Kid's Events

The Library building is open for in-person browsing for the adult, teen, and children's collections. No appointments necessary. Curbside service will still be available during designated hours. Call 860-665-8700 for more information.

Online Events/Programs via Zoom Cloud Meetings, YouTube and NCTV

Some events will take place on Zoom Cloud Meetings and all of the information on how to join an event can be found by clicking here. Registration is required. Participants who register will be emailed a link to access the Zoom program prior to the event. We hope to see you there!  

Other events, which are not live and do not require registration are on our YouTube Channel and can be accessed via YouTube on this events page.. There will also be some Live YouTube events scheduled that will require registration. Some of our library programs with community partners will be available on NCTV on Tuesdays @10:00 a.m. and Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m.

storytime

Digital Storytimes
Your librarians miss you! Check back weekly on our Digital Storytime page for new videos!

elephants tails and tales

Contact Us

  1. Library

    Physical Address
    100 Garfield Street
    Newington, CT 06111


  2. Children's Services

    Phone: 860-665-8720

Animals A-Z StoryWalk® sign

StoryWalk® @ the Library - Coming Soon: Our new StoryWalk® Once Upon a Goat!
Who said you can’t read & walk at the same time? Our special Spring StoryWalk® will be located on the Library Green! Walk together and enjoy Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins along the way. Use #lrwlkids on Instagram so we can see that you visited or scan the QR code to answer a brief survey and a chance to win a PRIZE! Call 860-665-8720 for more details.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
 

Childrens Book Bundles

Children’s Book Bundles
Introducing a new service! 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.

grab n go on paper bag

Grab & Go Crafts
Each week in July and August we will have crafts ready for pick up! There will be PreK - Grade 1 option and/or a Grade 2-5 option. Please note that supplies are limited.  Parents may call 860-665-8720 to register each Monday to reserve a craft bag for pickup curbside of that particular week. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

mystery box in brown paper wrapping

Pop-Up Picks 
Watch out for our pop-up book picks! Each week (you never know when!) a curated batch of Children’s books & a small prize will pop up on our library’s Facebook page. If you’re interested, act fast! Call the Children’s Department to reserve the books for checkout and YOU get to keep the prize.

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.

Tails and Tales chameleon on top of book illustration

Summer Reading Program

Children’s Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales!
Monday, June 21 – Wednesday, August 26
The Children’s Department is offering a wonderful Summer Reading Program! This year Tails and Tales is all animal themed. Beginning on Monday, June 21, a Summer Reading Log* will be posted on the library’s website that can be printed from home. The Summer Reading Log will provide more details. All Children’s programs will be done virtually through our website or other media. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Click here for the  Summer Reading page.
*If unable to print a Summer Reading Log from home, please contact the Children’s Department at 860-665-8720.
 

NutmegAward

New Nutmeg Booktalks
Need some reading recommendations? Check out our booktalk videos on the brand new CT Nutmeg Award nominees! We will have book recommendations for grades 2 – 6. 

Jungle Jim inside 6 foot lime green balloon

Jungle Jim’s Wild About Reading Magic Balloon Show - Virtual
Monday, July 19
All ages friendly. Be prepared to laugh with as Jim shares silly magic, zany humor, giant animals, and a 6-foot balloon! A video link is available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

get-ready-for-kindergarten-month copy

Getting Ready for Kindergarten Grab and Go Activity Kit
Monday, July 26
Sign up beginning July 26 for a fun and educational kit containing a variety of activities you can do at home with your soon to be kindergartener. Practice writing, cutting, gluing, letter names/sounds, rhyming, patterning, counting and more! The kit is for children who are starting kindergarten this upcoming school year. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Reptile Senses and Defenses lizard picture

Reptiles: Senses & Defenses - Virtual
Monday, August 2
Do you know which animal, other than a snake, uses venom as a means of defense? Just like humans, animals rely on their senses for survival. They also need special defenses to protect themselves if they are in danger. In this recorded program from Riverside Reptiles in Enfield, you will see live animals that have exceptional senses & defenses used to communicate and protect themselves from predators. A video link is available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

 

koala reading book in hammock

Stories, Songs, and Sunshine
Tuesdays, August 3, 10, 17, and 24,10:30 a.m.
Join us for an all ages story time OUTDOORS! We’ll enjoy a story (or two) and a song (or two) to welcome in the morning. We will be located on the library green near the lower Garfield Street parking lot. Please bring blankets or chairs for your family. If there is inclement weather, the storytime will be on Zoom. Registration begins two weeks prior to the listed dates.

families read

Family Storytime
Thursdays, August 5,12, 19 and 26, 6:00 p.m.
Stories, songs and more for the whole family! We will be located on the library green near the lower Garfield Street parking lot. Please bring blankets or chairs for your family. If there is inclement weather, the storytime will be on Zoom. Registration begins two weeks prior to the listed dates.

General Tso Meatballs

Culinary Delights: General Tso's Meatballs - Virtual
Monday, August 9
Chef Rob Scott is back with a yummy savory & sweet recipe! A video link & the recipe will be available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.    

Animal Embassy gecko image

A Tale of Two Tails - Virtual
Monday, August 16
Animal Embassy’s rescued/adopted animal ambassadors come to them with their own tales and many of them also have their own tails. Some of the animals use their tails as fly swatters, some use them to hold on tight, others use their tails to keep them warm at night. Some of the animals start off life with a tail and then lose it; others can regenerate one that has been lost. Watch this recorded video to meet some of the unique creatures from Animal Embassy and to hear their tales. A video link is available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Goldilocks and the 3 bears

Sing Me A Fairytale: Goldilocks & Baby Bear - Virtual
Wednesday, August 18, 11:00 a.m.
Michele Urban from My Music Room is back for this hilarious retelling of The Adventures of Goldilocks & Baby Bear. Sing, dance, and laugh with fun silly songs that will help build your musical skills! Call to register beginning August 4. An email with the Zoom link will be sent out prior to the event. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

corgi reading book wearing sunglasses

Tales to Tails - Virtual
Tuesday, August 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Children who love dogs or need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 10 minute session reading to Harper, our canine friend. Call to register beginning August 10. Registrants will receive specific time slots on Zoom. Families are responsible for providing a book, but remember your librarians are here if you need help selecting a title! Donated by Jeanette Francini. 

CH Finish Line BW

Last day for Tails and Tales! – Summer Reading 2021!
Wednesday, August 25 - All prizes must be claimed by 5:00 p.m.

What did I miss Hamilton Thomas Jefferson

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

French toast casserole

Culinary Delights: Baked Praline French Toast Casserole - Virtual
Monday, July 12
Join Chef Rob Scott as shares a delicious take on a breakfast favorite. A video link & the recipe will be available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Jungle Jim inside 6 foot lime green balloon

Jungle Jim’s Wild About Reading Magic Balloon Show - Virtual
Monday, July 19
All ages friendly. Be prepared to laugh with as Jim shares silly magic, zany humor, giant animals, and a 6-foot balloon! A video link is available on the Kid’s Events page beginning the day of the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.