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CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT NEWS


April 2012

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Frederick County Public Libraries
Greetings!

As our gardens explode with excitement and color, so do our libraries. This time of year is always bustling at the library, and families are always welcome to pop in for a storytime, pick up a book, DVD or Playaway device. 

 

In the event that this newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to continue to receive information about library programs, services, and events, we invite you to sign up here for our email newsletter.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

 

Sincerely,
Darrell Batson, Director
Frederick County Public Libraries
In This Issue
Potty Training Books
Celebrate Earth Day with Some Green Books
National Student Art Month
2012 Summer Reading
Meet Terri Perper at Middletown
Book Swap
Keep in Touch

Felicity's Friends

presented by

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums.

 Ages 6-11, with an adult

For details and registration,

click on the branch below

Walkersville Branch Library

Tuesday, April 3, 1 pm

Thurmont Regional Library

Wednesday, April 4, 2 pm

C. Burr Artz Public Library

Monday, April 9, 3 pm

Middletown Branch Library

Thursday, April 12, 4 pm

Point of Rocks

Wednesday, April 25, 6 pm

Urbana Regional Library

Thursday, May 3, 4:15 pm

Emmitsburg Branch Library

Monday, May 21, 4 pm

Brunswick Public Library

Wednesday, May 30, 4 pm

 

POTTY TRAINING BOOKS

If you are the parent of a toddler, there's a good possibility that potty training is of big interest in your household! As with other parenting topics, the library has resources to assist you in this phase of your child's life. These resources include videos, books, Playaway Views and eBooks. Though there are many books written for adults, there are also many in the children's department that will entertain your child while encouraging his or her development. Here are some titles that you and child may enjoy sharing:

 

In both Pete's Potty and Lily's Potty by Begin Smart Books, readers lift the flaps to help locate the potty. At the end of the books, Pete and Lily use their potties and then wash their hands.

 

The baby in Potty by Leslie Patricelli investigates where a cat and dog use the bathroom. After deciding that the potty is a better choice, the baby sits on the potty and waits for something to happen. The book ends with a triumph "I did it!" which all toddlers and parents can appreciate.

 

No More Diapers for Ducky! by Bernette Ford. Ducky goes to Piggy's house but Piggy is busy sitting on the potty. While Ducky waits, she plays with Piggy's toys. She also begins to notice how uncomfortable her own diaper is and decides that she is ready to use the potty. The book concludes with Piggy waiting to play with Ducky while she sits on the potty.

 

Potty Time by Guido Van Genechten. "It's potty time!" says Joe. From Nellie Elephant with her "great big bottom" to Friendly Frog with his "bright green bottom", Joe and his friends show that everyone uses the potty. A funny book for adults and kids that ends with "Well done, Joe!"

 

Time to Pee! by Mo Willems. The author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and other children's favorites brings his humor to this matter-of-fact book about using the toilet.

 

Caroline O'Connell

Brunswick Public Library

EARTH DAY WITH SOME GREEN BOOKS

"Unless someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to get better...It's not." --from The Lorax.

 

The books included on this list share the common theme of Being Green: recycle, reduce and reuse: each is a unique look reflecting the characters personalities and authors' style.

 

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Before you see the movie - READ the book! First published in 1971 this is a perennial favorite. The Lorax: a cautionary tale for the Earth.

 

Curious George Plants a Tree by Margaret & H.A. Rey

Curious George is back wrecking havoc as he learns (and teaches us) about being green and recycling. Includes 20 child friendly tips that illustrate ways being green can be as simple as using both sides of your paper.

 

Earth Day by Rebecca Rissman

A very easy nonfiction introduction to the holiday: Earth Day.

 

The Earth Book by Todd Parr

Actions and reactions... shows children the good that comes when we care for the Earth. Fun pictures and vibrant colors all on recycled paper using soy ink!

 

Gabby & Grandma Go Green by Monica Wellington

Gabby and her Grandmother spend the day together being green. This simple tale shows how easy it is to add being green to your daily routine.

 

Fancy Nancy Everyday is Earth Day by Jane O'Connor

When Nancy learns ways to keep the Earth green she goes a little overboard expecting her family to follow along. Nancy soon learns you need to respect other people and taking small steps towards being green is alright too.

 

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! by Diane deGroat

More than a tale for Earth Day, Gilbert shows how sometimes solutions to really tough problems are right in our own backyard. Fans of Gilbert will enjoy this latest story of his adventures.

 

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

This is an enchanting tale of one young boy's quest for a greener world ... one garden at a time. Wonderful illustrations reflect the mood of the story from dreary to vibrant as the garden grows. Try to spot red-headed Liam on every page is a bonus fun element.

 

Arthur Turns Green by Marc Brown

What is Arthur up to sneaking around the house, taking notes and talking about a   BIG Green Machine? D.W. is determined to find out! This is Arthur and friends at their best.

 

A Green Green Garden by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter and his family plant a garden followed by lots of watering, weeding, and waiting! Their efforts pay off when they enjoy a delicious colorful meal-from their green, green garden.

 

National Geographic Kids: Human Footprint by Ellen Kirk

Fun facts display the average American's "carbon" footprint. This book is a great discussion starting point on human consumption.

 

The Eco-Student's Guide to Being Green at School by Angelique Johnson

A school (teachers, students and staff) learns how to keep their surroundings clean and healthy at school, home, and communities.

 

Submitted by Adrienne Barbee

Walkersville Branch Library

NATIONAL STUDENT ART MONTH

at Frederick County Public Libraries

Across the country in locations as diverse as Winona, MN and Cleveland, TX, businesses, libraries, and even museums displayed student artwork in the month of March as part of a nationwide event sponsored by the National Art Education Association. "Youth Art Month," has been celebrated since 1961.Elmo Visit

 

In the MN event, 21 pieces by 19 students, in art classes at the local high school, were displayed at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. "It's an effort to showcase the talent of our kiddos in town," said Heather Casper, curator of education.

 

Nationally, student art can be viewed on "Flickr," while governors and mayors throughout the U.S. issued proclamations declaring "March as Youth Art Month." Even state legislators and members of the U.S. Congress and Senate have taken the opportunity to make laudable public statements in favor of art education.

 

Libraries were a popular site for exhibitions, such as the Texas example (above) and FCPL joined that group with student art and art activities taking center stage in March. The 7th grade art classes at Windsor Knolls Middle first studied medieval architecture and sculpture with their art teacher, Lindsay NeElmo Visitel, and then drew highly detailed pencil renderings of gargoyles, which manifest both human and animal features. They then constructed papier maché forms based on their drawings. What began as recycled materials and newspaper became 3-dimensional beasts. This exhibit was produced by Ms. Mary Ann Foltz, Teen Librarian at Urbana Regional Library, and is the latest example of such exhibits which have become an annual affair at the branch.

 

At the C. Burr Artz Public Library, student art activities clustered around the Bookfest theme--Where Spies & Mysteries Lie--an FCPL-wide celebration of reading. Mysterious crafts, a LEGO® Room for budding designers and, very creatively, a Book Trailer Video Contest for young film-makers were some highlights. Library Associate, Jon Lewis, also a talented musician, organized much of the student activity.
Elmo Visit
At the Edward F. Fry Memorial Library, kids got their hands dirty in clay in a workshop on building creative forms that also function as useful containers in the time-honored pottery tradition. The workshop was implemented by Library Associate, Linda Thern-Smith who arranged off-site kiln firing of the forms.

 

System-wide, March was a terrific month for art at FCPL where many fascinating, fun activities and opportunities for Frederick County young artists sprang forth.

 

Submitted byLinda Thern-Smith

Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks

FCPL 2012 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Although our 2012 Summer Reading Program won't begin for another few weeks, we've been busy getting ready for another great summer of reading and fun. Our theme this year is all about the night. Children from the tiniest of babies to those entering 5th grade in the fall will participate in the Dream Big Read! program. Children from 6th grade through college freshmen will enjoy the Own the Night theme.

 

We've got a Grand Prize and lots of smaller prizes, crafts, programs, and fun in store for all who join. We'll also have T-shirts available for both children and adults. We've been working and planning for a fabulous summer since the end of last year's programs. Don't miss a minute of the fun. Our Summer Reading Program this year will surely make some dreams come true!

 

Submitted by Deb Schepp

C. Burr Artz Public Library

MEET TERRI PERPER AT MIDDLETOWN

How long have you worked for the library?

My start date with Frederick County Public Libraries was August 1, 2011. I actually received the telephone request to join the system while I was on vacation. As you can imagine, that will definitely go down as the best vacation ever!

 

Tell us a little bit about your job-what do you do at Middletown?

My focus at Middletown is on storytimes, however, since we are one of the smaller branches I do a little bit of everything: circulation, reference and storytimes. I have a Babies with Books program on Wednesday mornings at 10:05 and a Time for Twos session at 10:45 that same day. On Thursday mornings you can find me enjoying the preschoolers at 11 am. We have a LEGO® program and a newly-started Barbie and Ken program. Both of these promote social interaction skills and support creative imaginations!

 

What did you do before you worked at the library?

This may be a rather involved answer to a seemingly simple question! My B.A. is in Music and Education. I taught preschool and first grade before my children were born. Then I proceeded to get my M.A. in Early Childhood Education and, in an effort to spend time with my two girls, I took a position at a retirement facility as the Director of Music. That was wonderful for my entire family. Instantly my girls had MANY sets of doting grandparents! After that position I spent some time as one of our church's secretaries and then as an Administrative Assistant at a local music publishing business. I am the organist at our church and have accompanied choirs for over 25 years. Two years ago I began a new chapter in my life when I started pursuing a MLS degree at the University of Maryland. That step led me to where I am today.

 

What's your favorite part about working at the library?

I tell everyone that I have the best job ever. I am surrounded by books and children! What could ever be better? It is so rewarding to be a part of the Babies with Books program and watch those children start to sing nursery rhymes and songs that we enjoy each week. Just to see them grow from week to week is wonderful! The energy of the two-year-olds is definitely invigorating and the preschoolers keep me on my toes! Each week's preschool storytime finds me dressed in costume and turning our children's area into the backdrop for that week's theme--such amazing fun!

 

What's your favorite children's book?

Ah, the toughest question of all! Do I choose newer authors, like Mo Willems and Jan Thomas that make me laugh? Or do I choose favorites that I read to my children when they were young, like Picky Mrs. Pickle or Chrysanthemum? Of course, there are the favorites that I read as a child, like The Little Princess and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Yet, even as I think of these I think of so many more! I guess that means I have found the perfect job for me--one in which I can continue to find favorite children's books!

 

Interviewed by Tara Lebherz

Brunswick Public Library

BOOK SWAP

Sunday, April 15, 3-5 pm

Gambril Gymnasium, Hood College

 

A book swap for children of all ages (0-99). Bring two books (gently used) and they can be swapped for one book! All books that are not swapped will be donated to literacy foundations in the Frederick area. We will have guest readers and book crafts for kids of all ages.

 

Submitted by Kasey Smith
Hood College

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