Morse Institute Library

 

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

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.

Now Available!
2009 Summer Reading Lists


It’s a Summer Celebration!

OceanExplore the Ocean World
with Ellen Goethel


Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Lebowitz Meeting Hall

Learn about and meet some ocean creatures.

Two age appropriate programs will be offered:

10:15 am—11:15 am
An educational experience for 3, 4, and 5 year olds with accompanying caregivers.

11:20 am—12:20 pm
Hour long program for graduates of kindergarten and older. No younger siblings, please.
Children with sustained sitting and listening abilities may attend unaccompanied by a caregiver.

Registration is required.
Space is limited. Reserve your place beginning Wednesday, July 8. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522. Thank you for notifying the Library if you need to cancel your registration.


 

 

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.


Returning soon!

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
July 6
10:30 am
Chicken Little
The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
Hercules
Monday
July 27
10:30 am
The Great White Man-Eating Shark
Harry the Dirty Dog
Little Toot
Monday
August 10
10:30 am
Changes, Changes
Danny and the Dinosaur
Frog on His Own

 

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

 

Summer Reading

Celebrate Summer Reading Groups for Graduates of Grades 2-4

Monday afternoon book groups for graduates of grades 2-4
Storycraft Room/Lower Level

 

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
A new teacher changes everything for the better in Frederika’s small Alaskan village. Will she stay when the year is up?
Monday, June 29 at 3:00 pm.
Book discussion and craft for graduates of grades 2-4. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, June 12

Amelia Takes Command by Marissa Moss
Amelia’s notebook is full of her summer Space Camp adventures. Now fifth grade poses new challenges.
Monday, July 13 at 3:00 pm.
Book discussion and craft for graduates of grades 2-4. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, June 26

A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo by Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo needs a vacation, but sharing a motel with Gerbil Scouts is not what he had in mind! Can Geronimo’s vacation be saved?
Monday, August 3 at 3:00 p.m.
Book discussion and games for graduates of grades 2-4.
Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, July 17

To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each program. Space is limited.


Summer Reading

Celebrate Summer Reading Groups for Younger Readers

Monday afternoon book discussions and crafts for young readers.
Storycraft Room/Lower Level

 

Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Jack Frost has stolen three magical shells from Rainspell Island. The fairies must return them or face a summer of troubles.
Monday, June 22 at 3:00 p.m.
For graduates of grades K-2. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, June 5.

Commander Toad and the Voyage Home by Jane Yolen
Commander Toad leads the crew of the ship Star Warts on a journey through deep hopper space. Will they ever get home?
Monday, July 6 at 3:00 p.m.
For graduates of grades K-2. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, June 19.

The Bermuda Triangle (A DK Reader) by Andrew Donkin
Over 1500 people are reported to have disappeared in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle. What happened to them?
Monday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m.
For graduates of grades 1-3. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Thursday, July 2.

Shannon the Ocean Fairy by Daisy Meadows
Jack Frost has stolen three magical pearls from the ocean and everything is all mixed up. Can the fairies return things to normal?
Monday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m.
For graduates of grades K-2. Please read the book before coming to Reading Group.
Sign up begins Friday, July 10.

To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date for each program. Space is limited.

 


New!

Wacky WednesdayWacky Wednesday Family Fun

One hour story and activity programs for children ages 3 to 6 attending with an adult.
Siblings welcome.

 

Wednesday
July 1
10:30-11:30 am
Madcap Mushers
Go you huskies! We’re taking to the trail!
Sign up beginning Monday, June 22
Wednesday
July 15
10:3-—11:30 am
Moog Moog’s Space Camp
Make and model an intergalactic wig.
Sign up beginning Monday, July 6

To register:
To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up dates. At least 1 family member must be ages 3, 4, 5, or 6, and an adult must attend with each family grouping. Space is limited. Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration.

 

Fantastic Friday Family Fun

Activities for families with children of all ages, attending with an adult.

Friday
July 17
10:30 -11:30 am
Far Out Family Fest—Build a Wacky Spaceship
Use recyclables to craft your spaceship together.
Sign up beginning Thursday, July 9.
Friday
August 7
2 pm
Fan Favorites Picture Book Countdown
Beginning at 2 pm, drop in for lemonade, cookies and our countdown of favorite picture
books. Fan voting will take place at the Library during July.

To register:
To register for the Far Out Family Fest, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning Thursday, July 9, 2009. Space is limited. An adult must attend with each family grouping for both Fantastick Friday events.

 


 

Lego Club Lego® Summer Clubs

Storycraft Room, Lower Level

Registration is required

 

Open to graduates of grades 2 to 4.
4 week programs, one hour weekly
One time sign up required for each club membership. (One club only, please.)
Space is limited.

Thursdays
July 9, 16, 23, and 30
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Lego® Art—”Paint” a picture with legos.
For graduates of grades 2 to 4
Sign up beginning Wednesday, July 1.
Thursdays
July 9, 16, 23, and 30
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Lego® on Wheels—Build and race your creations.
For graduates of grades 2 to 4
Sign up beginning Wednesday, July 1.

To register:
Children must be graduates of grades 2—4 to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522.
Thank you for notifying the Children’s Department if you need to cancel your registration. 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.

Friday
July 31
11:00 am
Sign up beginning Thursday, July 23

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.


 

Crafters ClubCrafters’ Club
Story and craft program for boys and girls in grades 2 to 4
Storycraft Room, Lower Level

 

 

Returning soon!
 

To register:
Children must be students in grades 2-4 to enroll. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522, beginning on the designated sign up date.
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.

 


 

American Girl Reading Group

Readers in grades two to five are invited to join us as we complete the sixth book about Julie in the well-loved American Girl ® series. Activities will center around the featured book, Changes for Julie. Sign up is required for this program. Please read the book before coming to the Reading Group meeting.

Returning soon!

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.
  • Change of plans? Home sick from school? Please notify the Library if you need to cancel your registration. Thank you for keeping sick children at home.
  • 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!

Returning soon!

 

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 Kids
45-minute story and craft programs for boys and girls in kindergarten and grade 1
Storycraft Room, Lower Level
Registration is required for each program

 

 

Returning soon!
 

To register:
Children must be students in kindergarten and grade 1 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 Kids 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 a 2-week session
Registration is required

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

Returning soon!
 

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.

Returning soon!
 

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 story times for children ages 3, 4 and preschool 5.

Caregivers remain in the Children's Room.
Sign up is required for each story time.

 

 

Wednesday
July 8
11:00 am
Blast Off
Registration begins Monday, June 29
Wednesday
July 29
11:00 am
Sea n’ Sand
Registration begins Monday, July 20.

 

To register:
To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 508-647-6522. 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. We miss our storyhour friends when they cannot attend, but thank you for keeping sick children at home.



Crafters' ClubSuper Summer Storycrafters
One hour story and craft programs for boys and girls entering grades 1 to 4
Storycraft Room, Lower Level

 

Thursday
July 2
10:30 - 11:30 am
Celebrate the Northern Lights
Watercolor a sky painting.
Sign up beginning Wednesday, June 24
Thursday
August 6
10:30 - 11:30 am
Celebrate Summer
Make a fancy picture frame.
Sign up beginning Wednesday, July 29

To register:
Children must be students entering 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.

 



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.

 

Thursday
July 23
10:30 am
Sign up begins Wednesday, July 15
Thursday
August 20
10:30 am
Sign up begins Wednesday, August 12

 

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 508-647-6522. Please notify the Library if you must cancel your registration. Baby Play 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 other siblings, please.

 

 

Tuesday
July 14
10:30 am
Sign up beginning Tuesday, July 7
Tuesday
August 18
10:30 am
Sign up beginning Tuesday, August 11

To register:
This program is designed for caregivers and pre-2 walkers. An adult caregiver 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 designated sign-up date for each program. To register, visit the Children’s Department or call 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

 

 

 

Tuesday
July 7
10:30 am
Rocket Ride
Sign up begins Tuesday, June 30
Tuesday
July 21
10:30 am
At the Beach
Sign up begins Tuesday, July 14
Tuesday
August 4
10:30 am
Storybook Stars
Sign up begins Tuesday, July 28

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.


 

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.

 

 © 2009, Morse Institute Library. All rights reserved.