Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Decorate a Library Card During Library Card Sign-Up Month

Calling all little artists!

Starting September 1st, children can decorate their very own library cards in honor of Library Card Sign-up Month. We will proudly display their cards throughout the Youth Services department or on a very special "library card tree". Children can ask a Youth Services Assistant for a card and they can decorate it with assorted craft supplies such as crayons, markers or foam shapes. Not only are children beautifying our department, but helping us promote the use of library cards  to increase childhood literacy. So come on down and Deck the Library with Lots of Library Cards!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Get Ready For Library Card Sign-Up Month!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! All Oak Brook residents can come in and sign-up for the most essential card they will ever own: a library card.*

(*Please call the Circulation Desk for more details at 630-368-7700.)

By using your library card you can gain immeasurable amounts of knowledge, gain insight into a wide array of topics, and enter a world filled with the beauty of the written word. The tomes, DVDs, and Cd's which fill the shelves breathe life into subjects ranging from art to professional baseball.

Remember: Every time you use your library card you have access to more information than can be found on any website or blog.

In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month, I thought I'd share a poem which captures the essence of the value of a library card to its owner.


The Library Card


I tilt my head back
And look up and up,
Dizzying wonderful
Rows upon rows of
Reds, browns, and blues.


I wander in and out
The mazes of shelves.
Rattling and ruffling
Pages can’t muffle
The whisper of voices


Adventure, nature,
Biography or poetry,
How can I choose?
Pick me! I have colorful
Maps and photography.


A tower of pages
Held betwixt my hands,
That will whisk me to Alaska,
Or take me down the trail
Of Indians and pioneers.


My ticket to other
Times and worlds
Is presented with pride
And hope to return
To explore new lands again.


Yvonne Blake

Saturday, August 27, 2011

See Our Newest Fall Brochure: "Fall In Love With Reading"!

Special Programs


The Big Chill
Sunday, September 18th 2:00 PM 
Friends Meeting Room
Join Dr. Arthur Friedman of Eureka Discoveries for a foray into the world of the really cold. Watch in amazement as ordinary materials acquire extraordinary properties at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. Ages 5 and up.


Monster-Making with Dino Crisanti Be Your Own Frankenstein!
Sunday, October 2nd 2:00 PM 
Friends Meeting Room
Dino Crisanti will demonstrate how he creates masks, creatures and monsters, big and small. Learn how to build your own monster from the ground up. Dino not only teaches "Stop Motion Animation" at Columbia College but also sculpts and designs toys. Ages 5 and up.


Fire Safety with Sparky the Fire Dog
Saturday, October 8th 2 PM 
Friends Meeting Room
Stop, drop and roll with OBFD Fire Inspector Bob Robertson and his pal Sparky! The The children will learn fire safety, be able to ask questions, and climb on the fire truck.


Hallopalooza Halloween Party
For Children Ages 2-6 Years 
Wednesday, October 19th 4-5 PM
Friends Meeting Room 
You're invited to a Hallopalooza Halloween Party for children ages 2-6 years. This hour-long party will be so spook-tacular it will drive you batty! We'll play fun and easy games like Frankenstein Says, dance like monsters, read Halloween-themed books, eat a yummy snack, and create a boo-tiful Halloween windsock that will be frightfully cool. If you come dressed in your Halloween costume, you can participate in our Hallopalooza Costume Contest! Winners will receive prizes that can't be beat!


Activity Schedule
Story times run from September 12th to October 22nd


Pumpkin Patch Parade for Toddlers on Mondays at 10 am.
Your little pumpkins will enjoy this animated story time which features super songs, fantastic fingerplays, marvelous movement activities, bountiful books, a simple craft and non-stop fun! Starts 9/12.


Candy Apple Corner for Preschoolers on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm.
You'll be the apple of your child's eye when you sign them up for this whimsical story time that contains spectacular songs, brilliant books, delightful dances and a cool craft. Starts 9/14.


Leaf It to Books for Kindergartners, 1st, and 2nd graders on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm.
It's time to turn over a new leaf with this creative and interactive story time that is filled with snappy stories and a terrific art project. Starts 9/13.


Autumn Artists for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders on Saturdays at 11 am.
You'll fall in love with the awesome art projects that you will make in this hands-on craft program. Starts 9/17.


Teen Scene


The Cram Crew 6:00-8:30 PM
The Activity Room is open Monday through Thursday nights in September through October for teens grade 6 and up to gather to complete homework and socialize with peers. When a break is needed from studying, the library offers an assortment of games to play. as always a librarian is available to assist you with reference questions.


Teen Read Week  October 16-22
The theme this year is "Picture It @ Your Library" and we are busy planning a week full of fun activities for our young adults. Check back with us in early fall for the entire Schedule.


Digital Camera Operation and Composition October 17@ 7 pm.
Jeff Franklin will instruct and answer questions. Bring your camera along with its manual to the program.


Stop by the Youth Services Reference Desk or Call us at 630-368-7734 for more information.


Website: www.oak-brook.lib.il.us
Twitter @ Oakbrooklibrary
Facebook: Oak Brook Public Library


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Preschool and Kindergarten First Day Jitters: Preschool and Kindergarten Books about Going to School

The wails and the tantrums of young children about getting ready to go to school are enough to drive any parent to the brink of insanity, but don't pull your hair out just yet. There are many resources available at your local library to help soothe your child's fears about his or her new chapter in their life. I've also included some useful tips to help ease the separation anxiety that often accompanies this new experience.

  • Understand that children's tantrums are a way for them to cope with the anxiety of going to school. Oftentimes young children have trouble expressing themselves so they will hit, yell, bite, and scream in order to get their point across. Preschoolers in particular may revert back to earlier developmental stages such as displaying extremely clingy behavior and sucking their thumb as a calming defense mechanism to this extraordinarily stressful new situation.
  • Talk to your children about your first day of school experiences so they can know what they can expect. Knowing that their parents have gone through the same situation will make the transition a little easier.
  • If possible, visit the preschool, kindergarten, or day care center your child will be attending before the first day of school. Have your child speak to the teachers and see if the school will allow you and your child to sit and observe some of the lessons. This simple action will make children less uneasy and will help better acclimate them to their new environment.
  • Create a daily school routine a few days before the start of school. Have your child wake up at the time he or she will be expected to get ready for school, continue with the morning routine such as brushing teeth, taking a bath, eating breakfast etc. You can then drive to the school so that your child can become familiar with the route you will take when you drive him or her to school. Point out familiar  landmarks such as the grocery store or library.
  • Read as many starting school books as possible to your child. See the list below for some suggestions.


Daycare


My Day, Your Day by Robin Ballard (JE Ballard)
Children have a busy day at day care while their parents are at work.



Preschool



Ready, Set, Preschool! by Anna Jane Hays (JE Hays)
A collection of simple stories, poems and picture games to prepare children for preschool and an educational guide for parents.

Preschool Parent Resources



The Preschool Years Family Strategies That Work- From Experts and Parents by Ellen Galinsky and Judy David (372.21 Gal)



Practical Wisdom for Parents: Demystifying the Preschool Years by Nancy Schulman (649.1 Shu)
Includes such topics as choosing an early childhood program, what is a preschool?, orienting yourself and your child, separations: easing the way, the social lives of children, understanding your child's development, what to look for and when to interview, and day to day family life.

Audiovisual Media

Preschool Power! (J DVD 372.21)
Teaches children many valuable skills including: pouring, cleaning up skills, putting on clothes, proper hand-washing, and making a snack.



Kindergarten

My Little friend Goes to School by Evelyn M. Finnegan (JE Finnegan)
In this the third of the My Little Friend series, text and pictures combine to take the child through the first day of school.



A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper (JE Harper)
Wondering why their friend Tommy has not come to the barn at his usual time, the animals become alarmed when the dog tells them that he has gone to a place called "kindergarten."





When You Go to Kindergarten by James Howe (372.21 How)
Text and photographs explain what it is like to go to kindergarten.



Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston (JE Johnston)
A young boy lists all the things he will have to take with him on his first day in kindergarten



Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten by Jutta Langreuter (JE Langreuter)
Little Bear likes the teacher, other children, and activities on his first day at kindergarten, but he does not want his mother to leave.



Hello School! A Classroom Full of Poems by Dee Lillegard (JE Lillegard)



Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee (JE McGhee)
Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler can not tie her shoes by herself  and fears the worst.



19 Girls and Me by Darcy Pattison (JE Pattison)
John Hercules is worried about being the only boy in his kindergarten class, but after the first week he stops worrying.



The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (JE Penn)
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.



Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis (JE Portis)
Annalina's diary entries reflect her feelings and experiences as she goes from being afraid to go to kindergarten to loving it during her first month of school.



Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell (JE Rockwell)
A boy visits the classroom where he will attend kindergarten the following fall and finds out what is in store for him.



I Love School! by Philemon Sturges (JE Sturges)
A brother and sister describe the things they love to do during their day at kindergarten.



Tiptoe Into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers (JE Rogers)
A young preschooler accompanies her big brother to kindergarten and discovers a fun atmosphere, full of blocks and books, paints, and puzzles.



Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Schwartz (JE Schwartz)
Although some of the things her older sister taught her at home seem a little unusual at school, other lessons help make Annabelle's first day in kindergarten a success.



Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten by Audrey Vernick (JE Vernick)
Although kindergarten provides unique challenges for a young buffalo, one who follows the rules and tries his best will get along fine.



Tom Goes to Kindergarten by Margaret Wild (JE Wild)
When Tom, a young panda, goes to his very first day of kindergarten, his whole family stays and plays and wishes they could be in kindergarten too.

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (JE Wing)
Charming kindergarten story based on the poem "Twas' the Night Before Christmas".

Instructional Aids For Parents of Kindergartners (Lessons and helpful hints for improving children's skills at home)



Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten by Linda Desimowich and Stacey Kannenberg (J 372.2 Des)



Kindergarten- It Isn't What It used to Be: Getting Your Child Ready for the Positive Experience of Education by Susan K. Golant, M.A. and Mitch Golant, PH.D. (372.21 Gol)



Kindergarten Success: Helping Children Excel Right from the Start by Jill Frankel Hauser (J 372.21 Han)



What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know: Preparing Your Child For a Lifetime of Learning Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. and John Holdren (372.19 Hir)
Book includes information on subjects such as history and geography, music, mathematics, and language and literature.



Get Ready for Kindergarten by Scholastic (J 372.21 Get)

Audiovisual Media

Getting Ready for Kindergarten (J DVD 372.21 Get)
Jill and Joey are excited about kindergarten! This video teaches kids essential skills through fun songs, animated characters and real children. Topics include cleaning my room, tying my shoes, and getting dressed.

(Summary Source: SirsiDynix Symphony Workflows)








Monday, August 15, 2011

August 15: Sit Back and Relax! It's Relaxation Day!




August 15th is Relaxation Day! This would be the perfect day to visit a museum or enjoy the great outdoors  by checking out a Macy's Museum Adventure Pass. 

Did you know that you can check out free Macy's Museum Adventure Passes to popular museums around the Chicagoland area at the library?

These passes allow Oak Brook Library cardholders free admission, parking, or other great deals on many local area attractions including the Brookfield Zoo, KidsWorks Children's Museum, Cantigny Park and the Morton Arboretum. One pass is available per patron and they can be used up to a week after the date they are printed.


Stop by the Youth Services or Adult Reference desks to check out these gems or call the library at 630-368-7700 for more information.


Here is a complete list of all the fantastic museums you could visit with a Macy's Museum Adventure Pass:


Air Classics Museum of Air and Space Buy one, get one; limit 2 free per visit.


Arlington Heights Museum


Bronzeville Children's Museum
Buy one, get one free; limit 2 free per visit.


Brookfield Zoo
Admits 2 people per per.


Cantigny Park
Admits 1 car per pass.


The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
Buy one, get one free; limit 2 free per visit.


Cuneo Museum and Gardens


Elgin History Museum


Graue Mill and Museum


Hellenic Museum


KidsWork Children's Museum
Buy one, get one free: limit 2 free per visit.


Lake County Discovery Museum
Admits 2 people per pass.


Mitchell Museum of the American Indian


Morton Arboretum
Admits 2 people per pass.


Oriental Institute Museum


St. Charles Heritage Museum
No entry fee. 15% off at gift shop.


(Source: Museum Adventure Pass: Presented By Macy's Brochure)

(Image source: Macy's Museum Adventure Pass Website)

A Cat Like That by Wendy Wahman





I am currently in the process of revamping this blog. I am placing all my book reviews by date within the "Book Reviews" section of this site.

Please see the August 15, 2011 A Cat Like That  post under the tab "Book Reviews".

Thank you for visiting the Oak Brook Public Library Blog!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Ultra Cool Crafts that are Ultra Fun!: Photos from Our Craft Program Beat the Heat with a Cool Craft!

Check out these adorable photos taken during today's Beat the Heat with a Cool Craft drop-in craft program. Just look at some of the fantastic crafts that change daily ranging from tissue paper leaves to a woodsy owl mask.


Take a gander at the masterpieces our participants designed below! Stop in tomorrow between the hours of 10 am to 2 pm for more outstanding art projects.






















Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Stop on By and "Beat the Heat with a Cool Craft" on August 8th, 9th, 10th, and 12th from 10 am to 2 pm!

It's hot outside, why not beat the heat by making a cool craft? Join us for a do-it-yourself drop-in craft program in the Program Room. We will have tables set up with tons of great crafts for you to design during August, 8th, 9th, 10th and 12th from 10 am to 2 pm. *This program is open to children of all ages*

Some of the crafts include dazzling crown and marvelous shields that you can make your own using die cut paper shapes and other notions.

Chill out and have fun making these super cool crafts and then check out the latest movies and books which will make your day extra sweet!

Contact the Youth Services Reference Desk at 630-368-7734 or stop on by for more details!

Tweak Tweak by Eve Bunting


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I am currently in the process of revamping this blog. I am placing all my book reviews by date within the "Book Reviews" section of this site.

Please see the August 3, 2011 Tweak Tweak post under the tab "Book Reviews". 


Thank you for visiting the Oak Brook Public Library Blog!