The Montclair Public Library’s Youth Services Department has announced its January programs for kids, families and teens, including a book-signing by children’s author Jorge Aguirre, an acclaimed multi-media performance entitled “Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wondrous World”, two concerts and a new book club for kids in elementary school.
All Youth Services programs are free. Registration is required for all of these programs unless otherwise noted. Montclair card holders receive priority registration. Register by calling: 973-744-0500 ext. 2236.
Homeschooling Meeting: Thursday, January 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet other homeschooling families who visit monthly from surrounding Essex and Passaic county cities to take advantage of this popular resource. Youth Services Librarian Enola Romano displays the library’s unique and rich collection of homeschooling and parenting books. Bring your favorite board games, thoughts and experiences to share. For more information, please e-mail Enola Romano at [email protected]. No registration required. In the Auditorium.
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wondrous World: Sunday, January 6, 2 p.m. Performed by songwriter Morgan Taylor, “Gustafer Yellowgold” is described by the New York Times as “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss, filtered through the lens of the Lower East Side.” The show is a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling. With its unique crossover appeal, the show has been the opening act for Wilco and The Polyphonic Spree. All ages welcome. In the Auditorium.
Introduction to Chess with Marwan Ismail: Tuesdays, January 8 to 29 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Take advantage of a four-week chess program led by Marwan Ismail. Learn by playing and improve along the way with tactical tips and expertise. Marwan Ismail has been playing chess for 15 years and has competed amongst national chess masters. He is currently a student at Rutgers University. Appropriate for children ages 6 to 12.
How Kids Live in West Africa: Wednesday, January 9 at 5:00 p.m. Storyteller Phil Passantino recently traveled to the West African country Mali and is excited share his adventures with you! He will play an African instrument called the mbira, tell African folktales, and show a film he made about how kids live in West Africa. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 11. In the Auditorium.
Books & Bites Reading Club: Each month a new book will be discussed followed by a craft and a bite to eat. The books will be available to check out on your library card when you register for the club. Appropriate for children in grades 1-3 and grades 3-5. Grades 1-3 will discuss Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo on Wednesday, January 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Grades 3-5 will discuss The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo on Wednesday, January 30 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Drop-In Craft, Penguin Pal: Thursday, January 17 at 4 p.m. Make and decorate a penguin pal to keep the cold winter blues away. Appropriate for ages 3 to 6. No registration required.
Rolie Polie Guacamole: Music concert, Saturday, January 19 at 2 p.m. Rolie Polie Guacamole is the hippest “kindie” band from Brooklyn. Their high-energy interactive shows are a mix of funk, rock, and folk music mashed into original tunes about natural living, eating healthy and staying active. Positive messages in songs like “Time for Hummus” will get kids and their families dancing along to healthy choices! All ages welcome. In the Auditorium.
Canciones: Hispanic Music for Kids: Tuesday, January 22 at 4:00 p.m. Enjoy traditional Hispanic songs from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico as performed on acoustic guitar by Deivis Garcia of the Library’s Youth Services Department. This popular informal concert includes backgrounds about the songs, choruses, and styles. Appropriate for everyone ages 4 and up. No registration required.
Sleepyhead Pajama Storytime: Wednesday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. Families are invited to snuggle up for nighttime stories. Come dressed in your pjs, bring along your favorite stuffed animal friend, and enjoy stories about sleepyheads and getting ready for bed. Appropriate for ages 3 to 6.
Graphic Novel Author Jorge Aguirre: Thursday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m. Jorge Aguirre, author of the critically acclaimed graphic novel Giants Beware, will discuss his process for writing Giants and participate in a Q&A followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Watchung Booksellers. Appropriate for everyone ages 7 and up. In the Auditorium. The first 10 children to register and attend get a complimentary book for signing, courtesy of MPL. Please note: The child must attend the program to receive the book; there is a one book per family restriction.
The MPL also has story times for different age groups and children of all abilities are welcome.
Babies in the Library: Tuesdays, January 29, February 5 to 26. Newborns to 13 months at 10:30 a.m.; 14-23 months at 11:30 a.m. This lap program is designed to acquaint parents and caregivers with the resources available in the library for their children. Rhymes, songs, language activities, and board books will be introduced during each session.
Toddler Time: Wednesdays, February 6 to 27 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Picture books, flannel board stories, and nursery rhymes are introduced during each session.
Mother Goose: Thursdays, January 31, February 7 to 28 at 2 p.m. Mother Goose is designed to promote literacy among preschoolers ages 3 to 6. In addition to picture books and flannel board stories, songs and puppets are also used to build upon children’s natural enthusiasm for books and reading.
The Youth Services Department at the Montclair Public Library is located at 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair. For more information, please call (973) 744-0500, ext. 2236 or visit www.montclairlibrary.org.
