Independence Day Picnic

Lunch Bunch this Wednesday (@ 12:30) is something special...it's an Independence Day Picnic. Bring your lunch and enjoy stories and action rhymes as usual, but we'll provide a special treat for dessert. Be sure to dress up in your favorite red, white, and blue!

I don't know yet what Ms. Eileen will be reading to you, but one of my favorite Fourth of July-themed books is "Minerva Louise at the Fair", by Janet Morgan Stoeke. It's no secret how much I adore Minerva Louise, that daffy, cheerful, optimistic mixed-up hen. In this story, she see all sorts of lovely things at a state fair that is topped off with fireworks or, as she sees them, falling stars.

Have fun on Wednesday! (and on July 4th too!)

New Books about Cats

We have two cats who are in complete control of our household, a male cat named Meo and a female cat named Silvia. We got them both from a shelter almost 7 years ago and they are about as different as can be. Meo is outgoing, playful, proud, a huge "manly" cat who is afraid of things like trucks and joggers. Silvia appears timid and shy but is a fierce hunter who has a fondness for all things luxurious, like cashmere. Anyway, recently Meo suffered a terrible accident and both cats need a little TLC. So, cats are on my mind...but also on our New Books shelf. Here's a run-down of some new books featuring our feline friends.

"Mattoo, Let's Play!" written and lushly illustrated by Irene Luxbacher. Ruby wants her cat, Mattoo to join her in her adventures, like taking a pretend rocket ship to the moon. Mattoo hides from her so she thinks he is shy. But when Ruby pretends to be on a jungle safari she finds that Mattoo is in his element. JE Luxbacher

"Cat the Cat" series by Mo Willems. Our friend Mo has a new character to share, spunky Cat the Cat, whose tales are perfect for the very beginner readers. Books include, "Say Hello to Friends Who Fly", and "Cat the Cat, Who is That". JE-ER Willems

"Kittens (A Snapshot Picture Library)" by Karen Penzes. A non-fiction book featuring simple, clear text and gorgeous photographs of ...you guessed it...kittens! JE 636.8

Introducing Tiki

We have a new addition to our Richmond Library family: Tiki the Betta Fish. Tiki will be hanging out with us at the circulation desk all summer. He's a betta fish so he likes to be the only fish in the tank (so no need to worry that he doesn't have friends to play with.) In fact, "Tiki" is the name of the first man in Polynesian mythology (sort of like Adam).

Tiki is beautiful blue and lives in a Sesame Street themed tank. Come by and say "hi" to him.

Summer Reading

We had fun last night at our Summer Reading kick-off, even though the weather wasn't the most Luau-friendly. But now the real fun begins...the reading.

So, as a reminder, here's how the Summer Reading programs works: Every week read at least 20 minutes a day for at least 4 days of the week. Keep track on your reading log by adding a sticker on each day you read. The following week bring your reading log to the library for a prize. The prizes change each week and they're all delightful. You can only get one prize a week and you can't accumulate your reading and get more than one week's prize at a time. If you miss a week (because you can't make it to the library, you're away, etc.) we can't give you prizes retroactively...sorry, it would just make things too confusing for those of us who work at the library.

At the end of the summer those children who have read all summer long will become our Star Fish Readers and will have their photos put up in the library.

If you would like suggestions about what to read please ask! Ms. Eileen and I and the other librarians will be happy to help.

So Make A Splash, Read!

Luau!

We are kicking off this summer's reading program in a big way with Kahana Hula and a Family Luau. Tiare Kahana and friends with share the Aloha Spirit with all of us. Here's what Tiare says at her website about the Aloha Spirit.

The Aloha Spirit is what guides Tiare and Kahana Hula. These are traits of character than express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people.

• Aloha is more than a word of greeting, farewell or salutation.
• Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
• Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
• Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

So as we get ready to MAKE A SPLASH AND READ all summer long, let's start off by sharing in the Aloha Spirit at the Richmond Memorial Library. We'll start registering for summer programs at 6:00 and the performers hit the stage at 6:30. Don't forget to wear your Hawaiian shirts or dresses and be ready to share in a sno-cone.

Make a Splat!

To decorate the wall over the children's area of the library we're making a splatter painting! Doesn't that sound like messy fun? On Monday June 21st at 3:00 p.m. we'll meet outside the library in old clothes and shoes, grab a cup and a paintbrush and start splattering. We hope to create a real masterpiece! The painting needs to be long so I need lots of painters. You must be over 3 years old to participate, but otherwise anything goes. Moms and Dads can help paint too. See you then!

Summer Preview

Make a Splash! Read! That's the theme of this year's summer reading program at the Richmond Memorial Library. We have a GREAT summer of events planned and we look forward to seeing all of you all summer-long.

We kick things off with a family luau complete with flowered leis, hula dancing, Hawaiian music, and "Hawaiian Ice" (sno-cones). On Tuesday June 22 the fun begins at 6 p.m. when you can sign up for the child, teen, and adult reading programs. At 6:30 Tiare Kahana and friends hit the stage for an interactive program of song and dance to teach us about Polynesia's history and culture.

We'll be hosting My Gym as they bring "An Ocean of Fun" for kids 2-6 on July 7th, and then our older kids (7 and up) can participate in a "Splash-A-Lympics" on July 28th; wear a bathing suit and play wet games including tossing water balloons!

Riverside Reptiles brings reptiles and amphibians from around the world to the library on July 12th for a hands-on demonstration best suited for kids 3-12. And Western New England's Mad Science presents "Fun with Bubbling Potions and Dry Ice" on July 20th for kids 6 and up.

KidPirates with Captain Papillion takes over the Blish Park Pavilion on August 4th for piratey songs and fun for kids 3-10.

Drop-in storytimes continue all summer long with "Lunch Bunch" on Wednesday in June at 12:30, and "Stories in the Shade" in July and part of August on Friday at 10:30.

Finally we end the summer with an Ice Cream Social on Monday August 23rd.

All summer long the storytime room will be an Octopus's Garden where you can craft and create and make your own sea monster.

Most importantly as you READ READ READ all summer long you will earn WEEKLY PRIZES (that are, frankly, awesome!). You 'll learn all about that at our kick-off on June 22nd.

We can't wait and we hope you are as excited as we are to MAKE A SPLASH AND READ!

I'm the Best!

Lucy Cousins, author-illustrator of the Maisy books, continues to delight. Her newest, "I'm the Best" gave me a much-needed laugh today. Dog proclaims "I'm the best!" only to reverse his thinking and then come back to his sense of healthy self-esteem in the most toddler-friendly way. Brightly and vibrantly, even joyously illustrated, it will give a laugh and a lift.

A Winner!

We have a winner in our Blog Birthday raffle. (I didn't get to have my daughter pull the name out of a hat until this morning, sorry. I was too late coming home last night.) The winner is:

Megan M.

Karen (Megan's mom), you can come into the library in the next few days to tell me which two (2) hardcover children's books you'd like us to order for you. New, classic, you tell us. If you'd like recommendations we'll be happy to help. Nancy, Eileen, and I will see find something well-reviewed and perfect for Megan. (In fact I'm starting to think about that right now!)

A Great Website

While browsing at the Connecticut Library Service Center's web site, I followed a link to an excellent website featuring children's literature. Check out KidsReads.com (clickable link), a place to find out about books, series, and authors. It features several great booklists (click here for book lists), as well as contests, reviews, and interviews.

Lunch Bunch Begins Tomorrow!

Ms. Eileen begins her annual series of "Lunch Bunch" storytimes TOMORROW, Wednesday June 2nd at 12:30. "Lunch Bunch" will meet every Wednesday in June. Come for one or come every week. Bring your lunch and enjoy funny, clever, and interesting stories and action rhymes while you eat. If the weather is nice, you'll be outside (a bonus!). Registration is not required, and storytimes are best for ages 2-6. Ms. Eileen is doing theme-based storytimes this June, check out the side bar (Important Dates) for that information. The theme for this Wednesday: Splashing in the Pond. (I'm thinking frogs, turtles, and the like.)

Meanwhile DON'T FORGET THE BLOG CONTEST!!! Scroll down to the "Happy Birthday" entry and post a comment about a favorite book. Everyone that posts is entered into a drawing to win two NEW children's books of his/her choice. So far there are only 7 entries, so your chances of winning are great. The drawing will be held June 9th in the evening.