East Hartford, CT - Looking for fun family activities for the upcoming winter break? Look no further!

We have a fun lineup planned for all ages, with programs offered in person at the Raymond Library (840 Main St.) as well as virtually, where noted. Library programs are free and open to residents of all towns. See individual program listings for registration information.

Read to the Dogs

Tuesday, December 27, 11:00 AM - noon

Come read to the library’s furry friends! Members of the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs group will be here with their dogs. Reading aloud to a dog can improve fluency, confidence, and comfort around dogs. Children and teens can sign up to read to a dog for 15 minutes. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library! Registration is required: click on the time that suits you best. Best suited for children ages 5 and up who are reading independently.

Family Program: LEGO Play Day

Tuesday, December 27, 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Use your imagination to build and create with LEGOs! Pick a design challenge card out of the bowl or make a creation of your own choosing. Completed LEGO masterpieces will stay on display at the library for the rest of the week. Program is for all ages. Duplo blocks will be available for our youngest builders. Register for a reminder.

Pokemon Party

Wednesday, December 28, 10:00 AM – noon

Do you wish you were Ash Ketchum? Come play the Pokemon Trading Card game with friends, new and old! Do you play on the switch? Bring yours to play with other trainers! There will be Pokemon crafts and other activities, too! Best suited for ages 5 and older. Registration required.

For Children: Make a Yeti Finger Puppet

Wednesday, December 28, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Have you seen Abominable or Smallfoot? Want a yeti friend of your own? Come and make a Yeti finger puppet with us. All ages. Drop in, no registration required.

For Children: Make Your Own Travel Board Game

Thursday, December 29, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us to learn how to recycle old DVD cases into board games you can close up and take with you wherever you go. Best suited for grades 3 – 8. Please register.

Pajama Storytime

Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:15 PM

December 29, January 19, February 9

Join us at Wickham Library for a special evening storytime! You’re invited to wear your pajamas and bring a cozy blanket and stuffed animal friend. We’ll enjoy bedtime stories, songs, and rhymes! Program is best suited for children ages 8 and under and their caregivers. Older siblings welcome. Please register (click on each date). 

Family Program: Noon Year’s Eve Party

Friday, December 30, 11:00 AM – noon

Get ready to ring the new year with family friendly activities! Make hats, noise makers, and more and then we’ll count down to 2023 at noon. Best suited for families with children ages 3 – 12. Registration required. Please register children individually.

Makerspace Open Hours

Mondays, 12 – 5; Tuesdays, 9 – 12; Wednesdays, 9 – 12; Thursdays, 10 – 2; Fridays, 9 – 1

Curious about our Makerspace? Join us for Open Hours. Makerspace staff will be hand to demonstrate our Makerspace technologies, including 3D printers, a Carvey desktop CNC machine, a Silhouette cameo and more! For all ages, register for a reminder on our events calendar or just drop in.

For complete information about library programs and services, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call us during library open hours: 860.290.4330