@ Your Library 5.19.23
by Beverly Ewart
“I went looking for my dreams outside of myself and discovered, it’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.”
Anne Shirley (from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)
Sometimes a world comes to you through a book – a word-world that only exists between the covers of that book, one that transforms you and one that you will revisit time and time again. From then on, you will bring that metamorphosed self into every encounter in the un-bound world.
As soon as I opened L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables as a very young person rummaging for treasure in my grandparent’s attic, this transformation was my experience. Anne became a wise friend who accompanied me through life, giving counsel and perspective as I made my way through the world. How rich we are to have these kinds of encounters right at our fingertips! Right on our bookshelves! Right at our local library!
Do you remember where and when you first encountered your literary mentors/coaches/guides? Anne is one of several for me – who are yours?
Please visit the bookshelves at CFL to revisit old friends and meet some new ones.
This week Canton voters approved the library proposition on the school tax ballot! THANK YOU! Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that library services and programs at CFL will continue to enrich our community.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
Programming at the Canton Free Library (CFL) plays an important role in providing literary opportunities for St. Lawrence County children and their families. All events are free, though some require registration.
Summer Library Program registration now open! See the calendar here https://cantonfreelibrary.org/summer-reading-program/ or pick up a paper copy in the children’s room. Register kids 18 months-12 years by June 23rd by emailing vwhite@ncls.org, calling 315-386-3712 ext 4, or in person in the Children’s Room at the Library.
Battle of the Books News:
Our winning team, The Flaming Phoenixes, is off to a regional competition in Gouverneur on May 20th (TOMORROW!) to face winning teams from other North Country Library System libraries.
Call 315-386-3712 x4 or email vwhite@ncls.org for more information.
Ongoing Programs:
0-17 months: Baby Storytime is for our youngest library babies and a caregiver and meets from 10:00-10:45 each Tuesday morning. We’ll share books, bounce rhymes, songs, finger plays, and close with social/play time. No registration.
18-35 months: Toddler Storytime for children and caregivers meets on Monday mornings from 10:30-11:00. We’ll read stories, make music, do flannel board tales, finger plays, and movement activities. No registration necessary during the school year.
3-5 years: Preschool Storytime is offered each week on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15 am, and is intended for children and caregivers. This 45-minute program involves stories, songs, movement, and art activities. No registration during the school year.
Grades K-2: Our program for elementary age children is called Books and Beyond. Each third Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm, we’ll explore a theme with books, activities, games, and art. Registration for each month is required by the Monday before.
Grades 3-6: Tween Time offers a mix of cool crafts and art exploration, games, STEAM, and booktalks of popular and classic literature, and meets each fourth Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month required by the Monday before.
Lego Club: For Kindergarten-6th grade. Meets the last Monday of the month from 3:30-4:30pm and a different challenge or theme will be given each meeting. Creations will be displayed in the Children’s Room until the next meeting. Legos will be supplied; please don’t bring any from home. Space is limited and the program fills fast! Registration required by the Friday before, but don’t wait that long!
Young Writers Group: A theme or seed of an idea is given, and kids brainstorm, write, and maybe even illustrate their creative stories. They may then share their work with the group if they wish. Ages 8-12 years. Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 3:30-4:50 pm. No registration needed.
Teens: Anime Club for grades 8-12 . Gather together on Thursdays from 5-7pm to share your interest in anime with friends. No registration is necessary. Contact Zach Woodley-White for more information. zwoodleywhite@ncls.org
Outreach: Each month during the school year, Ms. Val visits schools and daycare centers to read to children and share songs, fingerplays, and movement. In the spring, all local first and second grades are invited to take a class trip to hear stories and tour the library.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Track the books listened to by children from birth to the beginning of Kindergarten, and move up for every hundred books read on the Celebration Board in the Children’s Room . You can get a folder from Ms. Val to track on paper forms, or do it on the app.
Special Youth Programs:
Battle of the Books: This program for grades 4-6 involves children forming teams, reading a list of 16 books over 8 months and then competing against other local teams in an exciting quiz game about the books. The top team from the CFL goes on to compete in a regional competition.
Summer Library Program (SLP): This is a month-long celebration of reading fun during July for ages birth-12 years. Specific age-group programs happen weekly, and we offer family programs with performers such as magicians, clowns, storytellers or musicians, as well as Books at the Beach and the annual Pet Show! Registration is required for most programs and the SLP is advertised beginning in April of each year.
Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Canton Free Library and the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
Questions? Need to register for a program?
Contact Youth Services Specialist
Valerie White (Ms. Val)
(315) 386-3712 ext 4
vwhite@ncls.org
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEWS:
Book Sale: The Friends will host their used book sale on Farmers Market Fridays, from 10:00AM-12:30PM. Donations of used books/DVDs can be brought to the circulation desk of the library Monday-Saturday during open hours.
About the Friends: The Friends of the Canton Free Library are a volunteer group committed to active support and enrichment of library services on behalf of everyone in the Canton community and beyond. A registered 501c3, the Friends of the Canton Free Library are always seeking new members. For more information email canlib@ncls.org.
Curbside Service: If you are short on time, consider curbside service! Give us a call at 315-386-3712 (choose option 1 “Front Desk”) or send an email to canlib@ncls.org, and we will pack up your books, check them out, and hand them to you from the front door of CFL. If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood to read, we can even choose some titles for you!
MORLEY BRANCH is open on Tuesday 1pm-3pm; Wednesday 4pm-6pm; Thursday 10am-12pm. There is a computer available for your use, but it’s a good idea to call first to check on availability. Call for more details: 315-379-0066.
RENSSELAER FALLS BRANCH is open Tuesdays from 11am – 5pm. Children under age 10 must be with an adult. Call the library (315-344-4155) for additional information.
A great way to find out what’s happening at our Morley and Rensselaer Falls Branches is to check out their Facebook pages:
Morley: https://www.facebook.com/MorleyBranchLibrary
Rensselaer Falls: https://www.facebook.com/RensselaerFallsLibrary
Canton Free Library’s Hours: 9am-6pm Monday – Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday. For more CFL news, stay tuned on Facebook, Instagram, or our website. Find new additions to our collection on our website: cantonfreelibrary.org. To renew your current checkouts, login to catalog.ncls.org; you may also renew via email at canlib@ncls.org, or by calling (315) 386-3712 (choose option 1, “Front Desk,” on the menu).
Encounter new worlds and wise friends @ your library!
