Parents, Teachers, and Homeschooling Families–Check out our latest workshop on the “Un-Common Core.” Teens, Summer Volunteer Applications are due April 30th–no exceptions! Storytimes Have Resumed.

Parent Teacher Workshop: "Un-Common Core" Creative Techniques for Using Non-Fiction Books in Early Education and Primary Schools

April is National Poetry Month – Create a Poem and Post it on Our Bulletin Board and/or attend one of our Poetry Programs and get a Free “I’m a Poet and I Know It!” button.




More Programs for Children @ the Bridgewater Library:
Our storytimes are back! Family Storytimes (ages 2-6) 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. Even though we have four Toddler Times each week, they are quite crowded. If your child is over 3 years old, we ask that they com to the Family Storytime instead. Thanks! Full details are posted our 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.

Tween Party: After Hours (Grades 4-6) Friday, April 19th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm  Registration required and begins April 5 Tweens, grades 4-6, get locked in the library after hours!  We'll have a movie, video games, crafts and snacks!  No admittance after 6:15 pm.  Advance notice required if tween must leave the program early.

Garden Club Newspaper Planters (Ages 3+) 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Registration is required and begins April 5 Children will be making planters from newspapers.  These planters will be filled with soil and seeds to plant.  These planters can be planted in the ground.
 


Play Group (For parents or caregivers and children ages birth to 3 years) 10:00am Monday, April 22nd. No registration required. Join our new group where you can play with toys, dance to music, and meet new friends! Some weeks will have special speakers; inquire at the Youth Services Desk.


Picture a Tree: Earth Day Hooray! (Ages 5-11) Monday, April 22ndm 4:30-5:30pm  Registration required    Join us for stories, songs, and crafts celebrating these remarkable green giants.



Poetry Class for Kidz (Grades 3-5) Wednesday, April 24th 4:30-5:30pm Registration required Flowers are in full bloom, and the warmer weather is finally here to say. Let’s say goodbye to those April showers and celebrate National Poetry Month by learning how to write our very own Haiku poems. Each child will learn exactly what a Haiku poem is as well as how to write one. Once we’re all Haiku experts, we’ll create greeting cards to show how excited we are about spring!

Winter’s almost through
We’ll all be together soon
See you in April!

Kids Club (Grades 3-4) Wednesday, May 1  4:30-5:30pm
Registration is required       Join us as we celebrate the Great American Grump Out with some humorous tales and activities.




Arbor Day (Ages 3 and up) Saturday, May 4  at 10:30 am  Registration required Did you know that Bridgewater is a Tree City USA? For over 135 years Arbor Day has been set aside as a special day to recognize the importance of trees and the difference they make in our lives.  The Bridgewater Shade Tree Board will help us celebrate all that's terrific about trees with stories and activities.

Play Group (ages Birth to 3 years) Monday, May 6th  10am  No registration required Repeats Monday, May 13th.Come and play with toys, dance to music, and make new friends!


 
Author Visit: 'Love Grows' by Susan Gibbons (All ages) Monday, May 6   4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  Registration is required and begins April 22Honduran children are burdened with a plight to break out of a vicious cycle of poverty that has been designated onto them by chance. Love Grows, a new children’s book by Susan Gibbons, presents these children to young readers and follows Paty’s mission as she resolves to turn her village’s heartache into hope.
With Honduran art and Spanish translations decorating its pages, Love Grows is a testament to the beauty and innocence that, in the face of suffering, courageously lives on.
A mother to three boys, Susan Gibbons wrote Love Grows for her son’s kindergarten class. Gibbons works with several child-serving non-profit organizations, and travels to Honduras to assist with the Hearts For Honduras School. She lives in Basking Ridge, NJ with her children and husband.


Picture This: Art Exploration for Kids - 'Now You See It, Now You Don't' (Grades K-5)  Wednesday, May 8   4:30 pm
Registration is required and begins April 24What is real and what is not? We’ll share Michael Garland’s crazy book “Dinner at Magritte’s “ and then create our own Surrealistic pictures.





Lego Club (Grades K-6) Thursday, May 9th  4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Registration is required and begins April 25
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.



Car Show Movie: 'Cars' (All ages) Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm No registration requiredIt’s the day of our annual car show! Before you go outside to check out the classic automobiles, come inside to watch a Disney classic movie: “Cars.” A small craft will also be available.


Tail Waggin' Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs (For Children of All Ages) Monday May 13th In-Person and Phone Registration Only begins April 25th. Each child will have 10 minutes to read a favorite story to his or her new, canine friend. For more information, please visit www.tdi-dog.org.**   These slots are in heavy demand – please be on time for your time slot. If you can no longer make your scheduled time, please call the desk at 908-526-4016 ext. 126** 

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!

There are ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS at other system libraries for children & teens…find their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page. Planning ahead for April? -- Check out our library calendar.


@ Bridgewater Library for Teens:
Teens – Summer Volunteer Sign Up You can pick up the forms at the library or get them off of the Teen Section of our website.All forms must be returned by the teen in person by April 30th.


Open Mic Cafe Night (Ages 13+) Thursday May 9th, 2013 From 7-8:30pm. Registration required TO PERFORM. Want to share your poetry, comedy, or original music? Not an artist, but would like to witness some of the most inspiring artists Somerset County has to offer? Then join us for this one of a kind experience, and help local musicians and writers have 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 help support local artists and musicians – you don’t need to be an artist to enjoy our Open Mic Night!**

Tween Party: After Hours (Grades 4-6) Friday, April 19th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration required and begins April 5 Tweens, grades 4-6, get locked in the library after hours! We'll have a movie, video games, crafts and snacks! No admittance after 6:15 pm. Advance notice required if tween must leave the program early.














TAB Meeting (Grades 6-8 Tuesday, April 23rd 5:30-6:30pm TAB Meeting (Grades 9-12) Tuesday, April 23rd 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM 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 Monday May 6th, 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!

Want more info about upcoming programs? Check out our April teen calendar here.


Around the Community:

WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES THIS SATURDAY @ NEWARK MUSEUM

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS -- EXPERIENCE A DAY OF SCIENCE DISCOVERY AT PRINCETON SPLASH!

For more information, click here.
EVENTS AT SCHERMAN-HOFFMAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Location: Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, 11 Hardscrabble Road, Bernardsville, 908-766-5787. shws@njaudubon.org
Family Fun At Scherman-Hoffman Saturday,  20, May 4, 18, June 1, 15; 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. Bring your family to Scherman Hoffman for a fun-filled hour exploring with our naturalists our habitats and the animals and plants that live here. Cost: FREE.
An Evening With The Frogs  Friday, April 26, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. Come for a night adventure to the world of amphibians! We'll start with a short slide presentation of the frogs of the Sanctuary, and then we'll head out with flashlights, buckets and nets to the vernal pools and frog ponds. We'll listen and look for anything that hops, crawls, or swims! Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, program is limited to 15 people.Pre-registration required by 4/24, call 908-766-5787. Cost: $5 members, $7 nonmembers.
Check out our other area gardens and arboretums as well – click on the links for more information on hours, programs, and what’s in bloom:
Duke Farms in Hillsborough – now offering a free bike share program for visitors 60” and over.
Leonard Buck Garden in Far Hills
Willowwood Arboretum in Far Hills
-- lots more listed in the Events section on the side of this newsletter.
 

FINAL WEEKEND TO SEE “THE WINTER’S TALE” @ McCARTER THEATRE

Links on graphic will not work: VIEW TRAILER BUY TICKETS



McCarter Theatre Center
91 University Place
Princeton, NJ 08540
Ticket Office: 609.258.2787
www.mccarter.org
 
ROBOTS AND MAGNETISM AT CHILDRENS MUSEUM IN BRIDGEWATER SATURDAY APRIL 27TH!
Teen volunteers are welcomed! Please 908-725-4677 if you can come by and help out – or just show up and give them a hand!
This program is drop-in – both kids and teen volunteers can come and go anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.


 

For a list of upcoming programs at the EEC, go to: http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/eec/EEC.html
"GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE" IS A GREAT  DESTINATION FOR ALL AGES -- ESPECIALLY  IN THE SPRING.
Everyone from age two to ninety-two will love this beautiful and interactive sculpture park in Hamilton, NJ.  Go anytime or check out their events guide for classes and special events.   Note: The library also offers free guest passes as part of our museum pass program!
 

BELOVED BOOK HEROINE COMES TO THE GROWING STAGE THIS APRIL

PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL
WHEN: April 12 through May 12 with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM
WHERE: The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong
TICKETS:  973.347.4946 or e-mail at boxoffice@growingstage.com
PINKALICIOUS the MUSICAL is the tale based on the popular children’s book of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.

RHINO THEATRE OPENS A MUSICAL FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES THIS SATURDAY!

Join the Rhino Castle as they go on a magical journey into royal castles, grand kingdoms and pirate ships alongside your favorite princesses and heroes.  This is a live theatre event for children of all ages! Come see some of your favorite childhood storybook costumed characters performing live while they sing and dance their way to your hearts. You’ll be singing along to your favorite songs!   Meet the characters after the show in person, right on the stage. 
Princesses, Princes and Heroes are encouraged to come dressed to the performance.  There’s a little something for everyone, boys and girls alike.  This will be an event to be remembered for years to come. Purchase your tickets in advance by calling 973.248.9491 or at www.RhinoTheatre.com

Somerset County 4H has lots of opportunities for children & teens – here’s a sampling, check out their newsletter for more information about their numerous clubs and community activities!


LOOKING FOR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS?
THE LIBRARY HAS A BROCHURE AVAILABLE.  WE ALSO HAVE THIS LINK IN THE “USEFUL LINKS FOR FAMILY” ON THE RIGHT HAND SECTION OF THE BWLIBYS BLOG.

RVCC Planetarium Public Star Shows
Admission / General Policies

• 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

Perfect Little Planet (Brand New Show!)
Sunday, April 21 2:00 p.m. A family from another star system is seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best known Dwarf Planet. Dive over the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms on Jupiter. And walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose? Recommended for ages 6-12.

Laser Pop Rock Sunday, April 21 3:00 p.m. Songs by One Direction, LMFAO, the Beatles, and more musicians are featured in this popular laser concert.

The Sky Above - A planetarium show for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or with other developmental disabilities. Sunday, April 21 or Sunday, May 19 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Ticket Price: $5.00 per person. All ages are welcome to this one-hour sensory-friendly program. The show will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. The doors will remain open so that children will be able to come and go. Lights will be left dim and audio will be lowered and at a consistent level. The sky show will include:
music, videos, planets, the Moon, constellations and laser lights. Please call 908-231-8805 to make a reservation as we are limiting the number of visitors for each show.

Reservations are recommended for all shows by calling the Planetarium @ 908-231-8805.

RVCC is located between Routes 78 and 22.  Directions to the College here.
On campus, park in Lot #7 or #1 and proceed up the steps to the Planetarium.

TOE-TAPPING MUSICAL OPENS AT THE PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE THIS WEEK

WHEN: through May 5
WHERE: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn
TICKETS: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS (link on graphic will not work)



TIMELESS COMING-OF-AGE STORY TO OPEN IN HOLMDEL THIS WEEKEND!

LITTLE WOMENWHEN: April 12-27; Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM; Sunday, April 17, at 7 PM; Sunday, April 21, at 2 PM
WHERE: The Holmdel Theatre Company, Duncan Smith Theatre, 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel  (on the grounds of the high school)
TICKETS: $22 general public ($17 for seniors and $12 for students)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
www.holmdeltheatrecompany.org
Get Directions
Has any American novel been more beloved or withstood the passage of time and changing mores better than Louisa May Alcott's Little Women?
Thomas Hischak's stage adaptation preserves all the humor, drama,
warmth and humanity of a New England family during the civil war.

All patrons can enter our FREE raffle for your very own Little Woman, the Caroline Abbott American Girl ® Doll! 

CIRCLE PLAYERS TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR SUMMER CHILDREN’S SHOW

AUDITION NOTICE:
THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNERAdapted by Bettye Knapp from the classic tale by A.A. Milne
Directed by Hilde Steinberg of Somerset
Produced by Barbara Gianotto of East Brunswick and Bernice Woldman of Somerset
Christopher Robin has decided to run away with his friends, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and the rest, for there is a dark, mysterious threat that Christopher is to be sent away to “Education.” Nobody knows exactly what or where that is, and what will his friends do without him? However, as the situation becomes clearer, Christopher Robin isn't quite so sure that running away is the answer.
WHEN:  Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, 7 PM
WHERE: Circle Players, 416 Victoria Ave., Piscataway
Energetic children and adults are sought to play:

• Christopher Robin ( male 10-plus) Young innocent boy, full of imagination.
• Winnie-The- Pooh ( male 12-plus) Big teddy bear is wide eyed , caring and lovable.
• Piglet (male /female 8-plus) This little pig is eager to make everyone happy.
• Owl (female 25-plus) Fussy, critical and impatient.
• Eeyore ( male 16-plus) Gloomy donkey in a constant state of depressed pessimism.
• Tigger (male 12-plus) A hyper tiger, adventurous and good-natured.
• Kanga (female 25-plus) A devoted mother kangaroo obsessed with cleanliness.
• Roo ( male/female 8-plus) This baby kangaroo is full of adventure and is clever.
• Rabbit ( female 25-plus) Critical and over-burdened.
• Early (male/female 5-plus) Rabbit's wide-eyed rabbit relation.
• Late (male /female 5-plus) Another wide-eyed rabbit relation.
• Voice (male/female 25-plus) Christopher Robin's parent.
• Forest Dwelling Dancers (male/female 12-plus) Dancing ensemble.
• Rabbit’s Relations (male/female 5-plus) Non-speaking forest dwellers.

Auditioners should dress comfortably and be prepared to dance. Readings from the script will be provided, as well as acting games for non-readers.
Show dates are noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays, July 13 and 20.
Questions? Contact the director at circleplayersnj@gmail.com.

PLAYHOUSE 22 TO PERFORM MUSICAL ABOUT “MAKING ART”

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGEMusic and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine
Directed by Jonathan Wierzbicki
Musical direction by Rory Chalcraft
WHEN: Friday, April 19, through May 5, Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM
WHERE: East Brunswick Community Arts Center at 721 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
TICKETS: $22/adults and $20/seniors and student and are available online at Playhouse22.org, by calling the Box Office at 732.254.3939 or at the Box Office window.
Sunday in the Park with George is a Pulitzer Prize winning musical inspired by the painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat.  A complex work revolving around a fictionalized Seurat immersed in single-minded concentration while painting his masterpiece and the people in that picture, the Broadway production opened in 1984.

SHAKESPEARE’S TALE OF BITTERSWEET LOVE, LOSS & BETRAYAL @ ACTORS SHAKESPEARE COMPANY IN JERSEY CITY

THE WINTER’S TALEby William Shakespeare
WHEN: April 4-21, Fridays at 7:30 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 PM
WHERE: NJCU’s West Side Theater, 285 West Side Avenue in Jersey City
TICKETS: $20, seniors $15, students $10
BUY TICKETS HERE
Wednesday and Thursday matinees are available for school groups by calling 201.822.1623.
For more information,call ASC at NJCU at 201.200.2390 or visit www.ascnj.org.
A jealous tyrant, a queen on trial, two simple shepherds, young romance, a divine oracle, a singing con man and one hungry, hungry bear make The Winter’s Tale a magical journey of loss, renewal and the promise of spring.
Bethany Reeves, director of ASC’s 2007 hit King John, directs The Winter's Tale.  “Shakespeare is exploring the territory of myth and fairy tale, “ says Reeves. “He tells a story full of magic and wonder with a warm, human heart.”
BARD BANTER, lively group discussions between audience and the cast, will be held after matinee performances on April 6, 13 and 20. 
The cast of The Winter’s Tale includes ASC resident artists Elizabeth Belonzi,Terence MacSweeny, James Rana, Artistic Director Colin Ryan, and ASC newcomers Gabriel Fuentes, Shannon Harris, John Xavier Miller, Bradley Mott, Chelsea Niven and David Price.
Read more »

AMERICAN CLASSIC NOVEL TAKES TO THE STAGE THIS WEEKEND @ HUDSON THEATRE WORKS

This novel is beloved in high school literature classes. Take your teenager to see a dramatization at Hudson Theatre Works:

WHEN: April 5-21, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM; Sundays at 2 PM; Saturday at 2 PM:  April  20 only
WHERE: Park Performing Arts Center Union City, NJ (CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS) TICKETS: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students
BUY TICKETS HERE

MUSIC & COMEDY AT THE BROOK ARTS CENTER IN APRIL & MAY

THE BEST OF ROCK MUSICALS
performed LIVE
WHEN: April 27,  8:00 PM (doors 7:00 PM)
WHERE: Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
TICKETS: $18 in advance; $20 at the door
Purchase tickets withEVENTBRITE
Theater Rock is a collection of great songs from the best rock musicals performed live.
Theater Rock combines outstanding songs from contemporary Broadway presented by talented musicians and singers from a variety of musical paths, demonstrating an amalgam that can make for a unique night of aural entertainment and sheer enjoyment.
The ensemble showcases the talents of some of the most dynamic vocalists in the tri-state area. Backed by a powerful band that delivers an animated performance with high musicianship, Theater Rock provides moving tribute and deep meaning to the rock musical.
For more info on Theater Rock visit www.theaterrock.net

GREAT THEATER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE For more information, visit http://rvccarts.com/






Speaking of books – Don’t forget to check out the new Continuous Book Sale near the Adult Music collection. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgewater Library.
  The Friends will  be accepting donations April 25-28th.
 

Experience New Jersey’s State University
Come as a family. Come with a group. Come by yourself. Just come to Rutgers Day! No registration required. Lively activities, interactive demonstrations, vibrant stage performances, and an array of food choices await visitors on every campus.

Review event listings by your area of interest.

Jersey Roots Rutgers is woven into the New Jersey community. Learn about the ways we help and strengthen the ties.

Global Reach The world lives on our campuses: a kaleidoscope of cultures.

Get to Know Rutgers What’s it like on the inside? Here’s a peek for prospective students and their parents.

Experience the Arts & Humanities Thought, expression, and the lively scene at the center of the Garden State.

Science & Technology The joy of understanding, the thrill of invention.

All Things Green Respecting the environment that enriches our lives.

Walk into History Rutgers was here when the U.S. was born. Discover a rich heritage through tours, talks, and lectures.

World of Work Rutgers experts help you hone your job-search skills and identify promising fields.

Health, Sports & Recreation Caring for ourselves, exercising our minds and bodies.

Kids’ Stuff Exploration, fun, and learning for children.
Click HERE for more information


Thanks to Ruth Ross at NJARTSMAVEN.COM for some of these listings.
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!
Looking for events around our community? Check out the “Events” links under the “Useful links for families” list on the right side of this blog listing. (If you are getting this as an email, click on the headline title to open it as a webpage and then you’ll see all these useful links!)

Let Your Fingers Do More Walking:

 

Read More here.
Click HERE for the solutions and more interesting Bedtime Math Problems!

Looking for Great Family Websites? Check out the American Library Association’s site: Great Websites for Kids  http://gws.ala.org/

This site has also been added to the “Useful Websites for Families” section of this blog – if you are getting this blog delivered by email, click on the headline title to open it as a webpage and then you’ll see all these useful links!