Snag A Bundle!

Finding a mix of books for your little ones just got a lot easier. The Independence Public Library now has Bundles 2 Go!

Flutterby Bits

Noodles, Forts, Wii and Flying!

There is never a dull Moment! 

I had a great time Monday evening with flying noodles and the ISU Extension Office “Health Hearty Snacks” program.

The ISU Extension office has been presenting “Adventures in Nature” programming on the second Monday evening of the month in the Community Room.

The last one was on “Health Hearty Snacks”.  It involved plenty of eye opening information on portion control, snack/sugar content and the unusual activity of flinging a wet noodle!  (Food Fight!)  It was not the norm per program….but you never know. 

It has been a great experience to be teaming up with these women.  The programs are open to children of all ages, but the activities are geared to those in grades K-5.  The next program is March 9^th at 6 pm.  There won’t be any noodles, but eagles will be the topic!

Friday Feb 20, from 5-7 PM, after hours, we will have Family Fort night.  Bring the blankets, sheets, and pillows to build your own family fort.  I’ve never had the experience of having my own fort in the library!  Not many can say that they have.  Now will be your chance!

Wii Games in the Community Room are on Feb 23 from 1-4 pm.  This is on a no school Monday, and all ages are welcome.  Form teams, have mini-tournaments and bring your friends.  I had the opportunity to try Wii dancing one afternoon – what a sight!  It is great fun and demands plenty of energy.

Flying?  Sure.  The summer reading program is in the works.  “Every Hero has a Story” is the theme this summer.  We are all heroes, flying or not.   Plenty of fantastic programming is planned for Summer 2015.  (Dan Wardell will be here to see us!) Watch for further information.

I am more than a little excited! 

Noodles, games, flying & forts can all be found at the Library. 

Check it during “Love your Library month!”

See you soon

Vonnie

Happy Birthday To Two Great Children's Authors

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jane Yolen and Mo Willems, who will both be one year older today. Celebrate at the library by checking out one of their many wonderful children's books. Many of you may know Mo Willems from his Elephant & Piggie books, or Jane Yolen from her How Do Dinosaurs series. Of course they both write much more than that, but too much to fit in a tiny blog post, so head to the IPL and discover their fantastic fiction.

Artist Showcase

This month's Artist Showcase will feature art work from Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade students from the Independence Community School District's East Elementary. The art will be on display February 13th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, February 14th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and February 15th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Artist Reception will be on Sunday the 15th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Flutterby Bits

Early Literacy

During Rhyme Time, the Itsy Bitsy Spider is a favorite finger rhyme.

Talking, singing, reading, writing and playing are fun, easy ways to build early literacy skills.  I get to practice these activities with great helpers that know all about fun (and they are approximately 3 feet tall- or less).   These are some of my favorite times!!   And I get to spend a few hours doing this every week! 

What a lucky girl I am!!

All of these activities start to build and strengthen early literacy skills in the youngest of us all.

Talking helps to build oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills.  Singing &/or rhyming increases children’s awareness to the sounds in words.  Writing begins with scribbles and helps children to understand that print represents words.

Give your child plenty of playtime.  This is when children use their imaginations.  It encourages development of narrative skills and the understanding that stories and books have a beginning, middle, and end. 

Reading together or shared reading is probably most effective way to help your child become an accomplished reader.

These skills all build on each other! Besides being fun, they are some of the benefits of Story Time and Rhyme Time.

What better door can we help to open for our young?  This doorway will be used for entire an lifetime. 

Story Time for the 2-5 year olds is on

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 10AM. 

 Rhyme Time for the 0-2year olds is on

Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10AM.

  Give your child the beginning steps for reading, writing, and learning, the foundation and skills to help boost literacy.

Always great to see all the smiles, I hope to see yours soon. 

 

  Vonnie

  Children Services

Make'n'Take With Santa at The IPL

Join the Independence Public Library for a Make'n'Take with Santa on December 13th. From 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Children of all ages will be able to meet Santa (who will be handing out treats) and create winter crafts and decorations with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to take home with them. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and join in on the fun. This program is free and open to the public, and there is no registration required.

Make'n'Take At The IPL!

The Fall Make'n'Take is coming this Saturday. Children of all ages are welcome to make a craft and take it home with them to show off to all their friends and family. Parents are encouraged to stay for the fun. There is no registration or cost for this program. The Make'n'Take will run from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, on October 25th, at the IPL. See you there!

Story Time & Rhyme Time

Here in Independence, the big kids have just settled into their fourth week of school. But little kids, worry not. The IPL has something for you too! Vonnie, one of our fabulous librarians, plans for fun with little ones each week. You're never too young to enjoy the library with programs like Rhyme Time and Story Time. Rhyme Time runs year round on Thursdays at 9:30 AM, and is perfect for anyone who hasn't quite hit the two year mark. Already two years old? Don't worry, that's where Story Time come in. Story Time runs during the school year on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for ages two to five.