May Library Programs in Montclair

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May programs at the Montclair Public Library has something special for everyone.

All children and teen programs are free. Registration begins on April 29 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.

Registration begins on April 29 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, May 6, 20, 11 a.m.

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

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, May 14, 21, 28, 11 a.m.

3rd floor

2-year-olds and the adults in their lives 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, May 8, 15, 22, 10:30 a.m. or 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 3-6)

Thursdays, May 9, 16, 23, 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

Homeschooling Open House (All ages)

Thursday, May 2, 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.

Family Movie: Brave (Ages 6-12)

Friday, May 3, 4 p.m.

3rd floor

Princess Merida uses her bravery and archery skills to battle a curse and restore peace to the Scottish Highlands after she makes a wish that puts her entire kingdom in jeopardy. Starring the voices of Kelly MacDonald, Emma Thompson and Billy Connolly. Rated PG.

Bicycle Repair 101: Mr. G’s Creative Workshop (Ages 5-18)

Saturday, May 4, 2-5 p.m.

3rd floor

No registration required

Learn bicycle repair with a shop teacher. We'll cover crucial skills like fixing flat tires, gear adjustments and brake replacement. Bring your own bicycle or learn from teacher examples. The first three bicycles will be used as a repair demonstration. Find more information about Mr. G via Instagram @MrGsworkshop. This program is for children and teens in attendance with their own bicycles (one bike per participant). Advanced registration is not required but there will be a sign-up sheet. Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Cuentitos: Spanish and English Storytime (Ages 4-8)

Wednesday, May 8, 4 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.

Chesstronauts (Ages 8-14)

Fridays, May 10, 24, 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.

Books and Bites: Advanced Reading Club (Grades 3-5)

“Toys Go Out” by Emily Jenkins

Monday, May 13, 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 April 29. Please advise of any food allergies.

Yosi’s Beach Party: Family Concert (Ages 3-10)

Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

Auditorium

Enjoy Yosi’s fun-filled interactive and humorous beach party for kids and their adults! Drop those jackets and get in the swim with Yosi’s beach party! Do the limbo, swim and spell at the B-E-A-C-H, sail away on a ship, and marvel at all the wonderful sea creatures as we join them at sea! Children’s musician Yosi performs his hit songs for families throughout the northeast.

Books and Bites: Beginner Reading Club (Grades 1-3)

“The Enormous Crocodile” by Roald Dahl

Monday, May 20, 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 April 29. Please advise of any food allergies.

Mancala for Kids and Teens (Ages 8-18)

Friday, May 24, 2-5 p.m.

3rd floor

No registration required

Mancala is a catch-all name for variations of ancient two-player bead or stone counting games originating in Africa. We’ll upcycle empty egg cartons and play a version of the game using beans. This low-stakes contest is easy to learn, fun to play and always ends with good cheer and laughter no matter if you win or lose. Youth services staff and teen volunteers look forward to teaching and sharing this game with you.

Game On: Wii and Board Games (Ages 4-18)

Friday, May 31, 3-5 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.https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/4H66ajE4t_AUNoF8AqyQ9huOC68fOUVK70XC5lRtbHtEX6I2WboM5ZwqRx4U3nDxB6QRwvBMjAIgn7Y_f023sjp1dV-YFXd5aAB3H_DikJA6SxqjiyZbuYOHzgfDGpKUatwUPvu_

Teen Events

TAB Meeting (Teen Advisory Board members, grades 6-12)

Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.

3rd floor

Join us for our May Teen Advisory Board meeting! At this meeting we'll have our TAB elections for next year, discuss our end of the year event, and talk about summer volunteer opportunities and programs. 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.

May the Sith: Teen Star Wars Event (Ages 11 and up)

Monday, May 6 at 5 p.m.

Outdoor Plaza

Celebrate everyone’s favorite force-filled holiday (a couple days late!) We’ll have lightsaber crafts and activities, a food craft, and more. Refreshments will be served; please advise of food allergies.

Teen Girls Conversation Group (ages 11 and up)

Wednesday, May 8, 22, 4-6 p.m.

1st floor conference room

No registration required

An afternoon of casual conversation with the friendly faces of library staff who are excited to talk and listen to you. This light meet-and-greet is all about you bringing your style and personality to the table to share with others. Be free with girls like you in a judgement-free zone. Refreshments will be served; please advise of food allergies.

Passport to Flavor: Southern Flavors

Wednesday, May 29 at 4:30 p.m.

3rd floor

Registration required

This month, your culinary passport will take you not to another country, but a different region in our own! We’ll be making some southern favorites including sweet tea, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and more. Join us to experience these delicious bites. Refreshments will be served; please advise of food allergies.

TAB End of Year Event (TAB-only event; will be advertised to TAB but not in public flyer)

Friday, May 17 at 4 p.m.

TAB members will gather to celebrate the end of our year. We’ll have games, ice cream, and fun!

The Montclair Public Library

50 South Fullerton Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

www.montclairlibrary.org

973-744-0500 ext. 2236

About the Montclair Public Library: Founded in 1893, the Montclair Free Public Library serves the 37,669 citizens of Montclair New Jersey it has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and the Bellevue Avenue Branch Library at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Library exists to enhance the quality of life in Montclair by providing an environment which supports and stimulates self education, lifelong learning and information literacy.