Bridgewater Library Youth Services Blog–Back to School Edition

A new school year is starting and a new library season as well.  Last day to record times/get prizes in our Summer Reading Clubs (kids, teens, and adult) is this Saturday September 8th.  Our Sunday hours resume on September 9th – we’ll be open 1-5.
 
Our school year storytime schedule resumes on Tuesday, September 11th. Family Storytimes (ages 2-6) are held Tuesdays at 10 and 1:30, Toddler Times (ages 18-36 months) Wednesdays at 10 & 11 and Thursdays at 10:30 & 11:30, Baby Times (Birth-18 months) Thursdays at 9:30. No registration is required but we ask that you only attend one session each week. Full details are posted our September Calendar or you can call us at 908 526-4016 x126. We also offer a satellite storytime/craft on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at the Neshanic Station Library.
 
Looking for an Evening Storytime? Somerville Public Library has one Tuesday September 11, 2012 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Program space is limited. Registration required.

Did you get one of our Bedtime Math Calendars this summer?  Well, August is finished but you can get one for September and keep up all that good mathematical reasoning!

For Kids: Sticker Calendar | Bedtime Math
Bedtime Math Problem

Bedtime Math's September calendar is now here - you can stick on your favorite stickers and track how often you do Bedtime Math! To print or order a copy, visit this link: http://bedtimemathproblem.org/materials-and-stuff/for-kids-sticker-calendar/

Also, for teachers, they now have a handy flyer you can give to your students' parents, to guide them on how to get started with Bedtime Math. If you'd like to get them on the bandwagon, go to this link: http://bedtimemathproblem.org/materials-and-stuff/for-teachers-parent-guide/

Speaking of math (and science), check this out…
SPECIAL EVENT: Meet a NASA Engineer at Mary Jacobs Library!

Related: What Sally Ride Did For STEM Education: Scientific American  

Special Event: Children’s Book Festival at Princeton Public Library.

74 awesome authors and illustrators all in one place. Author/Illustrator List, seating and presentation schedules HERE!

Programs @ the Bridgewater Library:

Sing-a-Long: School Daze (For Children of All Ages) Wed. Sept 5th 10 a.m. No registration required. Bid farewell to summer and hello to a new school year with these timely tunes.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover (Ages 3-8) Thursday, September 6th from 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Registration begins August 23. Wear your pajamas and bring your stuffed animal or doll (not the one you need to sleep with!) to the library for a bedtime story during Thursday night’s PAJAMA STORYTIME on Sept. 6th at 7 pm. Leave your stuffed animals overnight for a fun filled slumber party. Pick your stuffed animals up Friday morning and receive a special souvenir of their library sleepover! Remember, this is a sleepover for your stuffed animals ONLY!

After-School Adventure: 'The Paper Bag Princess' (Ages 5-10) Monday, September 10th from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration begins August 27. Join us for this untraditional fairy tale, 'The Paper Bag Princess,' and then make a paper bag gown (or knight’s tabard) to take home.




Kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month with Jesse Rivera Saturday September 15, 2012 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (For all ages)No registration required. September is Spanish Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than with Jesse Rivera! Join us for a unique Hispanic Heritage Celebration with live music from award-winning musician Jesse Rivera as he plays captivating songs from different Latin countries on his Spanish Nylon Guitar. Throughout the show, Mr. Rivera will be sharing information about Hispanic heritage, as well as Hispanic-Americans’ contributions to the United States through music, art, movies, sports, food, and more. Audience participation is encouraged, as Mr. Rivera will dedicate certain portions of the program to sing-alongs of some of his favorite songs.


Drop-In Game Day (All ages) Monday, September 17th All Day Registration is not required, just come on in! Sure, you have the day off from school, but do you really want to be sitting in your room twiddling your thumbs? Of course not! That's why you should join us for 'Board Game Day!' We'll have all of your favorite board games available so that you and your friends can have fun all day long. There'll be Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, and plenty more!


Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) Wednesday, September 19th 4-5pm Telephone or In-Person Registration Only -- on a first-come, first-serve basis starting Sept.5th. Call the library at 908 526-4016 x126 for more information. Did you know that dogs like listening to stories as much as kids do?Come to the Bridgewater Library for Tail Waggin’ Tutors, our new program where children will have the opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading a story to Xena the Therapy Dog, a friendly, six-year-old chocolate labradoodle. Each child will have 10 minutes to read a favorite story to his or her new, canine friend. Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.For more information, please visit www.tdi-dog.org.

Lego Club (Grades K-6) Saturday, September 22nd
from 10:30 am - 11:30 am Registration begins September 7.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.


There are ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS at other system libraries for children & teens…find their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page.
If you register for a program and realize that you won’t be able to come, please call (908 526-4016x126) or email us (bwljuv@sclibnj.org) as early as possible so we can make someone on the waitlist very happy. Next time that waitlisted participant might be your child!

@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:

5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Wednesday, September 5th from 7-8pm Registration required. ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 AND 6: Here is your chance to make a difference by volunteering at the library! You can help the library with special projects cluding creating bookmarks for young children, organizing and tidying up the Children’s Room, and much more!

End of Summer/Teen Volunteer Party! (Grades 6-12) (For students entering grades 6-12) Friday, September 7
From 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Registration required. Come celebrate the end of summer! Ice cream sundaes will be served and our teen volunteers will be honored for all their hard work over the summer. We’ll also be raffling off special prizes!


TAB (Teen Advisory Board) Meeting (Grades 6-8) Tuesday, Sept 18th from 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) (For students entering grades 9-12) from 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. meetings! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served.

Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+) Thursday, Sept 20th From 7:00pm – 8:30pm Registration Required to perform begins Sept. 6th. Think you’ve got what it takes to get up on stage in front of your peers with nothing but your voice and guitar? Want to share your poetry, comedy, or original music? Then this is your night! Join us for this one of a kind experience, and help local musicians and writers get their voices heard. Depending on registration, artists will receive 10-15 minute slots to play music or recite poetry. Sign ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check back for more registration information. **You only need to register if you are interested in performing.**


Accepted: Getting Into Your First Choice School (Grades 9-12) (For students in grades 9-12 and parent(s)/guardian(s)) Wednesday, September 26th From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration begins September 5.
This one-hour seminar presented by Kaplan is designed to show students and parents what college admissions officers expect from applicants’ high school experiences. Topics covered include a variety of admissions policies and the key factors used by admissions officers when making admissions decisions.
This program is open to students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s). All who plan on attending must register.
Want more info? check out our September teen calendar here.

Around the Community:

UKRAINIAN DANCERS/SINGERS COME TO BROOK ARTS CENTER IN BOUND BROOK

Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Philadelphia will host the Zoriany Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble of Kirovograd, Ukraine. For tickets or more information, visit www.brookarts.org.
WHEN: Friday, September 7, 8 PM
WHERE: The Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
TICKETS: $25 Adult in advance; $20 Students (with ID) & Senior Citizens;
$35 At the Door, Day of Show

DICKENS’ CLASSIC COMES TO LIFE ON SVP STAGE

Music, Lyrics & Book by Lional Bart
Based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist
Directed by Lance Hilfman
Sponsored by Petrock’s Bar & Grille and RAM Law—Rebenack, Aronow, Mascolo, LLP
WHEN: September 7-23, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
WHERE: Somerset Valley Players, 689 Amwell Road, Hillsborough Just a few miles west of Route 206.
TICKETS: $18 adults, $16 seniors & students; Thursday performance tickets are $15 for all seats
For tickets please visit www.svptheatre.org or call 908.369.7469.
"Yes, we are the little red schoolhouse!"
Wheelchair Accessible and Air Conditioned
The musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale follows Oliver Twist and a rag-tag gang of pick-pocket urchins along a hair-raising journey through the high class opulence and low-life poverty of 18th century British life, as Oliver learns lessons of love, trust, and integrity while joined by an oddball assortment of vagabond characters.

CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL MONARCH FESTIVAL

MEET A MONARCH FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday September 8, from 12 Noon to 4 PM
WHERE: Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area in Montville Township
ADMISSION: $4 per adult, $3 per child ages 2 - 10, FREE for children under 2.
Join the fun at this popular annual event,Meet a Monarch Festival, during the monarch butterfly’s peak migration time in New Jersey. Take a guided “Bug Safari” adventure through the butterfly garden searching for hidden critters among the colorful blooms.
Meet live monarchs from eggs to adults, and experience the monarch butterfly’s metamorphosis firsthand. Prior to the release, the monarchs are tagged in order for scientists to track their migration. Then witness the amazing release of live monarch butterflies as they begin their migration to Mexico.
Enjoy live music and storytelling, as well as crafts, including butterfly origami with professional instructors! There will also be native plants that attract butterflies and NJ butterfly guides for sale.

All That Jazz! Sunday Sept. 9th 1-6 p.m. on the Somerville Courthouse Green

Are you looking to take in some world-class jazz without breaking the bank? The Somerville Jazz Festival is for you!
The all-star lineup includes jazz greats Will Calhoun, Christian Sands, Antoinette Montague and Nat Adderly, Jr. plus many more!
The Somerville Jazz Festival is a FREE event designed to enjoy with a date, a friend or the entire family! Stroll the downtown to take in some tunes, enjoy a meal, beer or glass of wine al fresco, peruse art by more than 30 local artists and artisans, and get the perfect find at one of many unique boutiques.
Be sure to check out the Festival website for all the details, transportation information and the full event lineup!

Leapin' Lipizzans!

Come one, come all...to see the World famous Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria! Hermann’s Original Lippizan Stallions return to Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge September 14-16. These unique equines will perform “Airs Above the Ground”, a spectacular display originally inspired to put fear into enemy foot soldiers.

Founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg Royal family of Austria, the Royal Lipizzans are unquestionably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. Only a few hundred have ever existed at any one time.
Equally rare is this performance, the only one like it to take place in the tri-state area this year! Don't miss this unique opportunity to see a carefully preserved equestrian line and dressage style...plan your visit today!
Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.flss.org/for $20 or at the door for $25. Children under 5 are FREE, and seating is limited. All Proceeds benefit the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, visit the Somerset County Park Commission website.

Autumn By Horseback

There's nothing like taking in the beautiful fall foliage of the Somerset County countryside...but have you tried it on horseback?
Somerset County is known for its equestrian past, with hundreds of acres devoted to horse farms and it being the home of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation and Headquarters.
If you're looking for just a taste of the horseback life, we recommend you check out Lord Stirling Stable's Fall Nature Ride. This leisurely hour-long ride along picturesque trails takes place September 23 at 7am. No experience is needed and pricing ranges from $30 for members to $35 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; please visit the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable website for more information and forms.
Want to plan a special group riding or hayride event? Savor some of the 18 miles of beautiful equestrian-use trails from the back of a horse or from our tractor-pulled hay wagon. Group rides for adults and youth include a mini lesson with a certified instructor who will then guide your one-hour trail ride. Guided rides are available on Sundays and weekday afternoons. Tractor-pulled hayrides are an excellent option for those who would love a trail experience but aren't quite ready to mount a horse or for large groups.
If you're ready to take horseback riding by the reigns, fall lessons are your best bet. English style riding lessons are offered from beginner through advanced levels for juniors and adults. Trail, jumping, and various specialized flat (non-jumping) classes are also available. Sixty minute lessons are offered once a week for 10 consecutive weeks. Adults also have the option of a five week session. Students may register online or in person at the Stable office.
By horse or by wagon, the trails of Lord Stirling Stable are definitely worth a visit. Call (908) 766-5955 today to for pricing, availability and reservations!
Looking for other things to do in our area? Visit or subscribe to http://www.visitsomersetnj.org/media/e-newsletter (also listed in the “useful websites” section on the right side of this blog under “Events – Visit Somerset County” …if you are getting this in an email, click on the title at the top to see these links.)


Let Your Fingers Do (More) Walking:

Thirteen WNET New York

Can you name the NYC park that's home to this statue, built in 1959?http://www.thirteen.org/treasures-of-ny/

 
New Jersey Family has two interesting pieces this week:

Do you have an abundance of your children's artwork?  Here's a great list of ways to organize you little Monet's pride and joy. ttp://www.makeandtakes.com/5-ways-to-organize-and-display-your-childs-artwork

When your child grows up and enters the job market, will s/he be ready? You can help your child develop critical job skills now, giving him/her the advantage over underprepared classmates.http://oedb.org/library/beginning-online-learning/21-critical-job-skills-you-should-instill-in-your-kid