Summer Reading Sign Ups: Sign-ups for the Stratford Library’s Summer Reading program continue throughout July for all ages.  This year’s theme is Read, Renew, Repeat! Pre-readers up to age 8 can sign up for the Read to Me Program. Complete activities each month for a prize. Participants will also receive an invitation to a party on Thursday, September 12. Readers through age 12 can sign up for the Summer Reading program. Children who read receive monthly prizes. Read 8 books to be eligible for a summer reading party with Mayor Hoydick and the Stratford Library on Wednesday, August 7. Signup on the Library website or in person. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org.

Summer Storytimes: The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers summer storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Music Time meets weekly for ages 0-2.  Tuesdays are Preschool Storytimes for ages 3-5 (July 2 is a special outdoor concert at 11 am, weather permitting). And, on Thursdays, June 27, July 18, and August 1, Baby Lapsit meets for ages 0-18 months. Storytimes run through July. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! Storytimes meet in the Children’s Program Room or outside as listed. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Children’s Craft Table: The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers weekly summer crafts with teen volunteers in the Library throughout July (Closed July 4). The craft table will be open Monday-Thursday, 10am-12pm and 2pm-6:30 pm as well as Fridays from 10am-12pm, volunteer availability permitting. Each week will feature a different, free craft, while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Young Reader’s Book Club: Rescue at Lake Wild: The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a young reader’s book club kit for grades 2-5. This month’s book will be Rescue At Lake Wild. Pickups for the book kit will begin on Monday, July 1 and the discussion will take place on July 25 at 6pm. Registration is required. . To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Oreo Tasting: Join the Children’s Dept. outside in the Courtyard for this fun, food competition for all ages on Monday, July 1 at 4pm. Decide which Oreos are the tastiest in this silly competition, where kids get to be the judges. Results will be posted on our social media platforms. Vote while supplies last. Please note that some items may contain food allergens. No registration required. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Summer Jamboree Family Concert
Join singer Liz McNicholl for a family friendly concert on Tuesday, July 2 at 11am for children of all ages. Children will get to hear and play a variety of instruments, and singing and dancing along is encouraged. Concert will take place outside, weather permitting. The program is courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Swiftie Saturday
Join us for all things Taylor Swift on Saturday, July 6 from 10am-4pm. Participants will be able to make friendship bracelets and Perler bead creations, enjoy a viewing of The Eras Tour Movie (Taylor’s Version, rated PG-13) and a scavenger hunt, snacks, photo booth, and in honor of Taylor’s love of cats, make your own cat toy for your family pet or to donate to the Stratford Cat Project. There will also be a costume competition. All ages are welcome to participate. Registration is not required – to be notified about the schedule, sign up at stratfordlibrary.org / Events page. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165.

Kids Podcasting Club
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Podcasting Club for children ages 7-13 and a parent/guardian. This club will have meet on Monday, July 8 and 22 at 2:30pm. Librarians and uCreate volunteers will help children record stories, book recommendations, insights and more! To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Harmonica Lessons
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will be offering Harmonica Lessons with Stratford Resident Mr. Walter on Tuesday, July 9, 16, and 23 at 2pm for children ages 8-12. Participants who attend all three sessions will be able to keep their harmonica at the end of the last class. Registration is required as space is limited. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Seed Library Grab’n’Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Seed grab ‘n’ go for pick up on Wednesday, July 10 (Wheatgrass seeds). Receive both seeds and instructions on how to plant. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids

Triple Threat Performance Workshops: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is partnering with the New Paradigm Theatre Co. (NPT) on a Triple Threat Performance Workshop for children entering grades 1-6 to explore singing, dancing, and acting on Thursday, July 11 or Friday, July 12 at 11am. Children can attend either workshop, as both dates will offer the same workshop. Workshop will be held outside in the Library’s courtyard weather permitting, in case of rain it will move indoors to the Lovell Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids. The NPT will present “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: The Musical” featuring professional and local actors, at Stratford High School on August 9-11 (tickets available at www.nptheatre.org).

Ramps And Rollers
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Ramps and Rollers program for children ages 7-12 on Thursday, July 11 at 4pm. Use recycled materials and duct tape along with your science knowledge to build a marble shoot! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Book Scientists
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children ages 3-12.  Each kit includes books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. This month the themes will be Community (July 12) and National Parks (July 26). Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Stomp Rockets
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Stomp Rockets program for children ages 6-10 on Wednesday, July 17 at 2pm. Decorate your own rocket with the materials provided and take turns watching everyone’s rockets fly! The program will be held outside in the Library’s courtyard weather permitting. For inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for the autumn. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Kindness Club
On Thursday, July 18 at 4 pm, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will have a meeting of the Kindness Club. This summer’s efforts will include projects with a community benefit. Come spread some joy and community spirit this summer! Children ages 6-11 are welcome. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover & Picnic
The Stratford Library is inviting your teddy bear to find out what happens at the Library after dark! Children ages 2-9 can drop off their stuffed furry pals on Tuesday, July 23 from 4:30-6:30pm and pick them up on Wednesday, July 24 at 11:00am for our Teddy Bear Picnic outside in the courtyard. Weather permitting. Families will also receive a link to a video showing all the fun the stuffed animals had at the Library! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Bird Feeder Building Craft
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Bird Feeder Building Craft on Wednesday, July 24 at 2pm for children ages 8 and up with an adult.  Join Stratford resident and professional upcycler Miss Vanessa who will show how to build and decorate your very own bird feeder. Each family will work on one feeder together using wood glue, a hammer, wood, and a screwdriver while learning how to use tools safely and some beginner wood project skills. Class includes 2 types of bird seed. Program is courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Each family only needs to register once. Program will take place in the Lovell Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Christmas In July
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Christmas in July party on Thursday, July 25 at 3:30pm for children ages 6-12. Come celebrate the holidays early with some festive yule tide activities including cookie decorating, a holiday story, and other Christmas fun! Holiday attire is welcome! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

LEGO Club
The Stratford Library will offer LEGO Club on Saturday, July 27 at 11:00 am for ages 5-12. Children will be provided LEGOS to make their own creations, and each family only needs to register once. LEGO club will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.

Summer Art
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a summer art program on Tuesday, July 30 at 4pm for ages 7-12. Join us for some fine art fun. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Candy Olympics
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer our own version of this Summer’s Olympic Games in celebration. Join us on Wednesday, July 31 at 4pm for some Olympic fun! All the challenges/activities will involve candy. Choose what country you will represent and bring your team a win! Children ages 8-12 are welcome to participate. Please note that the program includes food allergens. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.