This Week @ NLPL

Here's what's happening this week at New Lenox Public Library!

Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years

Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Chess Club @ 4:00 p.m. for grades 1-8
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up

Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
Library closes at 5 p.m.

Thursday:
Closed for Thanksgiving!

Saturday:
Holiday Ornaments @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages (registration required)

Friday Fun: Meet the YS Staff

Wonder who it is that's helping with your reference question? Want to know more about the person leading your program? For the next few weeks, the New Lenox Kids! blog will be helping you get to know your YS staff.

This week, you get to meet Cathy, one of the Youth Services Reference Assistants.

Name: Cathy Hartney

How long have you been at New Lenox Public Library? I started just before the new Library opened in 2001.

What's your favorite thing about working in a library? I like to see the young children enjoying the pre-school area by the tree. They like the puzzles, blocks, computers, and the books, too!

Do you run any programs? Happy Books, Happy Cooks for children 3 and over. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

What is your favorite book? The gothic romance “Jane Eyre”. I’ve read it 3 or 4 times.

If you could be any character from any book, who would you want to be? Cinderella…after she marries the prince, of course.

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? I have two granddogs….my son’s poodles. They are a lot of fun.

Do you have any kids? Two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.

What is one random fact about you? When I am not working at the Library, I work at a school, in a class with 6 physically disabled children.

What is your favorite food? I’d probably have to say sausage pizza….or maybe dessert…or maybe glazed donuts…or….

If you didn't work in a library, what would you want to do? What could be better than this ... getting paid while watching the cutest kids come through the Library.

Have questions for Cathy or any of the other YS staff members? Feel free to ask, or just stop by the reference desks to say "hi!"

Thursday Treasure: Family Reading

Tonight the library is promoting family reading with a pajama party for the whole family! The program runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and pre-registration is required (spots are still open).

Even if you don't make it out for the program, spend a little time doing some family reading. Classic children's picture books like Where the Wild Things Are, Curious George or any of the Dr. Seuss books are charming, fun reads for the whole family to share. Plus, kids who are read to when they are younger are more likely to read for fun as they get older, too.

Wednesday Spotlight: World Explorers

Want to know more about different countries around the world? Curious about crafts and stories from other cultures?


Check out World Explorers, a program Miss Jen runs once a month. It's for kids in first grade and up.

The next World Explorers program will be December 9, and you can explore how Italy and other countries around the world celebrate the holidays with festive crafts, games & cookies. Registration starts November 25.

Good Reads Tuesday - The Great and Only Barnum

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming

New Lenox Library Call Number J B BAR

This week's selection is another of our nominees for Best Book of 2009, and one of only two non-fiction (true stories) that made the list. Some folks have the idea that non-fiction is dry and boring, and only check out biographies when they have book reports to do. To them I say this: The Great and Only Barnum proves that sometimes the truth is way more interesting than anything made up.

Most people know P.T. Barnum as the circus guy, half of the Barnum & Bailey of "Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus" fame. But the showman didn't even get into the circus world until the latter part of his life. As a young man, he started the American Museum in New York City and became known for the strange oddities he showcased there. His life wasn't all elephants and mermaids, though, and the author talks about Barnum's misfortunes, too.

This is a great read, with lots of pictures, and is perfect for anyone looking for a fascinating story.

-Miss Alissa

Family Reading Night!

Grab your pajamas and head to the library for a inc-read-ible night! This Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M., the library is hosting Family Reading Night. We'll have books, crafts and even a surprise to take home! You get to wear your jammies and visit lots of reading stations for a fun night the whole family can enjoy!

Registration is required for the event, so call today to sign up!

Homework Help Mondays - Free Tutoring!

This year, New Lenox Public Library and Joliet Junior College are working together to host tutoring for kids.

JJC students working for America Reads and America Counts are available to tutor students in grades K-3 in reading and K-5 in math.

The program is free, and the tutor meets with students one-on-one once a week. Spaces are limited, and you must sign up.

For more information, or to register for this free tutoring, stop by the library or call 815.485.2605.