Summer Reading Sign Ups

Sign-ups for Stratford Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program begin on Thursday, June 1 for all ages.  This year’s theme is Find Your Voice! 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 “Purple Party” in September. Readers through age 12 can sign up for the Summer Reading program. Children who read books each month will receive prizes. Read 8 books to be eligible for a summer reading party with Mayor Hoydick and the Stratford Library. Sign-ups begin on the Library website and in person beginning June 1. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org.

Book Scientists Summer Fun

Have some Summer Fun with our Book Scientists kit for ages 3-12 at the Stratford Library. Kits include books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. When you are done, return the Library books by their due date and keep everything else! To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. Pickups for this kit begins on Friday, June 9. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165.

 “Bear Hunt” Beardsley Zoo Scavenger Hunt at the Stratford Library

As part of a celebration of the Beardsley Zoo’s new Andean Bear habitat, the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Bear Hunt on Saturday, June 17 from 10am-3:30pm to search for hidden scratch off cards in the Children’s Department’s many bear books. Children through age 12 are welcome to join the hunt. One scratch off card per family please. Prizes vary. Program courtesy of the Beardsley Zoo. More details can be found at Be Bear Aware https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/bear-aware.html .

Juneteenth Drop-in Craft

Join the Stratford Library on Monday, June 19 from 10:30 am-6:30pm for a drop-in craft in celebration of Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday. Participants can create a kente-cloth inspired paper weaving. Learn about this cloth’s unique origins and symbols and design your own using paper and markers. All ages welcome to meet in the Children’s Department this craft. Drop in anytime while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Counting Animals Grab & Go Kits

Learn how to count from 1-10 with the Stratford Library Children’s Department’s grab & go kits on counting animals for children ages 2-6. Numbers are listed in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. All other materials in the kit are in English. Registration is required - pick-ups begin on Monday, June 19. There are different kits each week – be sure to register separately for each one. 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 starting Tuesday, June 20 through August 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 craft, while supplies last. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Music Time

Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30am for some fun with music. Children ages 2-5 are welcome to participate. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Sew a 9-Patch Pillow

Learn sewing basics with the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Tuesday, June 20 at 4pm and make your own 9-patch pillow! No experience necessary, and all materials are provided. Children ages 7-12 are welcome to join. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

DJ Austin Dailey

Join the Stratford Library Children’s Department for our annual summer reading program kick-off with DJ Austin Dailey on Wednesday June 21 at 2pm in the Library Lovell Room. All children ages 6-12 are welcome. This event is also part of national “Make Music Day.” Registration recommendedat stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org. See link for photos: ABOUT | redsupreme2

STEP into Emergency Preparedness

The Stratford Library will be hosting an emergency preparedness talk given by the Stratford-Trumbull-Monroe Medical Reserve Corps on June 22 at 10:30 am in the Children’s Department. Participants will receive their own first-aid kit to help in starting their own emergency preparedness kits. The program is for ages 8-12. Registration is requiredat stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Pen pal Club at the Stratford Library

Write & receive letters from children in another Connecticut town. Participants ages 7-12 will be paired up with children from another Library’s Pen Pal program & can exchange letters via the Library’s “mailbox” at the Stratford Library. The Pen Pals program will meet Thursday, June 22 at 4pm in the Children’s Department and every two weeks thereafter. The Library will try to accommodate children who wish to write their letters in Spanish. Registration required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Book Scientists Dancing

Learn about dance with our Book Scientists kit for ages 3-12 at the Stratford Library. Kits include books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. When you are done, return the Library books by their due date and keep everything else!  To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. Pickups for this kit begins on Friday, June 23. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Treehouse Science

The Stratford Library Children’s Department is offering science activities on Friday, June 23 at 2:30 pm at the new Treehouse STEAM table. Join us for some summer science fun. Different activities each session including Magnatiles, Board Games, and more. All children ages 8-12 are welcome. To register, or for more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Preschool Activity Stations

The Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering preschool activity stations on Saturday, June 24 from 10am-12pm for children ages 2-4. Activities will include felt stations, sensory bins, coloring pages, and others. Registration is recommended, but drop-ins are welcome as space allows. 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 www.stratfordlibrary.org/kid

Learn to Crochet

The Stratford Library Children’s Department is offering beginner’s crochet lessons on Saturday, June 24 at 2:30pm. Everyone ages 9 and up is welcome, and supplies are provided. Registration required on the Library’s website at stratfordlibrary.org. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Summer Storytimes

The Stratford Library Children’s Department offers weekly storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Beginning Monday June 26, Toddler Time meets for ages 0-2. Beginning Tuesday June 27, Preschool Storytime starts for ages 3-5. Storytimes run through August 1. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! Storytimes meet outside weather permitting. Registration required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Paper Circuits

Want to know how electrical currents work? The Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering a workshop Monday June 26 at 4pm with hands on circuit activities. Learn the science behind this common household item. Courtesy of a grant from the Westport Library. Children ages 8-12 are welcome to join. 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.

Jelly Bean Tasting

The Stratford Library Children’s Department will be offering a Jelly Bean Tasting on Tuesday June 27 from 3pm-5pm. What will Stratford’s favorite flavor be? Try them all and vote on the best flavor! While supplies last. Results will be posted to social media. Children ages 4 and up are welcome to attend. Registration recommended at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

The Sound of (Nature’s) Music with Live Animal Appearance

On Wednesday, June 28 at 2:30pm the Stratford Library Children’s Department will host a discussion from the White Memorial Conservation Center on the sounds of Connecticut’s animals, featuring an appearance from a live barred owl courtesy of the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. This event will be held in the Lovell Room. All children ages 5-10 are welcome to attend. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Kindness Club

On Thursday, June 29, the Stratford Library Children’s Department will have a meeting of the Kindness Club at 4pm. This summer’s efforts will include projects with a community benefit including kindness rocks and others. Come spread some joy and community spirit this summer! Children ages 6-11 are welcome. Registration is required at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.