Morse Institute Library

 

Services: Children
drop-in programs  |  pre-registered programs  |  language play  |  Books for babies | ask a librarian

Children's Department is currently closed for renovations. Watch this space for re-opening details.
Childrens Rnovations
The Children’s Department will be closed for renovations starting Sunday, April 27. The rest of the Library will be open.

Renovations include:

  • New paint on the walls
  • New carpets
  • New locations for some library materials

TEMPORARY LOCATION:
There will be a temporary Children’s location on the First Floor near the new books. There will be a limited selection of Children’s materials. Please note that the Children’s DVDs will be located near the Adult DVDs.

Please watch for an announcement of our re-opening.

Children’s Programs and Services

The Children's Room offers a full program of activities, events and materials designed to foster a love of reading. Materials for children include: books, CDs, cassettes, CD-ROMs, magazines, books-on-tape and videos. One computer for Internet use is provided as well as two computers with CD-ROM games for children.

Please note: some programs require advance registration.

The “Charles River Freelance Troupe” Presents Tumbleweed, a Wild Ride through the Wild West
Monday, May 12; 4:30 pm
Lebowitz Meeting Hall

A Metrowest area Musical Theatre Group for young actors ages 8 to 12.
An hour of music, dance and fun for All Ages
Registration is not necessary. First come, first served. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. Questions? Please call the Children’s Department at 508-647-6522.


 

Drop-in Programs:  No registration required

 

 

Silver Apple Bedtime StoryhourSilver Apple Storytime
Monday evening story times at 6:30 pm
Story Hour / Craft Room

A 45-minute program of stories, songs and simple crafting for families with children ages 3-9.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.


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Please drop in. No registration is necessary. Program may be cancelled due to sickness or bad weather at the discretion of the Library. Questions? Call the Children's Department at 508-647-6522.



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Preschool Film Fest
Film series for preschool-age children
Lebowitz Meeting Hall, Lower Level
Registration is not required

 

  • Each program is 30 minutes
  • Film titles may change without prior notice
  • Questions, call 508-647-6522
  • Program is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather
Monday
May 19
10:30 am
Banjo Frogs
Giggle, Giggle, Quack
Picnic

Monday
June 9
10:30 am

Angus Lost
Blueberries for Sal
Changes Changes

 

Pre-Registered Programs: Sign-up required for each program

 

 

Our World

Our World
A 45-minute activity and story time for children ages 3 to preschool 5 with their caregivers.
Sign up is required for each meeting

 

We explore important things in a young child’s life: home, family, friends, community and finding our place in the world around us.

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Fairy Friends


Fairy Friends Reading Group

For beginning chapter book readers in grades one and two
Sign up is required for each meeting

 

First and second graders are invited to explore the world of Fairyland with chapter books for beginning readers from the Rainbow Magic series by Daisy Meadows. Fairy Friends read each book at home before coming to the group to discuss the story and make fairy related crafts.

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To register:
Registration begins on the designated sign up date for each program. To register, please visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522. Please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration· Each participant is asked to read the book of the month before coming to the Fairy Friends meeting to take part in the discussion and fairy related activity. Fairy Friends is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.


New Program!

Pirate School
Pirate School Reading Group

For beginning chapter book readers in grades 1, 2, and 3
Sign up required for each program

 

 

First, second, and third graders are invited to join the pirate crew with chapter books for beginning readers from the Pirate School Series Brian James. Pirate kids read each book at home before coming to the group to discuss the story and make pirate related crafts. Sign up is required for each meeting.

 

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Registration, Requirements, and Information:

  • Registration begins on the designated sign up date for each program. To register, please visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522 . ·
  • Please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration. ·
  • Each participant is asked to read the book of the month before coming to the Pirate School meeting to take part in the discussion and pirate related activity. ·
  • Pirate School Reading Group is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

Lego Club
Lego® Club

Thursdays, January 3—February 14
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Storycraft Room, Lower Level

Registration is required

 

Looking for boys and girls in grades 2 to 4 who have not already been members of club twice before.
A new 7-week session is about to begin.
One time sign up is required for club membership.
Club members construct on-going projects.
Registration begins Friday, December 28.

To register:
Children must be in grades 2—4 to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning Friday, December 28. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Lego® Club is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
Lego® is a registered trademark of the Lego Group.


Duplo Club
Duplo® Club
45 minutes of creative Duplo® play for boys and girls ages 2.5 to preschool 5
Storyhour Room, Lower Level
Sign up is required for each program

 

Young builders develop social and fine motor skills while having fun using their imaginations. Under 3s must be accompanied by a caregiver. Older preschoolers are invited to participate on their own with their caregivers remaining just outside the Storyhour Room in case they are needed.

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To register:
Children ages 2.5 (at least 30 months) to preschool 5 are eligible to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each program. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Duplo® Club is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
Duplo® is a registered trademark of the Lego Group.


 

American Girl Reading Group
American Girl Reading Group
Readers in grades 2 to 5
Sign up required for each program

 

Readers in grades two to five are invited to Meet Addy and follow her adventures through several books in the well-loved American Girl series. Activities will center around the themes presented in each month’s featured books. Sign up is required for each program. Please read the books before coming to the Reading Group meetings.

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Registration, Requirements, and Information:

  • This club is for independent readers in grades 2—5.
  • Sign up begins on the designated date for each program. To register, please visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522.·
  • Please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration.
  • Each participant is asked to read the listed books before coming to the American Girl meeting to take part in the discussion and related activity.
  • American Girl Reading Group is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.


Count Me In math program
Count Me In
45-minute story and early math activity programs for children ages 3-preschool 5 with their caregivers
Sign up is required for each program

 

 

Let’s take a look at early math skills. Join us for stories and a short activity featuring sets, patterns, numbers and more.
Having fun with math is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

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To register:
This program is designed for children ages 3 to preschool 5 with their caregivers. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each program. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Count Me In is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

 


 

Krafting KsKrafting Ks
45-minute story and craft programs for boys and girls in kindergarten
Storycraft Room, Lower Level
Registration is required for each program

 

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To register:
Children must be students in kindergarten to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each program. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Krafting Ks is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

 


 

morning MedleyMorning Medley
Thursday morning storytimes at 11 am
Families register once for an entire 6-week session
Registration is required

A 45-minute program of stories, songs, and simple activities for families with children up to age 5.
Children and caregivers must attend together - siblings are welcome.

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Registration, Requirements and Information:

  • Registration begins at 10:00 am on the designated sign up date for each session. To register, please visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522.
  • Please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration and/or are unable to attend the day’s session.
  • Children and caregivers must attend together—siblings are welcome.
  • Morning Medley is cancelled for the day if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.
  • We will miss our Morning Medley Friends when they can not attend, but thank you for keeping sick children at home.



Fran Friedman
Sing Me a Song

Friday Sing Alongs for Very Young Children
with Fran Friedman

Storyhour Room, Lower Level
Registration is required

 

Musical fun especially for children ages 2 and 3 and their caregivers. 45-minute program.

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To sign up, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522 beginning on the designated sign up day for each program. Space is limited. No group reservations, please. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Sing Me a Song is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.



Storytimes for Preschool Listeners Preschool Storyhour
"All by Myself" 45-minute storytimes for children ages 3, 4, and preschool 5
No under 3s, please.

Caregivers remain in the Children's Room.

Sign up for entire 6-week session beginning Wednesday, March 5
Wednesday
March 12
10:30 am
Magical March
Wednesday
March 19
10:30 am
Almost Spring
Wednesday
March 26
10:30 am
Being Neighborly
Wednesday
April 2
10:30 am
Grins and Giggles
Wednesday
April 9
10:30 am
Hop Along
Wednesday
April 16
10:30 am
Happy Days

To register:
To register for the 6 week session of Storytime, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522 beginning Wednesday, December 19. Children must be 3, 4, or preschool 5 in order to participate. Space is limited. Thank you for notifying the Library if you need to cancel your registration. Storytime is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. We miss our storyhour friends when they cannot attend, but thank you for keeping sick children at home.



Crafters' ClubCrafters' Club
Story and craft programs for boys and girls in grades 1 to 4
Storycraft Room, Lower Level

Crafters must register for an entire three week session and be able to attend all three weeks in order to complete their project

 

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To register:
Children must be students in grades 1-4 to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each Session. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. Crafters’ Club is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

 



Language Play for Under Twos

Baby Play Baby Play
Language play for caregivers and pre-walkers.
No older siblings, please.
Each program includes 20 minutes of songs, rhymes, and stretches for babies and grown-ups together.

 

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To register:
This program is designed for caregivers and pre-walkers only. An adult must register and attend with each toddler unaccompanied by other siblings. No groups, please. Registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis, beginning on the sign-up date. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call us at 508-647- 6522. Please notify the Library if you must cancel your registration. Toddler Time is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

 


Toddler Time

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Language play for caregivers and little runabouts.
For walkers up to age 2. Each program includes 20 minutes of songs, rhymes, stories, and stretches for toddlers and grown-ups together.
No older siblings, please.

 

 

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To register:
This program is designed for caregivers and pre-walkers only. An adult must register and attend with each toddler unaccompanied by other siblings. No groups, please. Registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis, beginning on the sign-up date. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call us at 508-647- 6522. Please notify the Library if you must cancel your registration. Toddler Time is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.



Little ListenersLittle Listeners
Story times for grown-ups, two year-olds, and first-time threes together. Each program includes 30 minutes of stories, songs, fingerplays, and stretches.
Sign up required for each program

 

 

 

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Because Little Listeners are easily distracted, latecomers are asked not to enter the story room once the program is underway. If possible, do remain in the Library to enjoy the toys and books together. We always miss you when you cannot attend, but thank you for keeping sick children at home.

To register:
This program is designed for two year-olds and threes who are not registered in another preschool storyhour program. An adult must register and attend with each Little Listener. Registration is done on a week by week basis, beginning on the designated sign up day for each program. To register, visit the Children’s Room or call 508-647-6522. Space is limited. If possible, please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration. Little Listeners is cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.


 

Lieracy Unlimited


Community Languages Project

Federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

 

 

Family Storytimes
Especially for families with children ages 3 – 8.
Chasque aquí para ver el aviador del pdf en español.

Family Storytimes
Listen, speak, dance and play with Susan Gonzalez.
She will read stories in Spanish and English and tell us about Latin American culture and language.
A simple craft will follow stories.

 

 

Saturday, May 10; 10:30 am
Registration begins April 24

Registration is required for each program. Please visit or call the Children’s Department at 508-647-6522 to register.

For information about Community Languages and Literacy programs, please ask for Laurie Christie in the Reference Department, at 508-647-6521.

Literacy Volunteers


The Morse Institute Library and Framingham Public Library coordinate their literacy programs through Literacy Unlimited.

 

 

All programs are cancelled if the Natick Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather.

 

Books for Babies Gift

Parents of children ages 0 to 12 months are invited to stop by the Children’s Department and ask for a free Books for Babies gift. The gift bag includes a board book, a Books for Babies bib, library and program information, and suggested books for babies. The Books for Babies project is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For additional information on the Friends of the Library programs, check their web site at www.morsefriends.org.

 

Ask a Children's Librarian by email

  • Ask our librarians reference questions or questions about events and activities for children by e-mail.
  • You should expect at least a 24-hour turnaround time on weekdays, longer on weekends.


The Library is accessible to all. If you require special accommodations, please contact us.

 

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