Children's Events

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Contact Us

  1. Library

    Physical Address
    100 Garfield Street
    Newington, CT 06111


  2. Children's Services

    Phone: 860-665-8720

Virtual Events & Programs may be held via the Zoom platform, or through Facebook Live.


Many of our virtual programs that are live will take place on our Zoom Platform.  Information on how to join a program can be found by clicking here. Registration is required for these programs. You may now register online by clicking here or calling the library at 860-665-8700. Program information as well as the Zoom link to access the program will be emailed prior to the event.   We also offer some live programming on our Facebook page. We hope to see you there! 

Other programs that are recorded and do not require registration are on our YouTube Channel and can be accessed via YouTube or on this events page listed below.
 

In Person Programs & Outdoor Programs

 Please contact the library or view this webpage for the most up to date information.  These programs may need to change based on COVID-19 restrictions or inclement weather.  We appreciate your patience in this matter.  Our primary concern is everyone's safety.

Past Programs

To view recorded programs that you may have missed, scroll down to the end of the page to view the video

Upcoming and Ongoing Programs

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Indoor Challenges
Our department has put together some fun, passive activities for kids to enjoy indoors! Come check out our I-Spy tank and see what you can spot. Challenge yourself with our Scavenger Hunt to see if you can find all the pictures. We hope you enjoy!

Childrens Book Bundles

Children’s Book Bundles
Let us help you! Answer some questions online by filling out a special form, located on our Reading Recommendation page. Your librarians will select up to 10 customized book titles for your child.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten fox reading

1000 Books Before Kindergarten
We are excited to share the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program with our patrons! This self-paced program encourages families to explore the world of books, get prizes, grow as readers, and have fun together. The library is here to cheer you on and connect you and your baby, toddler, or preschooler with books perfect for laughs, cuddles, and building literacy skills. More information will be available on our website.

NutmegAward

Nutmeg Book Awards
The new Nutmeg Nominees are here! Librarian booktalks are available now. Click below to access our Nutmeg Book page to see a listing of all the new titles.

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superhero training

Superhero Training
Thursday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.
Learn what it takes to become a superhero! Wonderland Works is back to train kids, grades K-5, on how to become the greatest superhero. Costumes are welcome! Registration begins November 16. 

kids winter craft fair

Kids Winter Craft Fair
Saturday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Attention shoppers and craft lovers of all ages! Mark your calendars and set a reminder for our Kids Craft Fair! Stop in to see all the Newington youth talent! Items for sale will include jewelry, paintings, soap, needlework, and more! Please remember to bring cash for all purchases. In addition, New York Life's Child ID program will be available during the event to create New York Life-issued Child IDs. A Child ID consists of digital fingerprinting, contact info, photo, and other information that the police might need in an emergency.

Festive Storytime with Anna Eddy

A Festive Storytime: Glow-mometer Rising with Anna Eddy - PROGRAM FULL
Tuesday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.
Families can hear excerpts from Glow-mometer Rising, a holiday story by local authors Anna Eddy and Jan Taylor Lippitt. Each child will make a special craft after the storytime! Registration begins November 21. 

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Play For All
Tuesdays, December 5, 12, and 19, 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for this program geared for families with young children who have special needs. All are welcome! Registration required.

Taco Soup In A Jar

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, December 6, 6:00 p.m.
Let’s get ready for the festive season by making a recipe jar! We will layer all dry ingredients in a Mason jar and then decorate the jar and gift tag. Registration for kids in grades 3 – 5 begins November 22. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

paper snowflakes

Winter Wonder Workshop
Thursday, December 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Time for a night of family fun! Make beautiful winter-themed decorations to keep for your family or to give to a special person. This program is recommended for ages 4 and up. Registration begins November 24. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

yoga frog

Little Yogi
Saturday, December 9, 11:00  a.m.
For ages 2 – 5 years old with a caregiver. Do you love Storytime? Have you ever wanted to move along with the characters in the book? Now is your chance! Join us for literacy integration yoga with Heather from Nourished Mind Wellness. Registration begins November 25. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Babies Love Music

Babies Love Music - NEW DATE
Monday, December 11, 10:15 a.m. 
Babies 6-24 months will have fun experiencing music with a caregiver. Come dance, sing, explore instruments and hear a musical story in this special program. Registration begins November 27. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

Gift wrapping

Gift Wrapping Workshop
Tuesday, December 12, 4:00 p.m.
Have some gifts to wrap? Let us help show you what to do! All supplies included, just bring your gift to wrap. Children ages 4 and up can register beginning November 28. This is great if you have crafts from Kids Winter Craft Fair or the Winter Wonder Workshop that you want to gift to someone special! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

ballpit

Baby Soft Play
Thursday, December 14, 10:15 a.m. 
For babies 6 to 24 months with a caregiver. A program where babies can play and self-explore in a soft play environment. Soft play refers to a specifically-designed play area where almost all surfaces and equipment are covered in thick padding. Soft play equipment can include things such as ball pits, padded slides, jungle gyms and various ramps, stairs and climbing frames. Registration begins November 30. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

clipart kids doing yoga on a book

Storytime Yoga 
Thursday, December 14, 6:00 p.m.  
For ages 5 – 9. Do you love Storytime? Have you ever wanted to move along with the characters in the book? Now is your chance! Join us for literacy integration yoga with Heather from Nourished Mind Wellness. Participants will explore the feelings associated with different stories while also developing an understanding of the contextual use of yoga and mindfulness in normal life. Registration begins December 1. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

girl and dog reading

Tales to Tails
Saturday, December 16, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Children who love dogs or need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 15-minute session reading to a certified therapy dog. Call to register beginning December 2. 
Sponsored by Cold Noses, Warm Hearts, Inc.

stories and art

Story & Art 
Thursday, December 21, 10:15 a.m.
Calling all artists, ages 2 – 4, and their caregivers for an art class where we will read a story and create exciting crafts. Registration begins December 7. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

paintbrush

Kids Paint Class
Wednesday, December 27, 4:00 p.m.
Create an amazing original painting with Ms. Joanne! All materials will be provided. Kids in grades 3 – 5 can register beginning December 13. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

princess storytime

A Royal Storytime
Thursday, December 28, 6:00 p.m.
You are cordially invited to hear some classic stories about princesses and royalty – crafts included! Dress-up is encouraged but not required. Children ages 4 and up can register beginning December 14. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

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WEEKLY PROGRAMS:
Please note that registration is required for all programs. You may register up to two weeks in advance for programs. Call 860-665-8720 or visit the Kids’ Event webpage to register. 

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Storytime for Ones
Mondays, January 8 – January 29, 10:15 a.m. (No storytime on January 15)
Stories and songs for children 9 - 24 months, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.

clip art kids playing

Play For All
Tuesdays, January 9 – January 30, 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for this program geared for families with young children who have special needs. All are welcome! Registration required.

storytime - toddlers

Storytime for Twos
Wednesdays, January 10 – January 31, 10:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, and crafts for children 24 months and older, siblings and their caregivers. Registration required.
 

Dog and cat reading book

Storytime for 3-5 year olds 
Thursdays, January 11 – January 25, 10:15 a.m. 
Stories, songs, and crafts for children ages 3–5, without caregivers. Registration required.
 

polar bear and penguins reading book

Family Storytime 
Thursdays, January 11 – January 25,  6:30 p.m. 
Stories and songs for the whole family. Registration required.

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finger painting

Toddler Fingerpainting
Wednesday, January 3, 10:15 a.m.
Want to explore art in a fun, creative way? Enjoy some finger-painting activities with your favorite librarians! Supplies will be provided. Recommended for ages four and under. Registration begins December 20. 

movers and shakers

Movers and Shakers: A Musical Storytime
Thursday, January 4, 10:15 a.m.
Children ages 2-4 and a caregiver are invited to experience music in this high energy program.  Come sing, explore instruments and rhythm patterns, dance and more. Registration begins December 21. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

lego club

LEGO Fun 
Tuesday, January 9, 4:00 p.m.
A program for LEGO fans – come ready to build a masterpiece and also make LEGO stamp art! Kids in grades K-5 can register beginning December 27.  

Lil Chefs

Lil’ Chefs
Wednesday, January 17, 6:00 p.m.
Love cooking with your kids? This is a program just for preschoolers, ages 3-4 years old, with a caregiver. We will start with a story then we will make white chocolate snowman lollipops. Registration begins January 3. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

girl and dog reading

Tales to Tails
Saturday, January 20, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Children who love dogs or need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 15-minute session reading to a certified therapy dog. Call to register beginning January 6.
Sponsored by Cold Noses, Warm Hearts, Inc.

Stress workshop

10 Tips to Manage Stress – Virtual 
Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 p.m.
For children Grades 1-6 and parents. Kids can feel overwhelmed and sometimes we’re not sure how we can help. Whatever your situation, Dr. Wendy Hurwitz will share strategies to help minimize stress. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 

clip art kids baking

Junior Cookbook Club
Wednesday, January 24, 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the dark days of winter by making stained glass window cookies (note: marshmallows are used). Registration for kids in grades K-2 begins January 10. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

junior cookbook club

Cookbook Club
Wednesday, January 31, 6:00 p.m.
Let’s have a tea party! We will have tea (and hot chocolate for non-tea drinkers) and make some finger sandwiches as well. Registration for kids in grades 3 – 5 begins January 17. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

What did I miss Hamilton Thomas Jefferson

Did you miss a librarian program? Please check out our YouTube channel here.