Please note...
| Online registration for Library programs requires a current library card from Skokie Public Library or a registered card from your home library.
If you do not have a Skokie Public Library card or another card with current borrowing privileges, please call the contact number listed in the program description and a member of our staff will be happy to sign you up.
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The Explorer
Your library's blog for kids and their grown-ups!
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| Don't miss out! | |
Find out what's happening @ your library before it happens!
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Greetings!
The excitement of a new school year has me singing a favorite childhood song: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold." As Skokie Public Library's Preschool Services Coordinator, I'm so much looking forward to reconnecting with veteran preschool teachers and establishing relationships with those new to Skokie. Here at the Library, we're celebrating the beginning of school with new preschool programs and new early literacy materials. We're also continuing our old traditions of hosting two free teacher workshops and the annual Preschool and Child Care Fair. It's going to be a great year!
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Save the Dates
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Programs marked with * require advance registration. Sign up online or call 847.324.3149.
 Teacher Workshop
Do Re Mi to A-B-C: The Direct Connection Between Music and Literacy *
Thursday, November 10, 2011
6:30 to 8:30pm
Earn CPDUs or DCFS credit through the Library! Carole Stephens (formerly Peterson) of Macaroni Soup will present this free workshop for preschool and kindergarten teachers. Learn how children acquire pre-reading skills naturally when they participate in music activities. Pattern, rhyme, rhythm, sequencing, crossing the midline, vocabulary, and motor coordination are just a start. Come prepared to move! Carole's music CDs will be available for purchase after the workshop. Registration is required. Sign up online or call the Youth Services desk.
 Preschool and Child Care Fair
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
6:00 to 8:00pm
Mark your calendar for the Library's 9th annual Preschool and Child Care Fair. Once again, we will be joined by Morton Grove Public Library and Morton Grove early childhood education facilities. All Skokie and Morton Grove preschools, child care centers, and home child cares are encouraged to attend to promote their programs and speak with prospective families. Invitations to register will be included in the December issue of Early Learning News.
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BookStack & Library Cards
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Save time by placing an order for pickup!
 Tell us your theme, and we'll select the best books, music, and DVDs for your class. Early childhood facilities with business Library cards may request up to 15 items to be pulled in advance and set aside for check out. Teachers in elementary schools may receive Teacher Bookbag Service.
Don't have a library card? Skokie preschool and child care center directors may register for a free business Library card for each of their teachers by submitting, on company letterhead, a written statement of authorization that lists each teacher to have a Library card. You may choose to open accounts without distributing library cards if it better suits your needs. Home child care providers may register for a business Library card by showing identification with address and their child care license. Please renew your account at the beginning of each school year by providing an updated list of staff members. Go to our website for detailed instructions and a sample statement of authorization. Preschool teachers who work in elementary schools may be included on the School Loan library card authorization form signed by principals.
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New Storytimes
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Little Learners Storytime
Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:15pm
through October 12
We are launching a brand-new parent/child storytime for four- and five-year old preschoolers because early literacy begins at home! Parents can help their children get on the road to reading by joining us each week for stories and simple learning activities. Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.324.3149.
Sensory Storytime
Third Saturday of every month
(Begins in October)
Join us for hands-on learning as we engage all of the senses through music, movement, stories, and play. Sensory Storytime is ideal for children with autism or sensory processing issues. Participating families are welcome to stay for an additional 30-minute multi-sensory playtime after the program. In-person or phone registration is required. Visit the Youth Services desk or call 847.324.3149.
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| More Programs for Kids | |
Preschool Picnic with Jodi Koplin
Friday, October 21
Noon to 1:00pm
Bring your blanket and lunch for a fall picnic. Jodi Koplin of the Old Town School of Folk Music will delight preschoolers and their parents/caregivers with her fabulous children's musicfest sure to have the kids wiggling and giggling. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors. For ages newborn to 6 years with a parent or adult caregiver. Registration is required and begins October 1. Sign up online or call 847.324.3149.
Family Fun @ Your Library: Spooky Stories in the Courtyard
Friday, October 28
6:30 to 8:00pm
Just in time for the Halloween season! If you are brave enough to weather spooktacular stories you will be rewarded with a marshmallow roast. Please bring a blanket to sit on. In the event of rain, the program will be moved indoors. Registration is required for all family members and begins October 1. Sign up online or call 847.324.3149.
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| Holly's Helpful Hints | We often talk about reading books with children but forget about the value of magazines. Skokie Public Library carries a large number of children's magazines filled with bright pictures, short stories, simple words, and large fonts. Many include learning activities related to the issue's content. Next time you're in the Library, check out one of the following magazines for young children:
- Babybug
- Chirp
- Click
- Highlights High Five
- Humpty Dumpty
- National Geographic Little Kids
- Turtle
- Wild Animal Baby
We think magazines are so important we are giving away five Cricket Magazine Group subscriptions. If you'd like to be entered in the drawing, email me your name, school, and phone number by September 30 with "magazine drawing" in the subject heading.
Let's get those kids ready to read!
 Warmly,
Holly Jin
Preschool Services Coordinator
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The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories
Eric Carle's first new book in four years is entitled 
Bill Martin's 1967 