Story Time Music Favorites: "We Are the Dinosaurs" by Laurie Berkner

This song gets the little ones rocking and rolling. "We Are the Dinosaurs" definitely tops my story time participants list of favorite action songs. Once you hear this song, you won't be able to get the infectious beat out of your head.

Congratulations to Our Color Your World Spring Coloring Contest Winners

Everyone did such an egg-cellent job decorating their egg coloring pages. After much review of the incredible artwork we chose a winner from each age group. The winners are: 

Preschool (3-4 year-olds) 

Ariana 

1st-2nd Grade

C.C.

We would like to thank all the participants for creating their beautiful pictures which added  delightful spring cheer to the library. Everyone did such a great job!

Daddy and Me Story time Sunday, May 22 at 3 pm in the Activity Room

What does a Sunday afternoon, books, and songs have in common? They all equal a splendid story time spent with your one and only dad (or grandpa or uncle) at the library! 


The books being read will be centered on our love for dear old dad, the craft will be totally daddy, and the songs and dances will have our dads dancing all day long. Dads rule! 


This program is open to children from 2 yrs. to 7 yrs. 


*Registration is required. Please call the youth services reference desk at 630-368-7734 to sign-up for our 3 pm story time program. 

Kid-Friendly Websites

Are you looking for information for your upcoming school report about penguins or need to know more about Paul Revere to get ready for your school play? Why not check out a list great of websites chosen by the ALA (American Library Association).

Tips for parents: Websites are categorized by grade level so it's a perfect way to make sure the site is developmentally appropriate for your child.

Doing research just got a little easier. Just click on the following link.

Great Websites for Kids

Budding Bookworms Wanted!: Lapsit Story time (1-2 Year Olds) Topic: Rain

"Spring Into Reading" with a bright and interactive song and dance-filled story time. Welcome to Budding Bookworms Lapsit Story time (Mondays at 10 am), where story time and play time are combined. We'll shake our wiggles out, sing, tell flannel board stories, read a book or two and have loads of fun. We use items such as egg shakers, streamers or bubbles to bring our story time to life. Bring your doll or teddy bear along so they can enjoy this story time.

Here's a sneak peek at our Rainy Day Scottie Craft and a great movement activity that will teach children about thunderstorms and storm safety. 

A Dark and Cloudy Day Movement Activity 


Things You Need 
A Piece of aluminum foil folded in half (when tapped or shaken sounds just like rain falling on a tin roof)
Hand Fan or electric fan (to create wind)
Toy Drum (thunder sound) * children could also stomp feet*
Small spray bottle filled with water (a spritz of water mimics rain) 
Flashlight (Turn on and off to imitate lightning) *Children can clap hands for lightning clap*


Directions
Follow the actions (highlighted in green) for a thunderous time!


 A Dark and Cloudy Day 

The dark clouds rolled in

and the wind whooshed and blew (use hand fan or electric fan)

I heard a rumble from above ( beat toy drum or stomp feet)

and a clap of lightning too (clap hands)

The sky became bright (turn flashlight on and off)      

from the lightning strike 

and the rain dripped 

dropped from the sky (spray a fine mist of water from a spray bottle) 

so inside I ran to keep (children can run in place) 

safe and dry! 

by Jennifer Hatcher 

Keeping Nice and Dry 

Sing, Sing a Song! Open Mike Night

Oak Brook's definitely got talent! We sang, recited poetry, and had a great time. Some of the talent included  lovely performances of Amazing Grace and Hound Dog, a fantastic poem written by Langston Hughes, and a lion picture drawn by a very talented young artist.The following are some of the attendees of the show! Everybody take a bow you certainly deserve a big round of applause for sharing your exceptional talents with us. 

April 20th Story time Topic: Bunnies

Hop to it!  Join us on April 20th at 4:30 pm when the Reading Robins Preschool Story time topic is bunnies! We'll be reading bunny books, singing hoppy songs, and have a hopping good time. Get up and hop on over to this awesome story time. 

Here's a sneak peek at our Four-Carrot Bunny craft and a song that will have you hopping and bopping the whole day through!

Bunny Pooka (Tune:"Hokey Pokey")

You put your bunny paw in. 

You take your bunny paw out. 

You put your bunny paw in 

And you shake it all about. 

You do the Bunny Pooka

And you hop around a lot 

That's what it's all about!

Continue with other items to put in and take out such as: bunny foot, bunny nose, bunny ear and bunny tail. 

by Jean Warren

I Love Carrots!

Going Retro: Old School Reading Rainbow Theme Song

Okay everybody, I'm going old school. Does anyone remember the Reading Rainbow theme song? I became hooked on books because of this show and I'd like to share the old theme song with you. It will certainly get you in the mood to check out a great book at the library. Reading Rocks!

Flickr in the Night: Oak Brook Library Photos Now on Flickr

We are proud to announce that you can now view pictures of many of our recent special events on our Flickr photostream. Just click the following link to view the pics we have already uploaded. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakbrooklibrary/

Budding Bookworms Wanted!: Lapsit Story time (1-2 Year Olds) Topic: Bunnies

"Spring Into Reading" with a bright and interactive song and dance-filled story time. Welcome to Budding Bookworms Lapsit Story time (Mondays at 10 am), where story time and play time are combined. We'll shake our wiggles out, sing, tell flannel board stories, read a book or two and have loads of fun. We use items such as egg shakers, streamers or bubbles to bring our story time to life. Bring your doll or teddy bear along so they can enjoy this story time.

This week's story time topic is bunnies. We will bring the story time alive by reading one or two of these books: Tickle Tum by Nancy Van Laan, Raymond Rabbit's Early Morning by Lynne Dennis and Ollie's Easter Eggs by Oliver Dunrea. 

Here's a sneak peek at our Funny Bunny craft and a hip-hoppity good song!

See the Little Rabbit  

See the little rabbit

go, hop, hop, hop. 

See her ears go 

flop, flop, flop. 

See her eyes go 

blink, blink, blink. 

See her nose goes

twink, twink, twink. 

See her white coat, 

so soft and furry. 

see her run-away

in a hurry! 

by Jean Warren 

I'm somebunny!

*Registration is required so that all children may receive a craft. Please register by calling the youth services reference desk at 630-368-7734.

Create Your Own Storytime: April 13th Frogs Story time

Couldn't come to story time today? No need to worry. You can create the experience at home using the story time we did today.

Books 

By the Cool of the Pool by Tony Mitton 

Frog in the Bog by Karma Wilson 

Song

The Frog Lives in the Pond  
(Tune:"The Farmer in the Dell")

The frog lives in the pond

Her tongue is oh, so long. 

It reaches high to catch a fly. 

The frog lives in the pond. 

Song

Green Frog 

(Tune: "She'll be comin' round the Mountain")

Oh a green frog sat upon a lily pad

Oh a green frog sat upon a lily pad

He went croaky, croaky, croaky, 

and he sounded okey-dokey

Oh a green frog sat upon a lily pad. 

Song


Little Froggy
(Tune: "I'm A Little Teapot")


See the little foggy 

Swimming in the pool 

The water's great-

It's nice and cool 

when he gets all cleaned up 

Out he'll hop 

Squeaky clean

From bottom to top. 

See the little froggy 

On the lily pad
Trying to catch flies.

She's getting sad.

When she catches one, 

She'll gobble it up

Back in the water

 She'll go kerplop!

Breaking News: Book Displays Ripped From the Headlines: Batter up! It's Time for Pure Baseball Madness

We've decided to create a book display focusing on current world news events. The event we are currently highlighting is Chicago's love of baseball. Baseball is in full swing from the minor leagues to the never ending Sox and Cubbies rivalry. This display will change frequently, so check back soon to see the next event that will be showcased.

'Twas the Night Before the Friends Library Book Sale and Silent Auction (Begins April 14th)

'Twas the Night Before the Friends Library Book Sale and Silent Auction


(Based on the Clement Clarke Moore poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas)


'Twas the night before the Friends Library Book Sale and Silent Auction
not a page was stirring not even in Library Mouse (a very good picture book by Daniel Kirk available in Youth Services)
all the books were lined up on the tables with care
in hopes that happy browsers would soon be there


The prospective browsers were all nestled snug in their beds
While visions of biographies and mysteries danced in their heads
And Mama in her pajamas and Dad in his robe
Had just settled down for an evening's doze


The next morning the shoppers awoke
with glee they drank their coffee and ate their toast
They excitedly waited for the sale to begin
in hopes of grabbing that dog-eared copy of
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn


They dashed to their cars at a quarter to twelve
with such glee in their eyes picturing that book written by Rosemary Wells
that would soon line their own bookshelves


In they rushed with excitement they could not contain
for the wide variety of books was purely insane
Romances, fantasy, cookbooks, and chick lit, too
From Sophie Kinsella to Robin Cook
This sale was quite worth the look


The buyers hurried home to peruse their literary fare
and reminisce about all the wonderful books they had seen at the library sale


By Jennifer Hatcher

Here is a small sampling of the amazing books, cd's, audio books, and video cassettes that are available for purchase (Check the link below for for more details)

For more information about the library book sale and auction please see the following link:
 http://www.oak-brook.lib.il.us/aboutlibrary/silentauction.shtml

Jennifer's Top Ten Reasons to Love Oak Brook Public Library

1. Your library card is like a passport to the world. You can travel to Singapore in a fast-paced thriller, check out the latest Julia Roberts film, browse the Chicago Tribune or marvel at Manet's paintings through the pages of a book. 
2. Free quality programming for all ages that is educational, entertaining, and informative. Little ones will be inspired to enter the magical world of reading in our lap-sit, preschool and school-age story times and craft programs. Computer classes and musical performances will educate and beguile adult audiences. 
3. Oak Brook Patrons can enjoy a staycation by checking out a Macy's Museum Pass. Multiple museums, parks and other recreational places such as the Morton Arboretum and the Brookfield Zoo are providing offers to help families enjoy their beautiful locations. Offers include free parking to free admission. 
4. Have you read all of the Harry Potter series and wonder if there are any other novels like it? You can either ask a helpful librarian to assist you or you can pick up one of our handy bibliographies. Bibliographies are lists of books pertaining to a specific age level (ex. 1st grade girls) or book genre (ex. mystery) which librarians believe patrons would enjoy.
5. Do you have a paper on George Washington due tomorrow morning and the library's closed? No need to worry, check out our databases. From Morningstar to Novelist, our databases will have you covered. Public access to computers and free Wi-fi. Just plug in your laptop and you're ready to get the ball rolling. You can even print from your laptop to one of our printers, ask a librarian for more details. 
6. Does your company or group need a place to hold their annual or monthly meeting? The Friends Meeting Room can be rented for a variety of social and business events. 
7. Are you cramming for a big exam? Enjoy peace and quiet within one of our study rooms. 
8. Did all that cramming bring on an attack of the munchies? Grab a bite to eat at one of our vending machines located in the lobby. 
9. You will be mesmerized by the beauty and serenity of the library bathed in natural daylight. Patrons can relax and take a breather from their hectic lifestyles and enjoy the simple pleasures of reading. 

We "Heart" Oak Brook Public Library!

April 13th Story time Topic: Frogs

Ribbit, Ribbit!  Join us on April 13th at 4:30 pm when the Reading Robins Preschool Story time topic is frogs! We'll be listening to froggy stories, singing fabulous songs and enjoying another ribbit-ing story time. No ifs, ands, or croaks about it. 

Here's a sneak peek at our Sir Frog-a-lot craft and a fabulously froggy tune!

Little Froggy  (Tune: "I'm a Little Teapot")

See the little froggy 

Swimming in the pool 

The water's great-

It's nice and cool 

when he gets all cleaned up 

Out he'll hop

Squeaky clean 

From bottom to top. 

See the little froggy 

On the lily pad

Trying to catch flies

She's getting sad. 

When she catches one. 

She'll gobble it up 

Back to the water 

She'll go kerplop!

Sir Frog-A-Lot 

*Registration is required so that all children may receive a craft. Please call the library at 630-368-7700 to register. 

Beautiful Music Drifts Through the Library: A Special Thanks to Pianist Tony Ingrisano

The library would like to thank pianist Tony Ingrisano for providing the beautiful music for "Music on Monday." This was one of the many special events we are holding in celebration of National Library Week. Mr. Ingrisano's talent was enjoyed by both the library patrons and employees. Bravo! Bravo!