Kids Library Events
December Activities for Kids of all Ages
Stratford Library
by Thomas Holehan
DIY Storytimes
The Stratford Library posts DIY Storytimes on the website at stratfordlibrary.org/kids every Saturday. Families can enjoy these online storytimes any time. Themes for December include Ninjas (12/4) and Underwear (12/18).
The Great Family Read
The Great Family Read, a monthly book program for children grades 3 to 6 and their families. Each month, the Library will choose a high-interest book that both kids and their grownups will enjoy. The title will be available via the Library’s Hoopla ebook app (download the free app from your phone/tablet’s app store), so each person in the family will be able to borrow their own digital copy of the book at the same time. December’s Great Family Read will be The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
Register for this program at stratfordlibrary.org on the Events page, and the Library will provide you with discussion questions, information, and fun activities related to the book that families can use to create an engaging literacy experience. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Outside Storytimes
The Stratford Library offers storytime outside during December. Toddler Time meets Monday, 12/6 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 1 to 2. Preschool Storytime meets Tuesday, 12/7 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 to 5.
Baby Lapsit meets Wednesday, 12/1 at 10:30 am for ages 0 to 1.
Friday Fun meets Fridays, 12/3 and 12/10 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2 to 5.
To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Alphabet Parade
Stratford Library Alphabet Parade grab ‘n’ go craft kits will be available throughout December for children ages 3 to 6. With Alphabet Parade, children will receive a simple craft relating to a letter of the alphabet and a writing practice sheet. The letter “S” will be available starting 12/2; the letter “T” will be available starting 12/16; and the letter “U” will be available starting 12/30.
Register online to reserve a kit on the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Book Scientists
Book Scientists is grab‘n’go learning experience offered by the Stratford Library Children’s Department. Each month, children ages 3 to 12 can sign up for different Book Scientists topics. Each kit will include Library books, a craft and/or an extension activity. Library books will be chosen by the child’s age. The Book Scientists kits for December are Crafts (pick up 12/3-12/16) and Christmas (pick up 12/17-12/29). When you are done, return the Library books by their due date and keep everything else!
To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Zentangle Art
The Stratford Library offers Zentangle Art on Zoom on Saturday, December 4th at 2:30 p.m for ages 6-12. Children will use their initials to create intricate designs. Materials will be provided for pick-up before the class. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Coding Club
Stratford Library’s Coding Club meets online Monday, December 6th at 4 p.m. for children ages 8 to 12. Each class has two activities: a Scratch coding project and a group activity involving ancient codes like hieroglyphs or runes. Learn to think like a coder! To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Watch Kit
The Stratford Library will offer a movie watching kit for the animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Kits are for children ages 6 to 12 and their families. You supply the film, we’ll supply fun items for a movie watching time with family. The Library also has a few copies of the movie for check out. Pick up begins December 6th. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Jr. Scientists Grab’n’Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Department presents Jr. Scientists Grab’n’Go for ages 3 to 7 with pick up starting Wednesday, 12/8. Pick up a kit with a different science experiment each month. The kit contains items that children and their families can use together to test scientific principles. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Nutmeg Book Group
The Stratford Library hosts a monthly Nutmeg Book Group for children grades 4 to 6. The December book is “Sanity and Tallulah” by Molly Brooks. Participants will receive a free copy of the book as well as items related to the book to keep, courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.
The discussion meets on Zoom on Monday, 12/13 at 7 pm. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Science Sunday
Every month, the Stratford Library Children’s Department posts a feature on the website called Science Sunday, with links to online information about a different science topic. The December topic is The Polar World. Check out the kids page at stratfordlibrary.org/kids on or after 12/19 to see the December Science Sunday.
Reading is Snow Much Fun – Winter Reading Challenge for Kids
If the weather outside is frightful, stay inside and read! The Stratford Library will offer a fun winter reading challenge for children in grades K to 6.
Families can sign up for the “Reading is Snow Much Fun” challenge beginning December 21st, the first day of winter. Children will have a snowflake displayed in the Library, with stickers added every time a child completes a reading challenge. Children who complete six reading challenges will receive a coupon for free ice cream in the spring. Register any time the Library is open in the Children’s Department on the second floor. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
New Year’s Family Vision Boards
The Stratford Library presents a New Year’s Family Vision Board grab’n’go kit for families with children ages 7 to 12. Vision boards are collages or collections of images that represent dreams and goals, and they are a great way to begin a new year. Kits can be picked up beginning 12/27. To register for a kit, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call the Library at 203.385.4165.
New Year’s Activities and Decorations Kit
Families with children ages 5 to 8 can register for a New Year’s Activities and Decorations Kit from the Stratford Library. Kits can be picked up beginning 12/28. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
