Library announces fall slate of youth and teen programs

Newton Public Library has a busy slate of youth and teen programs planned for this fall, including a new Early Reader Book Club for children in kindergarten through second grade.

The Early Reader Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month during the school year, and is intended to help foster a love of reading in children. Children don’t need to be able to read in order to participate.

“It’s built around a favorite picture book, which each child will be able to take home,” children’s librarian Sara Rickard said. “We’ll start by investigating the book and reading it together. Then we’ll discuss the book and follow up with fun, themed activities, plus snacks.”

Registration is required in order to ensure sufficient books and materials. Call 316-283-2890 or email library@newtonplks.org to sign up.

StoryTime will start its fall schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 7. Rickard and other staff members are planning three weekly StoryTimes:

• Toddler StoryTime, 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. These sessions are designed to meet the early literacy needs of children ages 18-36 months. Children and their caregivers will enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and play.

• Preschool StoryTime: 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays or Fridays. These sessions are designed for children ages 3-5 years and will feature rhymes, crafts and stories.

• Family StoryTime: 7 p.m. on Mondays. Children and caregivers of all ages are invited.

Rickard is planning to welcome guest story readers this fall, including community members with some pretty interesting jobs. Additionally, children’s author Sandra Nickel will give a special StoryTime at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, to read her new book “Big Bear and Little Fish.”

Youths ages 10-18 are invited to weekly GameZone sessions, Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Each GameZone features two video game stations, a craft station, and board games. Coming up in September are activities such as Squishy Circuits and Legos, and crafts such as locker magnets and sand art.

Teen services coordinator Sharon Cepeda hosts the Teen Breakfast Book Club, which meets at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. Copies of each book club selection are available for borrowing. Most first Saturdays also feature a “Teen Screen” movie showing at 3 p.m.

Cepeda is also planning special events, such as a teen library scavenger hunt on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 3 p.m., and a pumpkin decorating contest in October.

The best way to keep up with all the news about youth and teen programs is to sign up for the teen and children’s email newsletters. Go to www.newtonplks.org/newsletter-sign-up and fill in the form, selecting “Teen Services” and “Children’s Services,” or just contact the library and ask to be added. Upcoming events are also listed at www.newtonplks.org/calendar.