Youngsters gather to play in the children’s library after-school on a rainy afternoon
Clare McFarland, NWPL Children’s Librarian, together with our our whole team of librarians, are hard at work responding to the needs of the children who visit the library each afternoon when school lets out. This September Clare is launching more activities and programs to engage school-aged youth in the after-school hours. Students begin to arrive at the library every day at about 3:00 PM. Our librarians know that they cannot stand in for parents, but they work very hard to see that each child is greeted and welcomed when they arrive at the library. Clare and her team learn each child’s name and talk to them about their day.
Clare McFarland, Children’s Librarian
This fall the library is launching a new kids knitting club and a new children’s book club. The first meeting of the book club will take place on September 27th from 3-4 and there will be pizza for the hungry after-schoolers! This is banned books month, so the book Clare chose is “Ban This Book.” All children are welcome to join the book club. Knicole’s Knitters will meet for the first time on October 5th at 3:00 PM. This knitting club welcomes children aged 10 and up. On Wednesdays Clare will provide a movie for children to watch.
We are thrilled to continue to expand our community partnerships with local organizations. Every Tuesday kids gather for “Crafternoons” with Geraldine Fowler from the North Chapel. On Tuesday, October 9th the NWPL and the Woodstock History Center will offer a joint program celebrating “Made by Hand”, the work of author Carole Lexa Schaefer. Ms. Schaefer will provide a story time at the NWPL at 3:00 PM followed by a “Made by Hand” craft session for kids at 3:30 PM. This is not to be missed! On October 10 at 3:00 PM the library is pleased to welcome our friends from Artistree who will celebrate the “Global Day of Clay.” All are welcome at these hands-on activities. No registration is needed. No fee is ever charged.
Many children arrive at the library ready for free time after being in the structure of the classroom setting during the school day. Activities that appeal to them in the hours between 3 – 5 Pm tend to be play, conversations with peers, movies, games, quiet reading, craft-making and socializing. Clare and the librarians recognize that our duty is to meet youth where they are and respond to their need for unstructured, yet meaningful time before dinner, homework and family chores. We are actively recruiting more volunteers to offer a rich variety of after-school offerings at the library. Would you like to lead a chess club? An art club? Lego? Programmers club? Contact clare@normanwilliams.org to find out how you can become more involved in helping the youth of our region thrive.
Executive Director Merk enjoying time with kids in the children’s library
