We're offering our special program for one-year-olds and their grown-ups on Wednesday mornings, from 11-11:30 a.m., in the month of January. We'll sing songs, do rhymes and fingerplays, and read a few books. Registration is required; to register, please go to www.takomapark.info/library/registration.html or call us at 301-891-7259. Note: All young participants must be between the ages of 12 months-24 months; no older siblings please.
Come in p.j.s and bring your teddy bear or other stuffed favorites as we read some stories and sing some songs and rhymes on Monday, Jan. 5, from 7-7:30 p.m. This program is perfect for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their grown-ups.
Reading aloud is a wonderful way to bond with your children. It's especially great during the holidays, which can be so hectic.
Several local families have built specific reading traditions around the holidays. One local family comes to the library and chooses eight Hannukah books -- one for each night of the holiday.
Several other families, including mine, collect Christmas books and bring them out only at this time of year. One such family is the Kern family, which recently was interviewed about the tradition on NPR. You can access their story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98308208.
Since the story aired, mom Sally Kern has since learned of another long-time holiday tradition. It seems that her grandfather bought his bride a copy of "A Christmas Carol" back in 1929. He read the book each year, and each year he recorded the date and place where the book was read. Sally just received the book in the mail from another family member, and plans to carry on the tradition.
Maybe it's time to start your own holiday reading tradition!
Looking for a great gift for the child in your life? Check out our Best Books for Kids lists, posted on the library's Books blog, http://takomapark.info/library/books/. We've just posted our third installment, which focuses on non-fiction, folklore, poetry, graphic novels and re-issued classics.
Enjoy!
Karen MacPherson, children's and teen librarian
Check out the second installment of our Best Books for Kids 2008 on the library's Books blog, http://takomapark.info/library/books/. Our 2nd list focuses on beginning readers, middle grade fiction (for ages 7-12) and teen fiction.
Happy Reading!
Karen MacPherson, children's and teen librarian
Looking for a great holiday gift for your child? Try a book!
I've culled through more than 1,000 children's books published this year to highlight the best for kids, from infant through teen. You'll find the first installment of this list -- spotlighting great board books and picture books --on the library's Books blog: http://takomapark.info/library/books/. Check back in a few days on that blog for lists of best fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels.
Happy Reading!
Karen MacPherson, children's/teen librarian, Takoma Park Maryland Library