March Roars in Like a Lion at Program-Filled Montclair Public Library

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Are you ready for March - and all the Montclair Public Library Offers? Check out these programs.

All children and teen programs are free. Registration begins on February 25 and is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. All are welcome, online registration is available for valid Montclair Public Library card holders. All others should call the Youth Services Department to be added to the waiting list.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held at the Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton St., Montclair. Visit www.montclairlibrary.org to register.


Storytimes


Family Storytime at Bellevue Avenue Branch (Newborns to 5-year-olds)
Mondays, March 4, 18, 11 a.m.

Kids Place at Bellevue Avenue Branch Library, 185 Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair

This program is designed for newborns through 5-year-olds accompanied by a favorite adult. Share books, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, and music with your children. Enjoy a story session that encourages a love of reading and fosters the development of early literacy skills. Children of all abilities welcome. Please note that registration is required for each individual storytime.


Toddler Time (2-year-olds)
Tuesdays, March 12, 19, 29, 11 a.m.
3rd floor
Toddlers explore language and numbers through stories and songs. Picture books, flannel board stories, and nursery rhymes are used to introduce the wonder of books. Please note that registration is required for each individual storytime.

Babies in the Library (Newborns to 23 mos.)
Wednesdays, March 13, 20, 27, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
3rd floor
Babies meet babies! Parents and caregivers sing nursery rhymes together with their little ones. Songs, language activities, and board books will be introduced during each session. Make baby's first library experience a special one! Please note that registration is required for each individual storytime.

Mother Goose (Ages 3 to 6)
Thursdays, March 14, 21, 28, 4 p.m.
3rd floor
Mother Goose is an excellent way to promote literacy among our preschool-aged patrons. Picture books, flannel board stories, songs and puppets are used to build upon children’s natural enthusiasm for books and reading. Each session will end with a simple art experience for little ones. Please note that registration is required for each individual storytime.

Children’s Programs

Chesstronauts (Ages 8-14)

Fridays, March 1, 15, 29, 4:15-5:45 p.m.

3rd floor

Registration recommended

The Chesstronauts have landed! Kids of all skill levels will receive high-quality and accessible instruction that will culminate in improved strategic thinking, problem solving and sportsmanship. Topics range from basic piece movements to advanced positional strategy. Along the way, from the honing of analytical abilities through mastery of the game, participants will develop a lifelong love for this ancient game. Chesstronauts is led by five sophomores from Montclair Kimberley Academy who've developed a shared passion for chess. With collective playing experience of 27 years, the Chesstronauts are here to guide you towards the endless possibilities of your own skills.



Family Balance Workshop: A Leap Into Science Endeavor (Ages 3-10)

Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m.

Auditorium

In a series of activity stations, families investigate the concept of balance together by balancing with their bodies, exploring balancing games and toys, and creating balanced structures. Leap into Science is a nationwide program from The Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, for children and families to learn together.



Paukwa Pakawa - “It came to and it happened”: Swahili Storytime (Ages 5-12)
Tuesday, March 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
3rd floor
No registration required

Montclair Public Library invites children and their adults to enjoy stories and tales in the Swahili language! "Paukwa Pakawa" is a Swahili phrase used to start tales which means "it came to and it happened.” Swahili is a Bantu language spoken by many people throughout East Africa. Children will have the rare opportunity to learn some words and phrases in the Swahili language and listen to tales in the language. Storyteller Sabina Wasonga-Gitau is a native Swahili speaker, she has taught Swahili to children in many countries, currently she teaches Swahili at an Explorers program in Montclair where she lives with her daughters and husband.


Cuentitos: Spanish and English Storytime (Ages 4-8)
Wednesday, March 6, 4-5 p.m.
3rd floor
No registration required
Enjoy a storytime session of children’s books in Spanish and English and acoustic guitar music in Spanish. Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers welcome! Disfrute de un sesión de cuentos en español y bilingües textos en Inglés y Español.



Homeschooling Open House (All ages)
Thursday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Auditorium
No registration required
Join the monthly gathering of families that homeschool and make new friends. Youth Services Librarian, Enola Romano, displays our collection of parenting books about homeschooling. Bring your favorite board game to share! For more information email Enola Romano at enola.romano@montclair.bccls.org.


Books and Bites: Advanced Reading Club (Grades 3-5)
“Serafina’s Promise” by Ann E. Burg
Monday, March 11, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
3rd floor
Cultivate a love of literature with the Books and Bites Reading Club! We will read and discuss a new book followed by a themed-craft and a tasty snack. Don’t miss out on the fun! Books are available to check out on your library card after February 25. Please advise of any food allergies.


Wonder Women: Stamping Thru History (Ages 6-11)

3rd floor

Tuesday, March 12, 4 p.m.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with an exhibit of commemorative stamps picturing women throughout history as presented by expert philatelist (stamp collector) Clarence M. McKnight. In addition to examples from his exhaustive collection, Mr. McKnight will present a PowerPoint talk that underscores the importance of and recounts the stories of the groundbreaking women featured in the historical stamps. Mr. McKnight has been collecting stamps since 1986.


Céad míle fáilte: St. Patrick’s Day Craft at 2 Locations (Ages 4 and up)
Friday, March 15, 4 p.m.

Main Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., 3rd floor
Bellevue Avenue Branch, 185 Bellevue Ave., Kids’ Place
No registration required
Céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes)! Enjoy side-splitting tales from Ireland and some hearty soda bread and butter. Kids will also make an easy Leprechaun take-home craft. While supplies last; please advise of any food allergies.



The Music, Bubble and Comedy Show: Born to Read with Turtle Dance Music (All ages)
Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m.
Auditorium
Enjoy a high-energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted also for children on the Autism spectrum. Each song is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn and have fun. Kids will dance, sing, and understand why libraries are so important for our future. Parents, teachers and caregivers are also welcome to join the fun.



Winter Craft: Make a Penguin (Ages 4 and up)

Monday, March 18, 4-5 p.m.
3rd floor

No registration required

Let’s celebrate penguins! We’ll make a craft, enjoy penguin books, and a short movie. Show off your best penguin walk and dance, and enjoy some penguin food (Goldfish crackers). While supplies last. Please advise of any food allergies.



Books and Bites: Beginner Reading Club (Grades 1-3)
“Ricky Ricotta’s Giant Robot” by Dav Pilkey
Monday, March 25, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
3rd floor
Cultivate a love of literature with the Books and Bites Reading Club! We will read and discuss a new book followed by a themed craft and a tasty snack. Don’t miss out on the fun! Books are available to check out on your library card after February 25. Please advise of any food allergies.



Game On: Wii and Board Games (Ages 4 - 18)
Friday, March 29, 2-5 p.m.
3rd floor
No registration required
Are ‘wii board’ yet? Come enjoy many games that are a lot of fun and offer a little bit of friendly competition. We will provide various Wii games (including but not limited to) Wii Sports Resort, Just Dance, and Super Smash Brothers Brawl. In addition, we will offer various board games such as Don’t Wake Daddy, Creationary, LIFE, Clue, Connect 4, Operation, Twister, Mancala, Chess, and Backgammon to those who prefer to play traditional board games. GAME ON! Children ages 11 and under must have an adult with them to participate.



Therapy Dog Visit: Meet Obi! (Ages 5 and up)

Saturday, March 30, 3 p.m.

Kids’ Place at Bellevue Avenue Branch Library, 185 Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair

Obi the golden retriever loves reading with kids and can solve math problems and bark out the correct answer. We'll discuss dog etiquette, the various kinds of service dogs, the different settings for pet therapy, and what makes Obi good for pet-therapy. Obi will also show of some of his skills (like "talking," "smiling," and "shaking hands!”)


Teen Events

TAB Meeting (Teen Advisory Board members, grades 6-12)
Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.*
3rd floor
Join us for our March Teen Advisory Board meeting! At this meeting we'll celebrate Women’s History Month, discuss spring events, plan for Pi Day (3.14), set up for the Human Library, and more. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) of the Montclair Public Library meets the first Wednesday of each month, October-May. TAB members receive community service hours for participating. Refreshments will be served; please advise of food allergies.

*Please note TAB meets the second Wednesday of the month rather than the first in March.



Pi Day (Ages 11 and up)
Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m.
3rd floor
No registration required
It’s time to celebrate all things irrational (if we’re talking numbers, that is)! This year, join us to make Pi Day themed treats, play some math games, and make 3.14 extra special. Please advise of food allergies.



Human Library (Ages 11 and up)
Tuesday, March 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
1st floor Young Adult Room

Registration recommended

Have you ever wished you could have a one-on-one conversation with someone about their life experience? Human Library gives you the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions by “checking out” everyday people (a.k.a. living books) who are ready and willing to share their unique perspectives and have short, open conversations. Stop by to see what this special event presented by the Montclair Public Library Teen Advisory Board is all about.





Teen Movie: Wonder Woman (Ages 11 and up)
Thursday, March 28, 3 p.m.
3rd floor
No registration required

After a pilot crash-lands on a remote island and tells of conflict and strife, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war. In the process, she comes into her full powers and learns her destiny. Rated PG-13. Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright; directed by Patty Jenkins.



The Montclair Public Library
50 South Fullerton Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
www.montclairlibrary.org
973-744-0500 ext. 2236