January & February 2017

Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Downtown Library Your Elastic Brain 500 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do 860.695.6330 hplct.org some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. M-Th 10-8, F & Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5 Wednesday, January 11, 4:00-5:00

Gravity Science Programs for All Ages Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Join other young physicists at the Library to explore this concept. Saturday, January 14, 2:30-3:30 Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and School Application Assistance Tower Bucket Challenge Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Strawbees. Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application Wednesday, January 18, 4:00-5:00 and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! Bones: The Inside Story “Them bones, them bones, them rattling bones.” How many bones do you have? Identify and locate the major bones of the human body. Thursday, February 2, 3:00-5:30 Wednesday, January 18, 5:30-6:30

Presidential Inauguration 2017 Take Your Child to the Library Day On January 20th, President Trump will be sworn into office. Come to the Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library tour and library to watch coverage of this historic event and learn how the new activities at your local library branch! president’s policies will affect your life. Saturday, February 4, 11:00-12:00 Friday, January 20, 12:30-3:30

Mix-in-Math: So Long Leap Into Learning Programs for Birth-5 How are your estimation skills? Put them to the test with this fun math program. Sensational Sensory Wednesdays Monday, January 23, 4:00-5:00 Interactive play time for children. Each week children will enjoy a new and exciting sensory, hands-on learning activity. Chinese New Year Every Wednesday 11:00-12:00 Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a movie, and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Every Child Ready to Read Storytime coin tree is a popular Chinese ornament believed to bring good luck and An interactive program based on the five practices of the Every Child prosperity. Ready to Read initiative: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Wednesday, January 25, 6:00-7:00 Listen to stories, learn finger plays, and sing songs. Every Friday 11:00-12:00 Paper Plate Puzzles for National Puzzle Day Celebrate National Puzzle day by exercising your art skills and your First Friends Play Group puzzle building abilities! It’s known to be good for your brain! Use your Our play and picture book areas are reserved for you! Share toys, books, imagination to design a picture on a paper plate. You will then cut it into and music while your child meets other children. pieces to create a one-of-a-kind jigsaw puzzle. Participants will share Mondays, Jan 9, 23, 30 & Feb 6, 13, & 27, 11:00-12:00 their projects and work to solve each other’s puzzles. Friday, January 27, 3:00-4:00 Programs for Students Ages 6-12 Happy Birthday, Mo Willems! Homework Club Celebrate author and illustrator Mo Willems birthday with a party with his Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in after books, fun activities, and snack. school for a snack and homework supplies to help you get going. Wednesday, February 8, 4:00-5:00 Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 Aerodynamics of Paper Airplanes Read with Gizmo What’s that in the sky? It’s a paper airplane! Make a perfect paper air- Have a reluctant reader at home? Bring him/her every first and third Sat- plane by learning about elements that help to fly it. urday to meet Gizmo and her handler Jen. Call 860-695-6330 for an ap- Thursday, February 9, 4:00-5:00 pointment time between 12:30-2:00 or just drop in for a session. Jan 7 & 21 and Feb 4 & 18, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. (programs continued on next page)

Legos in the Library All locations will be closed on: We have Legos and a challenge for you. What will you create? Do you have what it takes to be a master builder? Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Every Tuesday in January & February (except 2/28), 5:30-6:30 Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Downtown Library 500 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 860.695.6330 hplct.org M-Th 10-8, F & Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5

Hogs and Kisses for Valentine’s Day A day to celebrate friendships and part-take in traditional customs of the holiday. Learn the symbolism behind Valentine’s day cards. Saturday, February 11, 2:30-3:30

Celebrate Black History Month Celebrate Black History Month in February. Learn about African Ameri- can heritage, notable figures, culture, art, and music using library resources and create a paper quilt to display. Wednesday, February 15, 5:30-6:30

Sweet Celebrations Learn about the different ways people celebrate special days in their cultures with special activities and special foods. Make no bake cookies to celebrate the season. Friday, February 17, 3:30-4:30

Makey Makey Create keyboards made from different materials like play-doh, fruits, and vegetables. Learn about electric circuits, energy and technology with this fun kit. Thursday, February 23, 4:00-5:00

Jackie Robinson: A Civil Rights Activist Jackie Robinson was a sports hero who became a civil rights activist. Explore the courage that it took for Jackie to fight segregation and discrimination on and off the baseball field. Monday, February 27, 3:30-4:30

Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is February 28th. While making a necklace, learn about “Fat Tuesday” and its history. Tuesday, February 28, 5:30-6:30

Programs for Parents and Caregivers

Leap into Learning Workshop – “The Big Idea and Essential Ques- tions” Focus your teaching to help children gain a deeper understanding using the Big Ideas and Essential Questions to guide you studies. Friday, February 10, 10:30-12:00

Social Emotional Development: Self-Regulation Explore ideas, experiences and practices that support the development of self-regulation skills in pre-kindergarten children. Saturday, February 18, 10:00-12:00

Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Tower Bucket Challenge Albany Branch Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold 1250 Albany Avenue Hartford, CT 06112 a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Strawbees. Wednesday, January 18, 4:30-5:30 860.695.7380 hplct.org M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. Oh SNAP! You are what you eat and nutritious food will keep you healthy & happy Programs for All Ages for life! From the SNAP-ed program at UCONN comes Krissy Anderson to help you make healthy choices. And, of course, there's free food! Take Your Child to the Library Day Mondays, January 23 & 30 and February 6, 4:30-5:30 Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library tour and activities at your local library branch! Pointillism Poinsettias Friday, February 3, 3:00-4:00 In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuena. At Christmas- time, the flower blooms and flourishes. Listen to Tomie dePaola’s retell- Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and ing of The Legend Poinsettia and then use the art technique pointillism to create your own flower! School Application Assistance Wednesday, January 25, 4:30-5:30

Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application Chinese New Year Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a movie, and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! coin tree is a popular Chinese ornament believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Thursday, January 26, 4:30-5:30 Tuesday, February 7, 3:00-5:30 Paper Plate Puzzles for National Puzzle Day Celebrate National Puzzle day by exercising your art skills and your puzzle building abilities! It’s known to be good for your brain! Use your imagination to design a picture on a paper plate. You will then cut it into Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 pieces to create a one-of-a-kind jigsaw puzzle. Participants will share their projects and work to solve each other’s puzzles. Born to Read Storytime and Play Group Monday, January 30, 4:30-5:30 Inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading in your child by visiting the library for developmentally appropriate stories, songs and finger plays. Happy Birthday, Mo Willems! There will be bubbles and parachute games with time for socialization and Celebrate author and illustrator Mo Willems birthday with a party with his play time afterwards. No registration is required. books, fun activities, and snack. Wednesdays, January 11 & 25 and February 8 & 22,11:30-12:00 Wednesday, February 1, 4:30-5:30

Your Elastic Brain Programs for Students Ages 6-12 It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Homework Club Wednesday, February 8, 4:30-5:30 Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in after school for a snack and homework supplies to help you get going. Hogs and Kisses for Valentine’s Day Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 A day to celebrate friendships and part-take in traditional customs of the holiday. Learn the symbolism behind Valentine’s day cards. Gingerbread House Contest Monday, February 13, 4:30-5:30 Do you have what it takes to create a Gingerbread Masterpiece? Team up to see what amazing structure you can make during this fun program. Celebrate Black History Month Wednesday, January 4, 4:30-5:30 Celebrate Black History Month in February. Learn about African Ameri- can heritage, notable figures, culture, art, and music using library re- Three Kings' Day sources and create a paper quilt to display. Learn all about Dia de los Reyes, a holiday traditionally celebrated in the Wednesday, February 22, 4:30-5:30 Hispanic community. Listen to a Three King’s story and create your own crown to take home. Mardi Gras Thursday, January 5, 4:30-5:30 Mardi Gras is February 28th. While making a necklace, learn about “Fat Tuesday” and its history. Gravity Science Monday, February 27, 4:30-5:30 Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Join other young physicists at the Library to explore this concept. Monday, January 9, 4:30-5:30 All locations will be closed on:

Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

If I Were a Time Traveler… Barbour Branch Where would you go? What would you do? Would it be in the past, present, or maybe 261 Barbour St. Hartford, CT 06120 even the future? Look through nonfiction texts at the library about different time periods & 860.695.7400 hplct.org civilizations then let your imagination take over. M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat & Sun Friday, January 27, 3:30-4:30

Tower Bucket Challenge Programs for All Ages Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Strawbees. Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and Monday, January 30, 4:00-5:00 School Application Assistance Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and answer questions Abstract Art Exploration you might have. At 4:00, Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! Learn about abstract artist Frank Stella, whose artwork is on display at the Wadsworth. Monday, February 6, 3:00-5:30 Find out all about his abstract, minimalist style and then create your own masterpiece to take home. Take Your Child to the Library Day Wednesday, February 1, 4:00-5:00 Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library tour and activities at your local library branch! Chinese New Year Thursday, February 2, 5:00-6:00 Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a movie, and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The coin tree is a popular Chinese Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 ornament believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Early Childhood Music Friday, February 3, 3:30-4:30 Program activity includes singing and chanting, moving to music with scarves, para- chutes, balls, and playing assorted percussion instruments. Basic Crochet Club Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00 Learn the basics of Crochet and how to read written crochet instructions in this series of lessons. Make your own scarf or hat. Materials are provided. Gingerbread Fun Wednesdays, February 8 & 22, 4:00-5:00 “Run, run, run as fast as you can…” Listen to the story of the Gingerbread Man and then visit our gingerbread stations for more fun. Celebrate Black History Month Wednesday, January 25, 4:00-5:00 Celebrate Black History Month in February. Learn about African American heritage, notable figures, culture, art, and music using library resources and create a paper quilt. Hugs and Kisses Storytime Thursday, February 9, 4:00-5:00 Listen to friendship books and make a paper heart ornament . Thursday, February 2, 4:00-5:00 Happy Birthday, Mo Willems! Celebrate author and illustrator Mo Willems birthday with a party with his books, fun activ- Birds of a Feather: Early Literacy Art for Babies ities, and snack. Help your baby to paint winter birds. Art supplies provided. Friday, February 10, 3:30-4:30 Wednesday, February 15, 4:00-5:00 Flying Tinsel Programs for Students Ages 6-12 Wow your friends and family with a magic trick using simple household products and Homework Club basic science! Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in after school for a Monday, February 13, 4:00-5:00 snack and homework supplies to help you get going. Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 Hogs and Kisses for Valentine’s Day A day to celebrate friendships and part-take in traditional customs of the holiday. Learn HPL Graphic Novel Studio the symbolism behind Valentine’s day cards. Join us as we go on a virtual visit to the art studio of Jarrett Krosoczka, author/ Tuesday, February 14, 4:00-5:00 illustrator of the Lunch Lady series. Learn techniques to create and illustrate your own graphic novel! Fly Your Freak Flag Monday, Jan 9 & Wed, Jan 11, 4:00-5:00 & Friday, Jan 13, 3:30-4:30 All of us has something that makes us a little different, whether it’s the clothes we wear or the music we listen to. Come to the library and create your very own freak flag to cele- Your Elastic Brain brate all the quirks and interests that make you uniquely you! It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do some fun Thursday, February 16, 3:30-4:30 projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Wednesday, January 18, 4:00-5:00 Jackie Robinson: A Civil Rights Activist Jackie Robinson was a sports hero who became a civil rights activist. Explore the cour- Presidential Inauguration 2017 age that it took for Jackie to fight segregation & discrimination on & off the baseball field. On January 20th, President Trump will be sworn into office. Come to the library to Thursday, February 23, 4:00-5:00 watch coverage of this historic event and learn how the new president’s policies will affect your life. Fabulous Fingerprint Art Thursday, January 19, 4:00-5:00 Who knew you had a work of art right at your fingertips? Create funny animals with just your fingers, ink, and some doodles and dots. Paint a Winter Scene Friday, February 24, 3:30-4:30 It's cold! Come into the library and paint a winter scene like a master painter! Monday, January 23, 4:00-5:00 Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is February 28th. Make a necklace & learn about “Fat Tuesday” & its history. Tuesday, February 28, 4:00-5:00 Stone Soup Join us for an interactive reading of the classic book Stone Soup. Explore themes of sharing & community as we create a collaborative craft project. All locations will be closed on: Thursday, January 26, 4:00-5:00 Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day

Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Blue Hills Branch 649 Blue Hills Ave. 06112 Programs for Students Ages 6-12 860.695.7420 hplct.org M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat & Sun Paint Like Pollock Learn all about modern artist Jackson Pollock and his style of action drip painting. They try your hand at making your Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and own Pollock-inspired work of art! School Application Assistance Thursday, January 5, 4:30-5:30

You're So Random Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, Random Acts of Kindness week is the perfect opportunity to Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! showcase your authentic, if slightly strange, generosity. Make someone's day better with a Random Act of Kindness! Tuesday, January 24, 3:00-5:30 Thursday, January 19, 4:30-5:30

Paper Plate Puzzles for National Puzzle Day Programs for All Ages Celebrate National Puzzle day by exercising your art skills and your puzzle building abilities! It’s known to be good for Take Your Child to the Library Day your brain! Use your imagination to design a picture on a Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library paper plate. You will then cut it into pieces to create a one-of tour and activities at your local library branch! -a-kind jigsaw puzzle. Participants will share their projects Thursday, February 2, 4:30-5:30 and work to solve each other’s puzzles. School Choice Application Assistance Thursday, January 26, 4:30-5:30 Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and answer questions you might have. Tower Bucket Challenge Thursday, February 16, 3:00-5:45 Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try us- Leap Into Learning Programs for Birth-5 ing our cool Strawbees. Thursday, February 9, 4:30-5:30 Born to Read Storytime and Play Group Inspire, stimulate and create a love of reading in your child by Aerodynamics of Paper Airplanes visiting the library for developmentally appropriate stories, What’s that in the sky? It’s a paper airplane! Make a perfect songs and finger plays. There will be bubbles and parachute paper airplane by learning about elements that help to fly it. games with time for socialization and play time afterwards. Thursday, February 16, 4:30-5:30 No registration is required. Thursdays, Jan 12 & 26 and Feb 9 & 23, 11:30-12:00 Flying Tinsel Wow your friends and family with a magic trick using simple household products and basic science! Thursday, February 23, 4:30-5:30

All locations will be closed on: Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day

Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Camp Field Branch Programs for Students Ages 6-12 30 Campfield Ave. Hartford CT 06114 Homework Club 860.695.440 hplct.org Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. after school for a snack and homework supplies to help you get going. Programs for All Ages Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00-4:00

Take Your Child to the Library Day Three Kings' Day Learn all about Dia de los Reyes, a holiday traditionally celebrated Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library in the Hispanic community. Listen to a Three King’s story and cre- tour and activities at your local library branch! ate your own crown to take home. Thursday, February 2, 4:00-5:00 Friday, January 6, 4:00-5:00

Your Elastic Brain Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain School Application Assistance and do some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application Wednesday, January 11, 4:00-5:00 and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, Gravity Science Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Join other young physicists at the Library to explore this concept. Monday, February 13, 3:00-5:30 Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00

Basic Crochet Club Learn the basics of Crochet as well as how to read written crochet Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 instructions in the series of lessons. Make your own scarf or hat. Materials are provided. Snowballs Monday, January 23, 4:00-5:00 Ages: 3-5. Explore Lois Ehlert’s delightful story, Snowballs and make your own snowman afterwards. Celebrate Black History Month Wednesday, January 4 & January 25, 10:00-11:00 Celebrate Black History Month in February. Learn about African American heritage, notable figures, culture, art, and music using Storytime library resources and create a paper quilt to display. Ages: 3-5. Rhymes, stories, songs, finger plays and more. Individu- Wednesdays, February 1 & 22, 4:00-5:00 al families welcome without registration: group, please register in advance. by calling 860-695-7443 Sweet Celebrations Thursday, January 5 & 26, 1:00-2:00 Learn about the different ways people celebrate special days in their cultures with special activities and special foods. Make no Family Storytime bake cookies to celebrate the season. Ages: 2-5 with adult friends. Bring your family to the library every Monday, February 6, 4:00-5:00 Tuesday to hear stories from the best in children’s illustrated books, sing songs, share rhymes, and make a crafts together! Hogs and Kisses for Valentine’s Day Tuesdays, Feb 7, 21, & 28, 10:00-11:00 A day to celebrate friendships and part-take in traditional customs of the holiday. Learn the symbolism behind Valentine’s day cards. Vroom! Vroom! Vroom! Wednesday, February 8, 4:00-5:00 Ages: 3-5 with adult friends. Let’s ride! Join us for four-wheeled adventures about cars, trucks, and more! Groups and individuals Mix-in-Math: So Long please register in advance by calling (860) 695-7440. How are your estimation skills? Put them to the test with this fun Monday, February 13, 1:00-2:00 math program. Thursday, February 9, 4:00-5:00

Tower Bucket Challenge All locations will be closed on: Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Straw- Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day bees. Thursday, February 23, 4:00-5:00 Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Dwight Branch 7 New Park Ave. Hartford CT 06106 Bones: The Inside Story 860.695.7460 hplct.org “Them bones, them bones, them rattling bones.” How many bones do M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. you have? Identify and locate the major bones of the human body. Thursday, January 12, 4:00-5:00

Programs for All Ages Fly Your Freak Flag All of us has something that makes us a little different, whether it’s the Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and clothes we wear or the music we listen to. Come to the library and create your very own freak flag to celebrate all the quirks and interests that School Application Assistance make you uniquely you! Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and answer Friday, January 13, 3:30-4:30 questions you might have. At 4:00, Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! Stone Soup Wednesday, January 25, 3:00-5:30 Join us for an interactive reading of the classic book Stone Soup. Ex- plore the themes of sharing and community as we create a collaborative craft project. Take Your Child to the Library Day Thursday, January 19, 4:00-5:00 Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library tour and activities at your local library branch! Presidential Inauguration 2017 Friday, February 3, 3:00-4:30 On January 20th, President Trump will be sworn into office. Come to the library to watch coverage of this historic event and learn how the new School Choice Application Assistance president’s policies will affect your life. Friday, January 20, 3:30-4:30 Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and answer questions you might have. Your Elastic Brain Thursday, February 9, 2:00-5:00 It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 Thursday, January 26, 4:00-5:00

City Kids Storytime Paper Plate Puzzles for National Puzzle Day Celebrate National Puzzle day by exercising your art skills and your We're so lucky to live in the beautiful city of Hartford, so we're go- puzzle building abilities! It’s known to be good for your brain! Use your ing to sing some songs and tell some stories about city living! imagination to design a picture on a paper plate. You will then cut it into Wednesday, January 4, 11:00-11:45 pieces to create a one-of-a-kind jigsaw puzzle. Participants will share their projects and work to solve each other’s puzzles. Winter Wonderland Storytime Monday, January 30, 4:00-5:00 Celebrate the season of winter with a story time filled with snow- men, polar bears, and more! Legos in the Library Wednesday, January 18, 11:00-11:45 We have Legos and a challenge for you. What will you create? Do you have what it takes to be a master builder? African American History Month Storytime Every Thursday in February, 4:00-5:00

Celebrate the beginning of African American History Month with a Paper Shapers Origami Club story time featuring books created by African American authors Explore the ancient art of origami. Participants will create an easy origa- and illustrators. mi project each week as they develop their listening and folding skills. Wednesday, February 1, 11:00-11:45 Wednesday, February 8 & 22, 4:00-5:00

Hugs and Kisses Storytime Tower Bucket Challenge Love is in the air this month, so come and join us as we read sto- Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold ries that are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside! a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Strawbees. Wednesday, February 15, 11:00-11:45 Friday, February 10, 3:30-4:30

Chinese New Year Programs for Students Ages 6-12 Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a movie, Homework Club and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in coin tree is a popular Chinese ornament believed to bring good luck and after school for a snack & supplies to help you get going. prosperity. Mondays-Thursdays, 3:30-5:00 Friday, February 17, 3:30-4:30

Bean Mosaic Bean Day is January 6th! Celebrate with a creative mosaic collage All locations will be closed on: made out of beans. Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Friday, January 6, 3:30-4:30 Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day

Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Goodwin Branch 460 New Britain Ave. Hartford CT 06106 Tower Bucket Challenge 860.695.7480 hplct.org Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws that hold M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool Strawbees. Monday, January 9, 4:30-5:30

Programs for All Ages Brainiacs! Your brain controls everything your body can do from walking to talking Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and to solving puzzles! Get to know the different parts of your brain with fun facts then create your own brain hat to take home! School Application Assistance Monday, January 23, 4:30-5:30

Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and Your Elastic Brain answer questions you might have. At 4:00, Eric Girardi will put It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do on a show you won’t soon forget! some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Wednesday, January 25, 4:30-5:30 Monday, January 30, 3:00-5:30 Chinese New Year Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a movie, and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Take Your Child to the Library Day coin tree is a popular Chinese ornament believed to bring good luck and Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library tour prosperity. and activities at your local library branch! Thursday, January 26, 4:30-5:30 Thursday, February 2, 4:30-5:30 Bones: The Inside Story “Them bones, them bones, them rattling bones.” How many bones do Leap Into Learning Programs for Birth-5 you have? Identify and locate the major bones of the human body. Monday, February 6, 4:30-5:30 First Friends Play Group Our play and picture book areas are reserved for you! Share toys, HPL Graphic Novel Studio books, and music while your child meets other children. Join us as we go on a virtual visit to the art studio of Jarrett Krosoczka, Friday, January 6, and February 10, 10:00-11:00 author/illustrator of the Lunch Lady series. Learn techniques to create and illustrate your own graphic novel! Wednesdays, February 8, 15, 22, 4:30-5:30 Little Lego Club Ages 3-5 with parent/caregivers. Join us for creative fun with sto- Hogs and Kisses for Valentine’s Day ries all about building things! Then, bring your bright ideas to our A day to celebrate friendships and part-take in traditional customs of the play area to design and build animals, people, places and things holiday. Learn the symbolism behind Valentine’s day cards. with Legos. Monday, February 13, 4:30-5:30 Wednesdays, January 4 & 11 and Feb 1 & 8, 10:00-11:00 You're So Random Random Acts of Kindness week is the perfect opportunity to showcase Programs for Students Ages 6-12 your authentic, if slightly strange, generosity. Make someone's day better with a Random Act of Kindness! Homework Club Thursday, February 16, 4:30-5:30 Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in after school for a snack and homework supplies to help you get Circuit Playground We are celebrating the global event, Digital Learning Day, with Circuit going. Playground! Learn and explore the ABCs of electronics with the help of a Mondays-Thursdays, 3:00-5:30 curious little robot. Thursday, February 23, 4:30-5:30 Paint a Winter Scene It's cold out there, come into the library and paint a winter scene Scratch like a master painter! Animate your name, create a game, or get your own virtual pet - all Wednesday, January 4, 4:30-5:30 through computer programming! Scratch uses a simple interface, but does serious work. Gravity Science Monday, February 27, 4:30-5:30 Ever wonder what you might weigh on Mars or the Moon? Join other young physicists at the Library to explore this concept. All locations will be closed on: Thursday, January 5, 4:30-5:30 Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Tower Bucket Challenge Park Branch Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of straws 744 Park Street Hartford CT 06106 that hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try using our cool 860.695.7500 hplct.org Strawbees. M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. Wednesday, January 11, 2:00-3:00

Programs for All Ages Paint Like Pollock Learn all about modern artist Jackson Pollock and his style of School Choice Application Assistance action drip painting. They try your hand at making your own Pol- Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application and lock-inspired work of art! answer questions you might have. Wednesday, January 18, 2:00-3:00 Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and School Application Assistance If I Were a Time Traveler… Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application Where would you go? What would you do? Would it be in the and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, past, present, or maybe even the future? Look through various Eric Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! nonfiction texts at the library about different time periods and civi- Thursday, February 16, 3:00-5:30 lizations then let your imagination take over. Monday, January 23, 3:30-4:30

Tuesday, January 24, 9:00-11:00 Chinese New Year Take Your Child to the Library Day Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library Gung Hay Fat Choy! Join us for traditional Chinese folklore, a tour and activities at your local library branch! movie, and create your own coin tree to celebrate the Chinese Friday, February 3, 3:30-4:30 New Year. The coin tree is a popular Chinese ornament believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Wednesday, January 25, 1:00-2:00 Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 Legos in the Library Snowy Season Storytime We have Legos and a challenge for you. What will you create? Do Celebrate winter with picture books, songs and movement. you have what it takes to be a master builder? Create a snow flake craft to take home Tuesday, January 10, 10:00-11:00 Wednesday, February 1, 2:30-3:30

Happy Birthday, Mo Willems! Eric Carle Storytime Celebrate author and illustrator Mo Willems birthday with a party Listen to stories by Eric Carle, learn some rhymes and make with his books, fun activities, and snack. a caterpillar craft. Wednesday, February 8, 2:30-3:30 Tuesday, January 31, 10:00-11:00 Your Elastic Brain “At the Library Storytime” It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain This Library themed story times offers stories, music and and do some fun projects around the books Ish and The Dot by movement. Decorate a book mark to bring home. Peter Reynolds. Thursday, February 2, 10:00-11:00 Wednesday, February 11, 2:30-3:30

Celebrate Black History Month Meet Maisy Storytime Celebrate Black History Month in February. Learn about African Maisy is a little mouse who lives in story books. Read her American heritage, notable figures, culture, art, and music using stories, sing songs and make a mouse puppet to play with. library resources and create a paper quilt to display. Tuesday, February 14, 10:00-11:00 Wednesday, February 22, 2:30-3:30

Programs for Students Ages 6-12 All locations will be closed on: Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Homework Club Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop in after school for a snack and homework supplies to help you get going. Programs for Children and Families January & February 2017

Ropkins Branch 1750 Main St. Hartford CT 06120

860.695.7520 hplct.org Aerodynamics of Paper Airplanes M-Th 11-6, Fri 12-5, closed Sat. and Sun. What’s that in the sky? It’s a paper airplane! Make a perfect paper airplane by learning about elements that help to fly it. Programs for All Ages Thursday, January 12, 4:15-5:15

Bending Gravity with Eric Girardi and Your Elastic Brain School Application Assistance It’s ok to not be perfect! Let’s talk about your ever changing brain and do some fun projects around the books Ish and Staff will be on hand to help you fill out the application The Dot by Peter Reynolds. and answer questions you might have. At 4:00, Eric Thursday, January 19, 4:15-5:15 Girardi will put on a show you won’t soon forget! Paper Plate Puzzles for National Puzzle Day Monday, January 23, 3:00-5:30 Celebrate National Puzzle day by exercising your art skills and your puzzle building abilities! It’s known to be good for Take Your Child to the Library Day your brain! Use your imagination to design a picture on a Celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a library paper plate. You will then cut it into pieces to create a one-of tour and activities at your local library branch! -a-kind jigsaw puzzle. Participants will share their projects Thursday, February 2, all day and work to solve each other’s puzzles. Thursday, January 26, 4:15-5:15 Leap Into Learning Programs for Ages Birth-5 Paint Like Pollock We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Learn all about modern artist Jackson Pollock and his style Enjoy a bear story, song, and craft. of action drip painting. They try your hand at making your Wednesdays, January 11, 18, & 25, 10:00 and 10:30 own Pollock-inspired work of art! Thursday, February 9, 4:15-5:15 Programs for Students Ages 6-12 Oh SNAP! Homework Club You are what you eat and nutritious food will keep you Need a little help getting started with your assignments? Drop healthy & happy for life! From the SNAP-ed program at in after school for a snack and homework supplies to help you UCONN comes Krissy Anderson to help you make healthy get going. choices. And, of course, there's free food! Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3:30-5:00 Thursday, February 16, 3:30-4:30

Three Kings' Day Tower Bucket Challenge Learn all about Dia de los Reyes, a holiday traditionally cele- Calling all junior engineers! Can you build a tower out of brated in the Hispanic community. Listen to a Three King’s straws that hold a bucket full of pennies? Come and try us- story and create your own crown to take home. ing our cool Strawbees. Thursday, January 5, 4:15-5:15 Thursday, February 23, 4:15-5:15

All locations will be closed on: Monday, Jan 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb 20 for President’s Day