Story Time @ The Clinton District Library

Off to a bad start

2011-02-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

Please be sure to call the Clinton library before heading out for story time over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, Amber has experienced a family emergency, which has forced her to travel away from Morgantown at this time. Though we are looking for librarian who can fill in, it is not certain at this point in time. Thank you so much for your understanding. (304) 291-0703.

Wed. Dec. 15

2010-12-15T03:44:00.001-08:00

Mon County Schools are running on a two-hour delay due to weather today, so story time at the Clinton branch is canceled. Make some hot cocoa and cozy up with a good book today. We'll see you next week.

Snow Reminder

2010-12-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

Reminder: if county schools are closed or delayed due to weather, story time and Books and Babies will be canceled.

New Story Time Theme Schedule!

2010-11-02T05:51:00.001-07:00

Nov. 3: In November

Nov. 10: Gathering Nuts

Nov. 17: The Bear Snores On

Nov. 24: NO STORY TIME—Happy Thanksgiving!

Dec. 1: NO STORY TIME

Dec. 8: Snowballs

Dec. 15: Snowmen

Dec. 22:Gingerbread Baby

Change in plans

2010-10-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

The warm weather has delayed the change in the color of the leaves on the trees, which has thrown a wrench in our fall story time plans! (No leaves means no craft supplies!) Therefore, I have decided to rearrange the schedule a little bit. I am moving our Autumn Arrives and Falling Leaves story times back a little bit to match nature's rhythms a little more this season.

So look out for some special, surprise story times in the coming weeks!! We'll revisit leaf-themes after Halloween.

Story times are each Wednesday:

10:30am - Books and Babies lapsit for birth-2

11:30am - Story Time for children ages 2-4

To sign up for either session, call (304) 291-7425 x. 216

Fall Story Time

2010-09-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again: the days are getting shorter and sweaters are kept nearby. It's fall, and that means the Clinton District Public Library Story Time is back! We are doing things a little differently this year as a way to give the babies and the big kids their own special space to enjoy everything the library has to offer. And it's a good thing we did, too: with over 13 children in the 2-4 year-old story time last week, we are literally running out of room at the Clinton Library.

So here is the new lineup:

Each Wednesday we will have two story time sessions for different age groups. We do ask that you call to register, as space in our little library is certainly limited. (304) 291-0703.

10:30am: Books and Babies. Children ages birth-2 can join us for this special lapsit. We sing songs, read short books, practice repetitive movement and word recognition and, most importantly, we do a lot of baby bonding. Did you know that research shows reading to children under the age of three can greatly increase language comprehension, encourage larger, more expressive vocabularies, and higher cognitive scores? Who knew having so much fun could be so important to baby's development.

11:30am: Story Time for Children Ages 2-4. At this more traditional story time we will read longer stories, sing some songs, do finger-plays, crafts and other fun theme-based activities. Both story times are a great chance for caretakers to get to know fellow parents and for children to interact with other kids in a fun, relaxed environment.

We look forward to having fun at story time with you!!

No Activity Wed. July 14

2010-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Reminder: there will be no Activity Wednesday on July 14.

We will have Activity Wednesday on July 7 and July 21 at 10:30am as usual.

T-Shirt Design Kick-Off

2010-06-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Join us Wednesday, June 9 for our Summer Reading Program T-shirt designing kick-off event! We will paint t-shirts with ocean critters because this year's theme is Make A Splash at the Clinton Library!!

Bring a pre-washed, plain t-shirt. (Does not need to be white.)

10:30am on June 9
Clinton District Public Library

Summer Reading Program

2010-06-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Get ready to make a splash at the Clinton District Public Library's Summer Reading Program! We'll kick things off on June 9 with a t-shirt decorating party. Please bring a washed t-shirt to decorate.
Register today at the Clinton District Public Library!

Children up to 5th grade can participate in the reading challenge. All ages are welcome to attend the Activity Wednesdays!

Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?

2010-04-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Join us this Wednesday, April 14, for a colorful story time at the Clinton District Public Library. We will have fun learning the colors of the rainbow and more about this special gift April Showers often bring.

Join us!

Wednesday, April 14
@ 10:30am at the Clinton District Public Library

Theme for 4/7: April Showers!

2010-04-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

We all know that April Showers Bring May Flowers! Let's celebrate the rain!

We'll read one of the cutest stories: One Rainy Day!

We'll also make our own rain sticks to shake so those May Flowers come!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

If there is one animal that tells me it's spring, it is the robin! I've been seeing so many of these sweet birds in my yard lately, and to me, that means it must be spring!

Join me for a festive Spring story time, with an emphasis on my friends, the robins.

We will even make our own nests.

Wednesday, March 31 @ 10:30am
Clinton District Public Library

March 17: Arctic Adventure

2010-03-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Join us this Wednesday for an Arctic Adventure! We will explore the different animals of Antarctica and the Arctic Circle...and learn the difference between the two! Plus, we will make a cute penguin craft.

10:30am
March 17
Clinton Library

Wonderland At The Library

2010-03-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 13, stop by the downtown library (373 Spruce st) for Wonderland at the Library! Along with the Shelley A. Marshall Foundation, we are planning tons of crafts, games, snacks, etc, all in celebration of the movie release of Alice in Wonderland. The fun starts at 11am. This is sure to be a great event. The best part is: it's free and open to the public. There is plenty of parking across the street. Tell your friends.

Read me once, read me twice, read me Chicken Soup With Rice!

2010-03-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

The weather is getting nicer, so we probably have only a few more weeks to enjoy one of my very favorite winter foods: SOUP! I like all kinds, and I'm sure you do, too! It can fill you up when you're hungry, make you warm when you're cold, and even make you feel better when you're sick. It's a wonderfood and we are going to celebrate soup this Wednesday!

There are SO MANY kids books about soup out there. My favorite is Maurice Sendak's classic Chicken Soup With Rice.

This Wednesday, March 10

@ 10:30am

Clinton District Public Library

Feb. 24 Theme: Rescheduled

2010-02-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Story Timers:

Due to last week's snow cancellation, we will plan on rescheduling the Snow theme for this week. See you Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 10:30! Hopefully the roads will be clear!

School Closed: Story Time Cancelled.

2010-02-17T04:25:00.000-08:00

As much as I hate to do it, I think we'll have to cancel our first session of story time. The roads look bad and school is called off. So rather than braving the Grafton Road, spend some time in doors with your little ones reading and doing your own craft projects. Bake some cookies. Have some hot cocoa. I look forward to hearing about your creations and your time spent together next Wednesday.

Are you feeling cooped up and in need of a new outlet? Have you tried the Library's WVDELI downloadable audiobooks? All you need is your library card number and the first 4 letters of your last name to download free audiobooks for kids and adults alike, straight to your home computer.

Snow policy

2010-02-16T08:36:00.001-08:00

Parents,
Because today is so nasty and the Clinton Library has been having a bit of trouble opening on extra-snowy days, I just wanted to make our snow policy as clear as possible: if Mon. County schools are cancelled or delayed, there will be no story time that day. I sincerely hope this doesn't have to happen. I will try to post a blog update Wednesday morning if we feel the roads are unsafe and we cancel. If you are unsure of anything, please call (304) 291-0703.

Stay Safe,
Amber

Feb. 17 Theme: LET IT SNOW

2010-02-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

...or maybe it should be called: "Please, make it stop!" Boy oh boy, is it ever a snowy winter! On Wednesday, Feb. 17, we will read all about this beautiful white stuff and we'll make a pretty snowflake magnet.

There are so many great children's books about snow out there. One of my favorite classics is "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats. What a wonderful story about discovering for yourself the magic of a snowy day. A newer snow book that I am currently in love with is simply called "Snow" by Cynthia Rylant. This beautiful book is pure poetry, and I look forward to sharing it with you all on Wednesday. Here are my favorite lines:

And then there is the snow

that begins to fall

in fat, cheerful flakes

while you are somewhere

you'd rather not be.

Maybe school.

Maybe work.

And this snow

tells you, as it falls, that

it will send you home early,

don't worry.

Home is where you

need to be,

and this snow

will take you there.

Join us at the Clinton District Library!

Wednesday, Feb. 17

10:30am - birth-two lapsit

10:55am - 2-4 year-old story time

Upcoming Story Time Themes

2010-02-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

We are working hard on coming up with some exciting themes for the new story time season!

Feb. 17: A Silly Snowy Day
Feb. 24: Hats and Mittens: Winter Clothes
March 3: Birds in Winter
March 10: Soup Season
March 17: Arctic/Antarctic Chill
March 24: NO STORY TIME
March 31: Spring has Sprung!

Please join us for these special story times at the Clinton District Library. Call (304) 291-0703 for more information.

10:30am Birth-Two Lapsit
10:55am Story Time for 2-4 year-olds

Storyline Online

2009-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents,

Do you feel like sometimes you just don't have the time to read that extra story to your child? Doyou wish tv wasn't the only option for keeping your little ones occupied while you take care of important tasks? I just wanted to share this great site that I recently discovered: Storyline Online, brought to you by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. On it, celebrities such as James Earl Jones, Al Gore, and Elijah Wood, among many others, read picture books aloud. All you need is a strong internet connection. It's a really neat service and a great place for your kids to spend a few moments while you're, say, doing the dishes, or getting dinner ready. Take a few minutes to explore all the titles they have to offer.

I also wanted to remind you about The Morgantown Public Library's resource for audiobooks online, WVDELI. We have hundreds of children's book titles online, ready for you to download to your home computer 24 hours a day. You can transfer them to your MP3 player (and in some instances, burn them to a CD to keep for good) to listen to in the car, or wherever. We really hope this service helps you get your daily tasks completed while also providing literacy-based, educational entertainment for your kids.

Theme for Dec. 9: HEDGIE

2009-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Join us Dec. 9 for what is sure to be an exciting visit from a special guest. Can you guess who?!

10:30am on Wednesday, Dec. 9

At the Clinton District Library

Theme for Dec. 2: Jan Brett!

2009-11-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

I am sure that all of you have explored the world of children's author and illustrator Jan Brett. She is one of the most talented people in the book industry today. Many of her books are centered around one of our favorite seasons: winter! She is pictured here at the arctic circle. We will focus heavily on her beautiful winter-time books for the majority of December. We might even get a visit from a very special friend of Jan Brett's in the coming weeks.

This Wednesday, Dec. 2, I will introduce our Jan Brett block with some of her most famous works.

Join us for this wintry story time!

10:30 am: birth-2 lapsit

10:55 am: 2-4 year old story time

at the Clinton District Public Library

Also, remember to join us at the downtown branch (373 Spruce Street, Morgantown) on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 11am-1pm for a very special Jan Brett event. We have more than 20 crafts, snacks, games and activities planned for kids of all ages. It is sure to be fun. There is a parking lot and garage located across the street.

Reminder: No Story time Nov. 25

2009-11-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder: there will be no story time the week of Thanksgiving. We will resume December 2. Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 18 theme: Tom Turkey

2009-11-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Before you know it, we'll be gathering around the table with our loved ones. This Wednesday, we will read some silly Thanksgiving stories, sing some songs, and make darling little turkeys.
The fun begins at 10:30am at the Clinton District Library.

Remember, there will be no story time next week on Nov. 25. We will resume as usual on Dec. 2.

Nov. 11 Theme: In November

2009-11-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this book?

In November by Cynthia Rylant

It is one of the most beautifully written and illustrated books I have come across lately. It is so lovely that I am devoting a whole story time to enjoying the gifts it gives each reader. It isn't a loud book. It isn't boisterous. It doesn't do anything except remind us why November is such a special month. But it does so with such quiet and thoughtful poetry.

Cynthia Rylant is one of the best children's authors of our time and she happens to be from West Virginia. I am so happy to get the chance to share her books with you this Wednesday, Nov. 11. We will also look at at least one more of her books and create art masterpieces using one of autumn's natural splendors: the apple!

Join us!

Wed. Nov. 11

10:30am - baby lapsit

10:55am - 2-4 year-old story time

New Topics!

2009-11-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have been busy working on a new topic list to get us through the coming months. The winter line-up is really exciting! With holidays approaching and seasons changing, there isn't enough time for everything we could do!

Here is what we have planned so far:

Nov. 4: The Bear Snores on: Hibernation
Nov. 11: In November
Nov. 18: Tom Turkey
Nov. 25: NO STORY TIME
Dec. 2: Welcome Winter with Jan Brett
Dec. 9: Gingerbread on the Loose!
Dec. 16: Holiday Magic

I will let you know as I update further. We will take a break for the holidays, but will resume after January.

Also, just a note about the new format: so far, it seems to be working out really nicely! I have been getting great feedback on the new birth-2 lapsit, so I'll keep things rolling! Remember, you are more than welcome to stay for both the birth-2 lapsit and the 2-4 story time. The choice is yours -- some days it seems like patience is in abundance, but we also all have those days when we just can't seem to find any patience at all -- so I leave it up to you. So far, everyone seems very willing to explore their limits, and that's great. Thanks for participating in this new experiment with us!

Nov. 4 theme: Hibernation

2009-11-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

I am terribly excited about this week's theme because it is one of my very favorite story time topics: hibernation! There are some really great books out there about the long sleep some animals take through the winter. If you get a chance, check some out. Kids love this topic. Here are a couple of my favorite books on the subject:

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes

So I hope you get your little cubs bundled up, take them out of their dens, and join us for story time!

Story Time at the Clinton District Library, Nov. 4
10:30am is our birth-2 Lapsit
10:55am is our 2-4 year-old Hibernation Theme

Fairy Houses Recap

2009-10-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

I think everyone really enjoyed our Fairy Houses story time last week! I know I did. I just loved seeing all of the different creations. People really used their imaginations! That is what I like to see each Wednesday. Of course, I forgot to take pictures of each different fairy house, but I did snap pictures of two to share.

What a fun craft!

Thanks, everyone, for all of your beautiful work!

Oct. 28 Theme: HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Boo!

Join us this Wednesday for fun-filled story time! We're reading some scary (not really) books about monsters, black cats, and jack-o-lanterns. We'll also make our own scary witch crafts to take home. And if we're lucky, there might also be a special Halloween treat!

Bethany recommended* a great book that we're going to read:

Goodnight Goon: a Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex

It is awesome! I hope you all get the chance to check it out for yourselves!

Join us!

Wednesday, Oct. 28

10:30am Baby Lapsit

10:55am 2-4 year old story time

At the Clinton District Library

*If you ever find a good book that would be just perfect for story time, please let us know! We love feedback and suggestions!

Fairy Houses Everywhere!

2009-10-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

As some of you may already know, fairy houses are the latest landscaping craze. Making fairy houses with children is even more popular. What is a fairy house? Well, fairies live in the woods, so fairy houses are little fairy-sized abodes made from natural woodland materials (leaves, moss, sticks, etc). They work like birdhouses: you build one for a fairy with the hope that she'll find it suitable and move in. And, if you're really lucky, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a real fairy in the wild!

Please check out these links if you have a moment before story time to get an idea of what fairy houses look like:

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/fairycrafts/a/blfairyhouse.htm

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fairy-House

http://urban-fairies.com/ - this site is a little hard to navigate, but the city of Ann Arbor, MI has fairy doors in many businesses and it seems to be a big attraction. If you click on the locations link, you can see some of them.

We will read the book Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane and construct our own fairy houses out of nearly all natural (but all compostable) materials. I'm sure the fairies we made last week will love their new homes.

Join us!

10:30am - Baby Lapsit for ages birth and beyond

10:55am - Clinton District Story Time

Wednesday, Oct. 21 @ the Clinton District Library

Fairy update

2009-10-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

What was that sparkly light I just saw floating through our Clinton Library? Why, it's a fairy! It's the many fairies we made yesterday morning.

Our story time kids had such fun getting creative making their very own fairies during craft time yesterday. Each one was unique and beautifully different.

Thank you so much for sharing in this special story time with me! What fun! If anyone is interested, the music that we played during story time was from the CD Fairy Moon - Songs of the Ring by Maria Sangliolo. She is the musician who put the words of A Fairy Went A-Marketing to music. Very cool CD for kids.

Oct. 14 theme: Fairies all Around

2009-10-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Fairies and fairy houses seem to be the latest kids craze these days and in the summer, we taught a Fairy Class at our Curiosity Quest summer line-up. It was so cute that I could not resist sharing the magic of fairies with our little ones during Clinton District Story Time.

We will read some fairy books, sing some fairy songs, and make our very own fairy friends. And don't worry: as we all know, there are boy-fairies, too!

Here are a couple of really great fairy books for young kids:

A Fairy Went A-Marketing by Rose Fyleman

The Sock Fairy by Bobbie Hinman

Oct. 14 at 10:30am

at the Clinton District Public Library

OCT 7 Theme: Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Join us this week as we read about not-so-scary monsters and make a special monster craft.

Just in time for The Library is Where the Wild Things Are, at 11am on Oct. 10 (Saturday) at the Morgantown Branch (373 Spruce St.). Please join us Saturday for monster games, crafts, snacks, and more!! Parking is located directly across the street.

But first, come to story time

Wednesday, Oct. 7 @ 10:30am

Clinton District Public Library

REMINDER: NO WEDNESDAY STORY TIME 9/30

2009-09-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Remember, there will be no story time this week. Ms. Amber is going to be away at a library conference. Spend the day reading!

Sept. 23 Theme: Autumn Leaves Are Falling

2009-09-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing more and more leaves turning bright yellow, orange, red, and even purple. I'm even noticing some on the ground. The autumn leaves are starting to fall. We will spend our time together this Wednesday celebrating the changing of the season.

Here are some great books about autumn leaves:

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber

Please Note: there will be no story time next Wednesday, Sept. 30, as Ms. Amber will be at an out-of-town library conference. Take this time to devote some special mommy/caretaker reading time with your little ones. We will continue as usual the following week.

But please join us this week for our celebration of fall!

Wednesday, September 23

10:30am at the Clinton District Library

Fall on the Farm books

2009-09-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

One of the caretakers asked for the names of the books we read together yesterday at story time, so I thought I would also post them here! I usually try to at least post one of the books I'm planning on reading, but so much of it has to do with the feeling in the room on any given day, so I usually prepare 3-4 books for the 2-4 year olds and then end up reading anywhere from 1-3 depending on the group.

Yesterday, we read:

Barn Dance! by Bill Martin and John Archambault

and

The Little Scarecrow Boy by Margaret Wise Brown

Sept. 16 theme: Fall on the Farm

2009-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, autumn seems to be slowly heading our way, though I think we're still in summer's clutches. That's okay, though, because at the Clinton District Story Time, we're getting ready for autumn and celebrating the harvest with our Fall on the Farm theme. We're going to have some fun in the barnyard and meet some scarecrow friends.

Also, just an update about the Infant Lapsit Story Time: it seemed to be a success, so we're continuing on. The first portion of our 10:30 story time will be devoted to singing songs and reading short books designed for babies, which will be immediately followed by our regular story time adventures! I am so glad everyone is as excited about this as I am!

So whether you are ages birth-2, or 2-4, join us for our exciting Wednesday line-up!

It all starts at 10:30am on Sept. 16
at the Clinton District Library

Flu Season

2009-09-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

A very kind parent called in today to let us know that her little one was feeling under the weather and they wouldn't be making it to story time. She reminded me of a really good point that I think is important to bring up: with all of the health scares going on right now, it is important to stay at home if you or your little one is feeling sick this fall. Please do not try to make it to story time if you are ill...spreading the sickness isn't going to be good for anyone. Likewise, if I am feeling ill, I will call in to Clinton and be sure to post it on here to let you know if story time is cancelled.
Thanks so much!

Sept. 9 Theme: Fresh From the Garden

2009-09-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year. Yes, it's time for story time to start back up...but it's also time for fresh veggies to come straight from the garden! If you're like me, the tomatoes are getting ripe faster than you can pick them, your peppers are dripping off the branches, and you're just pretending you don't see the kale growing more enormous every day. Whew.

If you're like me, you also have one little problem:

Pesky critters nibbling away at all your hard work! *sigh* What is a gardener to do?!

Well, for our story time kick-off we're going to read some stories about bad little bunnies who like to munch on your garden veggies and we're going to make a very special craft that will hopefully keep them away!

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Please note: due to high demand we will try a short infant lapsit session at the beginning of story time and then we'll move into the Fresh From the Garden 2-4 year-old theme. Older children are welcome to join in at the beginning as we sing songs and read short, infant-friendly books. This infant story time feature is in the R&D phase and will be an adjust-as-we-go kind of thing, so please be patient, give feedback, and bear with us.

Join us for this new and exciting story time!

Wednesday, Sept. 9

10:30am at the Clinton District Public Library

New Fall Story Time Schedule!

2009-08-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about the fall story time line up that we can hardly wait for Sept. 9 (our first session)! We are busy researching topics, finding great books, songs, crafts, and all things autumn! We will be meeting Wednesdays at 10:30am at the Clinton District Library.

Here is a sneak peek at what we've got planned so far:

Upcoming Themes

Sept. 9: Fresh From the Garden
Sept. 16: Fall on the Farm
Sept. 23: Autumn Leaves Are Falling
Sept. 30: NO STORY TIME (Ms. Amber will be at an out-of-town library conference)
Oct. 7: Where the Wild Things Are
Oct. 14: Fairies All Around
Oct. 21: A Fairy Needs a House
Oct. 28: Pumpkins and Black Cats

August 12: Celebrate a Summer of Reading!

2009-08-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Join us August 12 as we honor all of our Summer Readers with a party! We will have food, fun, and prizes to give away. The winners of the 40 Book prizes will be drawn and the winners of the design-a-mug competition will be announced.
All children who participated in our Summer Reading Program are welcome to attend. Please call (304) 291-0703 to RSVP.

And for those of you who are interested in our Fall Story Times, we will have a sign-up sheet available August 12. You can sign up to receive a reminder about our Sept. 9 start-date. We're working on a fun line-up of topics! Let us know if there is anything you'd like to see covered this fall!

Join us for a PARTY!!!
August 12 @ 10:30
At the Clinton District Public Library

Aug 5 Theme: Be Creative with Science!

2009-08-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

Join us this Wednesday for a very special Summer Reading Program theme: Be Creative With Science! We will be joined by special guests who will show us different types of clay. We will make our own clay creations and concoct a special, edible treat to take home!

Also, be sure to stop by the front desk to sign up for our end of the summer party on August 12! All Summer Reading Program participants welcome.

July 29 Theme: I've got rhythm

2009-07-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

This week we will switch gears a little bit and take a look at a different form of creativity: music! We'll rock 'n roll our way in to a be boppin', hip hoppin', foot stompin' good time. And we'll be making our own instruments!

There are tons of great children's books out there that teach kids to appreciate music, sounds, and rhythm, so be sure to check some out.

Join us Wednesday, July 29 at 10:30am!

Clinton District Public Library

July 22: Modern Art Mayhem

2009-07-20T10:05:00.001-07:00

This week we will be taking a look at more recent works of art and we will meet a character from the modern art world that kids always love: Blue Dog. We will be reading the book Why is Blue Dog Blue? by artist George Rodrigue, and will explore the work of other famous modern artists.

Join us for the Modern Art Mayhem!

Wednesday, July 22 @ 10:30am

Clinton District Public Library

Wednesday, July 15: Sunflowers and Starry Nights

2009-07-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Can you guess who we are going to learn about this Wednesday?

Vincent Van Gogh was a very interesting character and a true visionary. He did not know fame as an artist in his lifetime, yet he is one of the most famous artists known today. He loved to draw flowers, among many other things.

We will take a look at a sweet little book called Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew and explore some themes in Van Gogh's work through painting and chalk art.

Join us July 15 @ 10:30am

at the Clinton District Public Library

July 8: Action Jackson

2009-07-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

This Wednesday, we will start up again with a bang. Or maybe I should say with a splatter! We will be taking a look at the work of Jackson Pollock, the American artist who perfected the messy look! His painting technique was called "Action Painting" because he was interested in seeing what kinds of paintings he could create by moving around a lot while splashing paint on the canvas. The finished products were interesting and unique, and something I think children will really have fun with! Check it out:

Whoa! See what I mean?! A kid's dream! So let's get messy with Jackson Pollock Wednesday, July 8 at 10:30 am at the Clinton District Public Library. Remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting messy...

And in your spare time, check out this great website that is perfect for all ages: http://www.jacksonpollock.org/. Scribble, drip, race across the screen, etc! Click to change colors. Enjoy!

Reminder

2009-06-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

There will be no Activity Wednesday on June 1, 2009.

This is a great chance to catch up on your summer reading!

I know many of you are going out of town, so please enjoy your holiday and be safe!

Classes will resume on June 8, and we have something really exciting planned!

Celebrate a Summer of Reading

2009-06-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Remember, it is not too late to sign up for the Clinton District Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Children up to the fifth grade can register to win prizes for reading and participate in exciting weekly activities!

Once they are registered for the Summer Reading Program, children can sign up for our “Celebrate a Summer of Reading @ the Clinton Library” end-of-summer party to honor everyone who took part in the 2009 Summer Reading Program. The celebration will be held on August 12 at 10:30am. We will have snacks, give out reading certificates, and announce the winners of the 40-book prizes. Whether you’ve read four books or 40 books, join us for the food and fun! For more information, contact the Clinton District Public Library. 2005 Grafton Road, Morgantown. (304) 291-0703.

Activity Wednesday Theme for June 24: "Painting with Scissors - Picasso and Matisse"

2009-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, we are going to learn about two artists who liked the idea of painting shapes: Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

We will experiment with "painting with scissors," or using cut outs of shapes and pictures to create our own works of art.

We will look at the book When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden for inspiration.

Join us!

Wednesday, June 25 @ 10:30am

Clinton District Public Library

Upcoming Schedule

2009-06-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to remind everyone of the upcoming schedule for the next few weeks:

Wednesday, June 24: Painting with Scissors

Wednesday, July 1: No Class (a perfect chance to catch up on your reading!)

Wednesday, July 8: Action Jackson

Summer Reading Program Activity Wednesday Theme: Monet

2009-06-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well, Claude Monet was certainly creative! He was a french painter who pioneered the Impressionist movement (meaning he liked to paint his own impression, or idea, of what he saw). Therefore, we are taking the opportunity to learn about him and experiment in painting in his style.

His favorite thing to paint was his pond in Giverny where he had a bridge and beautiful water-lilies. He painted more than 250 pictures of his water-lilies in his time....now that is love! And that is what we'll focus on during our Activity Wednesday, June 17!

We will also give back the tie-dyed t-shirts the children made last week.

Join us for this educational and super-fun event! Be sure to wear play clothes, as we will be playing with paint!

Wednesday, June 17

10:30am

Clinton District Public Library

Tie-Dye Recap

2009-06-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to our super fun Sharpie Tie-Dye kick-off! We are so happy there was such an interest in our program and sorry that we had to turn a few of you away. If there is a large enough interest, we'd be happy to run the program again. Please contact the library and let us know if this is something you'd be interested in.

Anyway, the kids had a great time! Check out the cool creations.

First, kids used markers to draw lines and dots, then watched them "bloom" into unique designs.

Children show off their finished products.

Even some of the adults joined the fun!

Join us next week for more fun and mayhem at the Clinton District Public Library Summer Reading Program Activity Wednesdays! We'll get started at around 10:15am.

Summer Reading Program Kick-Off

2009-06-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled that registration is now closed for our Summer Reading Program T-Shirt Design Kick-Off! Glad to know people are as excited as we are about this super fun event. On Wednesday, June 10, 10:30am, we will use Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol to create our own unique t-shirt designs.

Please remember to bring a pre-washed t-shirt from home for each participating child. Also, this might be a little on the messy side, so be sure to wear "play clothes" (that goes for the rest of the summer, too! Lots of painting!). We have all colors of Sharpies, so this is all about making it your own and being Creative at the Clinton District Library!

Just so you know what to expect, here are general instructions:

1) we will first write our names on the tag of the shirt (if you'd like to do this step beforehand at home, that's great!)

2) we use plastic cups and rubber bands to select portions of our "canvas" (t-shirt) for decoration. The cups go on the inside of the shirt, and then the rubber bands secure them in place on the outside.

3) we select 3 markers at a time to experiment with a series of dots and lines in interesting patterns or abstract scribbles within the boundaries of the opening of the cups.

4) we use droppers to drip 20 drops of rubbing alcohol on each colored surface. Then watch the colors expand, change, and bloom into interesting tie-dyed patterns!

5) I will take all of the t-shirts to the downtown branch to apply the Summer Reading Program @ the Clinton Public Library 2009 logo and I will stick them in the drier to help the colors set. Then, each child can pick up and put on their cool creation the following Wednesday at our regularly scheduled event.

This is sure to be tons of fun!

Summer Reading Program @ the Clinton Library

2009-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

On June 10, our regular story time will transform into the Summer Reading Program Activity Wednesdays! We will welcome all children, up to 5th grade. But don't fear: your pre-schoolers are still very much a focus! Things might get a little more advanced, but I'm working hard to design the crafts so that all levels will be engaged.

You do need to sign your children up for the Summer Reading Program, though. Please see the front desk for more details on how your children can spend the summer reading books, winning prizes, and participating in the Wednesday activities. While you're at it, have your child enter our "design a mug" contest. Pick up a mug at the library, decorate it, and bring it back the week of June 15 for judging.

Our first Activity Wednesday meeting will be our Summer Reading Program Kick-off Event and we will be doing "Sharpie Tie-Dye." Please make sure to sign up separately for this special event: space is limited, as this is a very hands-on event. Please note that each child should bring their own pre-washed white t-shirt from home. We encourage kids to wear their Summer Reading Program shirts each Wednesday.

From then on, we will open the Activity Wednesdays to all interested kids, 5th grade and under, who are participating in the Summer Reading Program. This year's theme is "Be Creative at Your Library" and we plan on doing just that. Each week, we will look at a book or books on the theme-of-the-week to help us explore our theme. We will focus on all things creative, including introductions to various famous artists and creating our very own masterpieces.

Our objective for this program is to encourage children to be excited about books and reading through crafts, art, games, songs, and the occasional snack. Please let us know if your child has any allergies we should be aware of.

If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact the Clinton Library at (304) 291-0703 or inform library staff.

Summer Reading Program Activity Wednesdays start June 10.

June 3: The Grouchy Ladybug

2009-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, we will read Eric Carle's The Grouchy Ladybug and make cool ladybug necklaces. It is the last week before our Summer Reading Program starts, so if you haven't signed up your child, make sure to do so at the front desk. I will post a separate blog entry on all of our Summer Reading Program activities.

Join us!
Wednesday, June 3 at 10:15am
at the Clinton District Public Library

May 27: Carle Continued

2009-05-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

This week, we will continue on with our Eric Carle theme. Join us for stories, crafts, and songs!

May 27 @ 10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

Story Time Pictures

2009-05-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some great pictures from our Fancy Nancy Mother's Day Tea Party that were just too cute not to share.

The Table is set and the books are ready. Fancy Nancy would have liked our tea party, I think.

After the story, Ms. Amber passes out plates for our delicate finger sandwiches.

Ms. Amber pours the tea and everyone enjoys the party!

Eric Carle's Blog

2009-05-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Readers: I thought I would share a link that I found this morning: it is Eric Carle's personal blog, and it is so fun to see this living artist and writer in his daily habitat. Also, you'll be able to get a sneak peek at the caterpillar who will come help us celebrate on June 20. I am so excited.

Please take a look at Eric Carle's Blog when you have a minute!

Eric Carle Obsession

2009-05-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

For the next few weeks leading up to our Library is Crazy About Carle event, we will be focusing on some of Eric Carle's most beloved works. I know that many of my regular story timers often read his books, so I thought it would be a great time to visit the world of Eric Carle together. And don't worry: the crafts will be completely different from the exciting ones we're planning for the event on June 20 at the downtown branch.

Join us for story time!

Wednesday, May 20 at 10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

May 13: The Bee's Knees!

2009-05-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Beeee ready to have fun at our story time all about Bees!

We will read this very silly book:

Bee-Wigged by Cece Bell

And we will make a fun bee craft that will buzz around in the breeze!

10:15am, Wednesday May 13

@ The Clinton District Public Library!

Join us May 6 for a Fancy Nancy Story Time Tea Party!

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

To help our story timers celebrate Mother's Day, we are holding a special story time tea party for mom with a focus on all things FANCY. We will make a special craft before the story, have a traditional tea with treats, and play a tea-time game. Dress up is encouraged, but not required!

Join us in thanking mothers everywhere for all they do!

High Tea starts at 10:15am

on Wednesday, May 6

at the Clinton District Public Library.

April 29 Story Time: Flowers!

2009-04-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Join us as we wrap up the month of April with our "April Showers Bring May FLOWERS" story time. We'll give May a warm welcome while making beautiful crafts for Mother's Day (no helping this time, moms!) to give out at our May 6 Fancy Nancy Mother's Day Tea Party. We will read these exciting books:

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Alison's Zinnia by Anita Lobel

The Rose in My Garden by Arnold and Anita Lobel

Join Us!

April 29 @ 10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

April 15: Earth Day Every Day!

2009-04-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Join us for our Earth Day Celebration! We will learn about the different things that Earth Day helps us to remember: specifically, the importance of preserving our rainforests and how plants grow/why we need them.

We will read Eric Carle's exciting book The Tiny Seed, among others.

And we will plant our very own seeds to take home so we can watch them grow! There will be fun, messy dirt!

Wednesday, April 15

10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

April 8 Theme: Ox-Cart Man

2009-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

He packed a bag of wool

he sheared from sheep in April.

He packed a shawl his wife wove on a loom

from yarn spun at the spinning wheel

from sheep sheared in April

He packed five pairs of mittens

his daughter knit from yarn spun at the spinning wheel

from sheep sheared in April.

This beautiful passage is from Donald Hall's Caldicott Medal winner, Ox-Cart Man. I am very excited to share this story with our Story Time kids, as it is probably my very favorite picture book of all time! If I had to pick one book that makes me weepy from the beauty of it all every time I pick it up, it would be this one (but I'll try my best to contain myself on Wednesday).

And as we're reading a very special book, we'll have a very special craft to go with it: we'll be making our own Ox-Carts! Also, we're going to have a special Spring-Time treat to celebrate the upcoming holidays!

Join us.

Wednesday, April 8

10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

April Showers Bring May Flowers: Rain

2009-03-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Join us April 1st for our wet and wild April kick off! We all know that April Showers Bring May Flowers, so for this story time, we'll focus on rain. What do you like to do on rainy days? Do you get your rain boots and your umbrella and splash in the puddles? Do you stay inside and watch raindrops make pictures on the windows?

I like to stay cozy with a cup of tea, a good book, and my cat, Matilda!

Here are some great books about rain:

And Then It Rained by Crecent Dragonwagon

Priscilla and the Splish-Splash Surprise by Nathaniel Hobbie

Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse

In the Rain with Baby Duck by Amy Hest

Heat Wave at Mud Flat by James Stevenson

Bumpa Rumpus and the Rainy Day by Joanne Reay

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

I Love the Rain by Margaret Park Bridges

Wednesday, April 1 @ 10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

Upcoming Events @ the MPL

2009-03-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

We have some very special events happening this spring at the Morgantown Public Library*

March 28: Fun and Games with Dr. Seuss

Come play games with the Cat in the Hat, make Seuss crafts such as oobleck, and enjoy a brunch of green eggs and ham at 11 a.m. on March 28! This event is made possible by the Shelley A. Marshall Foundation.

April 4: Making Stories

At 11 a.m. on April 4, storyteller Andy Fraenkel will share stories from around the world, and - with the audience's help - create a couple of new folk tales and fables on the spot. Fraenkel is a gifted storyteller and is sure to enchant young and old alike. This is a great event for grandparents to bring the grand-kids to!

April 5: Easter Egg Hunt

At 5 p.m. on April 5th, the library will host its annual indoor Easter Egg Hunt for children (ages 2-10). There will be three separate age appropriate hunts, but participants need to be registered in advance to participate and we ask for a $1 donation per child. (304) 291-7425.

April 13: The Tale of Despereaux

At 1 p.m. on April 13, the library will host a screening of The Tale of Despereaux on our huge-screen TV!

*All events are located at the Downtown Morgantown Branch (373 Spruce St)

March 25 Theme: If March Comes in Like a Lion, It Goes Out Like a Lamb

2009-03-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's officially spring time, and that means baby animals! Join us for the second part of our story time tribute to the month of March, "If March Comes in Like a Lion, It Goes Out Like a Lamb."

We will read books about lambs and sheep. Here are some great ones to browse:

Mary Had a Little Lamb by Sara Josepha Hale

Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw

The Lamb Who Came for Dinner by Steve Smallman

The Lamb and the Butterfly by Arnold Sundgaard

We will make a fun, messy lamb craft. Join us.

Wednesday, March 25
10:15am
Clinton District Public Library

Photo Recaps of Recent Story Times

2009-03-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

A big THANK YOU to moms for sharing your photos with me! I always try to remember to take some during story time, but it is one of those things that gets kicked to the wayside once we're in action.

Kids hold up their lion masks at our "March comes in like a lion" day.

We had fun making tiger puppets during our "Big Cats, Continued" story time.

Everyone loved the naked mole rat theme!

I am so happy that it was a success...I know it was an odd topic, but the kids really loved it. And my attempt at making play dough was well worth it! Whoohoo! All of our sculptures turned out lovely and very uniquely different, which confirms one of my personal goals with story time, and that is allowing kids the freedom of creativity and imagination.

Also: we've been blogged about! Check out one mom's shout out here.

Kid's Menu @ WVDELI

2009-03-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Did you know that we have a kid's menu on our free downloadable audiobooks site, WVDELI? We have hundreds of titles for children of all ages to choose from. Download Where The Wild Things Are and pop it in for a car ride. Maybe your teen would like to listen to a Stephenie Meyer book while ignoring you (don't worry, it's just a phase). Or maybe you'd like to hear Madeleine L'Engle herself narrate the Wrinkle in Time books you grew up reading.

I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to spend a Saturday afternoon together, quietly listening to something everyone can enjoy. It teaches your children patience while exercising their imaginations, allows family bonds to grow, and gets children thinking about books. These are just a few of the many, many benefits we're providing with this service. So, turn off the tv and get your family to tune in to a book.

We know you're a busy parent. Let WVDELI do the reading for you.

March 18 theme: Naked Mole Rats and Other Uglies!

2009-03-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

The first title for this theme was "So Ugly They're Cute,"

but I'm not so sure.

What's this, you ask? Why, it's a Naked Mole Rat, of course! And don't worry, they're not immodest streakers of the animal world: they just don't have too much fur.

Ms. Ruth here at the Morgantown Branch introduced me to a lovely, funny book about a naked mole rat, and I just had to share.

Also, I am cooking up an extra-special craft this week involving our very own NMR sculpture pets to take home.

Here are some books we'll look at and some books you should check out:

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen ; retold by Stephen Mitchell

I Want a Hug by John Rowe

Beauty and the Beast retold by Max Eilenberg

Shrek! by William Steig

This is a story time I think kids will have fun with. Join us!

Wednesday, March 18 @ 10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

March 11 theme: Big Cats!

2009-03-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Sharpen your claws and comb your whiskers, because this Wednesday, our growing story time group will continue where the lion theme left off and learn about other big cats. This includes tigers, leopards, cheetahs, along with some North American big cats like lynx, mountain lions, and bobcats. Meow!

We will take a look at these books:

Big Cats by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Tiger On A Tree by Anushka Ravishankar

Come to My Party by Judith Benet Richardson

(Yes, Miss Maddy, I even found a book about BOTH elephants and big cats for you!)

Join us!

Wednesday, March 11
10:15am
Clinton District Public Library

March Comes in Like a Lion...

2009-03-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

Roar! Join us Wednesday, March 4 for our Lion Story Time. We will read books about the king of the jungle and make a special lion craft.

Here are some great lion books to check out:

Roar! A Noisy Counting Book by Pamela Duncan Edwards

How Loud is a Lion? by Clare Beaton

Lazy Lion by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway

Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue by Maurice Sendak

Wednesday, March 4

10:15am

Clinton District Public Library

feb 25 story time cancelled

2009-02-24T16:44:00.001-08:00

due to a terrible flu, story time for this wed. is cancelled. don't catch this.

Feb. 25 Story Time Theme: Winter Birds

2009-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Where do birds go in winter? What do they eat? Which birds are we likely to see during wintertime?

Join us Feb. 25 to find out at our exploration of birds in winter.

We'll be reading:

Wild Birds by Joanne Ryder

and

Birdsongs by Betsy Franco

We'll also get a chance to fatten up our feathered friends by making pine cone bird feeders! Join us!

Feb. 25 @ 10:15am

Clinton District Library

Mardi Gras Celebration @ MPL

2009-02-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs a Mardi Gras mask!

We're all recovering from our very successful Mardi Gras Celebration at the Morgantown Branch! Whew! We were happy to provide more than 150 patrons with nearly 20 stations of crafts, games, and activities, along with a jazz trio and our very special Mardi Gras Cafe featuring Louisiana fare. What a great way to spend a Saturday!

WVU students volunteer by bringing their jazz trio to the library for Mardi Gras

This event wouldn't have come together without the help of more than 35 volunteers: thank you so much for the generosity of your time and energy. Can I just say that Ms. Joan is a saint?

Also, a big thanks to the many local restaurants that donated food so that the kids could try Cajun cuisine. These included Nonna's bakery, Texas Roadhouse, Maxwell's (which has the best bread pudding ever!), The Glasshouse Grille, Wong's Wok, and the home cooking of many kind Service League of Morgantown Ladies. Merci beaucoup!

Here are some other upcoming events* at the MPL

Paper Airplanes: Super Fliers. March 8, 2 p.m. Elementary aged kids are invited to come to the library at 2 p.m. on March 8 to attend our super Fliers program. Learn about how airplanes fly, practice making paper airplanes, then participate in a competition to see who has the best paper airplane design!

Fun & Games with Dr. Seuss. March 28, 11am. Play games, make oobleck, treat yourself to a green eggs and ham brunch, Meet the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 and much more!

*These events are located at the Morgantown Public Library (373 Spruce St., Downtown Morgantown)

Upcoming Themes

2009-02-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Feb 11: Valentine's Day
Feb. 18: Slurping Soup (rescheduled)
Feb 25: Winter Birds
March 4: In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb: Lions
March 11: Big Cats
March 18: Naked Mole Rats and other Uglies
March 25: In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb: Lambs
April 1: April Showers Bring May Flowers: Rain

*all themes are subject to change, due to book availability, illness, poor turn-out and a million other reasons why things might not work out as hoped. *Sigh*...so it goes.

Feb. 11 Story Time Theme: Valentine's Day Party!

2009-02-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Join us Feb. 11 for our love-filled, heart-felt Valentine's Day celebration.

Here are some of the books we'll read and look at:

If You'll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant

and

The Runaway Valentine by Tina Casey

We'll also make Valentine Cards for someone special (Ms. Amber is making one for her dog, Elf!)

Coming decked out in Valentine's colors isn't required, but it is always rewarded!

Oh! And there will be goodie bags filled with Valentine's Day Treats for all. Don't miss out on this special story time.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

10:15am
Clinton District Public Library

Feb. 4 Story Time Theme: Slurping Soup!

2009-02-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

Join us Feb. 4 for stories, songs, and silliness surrounding soup. We'll read Maurice Sendak's wonderful classic Chicken Soup With Rice (one of Ms. Amber's all-time favorites!). We'll be making our very own batch of chicken soup with rice to sample, along with fabulous Soup Bowl Art Collages.

Bring your best, loudest slurp to share with the group!

Feb. 4

10:15am

Clinton District Branch

Winter Story Time Theme Planning

2009-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

The bad weather in Morgantown has kept us all in, but I've been using this time to plan ahead and am really excited about our upcoming themes. Here are just a few: Groundhog Day, Slurping Soup, Winter Birds, Silly Seals, Naked Mole Rats (Yes, you read it right!), and Valentine's Day Party.
There are so many great children's books on these topics, it's hard to narrow it down. Please stay tuned for more details on each theme.

If you have any suggestions or would like to explore a winter theme, please contact us. We'd love your input.

Story Time Cancelled 1/28

2009-01-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

Due to the snow/slush/rain/miserable conditions, story time will be cancelled today. Stay in and have some hot cocoa.