From the Executive Director | | |
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Greetings!
As I look out the windows of my library office, a vibrant transformation has unfolded since the April newsletter. Suddenly, everything is adorned in lush shades of green, a testament to the enchanting arrival of May. This month, as nature unveils its verdant splendor, we invite you to join us in celebrating the beauty of our surroundings and the spirit of community engagement that defines CTLS.
In harmony with the blooming landscape, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the township's Mayors' Monarch Pledge and the Environmental Advisory Council. Together, we stand committed to fostering a sustainable environment that nurtures both wildlife and our community. Through collaborative efforts and educational initiatives, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of our ecological footprint and inspire meaningful action towards conservation.
As part of our dedication to environmental stewardship, we are excited to inaugurate the Climate Circle, a forum designed to bring our community together in a shared pursuit of knowledge about climate change. This discussion group promises to be a space for learning, dialogue, and collective empowerment as we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by our changing climate. Join us as we embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.
In the spirit of family fun and outdoor exploration, we extend a warm invitation to participate in the StoryWalk at the Rowland Community Center. Ahead of the anticipated seasonal opening at the end of the month, please immerse yourselves in the magic of storytelling while enjoying the beauty of nature. It's a delightful way to connect with loved ones, exercise your imagination, and savor the joys of springtime.
Calling all teens with a passion for literacy and community service! We are currently recruiting volunteers to support our library's popular summer reading program. If you're eager to make a difference and gain valuable experience, we encourage you to attend one of our information sessions tailored specifically for teens. Join us as we embark on a journey of learning, leadership, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
May at your library is more than just a season—it's a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of community, learning, and discovery. Whether you're admiring the verdant landscape outside our windows, participating in our environmental initiatives, or embarking on literary adventures with your family, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come be a part of the magic as we celebrate the wonders of May together.
Mary Kay Moran
Executive Director
215-885-0457
Email
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Please consider making a donation to the library.
Your gift supports our collections, programs, and activities, and strengthens our literacy, STEM, outreach, and diversity initiatives.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
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What I am Reading/Listening To | |
LibraryReads May 2024 The top 10 books that library staff love! | |
Found some long-lost library books? | |
Youth and Family Programs | |
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Preschool Storytime Class at the Elkins Park Library
Thursdays, May 2, 9 & 16 @ 10:30 AM
This class helps children develop kindergarten readiness skills by teaching concepts such as the days of the week, letters, counting, rhyming words, weather, colors, and shapes. Includes stories, music and movement activities, and a craft. Basic Spanish is also introduced. For ages 3 to 5.
Family Storytime at the Glenside Library
Mondays, May 6 & 13 & Saturdays,
May 4 & 11 @ 10:30 AM
This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. For ages 6 months to 5 years.
Infant-Toddler Storytime at the Elkins Park Library
Tuesdays, May 7 & 14 @ 10:30 AM
This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. Simple art or sensory activity on select dates. For ages birth to 3 years.
Evening Storytime at the Glenside Library
Tuesday, May 14 @ 6:30 PM
This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. Pajamas and cozy clothes welcome! For ages 6 months to 5 years.
Outdoor Storytime at High School Park
Thursday, May 30 @ 10:30 AM
Miss Angie will share stories, fingerplays, and songs all about butterflies at High School Park! Families are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on. In inclement weather, the storytime will be at the Elkins Park Library. In partnership with the Friends of High School Park as part of the Year of the Pollinator. For ages 2 to 6. Registration required.
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Music & Movement with Miss Ouliana | |
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Music & Movement with Miss Ouliana
Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM
Elkins Park: May 1, 8, & 15
Glenside: May 22, 29 & June 5
Music and movement with Miss Ouliana for children and their caregivers to enjoy together. Little ones will explore rhythms and melodies, and get creative with musical instruments, fun movements, and sounds. Ages 1 to 5 years (siblings under 1 are welcome). Registration required. Registration opens two weeks before each scheduled date.
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Drop-In & Play at the Glenside Library | |
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Drop-In & Play at the Glenside Library
Wednesdays, May 1 & 15
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Families and caregivers with children up to age 5 are invited to drop in and play together! Your children will enjoy blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, and more while you enjoy conversation with other parents. No registration necessary.
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Take & Make Crafts
Saturdays @ East Cheltenham
Tuesdays @ La Mott
Pick up a kit of materials to make a craft at home. Find kits from East Cheltenham on top of the book drop or from La Mott inside the Little Free Library box. While supplies last. Suggested ages 3 to 10.
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Talkin’ Bout Books
Wednesday, May 8
5:00 PM
Elkins Park
A monthly book club for young readers featuring a read-aloud, discussion, and craft or extension activity. A light snack and a free copy of the book will be provided to each registered participant. Registration required. For ages 6 to 8. May title: Nate the Great, Where Are You? by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
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Talkin’ Bout Books
Wednesday, May 29
4:30 PM
Glenside
At this month’s book club for younger readers, we will read Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold aloud, talk about it, and do an activity. Books can be placed on hold through the library. A light snack will be offered. For ages 6 to 8 years. Registration required.
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Read to the Dragon at the Glenside Library | |
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Read to the Dragon
Thursday, May 9
4:00 PM
Glenside
Developing readers can improve their reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to Alfie, the library dragon. Registration required. Visit our website to reserve a 15-minute session. For readers up to age 10.
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Read to the Dogs!
Monday, May 13
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Elkins Park
Developing readers are invited to improve their reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to Sadie, Gingee, or Jackie, certified therapy dogs. Please call 215-635-5000 to register in advance for a 20-minute session. For readers up to age 10. Registration required.
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Lego Club
Thursday, May 16
4:30 - 5:30 PM
Elkins Park
Budding architects are invited to join fellow Lego fanatics to build with the library’s large collection of Legos. Complete the Lego challenge or just let your imagination run free! Lego creations will be displayed in the library. Ages 5 to 12.
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Drop-In & Play at the Elkins Park Library | |
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Drop-In & Play at the Elkins Park Library
Friday, May 17
10:30 AM
Families and caregivers with children ages 1 to 3 are invited to drop in and play together! The community room will have blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, manipulatives, instruments, transportation toys, and a dramatic play area. Infant siblings and siblings up to age 5 welcome. No registration necessary.
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StoryWalk at the East Cheltenham Library | |
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StoryWalk® at the East Cheltenham Library/Rowland Community Center
Tuesday, May 21 to Tuesday, June 4
Enjoy a family-friendly walk in the outdoors and read A Way With Wild Things by Larissa Theule and Sara Palacios. This beautiful book tells the story of a child who loves bugs and feels most comfortable when they're exploring in nature. If you visit the StoryWalk®, please scan the QR code to let us know you were there and tell us about your experience.
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Spring Book Club for Kids | |
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Spring Book Club for Kids
Wednesday, May 22
4:30 PM
Glenside
This month’s selection is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Books can be placed on hold through the library. A light snack will be offered. Please bring a refillable water bottle. For ages 8 to 12 years. Registration required.
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Check Out the CTLS Teen Blog! | |
Teens! Want book reviews, YA reading lists, library news, and pop culture articles? Check out our Teen Book Blog, run by a fellow teen from Cheltenham High School! Website: ctlsteenblog.weebly.com | |
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Sign Up for Teen Book Boxes!
Sign up for Teen Book Boxes to receive personalized “gift boxes” of requested items with fun treats and recommendations. Boxes can be delivered to Cheltenham High School, Cedarbrook Middle School, Elkins Park, or Glenside Library. Ages 13 to 18. Email ctlsyouth@mclinc.org to sign up.
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Teen Gardening Club
Mondays, May 6 & 20
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Glenside
Join the Teen Gardening Club! Learn what it takes to manage a garden, from watering, replanting, and weeding to creating fun projects like strawberry rocks and bug hotels. This volunteer opportunity lasts from April to November. Students will earn community service hours. Ages 14 to 18. Registration required.
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Youth Chess Club
May 6 & 20
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Elkins Park
Learn to play chess and compete with friends! Tom Petersen (long-time Cheltenham resident and father of three) runs the club, teaching new players and facilitating matches. All skill levels are welcome. Ages 7 to 17. For returning members only. Please check your emails for a registration update.
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Dungeons & Dragons Club
Tuesdays, May 7 & 21
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Glenside
Join Ms. Allison for a beginner-friendly campaign! Starting at level 1, we'll explore lost mines, fight monsters, and have lots of fun along the way. You're welcome to bring your own character or use one of the ones we will provide! For ages 11 to 18. Registration required. This adventure will continue on alternate Tuesday evenings. If you can't make every session, don't fret! We'll catch everyone up before jumping in.
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Teen Advisory Board
Saturday, May 18
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Elkins Park Library
Join Cheltenham’s Teen Advisory Board! Teens design fun programs, choose new books, and promote the library. Meetings will count for volunteer hours. Ages 12 to 18. Email ctlsyouth@mclinc.org to register.
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STEAM Saturdays: Video Game Soundtrack Design | |
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STEAM Saturdays: Video Game Soundtrack Design
Saturday, May 18
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Elkins Park
Learn about arranging audio tracks that dynamically enhance gameplay, evoke emotions, and immerse players in virtual worlds through carefully crafted soundscapes and melodies. Join Apple Distinguished Educators to create original music with Garage Band! Ages 12 to 18. Registration required.
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Understanding the New Digital SAT | |
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Teen Summer Volunteer Orientation
Elkins Park Library: May 22 @ 4:30 - 5:00 PM
Glenside Library: May 23 @ 4:30 - 5:00 PM
If you are a teen and need community service hours, the library has summer volunteer hours from mid-June to mid-August. At this orientation, learn what a library volunteer does, our hours/schedule, and the application process. Please sign up for the branch you wish to volunteer at. Ages 14 to 17. Registration required.
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Rain Barrel Workshop with Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership | |
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Rain Barrel Workshop with Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed
Wednesday, May 1
7:00 PM
Elkins Park
Ryan from TTF will present this free workshop on rain barrels and what you can do to better manage stormwater at home. Rain barrels store rain to be used in drier weather to water gardens and lawns, or wash patio furniture and cars. Join us for more information about benefits and installation. Questions? Contact Ryan at ryan@ttfwatershed.org or 215-744-1853.
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B.Y.O.C (Bring Your Own Craft) | |
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B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Craft) at the Glenside Library
Every Thursday @ 3:00 PM
Knitting? Crochet? Jewelry-making? Coloring? Bring your own projects to join other crafters for a productive and inspiring session. A kettle and craft materials will be provided for crafters in need of a project.
No registration is required. Drop-in!
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Mahjong
Tuesdays
12:30 - 2:30 PM
Elkins Park
Bring your own group and set of tiles, or come and join other players in the library's community room. Right now, this program is for experienced Mahjong players but may evolve to include beginners, as well. Registration required.
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Virtual Drawing Class with Anita Thompson | | |
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Virtual Drawing Class with Anita Thompson
Thursday, May 9
6:30 - 7:45 PM
Join us for another drawing class with Ms. Anita Thompson and learn how to draw a realistic goldfish using pencil and shading. Some supplies will be available for pick up at the Glenside Free Library. For teens & adults. Registration required. Zoom link will be sent prior to the class.
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Sit & Stitch
Elkins Park Library
Wednesday, April 10
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Drop in with your needlework project and join other crafters for a productive and inspiring session. Light refreshments will be provided. All skill levels are welcome! For adults and teens. No registration.
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Book Discussions
New members are always welcome!
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Book Discussion Group
Thursday, May 9
11:15 AM
Elkins Park
This month we are discussing Horse by Geraldine Brooks. The meeting will be in person in the community room. Light refreshments are provided.
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Book Discussion Group
Tuesday, May 28
7:00 PM
Glenside (Zoom/in-person)
This month we will discuss The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li. New members welcome! Please email glref@mclinc.org to register and receive the link. The group will meet in a hybrid format, both in person at Glenside and via Zoom. Registration required.
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Virtual Tai Chi with Donna Price | |
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Virtual Tai Chi Class with Donna Price (on Zoom)
Fridays, May 10 & 24
10:30 AM
Tai Chi is a Chinese form of exercise that is low-impact and good for relieving stress. Zoom Login information will be sent by email 2 days before the program. Registration required.
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Game Night at the Elkins Park Library | |
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Game Night
Monday, May 13
6:30 - 9:00 PM
Elkins Park
An open gaming event for all experience levels. Bring your favorite board games and get a group together to teach, learn, and play! Library volunteers will also bring games to teach.
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The Poetry Collective: Poet-Palooza! | |
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The Poetry Collective: Poet-Palooza!
Wednesday, May 15
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Elkins Park
Join us for readings by the 2023 and 2024 Montgomery County Poet Laureates and Youth Poet Laureates. We are honored to have Jenny Burkholder (2023 MCPL), Lisa DeVuono (2024 MCPL), Evan Wong (2023 MCYPL), and Emi Maeda (2024 MCYPL) share their work with us. It’s four times the poetry in one program!
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Silent Book Club
Thursday, May 23
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Glenside
Join us for a quiet, social time to read whatever you'd like! Bring your own reading material or peruse our shelves for a biography, graphic novel, magazine, or whatever suits you. We will provide tea, cookies, and comfy furniture; you bring a relaxed mindset.
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Stroke Awareness Clinic with Moss Rehab | |
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Stroke Awareness Clinic with Moss Rehab
Tuesday, May 28
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Elkins Park
Drop in for blood pressure screenings and information about stroke awareness and prevention.
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Art Night for Adults
Wednesday, May 29
7:00 PM
Elkins Park
Let’s create abstract art with calligraphy ink. Cover marbles in ink and let ‘em roll - back and forth over your paper! Fill in your shapes with paint. Due to the unexpected nature of the marbles, no two pieces will be the same. Dress for a possible mess! Registration required.
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Climate Circle
Monday, June 3
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Elkins Park
CTLS is partnering with the township’s Environmental Advisory Council and Friends of High School Park to bring the community together to learn more about climate change and share concerns and feelings about its impact on global, local, and individual levels. We’ll read an article or listen to a podcast episode in advance of each meeting, providing us with a starting place for discussion. You can find a link to June’s article when you register at cheltenhamlibraries.org Registration required.
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Tech Time
Elkins Park: Sara
Mondays, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Glenside: Connor
Tuesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Glenside: John
Thursdays, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Registration required. Call Elkins Park (215-635-5000) or Glenside (215-885-0455) to schedule.
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Visit the Digital Media Lab!
You can also use our equipment to convert VHS, cassettes, 8 mm film, and vinyl records to digital files. Call the library at 215-635-5000 for more information and to make an appointment to use the lab.
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Friends of the Elkins Park Library Book Sales | |
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Friends of the Elkins Park Library Book Sale!
May 10 - 12
Friday - 12:00 to 5:30 pm
Saturday - 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Sunday - 1:00 to 3:30 pm
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Stay Informed!
Wondering what's going on in the township?
Sign up for Cheltenham Township notifications and receive alerts to your phone or email. Check out the township's website for further information and instructions.
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All CTLS library branches will be closed
from May 25 to 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28.
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The next library board meeting will be held on Wednesday,
May 22 @ 7:00 PM at the Elkins Park Library.
The public is welcome to attend.
Please check www.cheltenhamlibraries.org for information.
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215 S. Keswick Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
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