Library Book sale this Week, Early Closing for President’s Day, No Storytimes Feb.22nd-Mar.2nd at Bridgewater Library

Programs at the Bridgewater Library, other libraries in the Somerset County Library System and around the community…

NOTE: The Bridgewater Library will be OPEN from 9-5 (closed during the evening) on Monday Feb. 20th in observance of President’s Day.  All other libraries in the system are CLOSED that Day.


@ Bridgewater Library: Programs


Friends of the Library Book sale  February 15-19, 2011 – Book & Media Sale – Lots of children’s and teen materials available!The Friends of the Library accept only cash for purchases and payment of entry fees.  Book sales are held at the Bridgewater Library, 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater, NJ.
HOURS: Wed. Feb. 15, 4-8:30 p.m. –$20 Pre-admission.                                   Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri. & Sat: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  Sun. BAG SALE: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Representatives of non-profits & educational institutions (with ID) may come to take leftovers starting at 3:30 on Sunday.

Join us each week for stories, songs, finger plays, and a short film. Family Story Time (ages 2-6) Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m and now 11:30 a.m. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time! Infant Lap Sit (birth to 18 months) Thursdays at 9:30 Clap your hands and stamp your feet and let you baby feel the beat of stories, songs and rhymes. No registration required. Winter session programs run through February 16th. Programs will resume the week of March 5th.

Due to overwhelming demand for our Toddler Time programs, we have added an additional session on Thursdays at 11:30. In order that we have room for everyone, we ask that you please come to only one session each week. Thanks!
Special Storytime: Children's Dental Health (Ages 2-6) Tuesday February 28, 2012 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM No registration is required for this event. **Please only attend ONE dental health event** Story Well
It’s that time of year again to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Children's Dental Center has designed a special presentation to show proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as a nutritious snack game. We will also provide a goodie bag for each child!


Rocket Readers (Grades 1-3) Tuesday February 21, 2012 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 'Frog and Toad are Friends' by Arnold Lobel Registration begins February 7.
When Frog is unhappy, who is there to cheer him up? Toad! When Toad is sick, who brings him tea? Frog, of course! Frog and Toad share five short stories of friendship to which everyone can relate.



Chapter Book Club: 'Stuart Little' (Grades 3-4) Wednesday February 22, 2012 4:30 to 5:30 PM Registration begins February 8th. Stuart Little is a shy little mouse with a big heart and a taste for adventure. Barely two inches tall, Stuart sets forth into the world with some mighty big plans: to ride a Fifth Avenue bus, to win a sailboat race in Central Park, and to teach school for a day. But Stuart's greatest adventure is to find his best friend, Margalo, a pretty little bird who once lived in a fern pot in the Little's house in New York City. Stuart Little is a timeless tale that speaks to all of us.

Lego Club (Grades K-6) Thursday, February 23rd 4:30-5:30pm Registration begins February 9. Hey LEGO fans, here's a club just for you! Get together with other LEGO-maniacs, share ideas and tips on building, and have a great time! Library LEGOs will be available for building, so you do not need to bring your own. Lego Lovers, be sure to check out the Morris Museum exhibit below!

Mad Science presents 'Wacky Science' (Ages 5-12) Saturday, February 25th 10:30am-Noon Registration begins February 10. Who knew that while we were all busy checking out the coolest books there were secret, 'mad scientists' lurking throughout the library? Well, today, they won't be a secret any longer. In fact, they want you to join them in their latest 'wacky science' experiments! Be prepared to have great fun and maybe even learn a thing or two.

Indoor Sports Party (Grades 4-6) Monday, February 27th 4:30-5:30pm Registration begins February 13. Tweens, get your game face on! It's an outdoor sports afternoon at the library. Join us for hula hooping, limbo, relay races, a paper airplane derby and more!

There are LOTS OF PROGRAMS at other system libraries for your children & teens…check out their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page for more information.

@ the Library – for Teens:


Teen Advisory Board (For Students in Grades 6-8) Tuesday February 21 5:30-6:30pm
Teen Advisory Board (For Students in Grades 9-12) Tuesday February 21 6:30-7:30pm Registration required
Do you want to make a difference at your library? Do you have suggestions for programs, new books, movies, or video games? Then come to one of our upcoming T.A.B. meeting! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served!

Teens, looking for more volunteer hours this winter? – check out the teen volunteer opportunities at the Children’s Museum & the Environmental Education Center – details in the Around the Community Section of this newsletter (below).

@ the Library: Displays:

Happy Birthday Authors & Illustrators – Check out some books by the authors and illustrators who have birthdays this month – at the back of the Children’s Reference Desk.

Dive into Technology – above the magazines.
Celebrate Black History Month – in the lobby, opposite the circulation desk.
Caldecott & Newbery Winners – behind the Reshelving Area

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell (which won a Caldecott Honor this year) tells the story of a young Jane Goodall. If this book inspires your children to want to make a difference, check out Goodall’s Roots & Shoots.

Around the Community:

Here are just a few events from listings in various calendars & online newsletters including njartsmaven.com, Hillsborough, Branchburg, Somerville Macaroni Kid, and Warren Macaroni Kid. If your family is looking for things to do, take a look at these sites, as well as many other area event listings in the “useful websites” section on the right side of this blog (if you are getting this via email, just click on the headline to see them listed.)

The Children’s Museum– interactive activities most typically suitable for children ages 3 to 9 Saturday February 18 from 10-2:30    Let’s Get Going! (mostly Trains and Automobiles)

Families can arrive and leave at any time. Parents and/or caregivers are expected to stay with children during the museum visit. Please use discretion in bringing very young children, as the museum is NOT baby-proof (some craft items are small and could present a choking hazard).
Location: The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (parking and entrance are in the rear of the building).
Cost: A $3/ per child donation is suggested for those who can afford it. For more information: somersetcminfo@gmail.com or call 908-595-0001.
Check out their video of aluminum pie pans flying off a Van De Graaff Generator from last weekend’s Science Day!

TEENS, LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS?? – The Children's Museum would LOVE YOUR HELP!  Check here for volunteer opportunities at The Children’s Museum this winter. For more info. contact: Tom Davidson, volunteer coordinator 908-725-4677 tadavidson@gmail.com

Weekend ExSCItement at Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown, PA.  Visitors will see special screenings of the NASA-funded film Cosmic Collisions, narrated by legendary actor Robert Redford, and the opening of the Center’s Inquiry Island. Inquiry Island will be a comfortable exhibit floor area that features child- and family-friendly challenges and hands-on visitor activities every Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday,Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 19 1-4 p.m.; movie screenings as announced.   All ages.  Admission: Adults: $11.95  Children (Ages 4-12): $8.95  Toddlers (Ages 0-3): Free
Released in 2006, Cosmic Collisions illustrates with animations how collisions in space, both large and small, represent a universal force of nature that is both destructive and creative. Dynamic and dazzling, these collisions have created many things people take for granted – such as the Moon’s glow, the sun’s warmth and light, the changing seasons, and waves washing on beaches. Cosmic Collisions was produced by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y.

FAMILY FUN ON SATURDAY MORNINGS @ THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

ACTIVITIES & EXHIBITS IN FEBRUARY @ THE NEWARK MUSEUM FOR KIDS & FAMILIES & ADULTS

Poetic Pastimes: Japan and the Art of Leisure
February 15-May 6, 2012Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark

For Kids & Families
Presidents' Day Open House Monday, February 20 12:30– 4:30 PM
Drop-in Art & Science Activities Saturdays and Sundays
Art: Living History Now Science: Circus Fitness
NEW! – D.I.G. LAB [Discover + Invent + Grow] Third Saturdays of the month February 18 Shelter from the Storm
Performance: The Legend of Sojourner Truth Presented by Yearning to Learn Saturday, February 4, 2012, 2 PM
NEW! Teen Workshops Special workshops open to teens ages 13 to 18.
March 3: Ikebana – Japanese Flower Arranging Call 973.596.6606, e-mail juniormuseum@newarkmuseum.org or register on-line. $50 per workshop, $45 for members.
Planetarium Shows: Seven Wonders, The Little Star That Could
Extra shows on President's Day at 1, 2, 3 & 4 PM Monday, February 20.
Looking Forward Performance: A Thousand Cranes Presented by Centenary Stage Company Sunday, March 4, 2012, 1 pm

RVCC PLANETARIUM SHOWS FOR KIDS
All shows run approximately 40 minutes. Admission: $6 for one show, $11 for two shows on the same day Call 908-231-8805 for reservations!
The Little Star that Could Saturdays, February 11, 18, 25 3:00 p.m. Join Little Star, an average yellow star, as he meets other colorful stars in our galaxy during his quest for a name and a planet to call his own. Imagine his surprise when he discovers planets already orbiting him. (recommended for ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult)

Laser Kids Saturdays, February 11, 18, 25 4:00 p.m.Listen to songs such as "Fireflies" and "Twist and Shout" while lasers draw pictures on the dome overhead. (recommended for ages 6-12 accompanied by an adult)
Winter Skies Saturdays, February 11, 18, 25, 7:00 p.m.The brightest stars of the year are clustered in the winter night sky. Learn how to use Orion as a guide to finding other stars and constellations this season.
Laser Coldplay Saturdays, February 18 8:00 p.m.
Laser Zeppelin Saturdays, February  25 8:00 p.m.

The Environmental Education Center 190 Lord Sterling Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
has lots of activities for kids this winter including dinosaurs, whales, and maple sugaring. Events require registration. Here’s some events from their February Calendar.


LAST WEEK TO SEE THE LEGO EXHIBIT AT MORRIS MUSEUM
At the Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road | Morristown, NJ 07960 Lego Lovers, Check out The Art of the Brick® On View through February 20, 2012
Nathan Sawaya’s The Art of the Brick features over 25 awe-inspiring and thought-provoking large-scale sculptures created out of LEGO^® bricks. This popular exhibition will be on view through February 20, 2012. While the exhibition is on view, a special area has been set up where visitors, inspired by Sawaya's work, can build their own fantastic LEGO creations. For more information about The Art of the Brick and Nathan Sawaya’s artwork, visit www.brickartist.com. (Above: Nathan Sawaya in his studio with sculptures and LEGO containers in background.)

Morris Museum also has a fascinating ongoing exhibit of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata (think of the mechanical man Hugo is trying to fix in the move “Hugo” (based on the book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”)

Build & Grow at Lowe's Lowe's 315 US Highway 206 Hillsborough, 08844 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Children up to age 12 FREE!!!

Rumblin' Race Car: Saturday 02/25/2012

Your child won't want to miss this Jimmie Johnson #48 race car! This kit comes with stickers and rumblin' race car sound effects.

Due to high demand, please register online at: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx For more info: www.lowesbuildandgrow.com 908-904-6140   Each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, a themed patch, and a certificate of merit upon completion of their project.

At Papermill Playhouse: Charlotte's Web Saturday, February 18, 2012. 10 a.m. Ages 5 & up TheatreworksUSABased on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte, this endearing tale explores the true meaning of friendship. Orchestra & Box $20 or $15, Mezzanine $12. Click here for a schedule of their future family performances.

4-WEEK-LONG WINTER FESTIVAL IN NEW BRUNSWICK

State Theatre presents the 6^th Annual
HUB CITY CARNIVALE:A Winter Festival for Families and Kids
STATE THEATRE, 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick Ticket Office: 732-246-SHOW (7469)
Here’s a sampler from the 6th annual Hub City Carnivale, a four-week winter festival For a complete list of events and prices, visit www.StateTheatreNJ.org/HubCity.

Glen Burtnik & Friends The British Invasion Concert
WHEN: Sat, February 11 at 8 PM; At 7 PM, come early for the Thomas Sweet Chocolate Tasting and a lobby concert by singer/guitarist Lisa Bouchelle. TICKETS: $20-45 / Take5 price: $20-45 A tribute to classic rock bands of the explosive 60s—including The Kinks and The Rolling Stones

Fiddler on the Roof Fri, February 17 at 8PM; Pre-Performance Insights at 7 PM at the United Methodist Church; Sat, February 18 at 2 PM and 8 PM, Pre-Performance Insights at 1 PM at the United Methodist Church TICKETS: $32-67 / Take5 price: $25-67

“FAMILY DAY on PRESIDENTS’ DAY” Mon, February 20 On the State Theatre stage…

• Dan Zanes & Friends WHEN: 10:30 AM
  TICKETS: $10-20 / Take5 price: $5-20
• The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus WHEN: 1 PM and 3:30 PMClowns, wire walking, a sword swallower, acrobatics, and live music. Hosted by Ringmistress Philomena.
  TICKETS: $10-15 / Take5 price: $5-15

On the Crossroads Theatre stage…

• New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble WHEN: 10 AM & 2 pm
  TICKETS: FREE Come and meet the dancing feet of these talented hoofers, in a high-energy, interactive program.
• Princeton Symphony Orchestra “Meet the Percussion”
  WHEN: 11 AM & 1 pm TICKETS: FREE
  The Princeton Symphony Orchestra introduces the wide range of percussion instruments in their lively interactive program.
• Diane Macklin, storyteller WHEN: 12 & 3 PM
  TICKETS: FREE Celebrating the African American storytelling tradition, Diane's folktales are interactive fun for the entire family.

For information and a listing of Family Day workshops visit:www.StateTheatreNJ.org/FamilyDay

Coppélia in HD, Bolshoi Ballet Captured Live at the Bolshoi Theatre
WHEN: Wed, February 22 at 7 PM; Pre-Performance Insights at 6:30 pm in the theater. TICKETS: $22 / Take5 price: $15-20 Presented in HD on the State Theatre’s 46’ screen.
The Pink Floyd Experience WHEN: Fri, February 24 at 8 PM
TICKETS: $22-52 / Take5: $20-50
Rutgers University Geology Museum offers exhibits, scavenger hunts, and tours and programs. The museum is free and open to the public. Self-service scavenger hunts for different ages are always available and tours can be scheduled.
Exhibits include a dinosaur trackway, a mounted mastodon, a 2400 year old mummy, rocks and minerals from New Jersey and around the world, and florescent minerals.
On the third Saturday of every month the Geology Museum provides free tours to prearranged groups of 10 to 50 people. Guests of all ages learn about dinosaurs, geology, the Ice Age, mastodons, mummies, and minerals with special attention given to New Jersey-based exhibits. Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Late Nights at the Museum on the first Wednesday of each month feature activity stations for children and adults from 4pm-8pm.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Ancient Egypt
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Ice Age
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 Anthropology
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Fossils
Click here for more information on special events at the museum.


Click here for schedule and registration info. on 4-H Science-sational Day.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER @ STNJ

For more information, go to www.ShakespeareNJ.org/Classes

Let Your Fingers Do More Walking….Contests & More!

Create a Story tube! What is a StoryTube? It is a 2-minute or less "my favorite book" video project. Kids and teens (grades K-12) can make a short video to promote their favorite book… …and they can learn about other great titles by watching other entries. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Here are the details & rules. For more information: http://www.storytubes.info/drupal/ Deadline: February 20, 2012

Doodle 4 Google 2012: If I could travel in time, I'd visit...

Between now and March 23, 2012, students in grades K-12 can enter the
Google Doodle contest to have their art featured on Google's homepage.
Parents, teachers, or after school programs may submit doodles on behalf
of their child or student as long as they are accompanied by a completed
and signed entry form --- limit one doodle per child. Maybe someone would like to make a library themed Doodle! One lucky student artist will see their artwork appear on the Google homepage and take home some cool prizes--and the winning artwork will also appear on a limited edition of Crayola's iconic 64 box! Details are here: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/

Want to Nurture Creativity in Your Kids?…author Peter Reynolds has 10 suggestions.

And speaking of creativity, check out this interview with author Chris Raschka, who won the Caldecott last week for A Ball for Daisy.

Wonder of the Day: What’s Your Favorite Kind of Chocolate?

Find out more about the history of Chocolate & find some great chocolate & Valentine’s Day recipes here.