YOUTH SERVICES NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2024

Winter hours have been extended until May 1st, 2024.

Our temporary hours of operation will be:

Monday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tickets are available now!

Starting on Tuesday, February 27, the library is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly computer program for patrons to reserve museum passes, book study rooms, and register for library events.

We have created these video tutorials to help you get to know our new reservation system:

• How to Book a Study Room 
• How to Reserve a Museum Pass

If you still need assistance, please contact the library at (508) 839-4649, extension 1820. Our library staff are eager to help you make use of the new reservation system.

The Grafton Public Library is excited to share that the Children's Room playspace is temporarily moving to the Library's Community Room, marking a step towards normalcy, starting Monday, March 4th. 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.

Additionally, the Grafton Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of beloved children's programs in March. Join us for three versions of storytime, arts and crafts, book clubs, and STEM programs. Check out our new event calendar here!

For our inaugural program, join Ms. Stacie on Tuesday, March for a Dr. Seuss themed crafts. Celebrate Read Across America day by making truffula trees and wockets. Craft materials will be available starting at 5:30pm. 

The library extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for their support, understanding, and cooperation during this challenging time. Although this temporary space may differ from the familiar Children’s Room, we aim to meet the community’s desire for a dedicated playspace and children's programming. We eagerly anticipate welcoming families and children back to the temporary space and will provide further updates on the reopening of the permanent Children's Room.

Only : the bird who liked being alone by Airlie Anderson

Creating a peaceful space just for them, Only, a bird who likes being alone, lets their friend enjoy some quiet time, too, and wants to make sure no one feels left out or made to feel lonely.

George goes to the potty by David Gomez

This perfect board book for toilet training follows George as he uses the potty for the first time.

The crayons love our planet by Drew Daywalt

The hilarious Crayons are back in this celebration of our planet and their contributions to it-white ice caps, green trees, blue oceans and skies, brown soil and even wheat!

🎮📚 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!

MONDAYS

MARCH 11TH, 18TH, 25TH

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

MARCH 12TH, 19TH, 26TH

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

MARCH 13TH, 20TH, 27TH 

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, MARCH 13TH@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.

FRIDAYS @ 10:30AM

MARCH 1ST AND 8TH

Join STEM Beginnings for a 6-week series for children, ages 3-6. Children will learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through hands-on activities, story time and simple experiments. Please register with YFCP directly. Grafton Public Library will not be registering attendees for this class.

All children, ages 3-6, must be registered (including siblings) to attend in-person classes.

Parents/caregivers are expected to supervise and help their child during class but may leave the room to care for an infant/busy toddler.

• Materials for the lesson will be provided by STEM Beginnings for registered children, ages 3-6, however, if extra materials are available due to absences, the teacher may share materials with siblings.
• Siblings are welcome to watch and listen to the story but we ask that parents/caregivers help to manage disruptive behavior.
• Space is limited to 12 children, ages 3-6. Please email or call the librarian if you can no longer attend so that a family on the waitlist can be contacted.
• Hot beverages are not allowed due to child safety regulations from the Department of Early Education and Care, the YFCP funding source.
• Please limit cell phone use and talking to one another while the STEM Beginnings teacher is presenting the lesson.
• Adults and children should not attend class if not feeling well to avoid spreading illness to others. If your child has a cold with a thick runny nose or other contagious illnesses, we ask that he/she remain at home for as long as the symptoms exist. If a child has a fever, please wait 24 hours after the fever to attend class.

Thank you for your support of YFCP and STEM Beginnings Program! 

The “Young Scientists” series is sponsored by the YMCA Family & Community Partnership (YFCP), a Massachusetts Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Grant program funded by the Department of Early Education & Care and awarded to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

Please note that program attendees must also comply with the Library's Unattended Child Policy:

0-7 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times;

8-12 must be accompanied by parent/guardian remaining in the Library;

13+ may be unaccompanied, provided child is able to use Library independently and follow the Library's Code of Conduct.

TUESDAYS @5:30-7:00PM

MARCH 12TH & 19TH

THURSDAYS @ 5:30-7:00PM

MARCH 14TH, 21ST, AND 28TH

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

MARCH 13TH, 20TH AND 27TH

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!

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@4:15pm

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.

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. 

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@5:30pm

Embark on an exciting literary adventure with Ms. Kristin as she hosts a captivating book discussion tailored for our young readers in kindergarten through first grade! Immerse yourselves in the world of Fox and Chick: The Party and Other Stories. Fox is calm and thoughtful. Chick is hyperactive and flighty. They don't always agree, but they are friends anyway.

Ready to ignite your child's love for reading? Secure your spot by registering below.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@6:15pm

Kids in grades 2 and 3!  This month we'll be reading Bunnicula : the graphic novel. Ensure you don't miss a beat – secure your own copy, conveniently available for pickup at the library.

Guarantee your spot by registering below.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH@7:00pm

Join Ms. Kristin for a book discussion for kids in grades 4 and 5. Copies of the book The Lightning Thief : the graphic novel by Rick Riordan will be available for pick-up at the library.

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

Please register below. If the event is full, you may still submit this form to be placed on the waiting list.

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