Being a new parent is stressful. I know because I am one. Between the crying, teething, epic diapers, and waking up every three hours at night, you start to wonder "how do people get through this!?" Luckily, new parents have a great coping resource: other new parents. There's nothing more reassuring than hearing how another new mom is also getting up multiple times at night! Or that you're not alone when it comes to wondering how much solid food you should feed your child. You are not alone!

The problem is that it can be hard to find and connect with these new parents. There are few public places that are baby friendly or developmentally appropriate, so casually meeting another new parent with a baby the same age as yours can be tricky. And if you're like me, all of your friends have kids that are much older (or they have no children at all).

Never fear, new parents! At the Urbana Regional Library we have started a weekly Petite Playgroup for ages 0-3. Meeting Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, the playgroup takes place in our storytime room and lasts until 2:45ish. We've made it casual to encourage lots of parental socializing: everybody introduces himself or herself and shares their child's name and age. We do a few rhymes and songs just to bring everyone together and then break out lots of educational toys for the kids to play with. With soft music playing in the background, the babies explore and play while the parents chat. It's a safe, fun setting with zero pressure!

And while the playgroup starts at 1:30 pm, parents are encouraged to join us anytime between 1:30 and 2:45 pm. Older siblings are welcome, and we always have great toys for them to explore as well.

So, new moms and dads (and grandparents!) - come join us! Your baby will love seeing other children and you will have an opportunity to meet parents going through situations just like you! You are not alone!

By Robyn Monaco

At fcpl.org children have easy access to free on-line books that help build literacy and a love of books and reading. These four sites (BookFlix, FreedomFlix, TrueFlix, and TumbleBook Library) can be used in or out of the library and offer a variety of services including educational games, books in French and Spanish, and read-along options.

From our library website's banner, access these sites through fcpl.org/research/resource-guides/ebooks-kids. You will need your library card number to use the e-book resources. Browse each of these sites to see what is available. Here are some features of each:

BookFlix - these books are recommended for ages PreK-third grade. Among the special features are read-along books, books in Spanish, and "Meet the Author" and book related games sections.

TumbleBooks - here children can read or listen to picture books, chapter books, and non-fiction books. Among the special features are books in Spanish and French and educational games and videos.

FreedomFlix - the books on this site are all part of a collection for students known as "Bringing History to Life." All the books relate to different topics and periods in American History including contemporary issues and events. Among the extra resources for each book are project ideas, a quiz section, and links to "Explore More."

TrueFlix - a collection of non-fiction books that fall under the topics of "People, Places, and History" and "Science and Nature." Among the extra resources for each book are project ideas, a quiz section, and links to "Explore More."

Do you enjoy listening to music on your computer, tablet, phone, or mobile device? Then you should check out Freegal Music on FCPL's website under fcpl.org/eLibrary. Developed by the Library Ideas company, Freegal is a downloadable music service provided for you by your library. The name Freegal means "free and legal" so the music may be shared legally to library patrons without infringing copyrights or fear of piracy. There are hundreds of genres of music in Freegal Music and content is based on agreements with over 10,000 music labels, including the labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The music files are DRM-free MP3 files that can be played on any device (including iPods). With your library card you may download and keep three songs per week at no cost.

In a recent update Freegal has added MP4 format music videos which may be downloaded as well. These music video downloads will count as two of your weekly music selections. Freegal Music 4.0 has a fresh new look with larger album cover visuals of artists and easier genre and artist searches. Another new feature of Freegal 4.0 includes a wish list to save favorite titles for future downloads.

Freegal Mobile Apps are currently available for iOS and Android. Be sure to pay attention to the notes for using the apps since the iOS version saves songs in the app and they must be later downloaded into iTunes. The (FAQ's) frequently asked questions section is helpful in further explaining the ins and outs of using Freegal. If music is your passion and you enjoy taking it with you wherever you go, be sure to check out Freegal Music on FCPL's website. Browse the many titles available, FREE, courtesy of your library, and start downloading your favorites today!

Submitted by Shelba Bollinger

FCPL thanks the Catoctin Zoo and Wildlife Preserve for providing free admission zoo coupons for all children participating in the 2013 Summer Reading Program and also providing several free live animal presentations at many branches throughout the county.

The Catoctin Zoo Comes to Visit presentations included live animal interactions including an alligator, tortoise, lizard, and chinchilla. These presentations were well received by the public; in fact, Urbana and Brunswick recorded the highest attendance of any event held throughout the entire summer.

Many children cashed-in their zoo coupons (valued at $11.50) with large numbers being reported on the weekends throughout the summer. 

Submitted by Marlene Bordner

This past summer, the C. Burr Artz Public Library tried something new to get kids to read. Based upon the NCAA's March Madness^© tournament, we created four categories of books and asked children, parents, and staff to vote on their favorites. Sixteen titles were selected from the following categories: Picture books for ages 0-5, Beginning to Read/Early Chapters Books for Grades K-2, Chapter Books for Grades 3-5, and Non-Fiction Books for Grades 3-5.

Over the course of the summer, the voting process weeded the titles down until we had our Final Four- a winner from each category: Children Make Terrible Pets (Picture Books) vs Once Upon a Royal Superbaby (Beginning to Read) and The One and Only Ivan (Chapter Books) vs Titanic: Voices from the Disaster.

Our final round put Children Make Terrible Pets up against Titanic: Voices from the Disaster.