Workshop for Special Needs Parents

Sharon Riddle, founder of the online SPED Child and Teen newsletter, http://spedchildmass.com/newsletters will be presenting a free workshop at the library about free and low cost disability events for families in Massachusetts. The workshop is on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 6 PM.

This event is sponsored by the CTI Family Resource Network.

Christmas Vacation Week Fun

Don't forget about Christmas vacation week fun at the library! Please join us for:

Lego Club

Tuesday, December 28th at 10:30 AM

Calling all builders! If you are in grades 1 through 6 come to the library for Lego Fun!

Game Day

Wednesday, December 29th

Stop by any time between 10 AM and 12 PM

Come for some good old fashioned board game fun. We provide the games you provide the skills.

For kids in Kindergarten and up

Don't Forget the Christmas Lyrics - Final Week's Answers

Here are the lyrics to our final week's contest:

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say -

Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

Don't Forget the Christmas Lyrics - Week 3

It's Our Last Week for This Game!

If you want to play, stop by the Children's Desk. If you supply the missing lyrics correctly you win a prize from Santa's goodie box!

This week's lyrics:

Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say

_____ _____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____

Last week's answer:

There must have been some magic

in that old silk hat they found

for when they placed it on his head he began to dance around!

They're Here!

The Dear Dumb Diaries have arrived! Check out Jamie Kelly's diary where everything is as true as it needs to be!

New Parening Books

We've added some new titles to our children's Parenting Collection:

Baker, Bruce L. Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs

Batshaw, Mark L., ed. When Your Child Has a Disability: the Complete Sourcebook of Daily and Medical Care

Bracken, Jeanne Munn. Children with Cancer: a Comprehensive Reference Guide for Parents

Geralis, Elaine, ed. Children with Cerebral Palsy: a Parents' Guide

Johnson, Christopher M. How Your Child Heals: an Inside Look at Common Childhood Ailments

Schoenbrodt, Lisa, ed. Children with Traumatic Brain Injury: a Parents' Guide

Pueschel, Siegfried M., a Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Toward a Brighter Future

Weber, Jayne Dixon, ed. Children with Fragile X Syndrome: a Parents' Guide

New Autism Spectrum Titles

Bashe, Patricia Romanowski. Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Advice, Support, Insight, and Inspiration

Bolduc, Kathleen Deyer. Autism and Alleluias

Bolick, Teresa. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens and Teens Get Ready for the Real World

Neisworth, John T. Autism Encyclopedia: 500 + Entries for Parents and Professionals

Powers, Michael D., ed. Children with Autism: a Parents' Guide

Winter Lego Club Dates

Calling all builders!

Come join us for winter LEGO Club!

LEGO Club is a drop-in activity for kids grades 1 through 6.

We provide the LEGOS you provide the imagination!

Saturdays at 9:30 AM

January 15th

February 12th

March 12th

Don't Forget the Christmas Lyrics - Week 2

Here's this week's lyrics:





There must have been some magic

_____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____

_____

For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around!

If you know the answer to this week's missing lyrics, stop by the Children's Department, fill out a game sheet (correctly!) and win a prize from Santa's goodie box!

Last week's answer:

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!

Don't Forget the Christmas Lyrics!

This December come and play the "Christmas Song Game" at the library. Each week we will post a portion of a Christmas song with some of the lyrics missing. If you supply the missing words correctly, you win a prize from Santa's goodie box! Below is this week's song. To win a prize, stop by the Children's Desk to get your answer sheet.

Christmas Song - December 6th through December 11th

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____*

So be good for goodness sake!

* each blank space equals a missing word

Christmas Vacation at the Library

Christmas Vacation at the Library!

Join us for these fun activities at the library:

Lego Club

Tuesday, December 28th at 10:30 AM

Like Legos? Then come create with us! We provide the Legos, you provide the imagination. Lego Club is a drop-in program for kids grades 1 through 6.

Game Day

Wednesday, December 29th, 10 AM - 12 PM

Stop by the library and play some board games. We provide the games you provide the strategy.

For children Kindergarten and up

Tis the Season!

Come celebrate the holidays with us!

Annual Holiday Sing Along
Tuesday, December 7th at 10:30 AM
Sing some old favorites and learn some new holiday tunes.
For all children and their grown ups.



Holiday Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, December 15th at 10:30 AM

Share the magic of Christmas and Hanukkah with our stories, songs, and games.
For children age 3 and older and their grownups

And the Winner Is....

Tinkerbell!

As reported previously, early in the race Tinkerbell and Harry Potter were neck and neck. Over the weekend Elmo zoomed from out of nowhere taking the number 2 spot, pushing Harry back to 3rd place. It was a nail biter!

Survey Results:

Tinkerbell - 15 votes

Elmo - 9 votes

Harry Potter - 7 votes

Winnie the Pooh - 6 votes

Diego - 4 votes

Iron Man - 3 votes

Cinderella - 2 votes

Thomas the Tank Engine - 1 vote

Blow Out by Tinkerbell!

In a last minute surge, Tinkerbell has taken the lead! There's still time to cast your vote online!

Neck and Neck

The Thanksgiving survey question board in the library shows Tinkerbell and Harry Potter in a tight race. Make sure to vote for your favorite. Who knows, your vote could make all the difference! Voting online counts too!

Reminder - Upcoming Programs

Don't forget about some upcoming fun fall events:
Lego Club, Saturday, November 13th at 9:30 AM for kids grade 1 and up.
Family Storytime, Wednesday, November 17th at
10:30 AM for all children and their grownups.

See you there!

New Kids' Books!

We got in some new kids' books this week. Check out the "Newer New Kids' Books" page to the left.

UnScary Halloween Celebration

Don't miss our "unscary" Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 27th at 10:30 AM. All children and their grownups are welcome. Get in the Halloween spirit and wear your costume!

Correct Time

*Please note that the Pajama Jam program on Monday, October 18th starts at 6:30 PM. The time was posted correctly on the blog and library web page but the
in-house library flyers incorrectly listed the start time at
6 PM.

November is Family Literacy Month!

Come celebrate Family Literacy Month with us!

Family Concert Featuring Rick Goldin
Wednesday, November 2nd at 10:30 AM
Free tickets available beginning October 20th
Co-sponsored by the Family Resource Network and the Friends of the Pollard Library

Family Concert Featuring Peter Sheridan
Tuesday, November 9th at 10:30 AM
Free tickets available beginning October 19th

Family Storytime
Wednesday, November 17th at 10:30

For more information check out the "Fall Children's Programs" page to the left.

Updated Page

Check out the "Fall Kids' Programs" page to the left. More programs have been added!

Daddy and Me Group

Early Intervention will be offering a FREE Daddy and Me group at the library. The group will meet on Mondays, at 6 PM from October 25th through November 8th. This program is for children age 3 and younger and their dads. Although offered by Early Intervention, your family does not need to be receiving Early Intervention services to come. Sign up is required. Stop by the Children's Desk or call 978-970-4122 to sign up.

Movin' and Groovin'

Do you have a little dancer? Does your baby like to boogie? The library has a program for you! Early Intervention will be offering a movement program from October 25th through November 15th. There are two sessions. The 9:30 AM session is for Pre-walkers and the 10:30 AM session is for Walkers. Siblings are welcome at each session. You can attend all or some of the sessions.

Sign up is required.

(Although offered by Early Intervention all our friends in the community are welcome.)

Pajama Jam!

Bernadette Baird will be offering another Pajama Jam on Monday, October 18th at 6:30 PM. This program is for kids ages 3 and younger. Sign is required and begins on October 4th.

New Page

We've just added a new page, "This n That for the Tiny Set." It is geared towards families with little ones. We will keep adding things to it. Right now it contains some favorite rhymes from our Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes. Make sure to check it every once in a while to see what more we add!

Even Newer New Books!

We just received a few more new books. I've added a list of titles to the end of the "New Books" page.

Twitter

I am now posting updates from "Children's Happenings" to Twitter -
http://twitter.com/PMLkidsdept.

See you in Cyberspace!

Child and Me Group at the Library

South Bay Early Intervention will be holding a "Child and Me" group at the library beginning on

September 30, 2010.

What is "Child and Me" all about?

• A fun, informal community play group, which encourages exploration, learning, and social interactions for infants and toddlers and their caregivers.


• Education and resources for caregivers regarding bonding and attachment, nutrition, sleeping, feeding, language development, infant massage, the adjustment to becoming a parent, and the social/emotional development of infants and toddlers.


• Activities include manipulation of developmentally appropriate toys, music, stories, movement, and snacks.


• A chance to learn more about early intervention and meet other parents in the Greater Lowell community.

The "Child and Me Group" will be held Thursday mornings at the library from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM from September 30, 2010 through October 28, 2010.

Although run by Early Intervention, this is a community playgroup and anyone can attend.

Facilitated by a Clinician from South Bay Early Intervention

Register by stopping by the Children's Desk or calling 978-970-4122.

Space is limited and sign-ups are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please call Judith Hahn at South Bay Early Intervention at 978-452-1736 if you have questions about this program.

South Bay Early Intervention

148 Warren St., Lowell, MA 01852

978-452-1736

Resources for Daycare Providers and Early Childhood Teachers

If you are an early childhood teacher or daycare provider, check out our new page "Resources for Daycare Providers and Early Childhood Teachers" to see what the library can do for you!

Mother Goose is Home to Roost!

Fall Mother Goose on the Loose will start up on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 10:30 AM and run through Tuesday, October 26, 2010. Mother Goose is a special storytime for children age 3 and younger but big brothers and sisters are always welcome. Come join the fun!

Preschool Drop-In Storytimes

Fall preschool drop-in storytimes will begin on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM and run through Wednesday, October 20, 2010. These storytimes are for children age 3 and older. The stories and activities require a longer attention span.

LEGO Club!

Lego Club will be meeting on Saturday, September 18th at 9:30 AM. This drop-in program is for kids grades 1 through 6.

New Books!

Check out our "New Books" page to the left to see some new titles. Happy reading!

Autumn Programs at the Library

Check out our "Fall Kids' Programs" page to the left to see what we have going on this autumn at the library. We do update the page so make sure to check it regularly!

Weekly Raffle Winner

Congratulations to this week's Summer Reading Raffle winner - Lee Ann!

Weekly Question Results

And the winner is.... Kermit the Frog! He won with 25 votes. Oscar had 9 votes.

Tiny Tots Concert

Our next Tiny Tots concert is Thursday,

August 12th at 10:30 AM. Our featured performer is Rick Goldin. Free tickets are available at the Children's Reference Desk or by calling

978-970-4122.

Weekly Question Results

Last week we asked, "What is your favorite green treat?" Here are your answers:

Green Popsicle = 10 votes

Green Skittles = 9 votes

Green M & M's = 7 votes

Green Eggs & Ham = 5 votes

Green Jello = 4 votes

Green Kool Aid = 2 votes

Green Life Savers = 2 votes

Green Tic Tacs = 2 votes

Weekly Raffle Winner

Congratulations to this week's weekly raffle winner, Molly M.! Great work and keep on reading!

Craft Extravaganza

Don't forget about our "Craftahpahlooza" event on Wednesday, August 4th! Drop in any time between 10 AM and 12 PM for some craft fun. Craft material is available while supplies last.

Weekly Question Results

Introducing X401!

Here are the voting results:

X401 - 23 votes

P4000 - 4 votes

Wendy - 4 votes

Zlerxa - 4 votes

Betty Jo - 2 votes

Debbie - 2 votes

Grace - 2 votes

@#$^* - 1 vote

Weekly Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Taija B. this week's summer reading raffle winner!

Summer Storytime

They danced! They sang! They created! Children and adults had lots of fun at our summer storytime. Our next summer storytime is August 11th at 10:30 AM. This storytime is for children ages 4 - 7 and sign up is required.

*Photo by Maureen Hancock

July Lego Club

Like Legos? Come and build with us! Lego Club meets on Thursday, July 22nd at 10:30 AM.

Lego Club is for children grade 1 through grade 6.

Free Music Show

Monday, July 26th at 10:30 AM

Join us for a summer Tiny Tots Concert.

Come sing, dance, and have fun!

This concert is for chidren age 3 and younger but we are always glad to see big brothers and sisters!

Get your free tickets by stopping by the Children's Desk or calling 978-970-4122.

Tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.

Last Week's Weekly Question Results

Last Week's Question: Who is your favorite character, part 2?

The overwhelming winner was Shrek!

Question Results:

Shrek - 30 votes

Frankenstein's Monster - 3 votes

Green Hornet - 2 votes

The Incredible Hulk - 1 vote

Godzilla - 0 votes

The Green Giant - 0 votes

Weekly Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Paul G. this week's Summer Reading weekly raffle winner!

Martian Manhunt!

Join us on Monday, July 19th for our Martian Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the clues and solve the secret code. Figure it out and you get a prize. Stop by anytime between 10 AM and 12 PM.

Weekly Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Gabe C. this week's weekly reading raffle winner!

Last Week's Green Question

We asked: Who is your favorite character?

You picked a local favorite - the Canaligator!

Here are the survey results:

Canaligator: 16

The Grinch: 7

Yoda: 6

Green Lantern: 3

Wicked Witch of the West: 2

Green Arrow: 2

Candy Guessing Contest

CANDY GUESSING CONTEST!

There were 296 pieces of sweet treats in the jar.

The winning guess of 289 came from Brenda S.

Good job, Brenda!

This Week's "Green" Question?

We asked, "What is your favorite green food?" and you responded loud and clear - GRAPES! Here are the voting results:

Grapes-34
Pickles-7
Broccoli-4
Kiwi-3
Limes-3
Peppers-3
Spinach-3
Peas-1

Look to the side to check out this week's question!

Pickle Toss

All of our Pickle Tossers did a great job. And it wasn't easy! We had them throwing backwards, under legs, between legs and all sorts of crazy positions. Congratulations to Luke and Selena who did manage to get their pickles into the bucket.

Weekly Raffle Winner

This week's Summer Reading raffle winner is Matthew P.

Congratulations and keep reading!

This Week's "Green" Question?

The Votes Are In! Pirate Pickle's Real Name is.....

EDUARDO!

Here are the voting results:

Eduardo - 9 votes

Chris - 8 votes

Chauncey - 5 votes

Buddy - 5 votes

Francois - 5 votes

Anton - 4 votes

Tim - 2 votes

Brian - 1 vote

Soccer Raffle Winners

And our soccer ball winners are in!

Age 8 and Under Winner: Pranjal

Age 9 - 12 Winner: Manuel

Congratulations, soccer cats!

Lowell Public Schools Reading List

We've posted the Lowell Public Schools Summer Reading list for preschool through grade four. Check out the page to the left for a list of titles.

Please note that there is a limit of 3 summer reading list books per child and that summer reading list books cannot be renewed.

Lego Club

"WHEN IS LEGO CLUB?"

Relax, Lego Friends. Lego Club is back this month. During the summer Lego Club will be on these dates at 10:30 AM:
June 24th, July 22nd, and August 24th.

Summer Reading Program 2010

"Going Green" @ the Pollard Library: Summer Reading Program 2010

We've got lots of fun things planned here at the library for this summer. Check out our "Summer Reading" page to the left for more information.

New Autism Books at the Library

We recently got in new Autism books. For a list of titles check out our Autism Resources blog at http://pmlautismguide.blogspot.com.

Keeping Children Safe

The Lowell Police Department has online information about keeping children safe: http://lowellpolice.com/crime_safety/safety_tips/child_safety.htm. They also offer an online child safety kit that includes a fingerprint form and a Personal Identity form/DNA kit.