Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bookswap on July 12th

Exchange books you've already read for new titles you'll enjoy without spending a penny!


The book swap is for kids and teens entering 5th-12th grades. Drop off up to 8 of your gently-used books (must appeal to 5th-12th graders) between now and July 11th at the children's desk. For each book that you contribute, you will get a coupon* to select a book at the Bookswap.


The Bookswap will be held in the library meeting room on Thursday, July 12th from 3-7pm.


*Only coupons will be honored at the Bookswap--you may not use money to purchase books.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

June App Spotlight


We have so many apps to tell you about since our last App Spotlight. Read about these new additions to the RFPL app collection--then stop by the Children’s Room to try them out on an Early Literacy iPad!

Little Pim Spanish
This app teaches children a host of Spanish words using interaction and repetition. Words are grouped into scenes where children learn words associated with that scene. For example, the ‘Eating and Drinking’ scene takes children to a dinner table where they can learn various Spanish words related to meals and food. This app is a great way to introduce Spanish to children early on. Try it out today!

Spot the Dot
This app is based on pop-up books by David A. Carter. Children must interact with the screen to find dots that are hidden among various geometric shapes. See if you and your child have what it takes to find “the dot” in a maze of shapes and colors.

Play123
This app has a ton of fun activities that can help teach your child about colors and shapes. Kids can mix colors to create new ones, draw shapes, stack shapes and more!

Friday, June 22, 2012

History Comes Alive--Great Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is a literary genre that takes real, historical events and presents them through a story.  Characters are sometimes actual historical people and sometimes they are "made-up" people who experience or are present during particular moments in history.  I love to read historical fiction for children because you can be exposed rather quickly to important events in our history.  Here are a few recent books that have helped me learn new things in a very enjoyable way.
Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling--You will learn about school segrgation in 1940s California as it impacts a Mexican-American family AND you will learn about the internment of Japanese-Americans through the eyes of two real young girls.
The Freedom Maze by Delia Sherman--You will learn about slavery in the years before the American Civil War from a character who time-travels from the 1960s. 
Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend by Calvin Alexander Ramsey--You will learn about a small town in the American south, whose mules played an important part in the life and times of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Summer fun, Art Activities!

Join us at the library every Monday afternoon (1:30-4pm) for drop-in Art Activities. Every week will feature a new craft. We will supply the materials, just bring your creativity! Children under the age of 6 must be assisted by a parent or caregiver. This upcoming Monday, June 11th with using Clay Model Magic to create delicious model food! This program runs from June 11th to July 23.