In the cold weather, the library is great place to get out of the house and enjoy a number of different activities for kids and adults.
Public libraries in the area have plenty of programs scheduled for the New Year. Among them:
MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY, NORWOOD
Sign-up for Winter Storytimes
Sign-up for the Weekly Winter Storytimes at the Morrill Memorial Library begins on Monday, Dec. 29. Weekly storytimes include the 3 Year Olds Storytime on Wednesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and the 4 & 5 Year Olds Storytime on Thursdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Lapsits, storytimes for children under 3 years old and their caretakers, will take place on Fridays from 10:30 to 11 a.m., and again from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The Lapsits are identical, but the earlier Lapsit requires registration while the later program is drop-in.
In addition, The Scrabble Club meets every Tuesday night. Any child who is old enough to play Scrabble may join. Please sign-up at the Children's Desk of the Library, or call 781-769-0200 x225.
Comic magician Robb Preskins will present his special blend of humor and magic at the Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood. The show will take place over school vacation on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m., and is suitable for children in kindergarten and older.
Please register at the Children's Desk of the Public Library, or call 781-769-0200 x225.
Join librarians Beth Goldman and Margot Sullivan at the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood for a variety of book reviews on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. and repeated again at 7:30 p.m.
This is a popular winter event where Beth and Margot review 8 to10 books from fiction, mystery, non-fiction, biography, history, maybe a cookbook or picture book, and whatever might be of interest.
The session is informative and entertaining and always there are times of laughter. At the closing suggestions of books to read are welcomed from the audience.
Coffee and refreshments are served at this free program. No registration is necessary. If weather is inclement please call the library at 781-769-0200 to see if the program will take place.
Take a computer class at the library
The Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood offers the following hour-long classes held Tuesdays at 2 p.m.: Basic computer class, basic Internet class, library catalog class.
The basic computer class is for beginners with no prior computer experience. This class includes identifying the parts of a computer and learning how to use the mouse. It is a prerequisite for taking the basic Internet class.
The basic Internet class covers accessing websites, using search engines and navigating the library’s homepage. Students must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
The library catalog class covers searching the online catalog for items in the library, requesting items from other libraries within the Minuteman Library Network, and renewing items yourself.
The Dedham Public Library is currently accepting donations for the Dedham Food Pantry. These donations may also be used to waive fines. The library will be accepting donations through Jan. 2.
There will be a very basic class on the use of the library computers given on Monday, Jan. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Main Library.
If you have never used the computers but have wanted to, this is the class for you. Please make sure you bring your library card and you will be registered, shown how to reserve a computer, access the Internet, and to print. Following the class, there will be time for general computer questions and answers.
The Dedham Public Library has six active book groups who meet throughout the year on various days during the week, visit http://library.dedham-ma.gov/bookgroups for more information.
“Music, Movement and Me,” with Sara Epstein is an interactive class for parents and their children, filled with singing, dancing and playing instruments together. It’s offered on Jan. 6 and 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Caregivers and children learn the basics of pitch and rhythm while exploring a range of musical styles. Program is appropriate for ages 4 and under; limit 20. Registration is required for each class and limited to Walpole residents. Due to the enormous popularity of this program, patrons may sign up for only one of the two sessions and only for their own children.
Dale Freeman, musical entertainer
Fresh off a summer tour of England and Ireland, Dale Freeman returns to the Walpole Public Library for more musical fun on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m.
Freeman has been performing professionally for almost 30 years and has released two CDs for children. His original music will have children singing, dancing and generally enjoying themselves. This program is free, and open to all ages. To find out more about Dale Freeman and his program, visit www.dalefreeman.com.
Lucy is a specially trained Reading Education Assistant Dog who loves to share stories. She likes it when children read to her, and she likes to read stories to children. Lucy is a registered Therapy Dog with Massachusetts Pet Partners. Lucy works daily at Newman Elementary School in Needham.
Lucy is visiting Walpole on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program is suitable for ages 4 and up. Open to all, but to help determine numbers, please sign-up in advance when possible.
This program is for elementary- and middle school-aged children and parents. Steven Caney is the author of best-selling building and inventing books for children. He will discuss how he comes up with ideas for his books, and how older kids can become inspired to invent. Books will be available for purchasing and signing. Please register in person or by calling 781-320-1042. Caney is visiting on Jan. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Islington Branch Book Share
Students in grades 4 and 5 are invited to bring a favorite book to share and leave with a list of great recommendations. Sign up required; please call or stop by the Islington Branch Library 781-326-5914.
