Celebrate Black History Month at Bridgewater Library, Shadowplay Puppet Storytime & Craft, Read to a Dog, Learn Scratch Programming Language, plus many more exciting programs at the library and around the community.

Coming up @ the Bridgewater Library:

For more information or to register for these programs, check the calendar.

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CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY

"Martin Luther king junior - by the 6th grade girls of Mr. Bartol's class from Eisenhower intermediate school."

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Check out the “Be Inspired” and “Black History Month” book displays in the library or these great online booklists

INSPIRING PICTURE BOOKS:

• Books about Civil Rights
• Books for Black History Month

• Books to Inspire Kids to Change the World 
• Books to Teach Kindness
• Books about Protests and Civil Disobedience
• Picture Books about Peace
• Picture Books about Diversity and Multiculturalism
• Read Your Way Around the World
• Books to Help Kids Talk about Racism
• Picture Books about Refugees
• Picture Books to Teach Kids about Global Social Justice

 

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Last week’s Tuesday Storytime/Craft groups celebrated Chinese New Year

More pix at: carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/2017/01/pre-school-storytimecraftchinese-new.html

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This week’s STORYTIME/CRAFT – AGES 3-9

SHADOWPLAY FEBRUARY 7TH

10 A.M. OR 4:30 P.M. Tuesday

Join us for a Storytime/Craft celebrating the shadow that Groundhog saw. No registration required.

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S.T.E.A.M. (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART AND MATH) FUN AT THE LIBRARY:

On January 30th, members of the Bridgewater HS Art Honor Society taught kids how to draw faces, on February 13th, they’ll continue learning about how to draw the rest of a person. (Kids who didn’t attend on January 30th are welcome.)

Note: This blog is no longer affiliated with the Bridgewater Library, but Carol Simon Levin ("Miss Carol") continues to blog about programs and area events as "Out & About in Bridgewater" on this site.  The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is launching a quarterly Youth Services electronic newsletter. Sign up here http://eepurl.com/cfWDTT.

Around Our Community:

THIS SUNDAY!   A Winter’s Day on the Farm

Enjoy a wagon ride and visit the Jersey cows, draft horses, and other animals at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township. There are cooking demos, treats for you to enjoy, and you can even watch as the farmers harvest ice on the frozen pond. This program is sponsored by Whole Foods Market. For more information, click here.

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Winter Night Hikes at Pyramid Mountain

Full Moon Hike: Moderate - Saturday, February 11
Ages 13 & Up.
Hike to the top Pyramid Mountain to view the full moon. Listen to Native American legends inspired by the full moon.

Night Hike for Families: Easy - Friday, March 3
All Ages.
Walk the trails at night and play games along the way to learn about the creatures who venture out after the sun sets.

Registration is required for both Winter Night Hikes, click here to learn more, and don’t forget your flashlight!

President’s Day FUN for KIDS

A Day Off with Nature: Maple Madness
Ages 5 - 9.
Your kids are off from school, and we have the solution to bust the boredom. Register your child for Maple Madness, and they’ll learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect the flowing sap, and turn the sap into delicious maple syrup. The day is filled with indoor and outdoor hands-on fun. For more information, click here.

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SHOW FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SET @ RRVCC PLANETARIUM

The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium presents

The Sky Above

WHEN: Saturday February 4 at 5 p.m. -- approximately 45 minutes.
WHERE: The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
TICKETS: $8 per person.
Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested.
For additional information and to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

The astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The show is being presented with support from PNC Institutional Investments.

The sensory-friendly show, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to everyone. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations. All material will be presented on a very basic, kindergarten level.

DISCOVER A WORLD OF WONDER AND EXCITEMENT WHEN YOU JOURNEY INTO THE PLANETARIUM AT RVCC!

The RVCC Planetarium offers shows for the whole family – schedule here: www.raritanval.edu/community-resources/planetarium/star-shows

Public Shows

Sensory-Friendly Shows

Observatory

Plan a Field Trip

Starlab Portable Planetarium

Special Events

 

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A printable copy of the schedule: childrensmuseumnj.org/CMNJschedule.pdf

Help Bridgewater Library Decide Which Books Should Win The Caldecott Award After School on Wednesday January 18th and Make Recycled Musical Instruments on January 25th.

Note: This blog is no longer affiliated with the Bridgewater Library, but Carol Simon Levin ("Miss Carol") continues to blog about programs and area events as "Out & About in Bridgewater" on this site.  Carol is eager to know what you use (and don’t use) on this blog – please fill out this survey – Thanks!

The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey is launching a quarterly Youth Services electronic newsletter in January 2017. Sign up here http://eepurl.com/cfWDTT.

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Coming up @ the Bridgewater Library:

Take a look at the illustrated books from 2016 everyone is talking about! Then decide which you think deserves the Caldecott Award.  Your selections will be posted for everyone at the library to see!

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We'll hear the story Ada's Violin about a group of children in Paraguay who created an orchestra out of instruments they made from trash then create our own instruments with recycled materials. Please bring any coffee cans, oatmeal containers, small boxes or any other items that might make fun sounds!

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Click HERE to register for programs.

Around Our Community:

Make it a weekend with these great Somerset County Events!

1. Garden State Home Show, Garden State Exhibit Center
2. Fireside Chat: Marconi and Franklin Township, Wyckoff-Garretson House
3. Doktor Kaboom: Live Wire!, State Theatre New Jersey
4. Farmers Market of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Municipal Building
5. Getting to Know Orchids: An Introduction, Duke Farms
6. Nature Through a Child's Eye Exhibit, EEC
7. Laser Classic Rock, RVCC Planetarium
8. Growler Fills, Flounder Brewing Co.
9. Hand-Crafted Paper, Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Acoustic Road, Watching Arts Center

Check out our full calendar of events!

SHOW FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SET @ RRVCC PLANETARIUM

The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium presents

The Sky Above

WHEN: Saturday February 4 at 5 p.m. -- approximately 45 minutes.
WHERE: The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
TICKETS: $8 per person.
Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested.
For additional information and to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

The astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The show is being presented with support from PNC Institutional Investments.

The sensory-friendly show, which is appropriate for audiences of all ages, will provide a comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to everyone. During the show, the doors will remain open so children may freely leave and return if they choose. Lights will be left dim (instead of dark) and the audio will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. The show will include music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, the Moon and constellations. All material will be presented on a very basic, kindergarten level.

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RVCC PLANETARIUM TO PRESENT STAR SHOW, LASER CONCERTS IN JANUARY

The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present a variety of star shows and laser concerts for all ages in January.

WHERE: RVCC Planetarium, RVCC, 118 Lamington Rd., Branchburg
ADMISSION: Planetarium show tickets cost $8 for one show or $14 for two shows on the same day.
Reservations are strongly suggested for all Planetarium shows.
For additional information or to make reservations, call 908-231-8805 or visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Magic Tree House: Space Mission
WHEN: Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21, 3 p.m.
Join Jack and Annie as they discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. Who can help them answer the questions left for them by the mysterious "M"?  The show is based on the same-titled, best-selling series of novels. (Recommended for ages 5 and older)

Laser Pop Rock
WHEN: Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21, 4 p.m.
Lasers “dance” across the Planetarium dome while music is played. Songs include "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens, "Campfire Song Song" by Spongebob Squarepants, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift.  (Recommended for ages 6-12)

Astronomy Tonight
WHEN: Saturday, January 7, 7 p.m.
Using the Planetarium’s DigitalSky digital theater, experience a guided tour of the night sky. Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 8 to adult)

Classic Rock
WHEN: Saturdays, January 7, 21, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert featuring a variety of classic rock songs such as “Touch of Gray” (Grateful Dead), “Houses of the Holy” (Led Zeppelin), “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen), “You Took the Words Right out of My Mouth” (Meatloaf), “Come Sail Away” (Styx), and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Beatles).

From Earth to the Universe
WHEN: Saturdays, January 14, 21, 28, 7 p.m.
Learn which stars and constellations are visible in tonight’s sky, then take an “Astronomy 101” class in under an hour. The sky always has been a place of wonder to man. Philosophers and scientists, from the Greeks to Galileo, began to unravel some of its mysteries and the invention of the telescope has allowed for still more discoveries. Fly by all the planets in our solar system, then travel beyond to view the birthplace and death of stars, and still farther to the myriad galaxies in our Universe. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

Best of Pink Floyd laser concert
WHEN: Saturdays, January 14, 28, 8 p.m.
Enjoy a laser concert while listening to such Pink Floyd classics as “Comfortably Numb,” “Another Brick in the Wall, part 2,” and “Money.”

Rockin’ Rocket Ride
WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 3 p.m.
Put on your space suit and blast-off into outer space to visit the Moon, Sun and planets. The show offers a lively experience for young people with selected music from Journey Into Space by Jane Murphy. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

SkyLights
WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 4 p.m.
Our youngest audience members can sing along with songs by mr. RAY (“Family Ride,” “Kalien the Alien”) and Jane Murphy (“Moon Rock Rock,” “The Planet Song”). Some songs are illustrated with lasers, while others feature video images. (Recommended for ages 3-8)

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Legos Are Back!  And the library has free MUSEUM PASSES.

Engineering Brick Art  Through February 26, 2017

The LEGO building block has sparked the imagination of artists from across the country. Engineering Brick Art features dozens of brick constructions, including pop art, architectural models, famous works of art, and much more. The show also includes interactive stations and fun facts about LEGO history. Now on view!  learn more

Let Your Fingers Do MORE Walking:

14 IDEAS TO KEEP KIDS BUSY WHILE YOU MAKE DINNER

Have a freeze-a-funny-face contest. Who can hold a funny face for the longest without laughing? Kids can never resist a challenge so be sure to sneak in the question, “I bet you can’t you keep that face frozen while you set the table!” or “I bet I can keep my face frozen for longer than it takes you to set the table!” <– See what I did there?

Play a verbal game. You can try one of these 26 Waiting Games or one of these Memory Games.

Mad Libs. If your kids can read and write, Mad Libs will keep kids busy, improve literacy skills and induce laughter. I don’t have to remind you that giggling is more fun than nagging. Beginning readers can even do Junior Mad Libs!

Visit  www.whatdowedoallday.com/keep-kids-busy-cook-dinner for 11 more.