Are you an ingredient genius? Can your palate detect the slightest hint of a flavor? Do you just really, really love m&ms? Then this is the program for you! Join us for a fun competition to see if you can identify all the m&m mystery flavors, then rate them on taste! A fun competition for the whole family.

Please note: Some m&ms will contain allergens, including but not limited to wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and more.   

Registration is required for this program, and all participants must be age 6 or above due to choking hazards.  Register as a whole family! Each family must be 6 participants or less to allow for social distancing.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

PreK-Grade 2: Bug Masks/Grade 3-6: Camp Necklaces-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Wood Slice Necklaces

Walkers - Age 4: Drop-in for this self-guided play day! Meet other parents and children while playing with all the new library toys!  Light refreshments will be available.

All Ages: Family-Friendly Film:The Mitchells vs the Machines-Bring your own snacks and join us in the Ehlers Room for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required.

Join us outside for an exploration "beyond the beaten path" and into outer space!

Join official NASA Solar System Ambassador Laurie Averill outside the library for a planet walk in which she guides participants through a scale model of our Solar System. Hold a meteorite in your hand that was formed at the birth or our Solar System about 4.5 billion years ago. Learn about meteorites, unique rocks that have been transformed as they burn through our atmosphere begining at more than 20,000 mph and slowing to more than 200 mph near impact. The meteorite collection of Astronomical Society of New Haven (ASNH) has a variety of rocky and metallic specimens collected from around the world. Greg Barker, President of the ASNH and lifelong amateur astronomer, will present the meteorites.

Laurie Averill & Greg Barker presenting the ASNH Meteorite Collection at the New England Air Museum

Laurie Averill has her M.S. in Library Science and Certification as School Library Media Specialist. She is now retired from her job as Library-Media Specialist and volunteers in astronomy and natural science programs at a local state park and forest in addition to spending more time learning about astronomy, NASA missions, and observing the skies. Laurie participates as an amateur astronomer in the outreach programs that include public observation sessions, working with Girl Scout troops on Space Adventure badges, facilitating loaner telescope program of the Astronomical Society of New Haven with libraries, and with science programs for teens, children and families in libraries.

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Owl Pellets

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All Ages: Wooden Snakes-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the Summer!

Grades K - 2 are invited: This session will be similar to the 3’s and 4’s program with all of the same activities, but will also include circle games, both stationary and moving.  Children will also have the opportunity to play small hand percussion instruments, and learn how to play xylophones (Orff-style classroom instruments).  Parents are required to stay for these sessions, participation is optional.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All ages are invited to sing and dance with Ryan SanAngelo!  Ryan SanAngelo will entertain children with his books and music. The “Spaghetti Eddie” author will captivate the audience with his book readings. His exciting music will engage children to move, dance, sing, and laugh. It’s going to be an awesome time!

Ryan SanAngelo is a local children’s book author and music performer for kids. He has been entertaining children for 20 years.

Weather pending, this program will take place outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved inside and a limited number of free tickets will be given out beginning at 9:30am. If the program takes place outdoors, no tickets or registration required.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All Ages: Family Bird Houses- Decorate a pretty bird house to hang in your yard for our feathered friends! Registration is required and limited.

Kids entering grades K - 3: Learn how to draw funny cartoons with Debi Hamuka-Falkenham!

Who is Debi? Debi Hamuka-Falkenham has enjoyed her work as a humorous illustrator (aka:cartoonist) and as a creative writer for longer than she'd care to mention in public. Over the past 25 years, Debi has given thousands of cartooning classes at libraries, public and private schools, camps, and home school groups. Debi graduated from Paier College of Art and Museum of Cartoon's Art Program and is an active member of SCBWI (The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)

Registration is required for this program and will be limited to 30 registrants.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Tweens entering grades 4 - 8: Learn how to draw various types of characters done in the Japanese Chibi-Manga Style. Work on Manga and Chibi cartoon basics and then learn how to develop your own cute Chibi characters. 

What is Chibi?  Chibi is a Japanese slang word describing something short (an inanimate object, a human, or other animal).  The term is widely used to describe a specific style of caricature where the cute characters are drawn in an exaggerated way.  The characters are usually small and chubby, with stubby limbs and oversized heads.

Who is Debi? Debi Hamuka-Falkenham has enjoyed her work as a humorous illustrator (aka:cartoonist) and as a creative writer for longer than she'd care to mention in public. Over the past 25 years, Debi has given thousands of cartooning classes at libraries, public and private schools, camps, and home school groups. Debi graduated from Paier College of Art and Museum of Cartoon's Art Program and is an active member of SCBWI (The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)

Registration is required for this program and will be limited to 30 registrants

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Join Janina of Red Poppy Cakery in making this sweet twist on a classic linzer cookie to enjoy the summer harvest!

All ages are invited.  Children will need assistance from a caregiver.

Reserve your FREE tickets here. Registration is required.

Janina McCue (Kotulich) is a Monroe native, now the owner of Red Poppy Cakery in Burlington, Vermont. In addition to making extravagant cakes and cupcakes, she leads home bakers all over the world through some of her favorite recipes step by step over zoom. She is passionate about making great pastries feel accessible at home!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

PreK-Grade 2: Velvet  Door Hangers/ Grades 3-6: Scratch Door Hangers-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Flower Pot Wind Chimes

Walkers - Age 4: Drop-in for this self-guided play day! Meet other parents and children while playing with all the new library toys!  Light refreshments will be available.

All Ages: Family-Friendly Film: Epic-Bring your own snacks and join us in the Ehlers Room for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required.

The Lionheart Puppet Company presents a delightful shadow puppet workshop for children ages 6-10.  Shadow puppetry is believed to be the earliest form of puppetry and allows children the opportunity to explore the uses of light and shadow.  Utilizing a series of pre-designed puppet patterns, the children will learn the basics of puppet jointing and construction ultimately creating their own animal shadow puppet.

Following this, the children will then learn the elements of puppet performance as they are lead through a series of exercises moving the puppets across a shadow screen.  Students will even learn how to build a simple shadow screen of their own using common items found around the home. 

Registration is required for this program and is limited to 15 children between the ages of 6 and 10.  If you would like to register more than one child, you must fill out separate registration forms.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Lionheart Puppets Presents: Jack Tuesday, Fairytale Investigator!

All ages are invited, but this show is ideal for ages 4 - 11

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them.  But Jack Tuesday's the guy who can figure out why someone would try to hide them. On a chase through the city to the homes of three piggies and other popular tales. He'll track down the thief who has stolen the sheep and make sure that the thief lands in jail.  A (semi) original story from Lionheart Puppets, Jack Tuesday:Fairy Tale Investigator is a fun-filled mystery starring several favorite storytime characters.

Matthew K. Leonard has been performing for young audiences for over 20 years.  He holds a BFA in Puppet Arts from the University of Connecticut and serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry

Weather pending, this program will take place outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved inside and a limited number of free tickets will be given out beginning at 5:00pm. If the program takes place outdoors, no registration or tickets required.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Clay Prints

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All Ages: Wooden Pinwheels-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the Summer!

Grades K - 2 are invited: This session will be similar to the 3’s and 4’s program with all of the same activities, but will also include circle games, both stationary and moving.  Children will also have the opportunity to play small hand percussion instruments, and learn how to play xylophones (Orff-style classroom instruments).  Parents are required to stay for these sessions, participation is optional.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Walkers - Age 4: Drop-in for this self-guided play day! Meet other parents and children while playing with all the new library toys!  Light refreshments will be available.

All Ages- Decorate a flower pot with chalk paint, then we'll give you some seeds to plant in it at home! Registration is required and limited. 

All ages are invited!  Bring the whole family!

Illusionist David Garrity presents “Magic&Beyond.” "Magic&Beyond" is a one-person illusion show that features unique, theatrical and visual magic, audience participation, comedy to a custom-edited musical soundtrack.

David’s “Magic&Beyond” show has recently been seen at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, NY; and on an international tour of exclusive, all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya in Mexico.

Highlights from the “Magic&Beyond” performance may include hilarious stunts of apparent mind-reading, an incredible illusion where a table mysteriously floats around the stage and out into the audience, “dangerous” stunts, a beautiful and artistic illusion involving ordinary Hula Hoops that perform extraordinary magic and a hilarious Houdini-style “Escape Challenge.” Illusionist David Garrity uses visual magic and illusions combined with music, pantomime, situation comedy and audience participation to entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Weather pending, this event will take place outdoors on the back lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved inside and a limited number of free tickets will be available beginning at 5:00pm.  If the event is outdoors, no registration or tickets required!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

PreK-Grade 2: Crowns/Grades 3-6: Nature Journals-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Nature Sun Prints: Weather Permitting! We will need a sunny day for this project!

Unfortunately, the Cool-ology programs planned for the Summer have been cancelled due to an unforeseen event.  Check back in the Fall or Winter for upcoming programs!

All Ages: Family-Friendly Film: Rock Dog-Bring your own snacks and join us in the Ehlers Room for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required.

Our family puzzle-off is back with a Summer twist!  How many pieces of a 300-piece puzzle can you put together in one hour as a family?  If no one pugts together the whole puzzle, the winner will be the group with the most interconnected pieces! The winner will receive a gift card...and bragging rights.  All participants must be age 8 & above, and groups must be limited to 6 people to allow for social distancing.

Registration is Required - please register as one group with a leader's name

Grades 3-6: Go beyond the beaten path and join us each week for a craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Canvas Art

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

PreK-Grade 2: Suncatcher Mandalas/Grades 3-6: Sand Art Mandalas-Come to the Children's Department and join us to make a craft from 10-1. Can't make it in? Stop by after 1 and if we have any crafts left take one to complete at home! While supplies last! Registration is not required.

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the Summer!

Grades K - 2 are invited: This session will be similar to the 3’s and 4’s program with all of the same activities, but will also include circle games, both stationary and moving.  Children will also have the opportunity to play small hand percussion instruments, and learn how to play xylophones (Orff-style classroom instruments).  Parents are required to stay for these sessions, participation is optional.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Walkers - Age 4: Drop-in for this self-guided play day! Meet other parents and children while playing with all the new library toys!  Light refreshments will be available.

All Ages: Family-Friendly Film: Open Season 3-Bring your own snacks and join us in the Ehlers Room for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required.

Music Dynamics with Brad Peterson is back for the summer!

Ages 3 & 4 plus a caregiver:  Children will be participating in a variety of musical activities to introduce and improve music skills including, songs and poems, finger plays, dances, movement activities both structured and non-structured (in free space), and the hearing and acting out of favorite stories, such as The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, etc.  Caregivers are encouraged to participate with their children.

Mr. Peterson graduated from Western CT State College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, and further earned his Masters of Science in Music Education from the same institution.  Mr. Peterson taught music in the Monroe Public Schools from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.  Although he taught in different settings, his primary responsibilities were in elementary music education.  A professional singer, Mr. Peterson has been employed by Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, Assumption Church in Westport and Temple Sinai in Stamford where he performs as a soloist and choir member.  Mr. Peterson also taught music during summer months at Camp Playland in New Caanan from 1978 until 2009.

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 children.  If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate regisration forms. If your child is entering grades K - 2, Mr. Peterson will be back every other week! Check out that program on the event calendar to register.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Walkers - Age 4: Drop-in for this self-guided play day! Meet other parents and children while playing with all the new library toys!  Light refreshments will be available.

Join Janina of Red Poppy Cakery in making her favorite edition of cake that can be served as a breakfast, sweet treat, or dessert delicacy! All ages are invited.  Children will need assistance from a caregiver.

Reserve your FREE tickets here. Registration is required.

Janina McCue (Kotulich) is a Monroe native, now the owner of Red Poppy Cakery in Burlington, Vermont. In addition to making extravagant cakes and cupcakes, she leads home bakers all over the world through some of her favorite recipes step by step over zoom. She is passionate about making great pastries feel accessible at home!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library