Information for Imagination Library Families

December 2023

Imagination Library eNews

Information and resources for Imagination Library families

As of December 2023, 📚 1,110,605 books have been delivered to more than 29,576 children in Erie County.💯💰100% of Imagination Library program funds are raised by support to United Way of Erie County. Learn More and register an Erie County child under the age of 5 in your life: UnitedWayErie.org/Imagination

Do you know someone who may want to register a child for United Way's Imagination Library in Erie County? It's simple! Forward this newsletter or share this link.

Imagination Library Book Spotlight

Rabbit's Snow Dance

James & Joseph Bruchac

Rabbit loves winter. He knows a dance, using an Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow--even in the summertime! When Rabbit decides that it should snow early, he starts his dance and the snow begins to fall. How much snow is too much, and will Rabbit know when to stop? This fun retelling of Native American folklore will enchant little readers and teach a timeless lesson of patience and empathy. Watch the read aloud!

Homemade Snow Globes

A homemade snow globe is a childhood must! This is the perfect opportunity for festive activity to make a magical craft.

Materials

Small glass jar
A plastic figurine or Lego
Glycerin (optional)
Glitter
Sequins
Water
Spoon
Superglue or a hot glue gun

Get detailed instructions with a video tutorial here.

Keep Your Family Going This Month!

7 Family Time and Learning Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is here, which means special time for family fun and togetherness! Here are some ideas on how to mix quality time with learning for little ones. Learn more

Winter Holidays Around the World

We tend to think of winter as a time of rest, relaxation and quiet, but a look at the calendar reveals many holidays around the world that prove this wrong! Take a look at this list of nine popular traditions celebrated over the winter holidays around the world and share with young learners. Learn more

Social-Emotional Development: Preschool Children

The support of social-emotional skills are essential to the health and development of children. In this article, learn about what typical milestones are and how to best support a child's achievement of them. Learn more

Important Information

Want to share an afternoon of creating with family and loved ones? On December 10 between 2-4 p.m., attend Second Sunday at the Erie Art Museum! Art-making activities are offered for all ages and admission to pay-what-you-wish.
Interested in a free, festive and active experience for the holiday season? The boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will be lit up each night in December for the community to enjoy a light display. Partake from 5:30 to 8:30 PM-- open all days except December 24 and 25.
Flu season has arrived and can be quite serious, especially for young children. This Flu: A Guide for Parents handout offers guidance and advice on how to best protect little ones from catching the flu this winter.
Grab your family clothes, toys, and books at Erie Free Store, open Mondays 4:30 to 7 p.m.!
Need help finding quality early learning information? Get to know the Early Learning Resource Center - Region 1.
Keep on reading for free , check out your local public library!
Check out Macaroni Kids events calendar.
Great information, resources, reading guides and tips are shared on the Imagination Library for Erie County Facebook page.
FREE support and guidance is available for families with pregnancies, newborns or infants, single parents and young children with special needs by calling 814-451-6700.

Be sure to Like and Follow the page to stay up to date and informed!

Quality Early Care and Education Help is Available!

Erie’s Future Fund wants more children to be prepared for success in kindergarten and life. The Fund provides scholarships to children from low-income families to attend a high-quality early childhood education program within Erie County.

Through the federal Head Start program, Child Development Centers offers a free, full-day preschool program to 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children that includes breakfast, lunch, snack, and transportation at select locations. Families can learn more about the Head Start program by calling 814-480-9505 or beginning their enrollment online at www.cdcenters.org/enroll -now.

If your family resides in Erie County, has an annual income at or below 185 percent of the poverty level and have a child who will be attending kindergarten in one or two years, your child may be eligible for these scholarships! Learn more about quality early care here.

Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot

Thanks to support from United Way of Erie County, the Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot is now countywide and expanding! Be sure to check out the Erie Family Center for complete information on upcoming Diaper Depot distribution events. Learn more

Help is one call away.

Please remember to dial United Way's 211 Helpline when you need help or face times of uncertainty. A trained operator will connect you with information about financial assistance, counseling, food/clothing/shelter, health services, substance abuse and much more! It's always free and confidential.

You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 to be helped by 211.

If you are not receiving books, or have a specific question about the Imagination Library please contact Joanna Peters via email or phone (814) 456-2937 ext. 233.