Preschool storytime programs resume this May at the Grafton Public Library! Join us for unique programs for three different age groups starting the week of May 9. Library Babies, featuring songs, bounces, and interactive board books, runs on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Toddler Time, an active program for walkers through age three, is held on Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join Ms. Sarah to share stories, sing songs and recite rhymes and finger plays. Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursday at 10:30am. This 45-minute program includes stories, felt board fun, and movement activities. These three programs will run for three weeks in May. Registration is required.
Returning to an in-person format is Young Scientists, the STEM storytime for ages three through six. Presented by STEM Beginnings, this 6-week series introduces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. The “Young Scientists” series is sponsored by the YMCA Family & Community Partnership (YFCP), a Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant program funded by the Department of Early Education & Care and awarded to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Registration is required.
On Thursday, May 26 at 3:00pm, join us at the Willard House & Clock Museum for a special storytime and a tour of the museum’s beautiful grounds. This program is for preschoolers ages three through five and registration is required.
Only in May! Elementary aged children are invited to register for the How We Role program. Meet members of the Cummings School of Veterinary medicine in this series of interactive classroom activities. Sessions highlight the many jobs that veterinarians do, the fact that animals get many of the same diseases that people get, and how we have learned to live with and come to love dog behavior. This program is for children in grades two through four and will be held Saturday, May 7, 14 and 21 at 10:30am. Registration is required.
Comic Creator Club meets on Monday May 23 at 5:30pm. Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own! This workshop is for children in grades two through five. Registration is required.
Bookworms Book Clubs will be held on May 19. Grades Kindergarten and first grade will read Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard. The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken by Doreen Cronin is the second and third grade pick. Fourth and fifth grades will be reading 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan. Registration is required for all programs, and all books are available to check out at the library.
To sign up or see all Library programs, please visit our online Calendar of Events.
Details, Sarah Banister, Head of Children’s Services, 508-839-4649 x 1811.
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Miss our May newsletter? You can view a copy here!
Preschool storytime programs resume this May at the Grafton Public Library! Join us for unique programs for three different age groups starting the week of May 9th.
Library Babies, featuring songs, bounces, and interactive board books, runs on Tuesdays at 10:30am.
Toddler Time, an active program for walkers through age three, is held on Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join Ms. Sarah to share stories, sing songs and recite rhymes and finger plays.
Storytime for preschoolers is held on Thursday at 10:30am. This 45-minute program includes stories, felt board fun, and movement activities. These three programs will run for three weeks in May. Registration is required.
Returning to an in-person format is Young Scientists, the STEM storytime for ages three through six. Presented by STEM Beginnings, this 6-week series introduces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. The “Young Scientists” series is sponsored by the YMCA Family & Community Partnership (YFCP), a Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant program funded by the Department of Early Education & Care and awarded to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Registration is required.
On Thursday, May 26th at 3:00pm, join us at the Willard House & Clock Museum for a special storytime and a tour of the museum’s beautiful grounds. This program is for preschoolers ages three through five and registration is required.
Mr. Kim is back on Friday, May 13th and Friday May 20th at 10:30am. Registration is required.
Only in May! Elementary aged children are invited to register for the How we Role program. Meet members of the Cummings School of Veterinary medicine in this series of interactive classroom activities. Sessions highlight the many jobs that veterinarians do, the fact that animals get many of the same diseases that people get, and how we have learned to live
with and come to love dog behavior. This program is for children in grades two through four and will be held Saturday, May 7th, 14th and 21st at 10:30am. Registration is required.
Comic Creator Club meets on Monday May 23rd at 5:30pm. Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own!This workshop is for children in grades two through five. Registration is required.
Bookworms Book Clubs will be held on May 19th. Grades Kindergarten and first grade will read Miss Nelson is missing by Harry Allard. The case of the Weird Blue Chicken by Doreen Cronin is the second and third grade pick. Fourth and fifth grades will be reading 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan. Registration is required for all programs and all books are available to check out at the library.
Spring is a time for new beginnings in the Children’s Room. We are reintroducing our computers, wall manipulatives, coloring sheets, sensory table, games, and toys. Come visit and stay a while! We’re a great destination for playdates, grandparent outings, or rainy days.
In-room activities this month include the Monthly Mission animal match game. Investigate seedlings in our Science Nook. Celebrate National Poetry month by composing a quick poem on our magnetic poetry board.
To celebrate Pet First Aid Awareness Month, we’re hosting a Stuffed Animal Hospital. If your favorite stuffed friend isn’t feeling well, check them in for a stay. Drop off your friend any time on Monday, April 11th through Thursday April 14th. Pick them up by Saturday, April 16th.
Programming is also back this month! The first of three Mr. Kim shows is Friday, April 8th at 10:30. Registration is required. Families may only sign up for one Mr. Kim program per month. Additional shows are Friday, April 15th and Friday, April 29th. Register online.
Elementary school aged kids will find lots to do at the Grafton Public Library during vacation week.
On Tuesday, April 19th, children in grades three and up can craft a cute felt puppet. All materials will be provided. Register online.
On Wednesday, April 20th, celebrate Earth Day with us by crafting using recycled materials! Children in grades Kindergarten and up can make tornadoes in bottles. All materials will be provided. Register online.
On Thursday April 21st, Lego Brickbuilders Club meets. What will you create with the library’s HUGE collection of LEGO? Drop-in.
Friday April 22nd is movie day! Watch a magical family saga and make something magical of your own. Suncatchers at the 10:30am show, and perler beads at the 3:30pm show. Craft projects will be available on a first come, first served basis.
On Monday April 25 , learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of your own.
Community Read Bookworms Book Clubs Thursday, April 28th
In celebration of the green building practices used during the library’s renovation and expansion project and Earth Day, The Friends of the Grafton Public Library encourage everyone in town to participate in this year’s Community Read.
Join us for a special storytime, fun activities, and see a highlighted feature of the Willard House & Clock Museum.
This program is for preschoolers ages 3-5 and registration is required. Register online.
Location: Willard House & Clock Museum, 11 Willard St.
Due to decreasing COVID-19 case counts in Grafton, we are able to reduce our Children’s Room “Masks Required” mandate to “Masks Recommended.” Masks can be provided if needed.
Computers, manipulatives, and in-person programming for school-age children is now available, as well.
The remainder of the Library remains Mask Optional.
March is in like a lion, out like a lamb in the Children’s Room. The Children’s Room is roaring forward into spring and planning for the return of children’s programming for elementary school aged kids in April.
Take on March’s monthly mission and circle the children’s room, collecting pieces to make a rainbow. Watch our colorful blossoms bloom in our Science Nook.
It’s spring-cleaning time and we’re clearing out our craft closet! Every Tuesday in March, swing by the library to grab an activity packet or craft kits. Items will vary and will be available Tuesday only between 12-8pm, while supplies last.
Monday, March 28 is the last Young Scientists class of the spring. Join STEM Beginnings for a 6-week virtual series for children, ages 3-6. Children will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. This is an interactive class and parents/caregivers are encouraged to help their child. Registration is required. To sign up or see all Library programs, please visit www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=GRAFTON.
March is in like a lion, out like a lamb in the Children’s Room. The children’s room is roaring forward into Spring and planning for the return of children’s programming for elementary school aged kids in April.
Take on March’s monthly mission and circle the children’s room, collecting pieces to make a rainbow.
Watch our colorful blossoms bloom in our Science Nook.
Check out the art show gallery. We’ve got some incredible artists in Grafton! Canvases will be up all month.
The stories in the Children’s Room collaborative book projects are getting good! Writers, do you want to add a new plot thread?
-Check out the book.
-Read what others have written or drawn before you.
-Continue the story, with words or pictures.
-Make sure to include “And then…” as your last line.
-Return the book to the library.
There are three books available: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, & Grades 3-5.
March displays:
It’s Spring-cleaning time and we’re clearing out our craft closet! Every Tuesday in March, swing by the library to grab an activity packet or craft kits. Items will vary and will be available Tuesday only between 12-8. While supplies last.
Monday, March 28th is the last Young Scientists class of the spring. Join STEM Beginnings for a 6-week virtual series for children, ages 3-6. Children will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. This is an interactive class and parents/caregivers are encouraged to help their child. Register online at graftonlibrary.org
This month in the children’s room, it’s a special Valentine’s scavenger hunt!
Do you choose to accept this mission?
Print out your own Library Valentine! Or, pick one up in the Children’s Room or at Borrower Services. Color it in and upload to social media – don’t forget to use the hashtag #LibraryLovers!
Write us a letter, or download your own graphics participate digitally and remotely!
Want to take a chance on something new? Pick up one of our special Mystery Playdate books. There will be hints about the book written on the packaging. You may discover a new favorite!
From February 1 through March 31, Cradles to Crayons®, the Boston Bruins, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and Wonderfund are coming together with organizations in your community to collect new pajamas for local children living in low-income and homeless situations. Together, we are looking to collect 5,000 pairs of pajamas. By supporting us with a PJ Drive, you will directly supply new pajamas to the children who need them most so they can stay warm while sleeping.
We are looking for brand new pajamas, appropriate for all seasons, from sizes 2T through adult medium. Please do not give pajamas that include any family or holiday references, and defer to Cradles to Crayons Quality = Dignity guidelines, purchasing ONLY items that all children would be both excited and proud to wear and use.
Our most needed sizes are:
Girls: 5/6 (child S), 7/8 (child M), 14/16 (child XL/adult S), 18/20 (child XXL/adult M)
Boys: 7/8 (child M), 14/16 (child XL/adult S), 18/20 (child XXL/adult M)”
To celebrate the 15th Annual Bruins PJ Drive, we’re hosting another Stuffed Animal Sleepover!
Leave your stuffed friend at the Library for a special sleepover. Hijinks will ensue!
Drop off your friend on Saturday, February 12th thru Wednesday, February 16th. Friends need to be picked up before Friday, February 25th.
Join STEM Beginnings for a 6-week virtual series for children, ages 3-6. Children will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments.
This is an interactive class and parents/caregivers are encouraged to help their child.
Registration will begin two weeks prior to each event. By registering for this event, you are registering for this one event, not the entire six-week program. If the event is full, you may still submit this form to be placed on the waiting list. Attendees on the waiting list will be added to our next session. A minimum of eight families are required in order for the class to be held. If we do not receive the minimum number of registrants, this event may be canceled. A valid email address is required to register for all Grafton Public Library programs. If you are unable to attend, please call the Grafton Public Library at 508-839-4649.
This will be a virtual program via Zoom.
Dates and times for all programs are subject to change due to COVID conditions.
Please check our website or Facebook page for up-to-date program information.
The “Young Scientists” series is sponsored by the YMCA Family & Community Partnership (YFCP), which is a Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant funded by the Department of Early Education and Care and awarded to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
BOOKWORMS BOOK CLUBS
Join Miss Kristin for a special virtual book club for Kindergarteners and First Graders. We will be reading Poppy and Sam and the Leaf Thief by Cathon. Books are available for pick up in the GPL’s Children’s Room. Registration is required and begins on February 3rd.
Location: Zoom Registration begins on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Join Miss Kristin for a book club especially for Second and Third Graders. We will be reading Comics Squad Recess! Books are available for pick up in the GPL’s Children’s Room. Registration is required and begins on February 3rd.
Location: Zoom Registration will begin on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Join Miss Kristin for a virtual book club for Fourth and Fifth Graders. We will be reading Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier. Books are available for pick up in the GPL’s Children’s Room. Registration is required and begins on February 3rd.
Location: Zoom Registration will begin on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM
FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK PROGRAMS
Pick-up a special activity kit for kids 6-12. Kits are on a first-come, first served basis and will be available at 10am on Tuesday, February 25-Friday, February 28.
Kits may contain small parts and are intended for school-age students.
Kids, tweens, and teens in grades K-12 are invited to create their own Frankentoy. Inspired by Sid from Toy Story – participants will be able to create something new from old and broken toys.
Kits will be available on Friday the 18th at 3pm. If you’d like to be entered in the contest, take a photo of your Frankentoy creation and upload it using this form.
This free program is for kids, tweens, and teens in grades K-12. All supplies will be provided, but if you want to bring some of your own toy pieces you are welcome to.
Kids, tweens, and teens in grades K-12 are invited to participate in our first art show! Pick up your canvas anytime from Friday, February 18th to Saturday, February 26th.
Create with your canvas any way you wish-paint, collage, mixed media, even crayons!
Canvases must be returned to the library, with the artist’s name and contact info, by Saturday, March 5th. Canvases will be on display in the Children’s Room for the entire month of March.
Canvas must be picked up before Saturday April 9th.
This free program is for kids, tweens, and teens in grades K-12.
Crafters wanted! Take home everything you need to assemble this adorable yarn dog. While supplies last. Grades 3+
The children’s room has been busy reimagining our popular in-person programs into fun, interactive take-home kits!
Starting on Tuesday, January 18th, special activity kits for school-aged kids will be available. These kits (more details coming soon) will be available to pick up in the children’s room starting at 3pm. Kits may contain small items.
Are you a fan of our storytimes? You can hold a GPL-inspired storytime of your own with our Take Home Storytime Kits. These kits will contain a seasonal book bundle*, activities, special treats, and a program guide. It’s everything you need to host storytime at home!
Library Babies -Kits will be available starting on Tuesday, January 18th & again on Tuesday, January 25th
Toddler Time- Kits will be available starting on Wednesday, January 19th & again on Wednesday, January 26th
Preschool Storytime- Kits will be available on Thursday, January 20th & again on Thursday, January 27th
Kits will be available in the Children’s Room, on a first come, first served basis, starting at 10:00am.
Whereas, a library card is the most essential school supply of all;
Whereas, libraries and librarians play a crucial role in the education and development of children;
Whereas, libraries offer a variety of programs to stimulate an interest in reading and learning;
Whereas, library resources serve students of all ages, from early literacy to STEAM programs to research databases;
Whereas, signing up for a library card is the first step on the path towards academic achievement and lifelong learning;
Whereas, a library card gives students the tools that foster success in the classroom and beyond;
Whereas, librarians create welcoming and inclusive spaces for students of all backgrounds to learn together and engage with one another;
Whereas, a library card empowers all people to pursue their dreams and explore new passions and interests;
Whereas, libraries are constantly transforming and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of their communities;
Therefore, be it resolved that I ,Peter Carlson, Select Board Chair, proclaim September Library Card Sign-up Month in Grafton, Massachusetts and encourage everyone to sign up for their own library card this month.
Sign up at https://graftonlibrary.org/home/get-a-library-card/
