The library will be taking part in Beardsley Zoo's initiative to "Put the Bear in Bear-dsley Zoo" to celebrate their new Andean Bear!  Children and their families are invited to search through books on bears, both fiction and nonfiction, in our Children's Department!  Find a special card and peel to reveal your prize!  Prizes may include family memberships, animal adoption kits, discounts at the Zoo gift shop, soft serve ice cream cones, carousel rides, and more!  

Prizes provided by Beardsley Zoo and are very limited. Sorry - we can not put prizes on hold.  Prizes are available only while supplies last. 

NOTE: THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED, BUT RESTROOMS ARE OPEN!

ALL AGES! 

Join us for a library-wide Summer Reading Kickoff Luau!  Bring your own dinner and picnic on our back lawn while being serenaded by the sounds of Hawaii with the Edukated Fleas trio!  Dance the night away, then enjoy dessert provided by the 

Friends of the Library.  There is no registration for this program - bring the whole family!

5:00 - Picnic on the lawn

5:30 - 6:30: LIVE music with the Edukated Fleas! Dance the night away!

Giveaways, decorations, dessert, and music all provided by the Friends of the Library!

Please note: In the event of inclement weather, the picnic will be cancelled and the live music will be moved indoors

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance):Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Glitter Fish Mosaic

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 & under with a caregiver: Join other caregivers and their little ones for an unstructured playtime!  Socialize with other caregivers while enjoying light refreshments and let your children play in a safe space - let their imagination run wild!  Registration is not required for this program.  Snacks provided by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

 Entering Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Tape Resist Canvas Art

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

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity! We'll be kicking off Summer with Jarrett Krosoczka's "Peanut Butter and Jellyfish"! We'll read the story, then you'll get a chance to make your own deep-sea swimmer!

Registration is required and will be limited to 19 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance) : Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Dreamcatcher

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by:

Families with participants grade 3 and above:  How quickly can you put together a 300-piece puzzle?  You'll have one hour to get as many pieces together as you can while competing against other puzzle-loving families.  The winner will receive a $25 gift card and bragging rights!

Please register as a team of six people or less.   The program will start exactly at 5:30, so please get here 10 minutes ahead of time to settle in!

Buildwave | A hands-on building game!

Entering Grades 1 - 6: Want to foster your child's interest in STEM, while igniting their creative spark at the same time? Buildwave is a creative building program that feels like a video game! Over the course of the workshop students create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials. The workshop is structured like a video game, with an audiovisual setup featuring animations and music that guide students through the different building waves. As your child creates with wave after wave of new objects, they build creative confidence, become better collaborators, and encounter design and engineering fundamentals in a unique and memorable context.

Registration is required and is limited to 15 participants.  There will be an identical second session at 11:00 am - please register for only one session.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Buildwave | A hands-on building game!

Entering Grades 1 - 6: Want to foster your child's interest in STEM, while igniting their creative spark at the same time? Buildwave is a creative building program that feels like a video game! Over the course of the workshop students create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials. The workshop is structured like a video game, with an audiovisual setup featuring animations and music that guide students through the different building waves. As your child creates with wave after wave of new objects, they build creative confidence, become better collaborators, and encounter design and engineering fundamentals in a unique and memorable context.

Registration is required and is limited to 15 participants.  There will be an identical second session at 10:00 am - please register for only one session.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Ceramic Gnomes

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All ages (younger children may need caregiver assistance): Make here, or take it home to celebrate Independence Day! 

Wands are first-come, first-served while supplies last. Stop at the Children's Desk for your packet!

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity!  Mr. Doodle shocked the world when he doodled over an entire house!  Furniture, walls, and appliances included! Watch a quick video about Mr. Doodle and then set to work making your own doodle landscape!

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance): Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last.  This week, create a Velvet Bug Tote Bags

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

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

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance): Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Cactus Suncatcher

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Sculpey Clay Art

All Ages: It's time for a Summertime Jam with Robert the Guitar Guy!  Robert’s musical shows are a unique mix of bedtime lullabies and rock n’ roll beats, with a cast made up of marching ants, and jumping spiders – all amidst an entertaining blend of comedy and movement. His captivating performances go beyond just entertainment to give children the gift of music competency through rhythmically stimulating tunes! 

This program will be held outdoors on our back lawn. There is no registration - feel free to drop in! In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors and tickets will be available for a limited number of participants beginning at 9:30am. 

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity!  This week is all about Wayne Thiebaud....which means ICE CREAM!  We'll cut, draw, and glue our beautiful ice cream, then top it off with sequins!

Registration is required and will be limited to 16 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance) :Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Tropical Wind Chime

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 & under with a caregiver: Join other caregivers and their little ones for an unstructured playtime!  Socialize with other caregivers while enjoying light refreshments and let your children play in a safe space - let their imagination run wild!  Registration is not required for this program.  Snacks provided by the Friends of the Library.

Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Cupcake Banks

Grades K - 6: Can turtles leave their shells? Do opossums hang by their tails? Can owls turn their heads ALL the way around? All of these questions have to do with the adaptations these animals possess to thrive in their habitats. Find out the answers to these questions and MORE with White Memorial Conservation Center during their “Animal Adaptations” program. Using natural props, animal mounts, and even a couple of LIVE animals, we’ll illustrate how both structural and behavioral adaptations benefit animals. Participants will then be shown “mystery props” from local animals, for which they will propose how these body parts serve as adaptations for the animals.

The White Memorial Conservation Center, a 501(c)(3) facility, provides year-round environmental education programs for children and adults that inspire understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world.

This program will be held indoors in the Ehlers Room.  Please stop by the Children's Room beginning at 10:00 to pick up your FREE ticket! Limited to 75 people.

Thank you to our sponsor for this program, Monroe Insurance! Located at 501 Main St #101, Monroe, CT 06468

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

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity!  Jeff Koons was made famous when he took a childhood favorite, the balloon dog, and made it BIG! We'll watch a step-by-step tutorial on making a balloon dog, then do our best to draw our own using shading and color to make it POP!

Registration is required and will be limited to 15 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages with caregiver: Learn about different kinds of snakes and lizards with the Reptile Nook. Meet our animal friends up close and learn what makes each animal unique.

The Reptile Nook is dedicated to teaching people of all ages about reptiles and amphibians. We hope to help people face their fears of these misunderstood creatures and help them to love and appreciate animals of all shapes and sizes.  (Mushu, featured in the photo, is a cute example - not guaranteed to be at the program!)

This program will be held in the Ehlers Room.  Stop at the Children's Desk for your FREE ticket beginning at 5:00pm.  Limited to 70 participants.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance) : Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Squishy Unicorn

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Slime!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity!  Georgia O'Keefe was famous for her beautiful flowers.  This week, we'll try to recreate them using tissue paper, beads, and a whole lot of creativity!

Registration is required and will be limited to 15 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance): Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, make a Wooden Gnome

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

All Ages: Join us on the back lawn for our last major Summer Reading Event! Bring your own picnic and enjoy entertainment from Marvelous Marvin!

“Laugh Count” is family-friendly fun show that blends magic, juggling, comedy, and audience participation - one you won't want to miss!

This program will be held on the back lawn, with no registration required - drop in! This program is appropriate for all ages, kids through adults.  In the event of inclement weather, the picnic will be cancelled and the show will be moved indoors. Free tickets will be available beginning at 5:00 and will be limited.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

Grades 3-6: Join other crafty tweens each week to chat and create a fun craft or project! Registration is required and limited.  

This week-Surprise Craft!

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

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Kids entering grades K - 2: Each week we'll take an artist, a style, or a specific work and try our best to recreate it using our own creativity!  Get your mind in back-to-school shape with...shapes! Squares and rectangles, to be exact - with Mondrian Squares!  Piet Mondrian took two simple shapes and went down in history - we'll see how close we can get!

Registration is required and will be limited to 13 participants. If you would like to register more than one child, please fill out separate registration forms. Because of the materials used, we do not accept drop-ins.  Please dress to make a mess!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Stop by the Children's Desk anytime between 4:30 and 6:00 to grab a Sticker by Number! We'll have different themes for kids and adults - choose the one you want, and work on it in the Children's Department!

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance) :  Complete a drop-in craft in the library, or take it home with you!  There will be a different craft each week. Available only while supplies last. This week, create Monster Sand Art

Missed your chance? We will have a limited number available on Saturday mornings beginning at 9:00am!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Come and see the "Find Your Voice" art creations created by EWML patrons of all ages! If you participated, your artwork will be displayed in the Ehlers Room and can be brought home after the show.  If you did not participate, please stop by and see the wonderful artwork!

Ages 3 - 5 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 registration forms. Registration will begin 2 weeks before the program is held.

All ages (younger children will require caregiver assistance). Did you miss your chance at a Make (or Take) Tuesday craft? We have a limited number available to take in the Children's Department! Available only while supplies last.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Ages 3 & under with a caregiver: Join other caregivers and their little ones for an unstructured playtime!  Socialize with other caregivers while enjoying light refreshments and let your children play in a safe space - let their imagination run wild!  Registration is not required for this program.  Snacks provided by the Friends of the Library.