Note: The library will be closed Sunday July 3rd (and all summer Sundays) and Monday day July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
Registration opens on Monday June 20th. Kids keep track the time they spend reading or listening to books (yes, pre-schoolers are most welcome as are audiobook listeners!) All summer long, we’ll have lots of programs, games, and prizes so stop by the library to get a schedule or look at our online calendar and check us out!
Teens, we have a Reading Club for you as well starting June 20th – keep track of the books you read and earn chances for lots of terrific prizes!
Adults, we have a Summer Reading Club for you too – show your kids that reading is for everyone -- and you can win prizes too! (Details at in the adult department.)
Don’t have time to come to the library? Check out our online reading clubs – click here for details or click on the “Book Clubs Online” link in our “useful links for families” section.
Another way to win! New Jersey State libraries from across the state have partnered with the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority to encourage readers to "Read Like a Library Champion." Just log in the books you read at www.njlibrarychampions.org. Twenty-five lucky readers will win a family four-pack of tickets to attend the WIGGLES BIG BIRTHDAY BASH on Sunday, July 17. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, July 6. Discount tickets for select IZOD Center family shows are also available through www.IZODcenter.com, through Ticketmaster by using the code LIBRARY. @ The Library: Upcoming Programs:
Lunch and a Movie 'Gnomeo & Juliet' Rated G (For ages 3 and up) Wednesday June 29, 2011 1:30 to 3:30 PM No Registration Required Bring your lunch and come watch "Gnomeo & Juliet." Red Gnomes and Blue Gnomes do not get along except the two who fall in love! Who will win the “Garden Wars” when the Gnomes try and keep our star-crossed lovers apart? Bring your lunch or a snack and watch this hilarious movie by the producers of Shrek. No open-top cups, please!
Summer Reading Club Kick-Off 'THE GIZMO GUYS!'
(Suggested for ages 3 - 12) Thursday June 30, 2011 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM or Saturday July 2, 2011 10:30 to 11:15 AM No Registration Required – Please attend only one session. Kick-off your Summer Reading Club with a rousing good time. Join the Gizmo Guys for juggling, jokes and antics that will keep you laughing all summer long!Planning Ahead – Here’s a Summer Summary – Weekly Programs Begin July 5th:
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Travel the World (grades 1-5) registration required. July 6th: Around the World in 60 minutes Join us as we get ready to travel around the world in our imaginations! We'll share stories, mad-libs, puzzles, riddles and crafts - all without leaving the library.Don't worry if you don't have a passport - we'll create those too!
Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 Book Buddies (ages 3-8, especially siblings of our World Travellers), no registration required. Drop in between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm Come meet up with a buddy…a Book Buddy!Our teen volunteers can’t wait to meet and sit down with our early and pre-readers and together read a story. Children can choose a picture book to have read to them or they can read to the buddy. This is a fun way to have a shared reading experience outside the family routine which helps support and encourage reading as a life long activity.
Thursdays at 10 and 11 a.m. Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) no registration required. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time!
Thursday afternoons/evenings Performers for the Whole Family (ages vary) no registration required. July 7th: 'Mastodons, Cavemen and Bears...Oh My!!' (Suggested for grades K thru 5) 2:00 PM to 2:45 Explore the ICE AGE and the life of the cavemen and animals who lived in the world at that time! Brrrr....... 
Fridays at 9:30 and 10:30 Baby Book Time (birth to 18 months) no registration required. Clap your hands and stamp your feet and let you baby feel the beat of stories, songs and rhymes.For full details and to register for any of these programs, click on the program in the July Bridgewater Library Online Calendar.
Teens:
Teen Advisory Board Meeting (For students entering grades 6 - 12) Tuesday June 28, 2011 6:30 to 7:30 PM Registration begins May 24. Do you want to make a difference at your library? Do you have suggestions for programs, new books and movies? Then come to the T.A.B. meeting. Community service hours will be awarded for attendance. 
Make a Difference @ the Library -- Volunteer Opportunities for students entering grades 5 – 6 Wednesday July 6, 2011 and subsequent Wednesdays through August 3rd 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Attention students entering grades 5 and 6, here is your opportunity to make a difference by volunteering at the library. Volunteer hours will be limited to the above listed dates and times. Individual registration required for each week, click on the dates in the library calendar to register.
@ the Library – Displays & Materials:
This summer’s reading club theme is “One World, Many Stories.” Maybe you want to learn a new language (or brush up an old one). The library has the perfect tool: MANGO LANGUAGES. Mango is the place to go to learn foreign languages at your own pace and in a fun and engaging way. Available languages include: Arabic (Levantine), Chinese (Mandarin), Croatian, Czech, Dari, Dutch, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean,Pashto, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Latin American),Tagalog, Tamil, Thai,Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, English, English for Arabic Speakers, English for Chinese (Cantonese) Speakers, English for Chinese (Mandarin) Speakers, English for French Speakers, English for German Speakers, English for Greek Speakers, English for Italian Speakers, English for Japanese Speakers, English for Korean Speakers, English for Polish Speakers, English for Portuguese (Brazilian) Speakers, English for Russian Speakers, English for Spanish (Latin American) Speakers, English for Turkish Speakers, and English for Vietnamese Speakers. We also have many children’s foreign language books, DVDs and CDs to make language learning a lot of fun! Ask a librarian to assist you.
Displays: Travel Far, Pay No Fare – Read Around the World with our books displayed atop the magazines.Fourth of July books are atop our holiday section.
Our Parent-Teacher Display by the Early Reader shelves has books and DVDs on "Positive Discipline."
And while you are travelling this summer, pick up a postcard from your travels and add it to our display behind the reference desk! It counts as one of your 8 activities in the Passport to Adventure. We want to see where everyone has been!Around the Community:
Theater under Starry Skies (http://www.nycitywoman.com)
Theater on the Move 7 pm, Thursday to Sunday, through June 26 Longing for good theater outdoors? New York Classical Theatre is your answer. First in this summer’s season is Molière’s famous comedy,The School for Husbands (left), which pits an aging bachelor against his young and rebellious ward; the outcome is as hilarious as it is predictable. Audience members follow the actors as they perform each scene at a different location around the pond in Central Park (entrance at Central Park West and 103rd St.) Performances are free, no reservations required, but donations are suggested; mosquito repellant and picnic blankets also help. Call 212 252-4531 for cancellation due to weather. newyorkclassical.org
Moliere in Central Park NYC:
The School for Husbands
The New York Classical Theatre produces a site-specific version of Molière’s whip-smart comedy about a grumpy old miser, his never-been-kissed ward and her secret beau, with lush Central Park as their living stage. All performances are free. Kids ages 8 and up (and their parents) will love it!
Cupcake Wars
WHO: Grades 6-12
WHEN: Thursday, June 30, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Warren Library, 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren. Program Room.
COST: Free.
Registration required. Register in person or online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us/warren.
For more info: Call Laura at the Teen Services Desk at 908.754.554 ext. 59 Who will be the ultimate victor in this decorating challenge with a twist?
ENGAGE IN TIME TRAVEL TO A BYGONE ERA @ FOSTERFIELDS THIS SATURDAY
Victorian Day: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Kahdena Road, Morristown WHEN: Saturday, June 25, from 11 AM to 3 PM
Come to Victorian Day at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm and step back to a bygone era! Visitors of all ages may experience inter-active demonstrations of the Victorian social, culinary, leisure and fashion trends that influenced the times.
At the house, there will be three reserved, guided first-floor tours of The Willows available. (Reservations need to be made at the Reception Desk for these tours.) The tours’ theme is “Caroline’s Debut” and at the end of each tour, the tour participants can see a “Picnic Basket Preparation” demonstration in the kitchen.
There will also be “The Language of Flowers” garden interpretation at the “Temple of Abiding Peace” cottage and its restored garden. Visitors can learn of the silent meanings of some of the flowers on display in Miss Foster’s garden, which was a favorite Victorian pastime. Also, there will be Victorian lawn games (badminton and croquet)and other Victorian-era games to play, Maypole dance instruction, and the Sidesaddle riders demonstration, weather permitting. For tour times, availability and more information, please call 973.326.7645 or visit www.morrisparks.net.
Alive with Activity!
The 2nd New Jersey Brigade brings the battle between the Blue and Gray to life through camp life demonstrations. Musket and artillery drills, mail call, authentic cooking, marching drills, a medical demonstration, and staged skirmishes are all among things you witness at the Civil War Weekend. Free parking and free shuttle service available.
Date: Saturday, June 25 & Sunday, June 26
Time: Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Historic Speedwell, Morristown
Cost: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children (ages 4 - 16)
Contact: 973-285-6550
Frantic Fun Run at Fosterfields
Race through history on a cross-country style trail that blazes through the heart of Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Beyond a majestic backdrop and rare opportunity to run through the 19th century style farm, registrants enjoy raffle prizes, music, and refreshments, including hot dogs. Runners receive custom t-shirts, and awards are presented after the race.Register online or print your own registration form.
Date: Tuesday, June 28
Time: Registration 5 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.; 5K begins at 7 p.m.; Award ceremony follows the race
Location: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morris Township
Cost: $20 preregistration; $25 day-of registration
Contact: 973-326-7616
Swing! at Washington Crossing Open Air Theater
http://www.dpacatoat.com/mainstage.html
June 24, 25 and 26, 2011
"Two thirds rhythm and one third soul." That's how Fats Waller defined the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as "swing." Shattering ethnic and cultural barriers and generating specialty styles such as Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hip-Hop Swing, Swing! celebrates this remarkable diversity to the beat of the most exhilarating songs of the period.
Saturday, June 25| 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Morris Museum in Morristown.
Rock & Roll Family Festival
School's Out! Bring the whole family for a rock star summer kick-off. Explore the exhibition Jersey Rocks: A History of Rock & Roll in the Garden State and enjoy fun drop-in activities all day, including crafts, art and music. FREE for members | Non-members: $7/child, $10/adult
Check out the events at the Environmental Education Center: 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. Registration required. Register online at www.somersetcountyparks.org under the Naturalist programs, or call 908-766-2489.For example: Camping In and Out (Ages 4-6)Have an entire weekend camping trip in one afternoon. We will pack our gear, pitch our tent, tell some stories around the 'campfire', and make S'mores. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket! $15 per person Sunday, June 26 1:30pm-3:30pm
WHEN: Monday, June 27, 7–8 PM
WHERE: Warren Library, 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren. Program Room.
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
How: Register online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us/warren or call 908.754.5554 ext. 23 Call the Children's Desk at 908.754.5554 ext. 23. For 5 minutes, share your favorite book with a dog. They are very good listeners!
WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 7 PM - 8 PM
WHERE: Watchung Library, 12 Stirling Road, Watchung. Bicentennial Room.
WHO: Those entering grades 5-12
Registration required. Register online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us on the Watchung calendar of events page or call 908.561.0117.
For more info: Call 908.561.0117 or e-mail tcoss@sclsnj.org.
WHO: All ages
WHEN: Monday, July 4, 5:00 PM
WHERE: North Branch Park, Milltown Road, Bridgewater
COST: FREE.
www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908.722.1200 ext. 221. The evening of patriotism, music and family entertainment will include performers, historical reenactments celebrating the birth of the nation, a reenactment of a Revolutionary War encampment by the Third New Jersey Regiment Revolutionary Encampment, children’s games and activities, plenty of food and a sensational display of fireworks. Stage performances will provide a range of American music styles for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. Central New Jersey’s most spectacular fireworks display will take place at 9:30 PM. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks only will be presented on July 5 or the first clear evening at 9:30 PM.
WHO: Ages 4 and up
WHEN: Wednesday, July 6, 11:00 - 11:45 AM
WHERE: This Watchung Library program will be held at the Watchung Arts Center, 18 Stirling Road, Watchung
COST: Free
Registration required. Register in person or online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us on the Watchung Calendar of Events page beginning June 20 at 10am, or call 908.561.0117.
For more info: Call the library at 908.561.0117. Join multiple national award-winning singer-songwriter Patricia Shih as she presents One World, Many Songs, a program she has performed at libraries across the US. Every one of the songs in her concert involves the audience's participation by singing, dancing, playing games and, of course, loving BOOKS! One of Patricia's signatures and goals is breaking down barriers between people no matter what age or background, helping everyone feel a part of community. The summer reading club theme of 'one world' makes for a perfect fit! Come to the library to join in the fun and help make one world through many songs
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Mr. Ray Kid and Family ConcertWHO: All Ages
WHEN: Thursday, July 14, 7:00 PM
WHERE: Warren Township Municipal Complex, 46 Mountain Boulevard front parking lot, Warren
In case of rain, the concert will be held at Watchung Hill Regional HS auditorium, 108 Stirling Road, Watchung
COST: FREE
For more info: Call the Recreation Department at 908.753.8000 ext. 270.Back by popular demand, it's Mr. Ray! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets!
"Edgy and wise, Mr. Ray's music makes sense to children"—Parenting Magazine. This rocking family show is music for the kid in all of us! Mr. Ray has been featured on Blue's Clues, XM Kids and Radio Disney.
The Planetarium at RVCC has many family shows this summer including: The Skies over HogwartsTuesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Join an eclectic group of witches and wizards as they guide you through a "Harry Potter"-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how JK Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters' names. Program runs about 45 minutes. Fee: $6 per person Reservations are highly suggested. Please call us at 908-231-8805.
EXPERIENCE THE BARD OUTDOORS & BRING THE KIDS! Two opportunities this summer to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Greek Amphitheatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station is a beautiful place to watch theater. Bring a picnic and a blanket (or a stadium chair for your back) and watch the madcap meanderings of four daft people and a raft of fairies as they make mischief in the forest. Bring the kids; the performance is 90 minutes and involves lots of physical comedy. They’ll love it…and you’ve introduced them to Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream
By William Shakespeare
WHEN: June 22 - July 31; 4:30 PM twilight performances on select Saturdays and Sundays in addition to 8:15 PM performances Tuesdays through Sundays
WHERE: Greek Amphitheatre, College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road in Morris Township, Convent Station Get Directions
TICKETS: $33 for adults and $17 for young people under 17. Children under 5 go free
For tickets or more information, call the box office at 973.408.5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.
STNJ’s annual Outdoor Stage production at the Greek amphitheater at the College of St. Elizabeth in Morris Township will feature the world's most popular comedy. This newly conceived, exuberant, 90-minute production will be perfect for children and families of all ages and will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Outdoor Stage in jubilant style. All ages will enjoy the antics of the fantastical characters that populate the magical forest in Shakespeare’s comedy—from the mischievous spirit Puck, to the whimsical fairies, to the spellbound young lovers, to the hysterical “rude mechanicals” who want to put on a play, to Nick Bottom, the weaver, who wants to perform all the roles.
Or see it for free next month -- Trilogy Rep and Bernards Township Parks and Recreation will present it in the Pleasant Valley Park amphitheater at 8 pm. July 29, 30, and August 4-6:
Thanks to www.njartsmaven.com and warren.macaronikid.com for some of these listings!
Let Your Fingers Do (More) Walking:
Are you and your children dealing with “issues” such as:
acceptance adoption aggression anger anxiety apologize autism be yourself biblio-therapy resources board book books for girls books that nurture boredom bossy bully target bullying cancer career chapter books cliques communication conflict resolution curriculum death and grief depression differences disability diversity divorce domestic violence empathy feelings forgiveness friendship generosity golden rule gossip and rumors gratitude group counseling homeless honesty humor imagination including others infants to pre-school kindness listening skills lying manners middle school reads mother's day moving multiple intelligences music parent separation pet loss poetry preschooler puppets put-downs race rejection relational aggression relaxation reporting bullying responsibility sadness school skills self-control self-esteem sharing shy sportsmanship stand up for oneself stealing stress-management tantrums tattling team work trust verbal abuse
Books that Heal (http://booksthathealkids.blogspot.com/) can make suggestions. To access this site anytime, go to our “useful links for families” section on the right side of this blog.
Armchair Traveller: #257: Why Is the Statue Of Liberty Green?
Have you ever wondered…
- Why is the Statue of Liberty green?
- What is a patina?
- Who designed the support structure for the Statue of Liberty?
Not sure if Mr. Popper’s Penguins or the new Harry Potter movie is age-appropriate or otherwise suitable for your kids? Check out the reviews at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/Hitting the Road? Check out their picks for the most fun and engaging apps for kids of all ages -- so you can focus on the drive.
And here’s a scary article from Commonsense Media: Can Facebook ID Your Teen's Face? No doubt about it, sharing pictures on Facebook is a major pastime for teens. And if they're careful with what they post and use privacy settings (a big if!), enjoying friends' pics is part of the fun of social networking. But Facebook's new face-recognition software can now automatically recognize people in photos -- and add their name to the picture -- dramatically increasing the number of places that your teen's photos can pop up. Read more.
