WEEK---Feb 28-Mar 4

For those of us who AREN'T someplace warm this vacation---let's forget about the cold, and have a VACATION CELEBRATION!---

On:

· MONDAY, FEB 28 ISLAND MOVIE MATINEE
1:00pm “Lilo & Stitch” classic Disney, set in Hawaii!

bring a pillow, and we'll provide the popcorn, the punch, and illusion that we're all in Hawaii!!

· Tuesday, Mar 1 TROPICAL
10:00am DANCE PARTY

Ages 2-6---come to think of it, we don't care HOW old you are, as long as you're in the mood to dance! We'll pass out the grass skirts and do some hula, some limbo, and just have fun!

· Wednesday, Mar. 2 "BEACH PARTY" for all ages
w/ STORIES, SONGS, & SMOOTHIES!

2:30 pm

Put on your sunglasses, bring your flip-flops and your beach towel, and come to the library! We'll blend up some fresh fruit smoothies to slurp while Miss Sarah gets you up and dancing to some original songs, and tells some sunny stories. Everyone will get to choose a colorful lei to wear and keep, and we'll raffle off some of the tropical decorations! Come and join the fun--we PROMISE you'll feel warmer by the time we're done! Sign-up is not required, but will help us estimate numbers.

· THURSDAY, MAR 3 "CRAFT CLUB"
2pm MARCH LION PILLOW--- if March comes in as a lion, will it go out as a lamb? Ages 8 and up. Registration required

ALL WEEK LONG!!!!

MAKE-IT/TAKE-IT CRAFT TABLE: "Wavy Beach Scene" materials will be available all week long for you to make your own beach pictures!

AND:
"Tropical Train Table" Miss Sarah will bring in her wooden train tracks and trains for the week!--You can bring in your favorite trains to run on her tracks, too, but if you do, remember to put your name on them!

Black History Month

The month of February is Black History Month. For me, it's an opportunity to reflect on the long, difficult battle that African Americans had to fight in order to secure themselves the basic human rights that other Americans took for granted. How indomitable, how brave, how patient these citizens had to be in order to succeed! Come on in to the Children's Room to find a wonderful collection of books, both fiction and non-fiction, that chronicle the history of our African American citizens.

Learning to Walk at the Library!!!

Yes, it's true---not only can you find the great stories and information that you need, but the Children's Room at the library is a wonderful place to practice walking!

Betsy has been visiting the library with her sister, Sarah, since before she could crawl, and look at her now! GO BETSY!!!!!!

We know it won't be long before she's reading, too....

We Love Books!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Here in the Children's Room, we're reminded of how much we love our collection of Valentine books--Whether you're looking for an Arthur picture book, a Turtle and Snake adventure for beginning readers, or a chapter book, we've got a wonderful assortment to choose from. So come on in, and check some out----

And, of course, if you bring chocolates, the librarians won't complain!!!