Welcome back to the new school year. Congratulations to all our Super Summer Readers. The "Name the Library Mascot" contest has ended, and our mascot is now named “Booker!” A reminder: we are back to school year hours so that means we are open 1-5 on Sundays.
Highlighting our Foreign Language Materials:
@ the Library: Programs for Children:
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? Bound Brook Library has them on Wednesdays starting September 19, 2012 7:00 PM. Program space is limited. Registration Required.
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, Repeats Wednesday Sept 26th. 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. Call the library at 908 526-4016 x126 for more information. **Registration for this date is full** If you are still interested in attending this program, the library will provide several stuffed animals with whom children can practice their reading skills. The next date for 'Tail Waggin' Tutors' is Tuesday, October 9th. You may begin registering for this program on Tuesday, September 25th. 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 22ndfrom 10:30 am - 11:30 am Registration required. 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.
Pirate Paaarrty! (Ages 3-6) Monday, September 24th from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration required. Ahoy, mateys! X marks the spot for fun at a pirate party craftacular. Listen to tales of pirate adventure and make your own pirate costume and parrot sidekick. 
Race Day! (Grades 1-5) Tuesday, September 25th from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration required Design your own race track at the library! We’ll provide the building materials, you bring your own car! Please bring only 2 cars per child. 
Advocacy: Transition to Preschool Thursday, September 27th from 7-8:30pm Registration required Presented by the Department of Family Support. Understanding the joint responsibilities of families, school districts and child study teams when transitioning out of early intervention will be the focus of this presentation. A Mid-Jersey CARES Regional Early Intervention Collaborative, a program of Central NJ Maternal & Child Health Consortium **The workshop is free of charge and 1 ½ professional development hours will be awarded to attendees. 
Toddler Dance Party (Ages 2-6) Monday, October 1st4:30-5pm Registration begins September 17th. Read, rock, and roll at the library! Toddlers, ages 2-6, and their caregivers are invited to get their groove on at the library. Shimmy and shake to your favorite toddler tunes! 
Rocket Readers: 'Marley and the Runaway Pumpkin' (Grades 1-2) Tuesday, October 2nd from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration begins September 18. Marley's family takes extra care in getting their blue-ribbon pumpkin to the fair, but with a dog like Marley around, being careful isn't always enough. An exciting program for brand new readers! At each program we will discuss a book, play some games or create a story related craft. Students should read the book prior to the program. Copies of 'Marley and the Runaway Pumpkin' by Susan Hill, will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.
Kids Club: 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' (Grades 3-4) Wednesday, October 3rd from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Registration begins September 19.Join us for a chapter book club for 3rd and 4th graders. Reserve your copy early, and check at the Youth Services desk with any questions. This month's book is 'Sideways Stories from Wayside School' by Louis Sachar. A Crazy Mixed-up School. There's been a terrible mistake. Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms, all next to each other, instead they built the classrooms one on top of the other...thirty stories tall! (The builder said he was very sorry.) That may be why all kinds of funny things happen at Wayside School…especially on the thirteenth floor. You'll meet Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher of all; terrible Todd, who always gets sent home early; and John who can read only upside down, along with all the other kids in the crazy mixed-up school that came out sideways. But you'll never guess the truth about Sammy, the new kid...or what's in store for Wayside School on Halloween!
from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm No registration required.
Join us on Saturday, October 6th as we celebrate Star Wars Reads Day! Drop in anytime for a showing of two Star Wars films at 10 am and 1 pm. There will be games, puzzles, crafts, a trivia contest and prizes. Jedis and padawans who come in costume will receive a special prize – the Force is strong with them! Stop by for a fun-filled day, and may the Force be with you.
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:
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. 
5th & 6th Grade Volunteers Thursday, October 4th 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 including creating bookmarks for young children, organizing and tidying up the Children’s Room, and much more! 
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.
Standardized Testing Demystified (Grades 9-12) (For students in grades 9-12 and parent(s)/guardian(s)) Tuesday, October 2ndFrom 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration required
Ed Carroll, who has worked in Research and Development for Princeton Review, discusses the student experience of taking the SAT and ACT, and the role of standardized testing in the college admissions process. During his time at Princeton Review, Ed developed materials (books, practice tests, iPhone apps, test-taking strategies, etc.) and used to take the SAT and ACT several times a year.
Finding Colleges That Fit You (Grades 9-12)(For students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s)) Thursday, October 11thFrom 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Registration begins Sept. 20th.
Rana Slosberg, a higher education consultant, answers the seven commonly asked questions regarding college selection and what you should do before building a college list. She’ll also reveal the top ten things colleges are looking for in an applicant and the five most important areas to explore on your college visit.
Practice PSAT (Grades 7-11) Saturday, October 13th From 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration begins September 21. Taking the PSAT on October 17th or 20th? Here’s your last chance to practice before the real thing! Even if you’re not taking the real test this year, a free practice test is one of the best ways to get ready for the real thing. By taking this practice test, you will learn exactly what to expect on test day and receive a complete individual analysis of your results (which will be mailed to you 7-10 business days following the test). Don't forget a #2 pencil and calculator!College Planning 101: Using Library Resources to Begin Your College Planning (For students in grades 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s)) Monday, October 15th From 7:00 pm – 8:00 pmRegistration begins September 24.
Feeling overwhelmed by the whole college planning process? Your public library is the perfect place to start your research! During this presentation, we’ll go over FREE resources available to you, including databases to help you find scholarships and prepare for the SAT, books that will help you narrow down your choice of school, and much more!
When A Popular List Of 100 'Best-Ever' Teen Books Is The 'Whitest Ever'
An NPR audience poll to select the 100 best young adult books coughed up 75,000 voters and just two books with non-white protagonists. Even a winning writer complained. Kill the judges? No, the enemy is us. Book editors ask for a solution. The resulting "Your Favorites: 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels" included only two books whose protagonists are people of color, which critics called unjust. The two were Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street and Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. One of the four heroines in a third book, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, by Ann Brashares, is half Puerto Rican. Even one of the selected authors reacted in dismay. “As lovely an honor as this is, it also made me sad.” - Author Laurie Halse Anderson. Read More. www.npr.org
Want more info about upcoming programs ? check out our October teen calendar here.
Around the Community:
LIPPIZAN STALLIONS PERFORM IN BASKING RIDGE THIS WEEKEND!
Leapin' Lippizans!
WHEN: September 14-16. Shows are scheduled for 7:00 PM on Friday, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Saturday and 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Sunday.
WHERE: Lord Stirling Stable, 256 S. Maple Avenue, Basking Ridge
TICKETS: 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.
908.766.5955
Come one, come all...to see the World famous Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria! Hermann’s Original Lippizan Stallions 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!
All Proceeds benefit the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable. For more information, visit the Somerset County Park Commission website.
LEO at RVCC Theater
Circle of Eleven
Friday, September 28 at 8PM
Tickets: $22 & $32
What would happen if the laws of gravity were to suddenly change? LEO, the award-winning new show from the acclaimed German company Circle of Eleven, attempts to answer this question as the hero explores a world where gravity has woozily shifted and undertakes a logic-defying adventure that not only reveals his dreams and desires but his lust for life. Through a clever juxtaposition of live performance with projected film, two Leos move through identical spaces governed by opposing physical laws. LEO is a funny, surreal, and surprisingly touching work that challenges the senses and tests perceptions of reality.
Circle of Eleven
Friday, September 28 at 8PM
Tickets: $22 & $32
What would happen if the laws of gravity were to suddenly change? LEO, the award-winning new show from the acclaimed German company Circle of Eleven, attempts to answer this question as the hero explores a world where gravity has woozily shifted and undertakes a logic-defying adventure that not only reveals his dreams and desires but his lust for life. Through a clever juxtaposition of live performance with projected film, two Leos move through identical spaces governed by opposing physical laws. LEO is a funny, surreal, and surprisingly touching work that challenges the senses and tests perceptions of reality.
RVCC Planetarium has a variety of Saturday and Holiday shows for Children. Click HERE for a complete schedule. All shows run approximately 40 minutes. Admission: $7 for one show, $12 for two shows on the same day. Call 908-231-8805 for reservations! Wednesday, September 26 -- Yom Kippur
Magic Tree House: Space MissionWednesday, September 262:00 p.m.
What would you do if you found a note with lots of question on it? "How many stars in the starry night sky? If we flew to the Sun, how long would we fly? Will we travel to planets and will it be soon? Will we ever be able to live on the Moon? How does it feel to journey through space? Why is our Earth so special a place?" From the authors of the best-selling novel series, join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the mysterious "M's" questions? (recommended for ages 5 and older)
The Secret of the Cardboard RocketWednesday, September 26
3:00 p.m.
Travel with two adventurous youngsters in their cardboard rocket as they explore the Sun and the planets of the solar system. This show is designed to encourage the use of libraries, enhance language skills and develop individual imagination. (Recommended for ages 6-12)
Click HERE for a complete schedule of upcoming shows.
There are lots more things to do around our community. Look at the “Useful Websites for Families” (on the right side of this blog – click the headline if you are reading this as an email) for many more options!
Let your Fingers do More Walking!
Staying at home? Check out The 20 Most Beautiful Children’s Books of All Time by Emily Temple. Take a look at this article and see which ones you’ve read (and want to read!)
Nowadays a lot of people (adults AND kids) are not reading in new formats…
From Imagination Soup -- What Parents Need to Know about Reading on an iPad (or Nook or Kindle) : Tips for Reading Enhanced E-Books
Strategy: Read twice. Once for meaning and once for the fun features.
The Joan Ganz Cooney Center published a report that said enhanced E-Books distracted children from comprehending the narrative details. Even if you’re reading with a parent. The Print vs. E-Books report states, “The enhanced E-Book was less effective than the print and basic E-Book in supporting the benefits of co-reading.” “One of the suggestions we make and have started seeing in some enhanced e-books,” Cynthia Chiong tells me, ”is the inclusion of a setting where parents/kids can “turn off” some of the interactive elements.”
“I think a benefit of enhanced e-books is that kids really like them and would probably want to read it over and over again, so parents should encourage that. Also, as with any book reading, educators and parents can really help the learning experience by elaborating on and reinforcing the content.”
Show Kids How To . . .
- turn the page without skipping pages- bookmark a page
- take notes and highlighting
- use the dictionary feature
- look up the overview
- how to share books
- how to brighten or dim the screen
- how to rotate the screen
Reading at Bedtime Popular But . . .
Watch out for the blue light!According to a survey by Ipsos Mori and The Reading Agency, half of bedtime stories are now read on E-Books – either by children to themselves or co-read together. It’s surprising considering the research about poor sleeping after iPad reading.
Since this research applies to blue light which leads to the suppression of our melatonin, can we assume that a Kindle does not fall into this category? I’ve emailed Amazon but have not heard back on this yet.
Speaking of sleep (and sleep deprivation): Check out this article:
It’s O.K. to Let Babies Cry It Out at Bedtime By ALEXANDRA SIFFERLIN September 10, 2012
Sleep-training a crying baby isn't easy, but a new study finds that certain techniques work in the short term without causing later psychological harm.
When infants can’t sleep, it usually means Mom and Dad aren’t getting much shut-eye either. That, in turn, can double the risk of depressive symptoms in mothers, cause strife in marriages and result in costly trips to the pediatrician.
For wiped-out parents wondering whether or not to sleep-train their restless babies, a new study in Pediatrics has some good news: strategies that let babies cry it out for limited periods while teaching them to sleep on their own can help families sleep better in the short term without causing long-term psychological damage in kids or weakening the bond between babies and parents. Read More.
From U.S. News & World Report: Learning and PlayResearcher studies children’s unstructured playtime
September 10, 2012
By Marlene Cimons, National Science Foundation
Never underestimate the learning power of play.
This is one of the findings emerging from Amy Parks’ ongoing research of young children in a public school setting: that children lose valuable learning opportunities when unstructured play is reduced or eliminated in favor of more time in the classroom.
“I think a lot of public school systems fail to see the importance of play,” says Parks, assistant professor of early childhood education at the University of Georgia. “Right now, play is under-valued and lot of that is because of top-down pressures over standards and testing.” Read More.
NJ Kids' Education and Enrichment
Ease the Move to a New School
Although moving to a new community holds the promise of something new and different, school-age children are often more worried than excited about it. In response, parents can take these six steps to ease a child's transition to a new school.
Cyberbullying: What Parents Can Do
Cyberbullying is a fast-growing form of bullying that involves sending offensive or threatening messages and images through the computer or mobile phone. These nine steps can help parents lessen their children's exposure to online social cruelty.
10 Signs of a Great Preschool
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these 10 signs to make sure your child is in a good classroom.
Homework Help For ADHD Kids
As your child with ADHD is progressing to the next grade, the amount and complexity of homework will increase, so you need a plan to keep homework from becoming an exhausting battle for you and your family.
Advice on After-School Activities
As children age, their focus on extracurricular activities usually becomes more narrow and deep. Here are some points to consider for choosing a select few after-school activities.
Sleep, Science, and Smarter Kids: How Sleep Boosts Learning
Want kids to bring home As? Start with more ZZZs. Learn how to help kids get a better night's rest with this age-specific breakdown of information.
To Redshirt or Not to Redshirt
How do real NJ moms decide whether or not to hold their kids back before kindergarten? If you find yourself having to make this tough call, here are some important points to consider.
For more education articles, head to njfamily.com.
And on the family health front, the Environmental Working Group has just compiled:
listing toxic chemicals in household cleaning products.
Superman, Grab a Book
N.Y. Designer Puts Lending Libraries Into Pay Phone Kiosks
Street libraries: books out to the public for free. John H. Locke has installed homemade, fully stocked and short-lived bookcases in four sidewalk kiosks this year and hopes others will undertake similar projects Check out this article in the New York Times!
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