YOUTH SERVICES NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2024

Winter hours have been extended until April 30, 2024.

Our temporary hours of operation will be:

Monday - 10am to 8pm

Tuesday - 10am to 8pm.

Wednesday - 10am to 8pm

Thursday - 10am to 8pm

Friday - 10am to 3pm

Saturday - 10am to 3pm

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Open play will be from 11:30am-7:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:30-2:00pm on Friday and Saturdays.

In the temporary location in the Community Room, children can enjoy various activities, including playing with toys, games, and AWE computers. There is ample space to play, meet friends, or read a story in our cozy seating and dedicated play areas.

The temporary Children's collection is still being housed in the Friend's Corner. Thank you to the Friends for their continued hospitality!

Bears love hugs by Lara Bryan

Share the love with this heart-warming board book, perfect for snuggly storytimes together.Bears LOVE hugs, but what about all the other animals? Little Bear sets off to find out. Turn the ingeniously shaped pages to make Otter, Mouse and Squirrel leap into their loved ones' arms. Whether it's the start of the day, quiet time or bed time - this is the perfect book for sharing a cuddly reading moment with your little one.

What's inside a bird's nest? : and other questions about nature & life cycles by Rachel Ignotofsky

Discover the next nonfiction picture book about eggs, nests, and birds from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, Rachel Ignotofsky! Want to learn more about the bird that chirps outside your window? Ignotofsky crafts a perfect read out loud with a touch of humor and compassion for our friends with wings in the sky!

The cozy home : three-and-a-half stories by Ame Dyckman

Join Bat, Cat, and Rat on their three-and-a-half sweet and silly roommate adventures in this hilarious picture book, the first of a series, from New York Times bestsellers Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague.What happens when three friends—a bat, a cat, and a rat—move in together? In “Sharing,” Bat, Cat, and Rat find a cozy home to share. But will choosing rooms put their sharing skills to the test?

🎮📚 Hey there, Grafton Gators! Looking for the ultimate hangout spot after school? Look no further than the Teen Room at Grafton Public Library! Librarians Debby, Shawn, and Sarah are ready to welcome you with open arms and a ton of fun activities.

Dive into the world of manga with our extensive collection, challenge your friends to Mario Kart in our dedicated gaming space, or let your creativity soar in our maker space. Need to catch up on homework or just chill out? We've got you covered with cozy seating and computers for all your needs.

Whether you're a bookworm, a gamer, a creator, or just looking for a cool place to kick back, the Teen Room at Grafton Public Library is where it's at. Swing by and see for yourself why it's the hottest spot in town! 🚀📚



Check out our Event Calendar for Teen Room programs, or follow us on TikTok to hear about special pop-up events and daily activities.

What's your favorite part of the teen room? The game room, the Manga, the librarians?

Let us know!

GARDEN MOSAICS

TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH AT 2:30PM

Think Spring this April Vacation Week by making one of these adorable garden mosaics! 

Grades K-5

Registration is required.

RAIN POETRY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17TH

2:30PM

The Grafton Library and the Worcester County Poetry Association present Rain Poetry 2024, a poetry workshop for ages 5-9!

Confused by, bemused by, disabused about poetry? In honor of April Showers and National Poetry Month, come join us as we explore free verse! We’ll read and write poetry together and work on poems about rain in your neighborhood! All abilities and interests welcome; if you can’t yet wield a pen, please bring a companion who can!

Ages 5-9. Registration is required.

BOARD GAME TESTING

IWEDNESDAY APRIL 17TH

5:30PM-7:00PM

Discover the joy of board gaming at our Family Board Game Tasting Event, open from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Drop in and sample a variety of games from our library of things, suitable for all ages and interests. If you find a favorite, you can check it out to bring the fun home. Join us for an evening of laughter, strategy, and family bonding through the magic of board games!

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH

Drop by the Children’s Room temporary space to pick up a take-home kit during school vacation week. Kits are for grades K-5 and must be completed at home. These kits will be a single activity and may include sticker painting, paper crafts, or fortune tellers. Limit one per child. While supplies last.

MOVIE & NEEDLEPOINT

FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH

10:30AM

Join us for Needlepoint Fun during this Craft & Movie Day. Children in grades K-5 can register for this event where they'll watch a movie and create needlepoint designs. With easy-to-follow instructions and pre-printed patterns, participants will learn the basics of needlepoint embroidery while crafting their own charming piece. This activity is suitable for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stitch up some fun – register now! 

SPRING TOTES

SATURDAY APRIL 20TH

10:30AM

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

FRIDAY APRIL 26TH

10:30AM

Join local author Kristy Kielbasinski for a special reading of her children's book, I DON'T KNOW.

Join a mischievous bee on a hilarious journey to discover a little penguin’s favorite book. Will it be a fairy tale, a classic, or maybe a silly new story? I Don’t Know! By the end of this playful rhyming read-aloud adventure the room will be filled with laughter and your hearts filled with love.

After storytime, Kristy will lead the children through a simple craft. Every family that attends will receive a free signed copy of the book!

RAIN POETRY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

3:00PM

The Grafton Library and the Worcester County Poetry Association present Rain Poetry 2024, a poetry workshop for ages 10-14.!

Confused by, bemused by, disabused about poetry? In honor of April Showers and National Poetry Month, come join us as we explore free verse! We’ll read and write poetry together and work on poems about rain in your neighborhood! All abilities and interests welcome; if you can’t yet wield a pen, please bring a companion who can!

Ages 10-14. Registration is required.

Community Helper Storytime: Dr. Diab, Pediatric Dental of Grafton

Tuesday April 23rd at 10:30AM

Join us for a special storytime featuring one of Grafton's community helpers! Dentist Dr. Diab will here to share her mission to promote dental health and hygiene among children through the BrushFloss program. The program will involve direct engagement with children by dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and office staff. The core objectives include: 

 1. **Educating Children on Proper Brushing Techniques:** The team will demonstrate the correct way to brush teeth, emphasizing the importance of brushing twice daily and the techniques that ensure effective cleaning of all tooth surfaces. 

 2. **Promoting Good Oral Hygiene Practices:** Beyond brushing, the program will cover the full spectrum of oral care, including flossing. It will teach the importance of regular flossing to remove plaque and food particles between teeth, where a toothbrush might not reach. 

 3. **Guiding Healthier Dietary Choices:** A crucial part of oral health is nutrition. The program will provide guidance on making healthier food and drink choices that support dental health, such as reducing sugar intake and choosing foods that strengthen teeth. 

 4. **Interactive Learning Experience:** To engage children effectively, the program will utilize interactive methods such as demonstrations, hands-on practice sessions, and Q&A segments. This approach aims to foster a fun learning environment that encourages children to adopt these practices.

 5. **Resources for Ongoing Support:** The program will also offer take-home materials, such as brochures or small kits, to remind children of what they learned and encourage them to apply these practices daily. The overarching goal of the BrushFloss program is to instill lifelong habits of good oral hygiene and healthy dietary choices in children, contributing to their overall well-being and preventing dental problems in the future.

Pediatric Dental of Grafton offers free oral exams to children 24 months and younger. 

MONDAYS

APRIL 1ST, 7TH AND 29TH

Library Babies is 20-minute program tailored for our tiniest visitors, ages birth to walking. Every Monday at 10:30 am, join us for an engaging experience where we read stories, sing songs, recite familiar nursery rhymes, and interact with the little ones through bounces and finger plays. Parents and caregivers are not just spectators – they play a crucial role in creating a community of support and friendship. This drop-in program provides a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow parents, forge lifelong friendships, and witness the joy of early literacy together. No registration is required.

WEDNESDAYS

APRIL 2ND, 7TH, 30TH

Toddler Time is a lively 30-minute program designed for our little ones aged walking to 3 years! Join us on Wednesdays at 10:30 as we share stories, sing and dance, and engage in fun movement activities. Beyond the enriching activities, Toddler Time is an opportunity for toddlers, parents, and caregivers to come together, fostering first friendships and creating a warm community.

THURSDAYS

APRIL 3RD, 8TH

Tailored for children aged 3-5, this 45-minute program offers a structured and engaging storytime experience. Join Ms. Sarah, and dive into a world of stories,catchy songs, interactive felt board fun, and movement activities. It's not just a storytime – it's a stepping stone to school readiness. Secure your spot by registering below. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10TH@3:30pm

Join us for a special storytime, fun activities, and see a highlighted feature of the Willard House & Clock Museum.

This program is for preschoolers ages 3-5 and registration is required.

TUESDAYS @5:30-7:00PM

APRIL 2ND, 9TH,16TH AND 30TH

THURSDAYS @ 5:30-7:00PM

APRIL 4TH, 11TH AND 18TH

Drop in and unleash your creativity with seasonal art in this engaging program designed for Grades K-5! Craft materials will be at your fingertips from 5:30-7:00 pm, allowing you to explore your artistic talents and make something special.

Join us for a night of artistic expression and seasonal fun!

While creating masterpieces, please keep in mind the Library's Unattended Child Policy: children aged 0-7 must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian; those aged 8-12 should have a parent/guardian in the Library; and those 13 and older may enjoy the program unaccompanied, provided they can use the Library independently and adhere to the Library's Code of Conduct. 

WEDNESDAYS@ 5:30-7:00PM

APRIL 3RD AND 10TH

Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of mathematics through the fun and engaging medium of card games! In this STEM program tailored for kids, we'll delve into various mathematical concepts while enjoying classic and modern card games. From arithmetic to probability, participants will sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop strategic reasoning, and explore mathematical principles in action. Don't miss out on this hands-on STEM adventure where learning meets fun with every shuffle and deal!

COMIC CREATORS CLUB

TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD@4:30pm

Learn about the characteristics of comics/graphic novels and then try drawing or writing some of you own.

This program is for school aged children in grades 2-5.

BOOKWORMS GRADES K-1

TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD@5:30pm

Join Ms. Kristin for a fun book discussion aimed at kids in kindergarten to first grade! Don't forget to pick up your copy of the book GUESS WHAT by Mo Willems, at the library.

When Zoomy and his pals get to the beach, chaos ensues, in this funny, furry adventure that includes bonus jokes, quirky quizzes, nutty facts and so, so many Squirrels.

BOOKWORMS GRADES 2-3

TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD@6:15pm

Explore books with Ms. Kristin in a discussion just for second and third graders. This month, we're reading INVESTIGATORS by John Green.

With their very exciting spy technology and their tried-and-true, toilet-based travel techniques, the InvestiGators are undercover and on the case! And on their first mission together, they have not one but two mysteries to solve! Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack their cases, and corral the crooks - or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp?

Get your own book at the library and help your child enjoy reading. Register now.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD@7:00pm

Join Ms. Kristin for a fun book chat designed for young readers in fourth and fifth grade. Grab your copy of BOOKED by Kwame Alexander at the library and secure your spot below to encourage your child's reading journey.

Twelve-year-old Nick loves soccer and hates books, but soon learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams.

Stop by the teen room every day after school for special drop-in events. Debby, Sarah and Shawn always have something going on!

Check out our Event Calendar for Teen Room programs, or follow us on TikTok to hear about special pop-up events and daily activities.

Teen Room Behavior Contract

Beginning 10/11/22, all teens requesting use of the teen room will be asked to sign the Teen Room Behavior Contract, which outlines the rules of the Teen Room and consequences for not following them. This will only need to be completed once and a note will be added on your library card account. Name, grades, address, and phone/email are required to sign in.

Teen Room Sign In Procedure (updated Friday October 14)

In order to ensure a safe, positive and inclusive space for all tween and teens we are limiting the number of patrons visiting the Teen Room to 22 people. Rooms further are limited by number of chairs (no more than 16 in the gaming room, 16 in the maker space, or 19 in perimeter seating at any one time). There is no congregating in ways that block doors or emergency exits, access to stacks, or life/safety equipment.

Teen Room Rules:

• Earbuds or headphones must be used. No sound coming from electronic devices.
• Respectful language only. No profanity, disrespectful, or unsafe language.
• Noise must be kept at a conversational level.
• Clean up your area before leaving, throwing trash away.

Three Strike Rule:

1. Verbal warning/strike
2. Repeated warning — may be non-verbal
3. At Third Strike, you will be asked to leave library property within 2 minutes*

*Groups may be asked to leave if individual members of the group are not following the rules.

If you are asked to leave for a minor violation, you may return the next day with a clean slate.

Repeated violations may result in a longer suspension from the library.

You will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY if any of the following occurs:

• Picking up, hitting, kicking, chasing another person or taking another person’s property
• Entering a staff area, cabinets, or drawers without permission; misuse of supplies
• Unsafe or destructive behaviors such as vandalism or damage to equipment, furniture, walls, or other library property
• Disrespect to library staff

When You Can Return

If you are asked to leave immediately for unsafe or disrespectful behavior, you may return:

• 1st removal — the next day
• 2nd removal — one week
• 3rd removal — one month

A meeting with the Library Director or manager, and/or a parent meeting may be required to return.

If you return and are on Library property, the Grafton Police Department will be notified and you will be served with a No Trespass Order.

With Comics Plus, you have unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and magna from a variety of publishers.

Every title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sign in with your library card. #readallthecomics