so long, baby!

We had our final "Oh, Baby!" program today and it was a rousing good time with dancing, music, and a little fitness all mixed together. Some of the older kids enjoyed running about to the music while the moms and babies danced, as in the clip on the right side of the page. Take a look at the video if you want to see some local moms doing heavy lifting! We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Kathleen Allison of Chautauqua Day School (www.growuprighthere.org) for providing the series free of charge. It's wonderful when community members help us offer great activities for families. If you missed this series and are interested in more programming for mom and baby, please let us know here. Have a great week everyone!

read-a-palooza @ the library!

Hey kids-want to soak a librarian? The John's Island Library is kicking off Summer Reading and celebrating the last day of school in one awesome festival! Come to the library on Wednesday, June 6th right after school lets out for a jump castle, a dunk tank, free food, live music, as well as games, crafts, and activities for all ages! Eat a hot dog, build a rocket, and win a prize all in the same day. Don't forget to join Summer Reading while you're here!

storytimes in june

Max finds a great books after storytime!

Join us anytime--it's free and it's fun!
Wee Reads for children birth to 24 months and their caregivers
Every Monday @ 10:30 and 12:30
Time for Twos for children 24 to 36 months
Every Tuesday @ 10:30 and 12:30
Preschool Storytime for children 3 to 6 years of age
Every Wednesday @ 10:30
Family Storytimes for children birth to age 6
Every Saturday @ 11:00

letters from a librarian--babies and television

Play @ the library!

Dear parents,

New research is coming out each day to show that children under the age of 2 should not be watching television, videotapes, or DVDs. Let the library help you and your infant or toddler find more developmentally appropriate ways to spend your time. We offer 6 storytimes per week and several educational and entertaining programs monthly. Not to mention the thousands of books available for children of all ages. Overwhelmed by the selection? Just ask one of your friendly librarians and we will be happy to recommend age-appropriate books that will be a blast for you and your baby to read together. We also offer great titles on parenting techniques, craft activities, games to play, songs to sing and more. For more information check out this article: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6442050.html or ask a librarian for the latest research on child brain development and the effects of television.

junior volunteers rock the children's department!

Jessica Martin, one of our Volunteer of the Month award winners is also an amazing artist. Check out the window painting she did for Summer Reading for us. Jessica also changes our Welcome to Storytime sign each week with a new drawing. Keep up the fantastic work Jessica!

oh baby! baby yoga was awesome!

Benjamin and Michael are great at V pose.

Miss Kathleen and Mika demonstrate breathing.

Sydnee and Mommy are already pros!

Mia is excited to learn some new stretches.

Streeeeetch Christopher!

Mika and Miller show us their cobra poses.

oh baby! baby massage

Miller cooperates fully with the demonstration.

So many babies...so much fun! Our baby massage program was a big hit with babies and their moms. Join us Tuesday, May 15 for baby yoga!

oh baby!

This month we are adding some fun new programs for our youngest patrons. Join us each Tuesday as we attempt Baby Massage, Baby Yoga, Mommy and Me Pilates, and Dance and Music Therapy. Kathleen Allison from Chautauqua Day School will be our instructor and lead us in learning new ways to bond with baby. Ms. Dawn's baby Benjamin and Ms. Tiffany's baby, Christopher will be there as well showing off their youthful flexibility! Remember, if you have ideas for fun programs we are always open to suggestions!

shout it out!

The John's Island Regional Library prides itself on being your community library. If you have ideas for programs, displays, book or movie requests, let us know here and we will do our best to reflect your choices.