MASSACHUSSETS
At your library: After-school fun is about to start
The first day of school is an exciting time for children of all ages. In the Youth Services Department of the Brooks Free Library, September rarely brings a dull moment as we switch gears from summer programming to homework help and after-school programs.
This fall is no different, and we are looking forward to welcoming the many students who come to the library after school. We welcome both children accompanied by parents, and students on their own, as middle schoolers take the first steps towards independence. Parents are reminded that children in grades 4 and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times while they are at the library.
Middle school students – those in grades 5 and above – may come to the library without a parent. However, such students are not in our custodial care. Ask your principal which bus your tween or teen should board, and on which days, to be dropped off at the library.
In September, students are trying hard to make a good impression on their new teachers, and may want or need to type an assignment. If you don’t own a computer, or have several children fighting over who gets to use the one you have, you should know that the Brooks Free Library has five computers dedicated to homework use in the youth section. While children are allowed to play games on these computers – and many do! – a student who needs to complete an assignment on the computer always takes precedence. Students in grade 8 and below must have a signed permission slip from their parents to access the Internet.
The library also offers several options to help with homework assignments. All of the middle school textbooks are available for library use in case your student forgets his or her book in school.
As well as facts and education, the library is also a resource for after-school programs for a wide range of students. Our popular Dance Dance Revolution/Wii program for students in grades 6 and above will resume on Sept. 21, and will run every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Our Mother/Daughter Book Club, intended for girls in grades 5 and up, will continue to meet the second Thursday of each month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Younger children also have a wide variety of programs to choose from. Children in the elementary school can come enjoy our afterschool program on Wednesdays. Starting on Sept. 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. children can play with our thousands of Legos, or entertain themselves with the Nintendo Wii. Our popular chess club will also be reforming starting on Sept. 23. All ages are welcome to come and play chess from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
And for those children who are still too young to attend school, never fear! Storytimes will continue to be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. The first Wednesday of each month features a special Story and Craft at 11:15 a.m. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, Lisa Canto will be doing a Creative Movement class, also at 11:15 a.m. On the third Wednesday of September, Diane Lando will hold a Movin’ and Groovin’ program, also at 11:15 a.m.
Ann Carpenter
6 September 2010
