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Fall Programs for preschool through 8th grade
The Youth Services Department is cooperating with the Museum of Science and Industry in dedicating 2008-2009 as a year to focus on science. Science Chicago: Life's a Lab will take place in parks, laboratories, libraries, and museums, as well as on-line. Come participate in the exciting events we have planned and enjoy the city-wide events that celebrate and explore the wonders of science!
We are pleased to present the following programs for children aged six months to fourteen years, their parents, and other caregivers. These programs are intended to support the Library mission of providing information, both educational and recreational, in pursuit of life-long learning.
Registration
Preference is given to Oak Lawn residents and students. Residents of other communities will be placed on a waiting list until it can be determined whether they can be accommodated. Each child's library card must be presented at the time of registration. Programs will be presented in the Youth Services Department unless otherwise noted.
Advance registration is required. Registration must be made in person. Children must be the designated age by the first session. Children who have two unexcused absences may be dropped from a program to accommodate those on a waiting list.
Registration begins Saturday, August 30, in the Youth Services Department.
Storytimes: Books Change Lives
Storytimes are presented on a regular basis to introduce children to literature through picture books, storytelling, fingerplays, songs, poetry, puppetry, and flannel boards. Youth Services Librarians plan these sessions to provide a social environment that will encourage participation in group activities, well disciplined behavior, and respect for others. Children may be registered for only one storytime program per series.
Baby Business
This program offers a first-time group experience in the library for babies aged 6 to 23 months and their caregivers. Stories, fingerplays, songs, rhymes, and puppetry introduce rhythm and language to the young child. Interaction with their caregiver and with children of the same age is an important aspect of the program.
One adult must accompany each child. Other arrangements should be made for older and younger children. The child must be six months old, but not yet two, by the first session. Enrollment is limited to 10 adult/child teams.
Early Fall
Registration begins Saturday, August 30 and continues thru September 15 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays September 16 to October 14 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Fridays September 19 to October 17 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Late Fall
Registration begins Saturday, October 18 and continues thru November 3 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays November 4 to December 2 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Fridays November 7 to December 5 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Time
This program offers a group experience in the library for toddlers and their adult caregivers as well as children up to 3 ½ years old who are not ready to attend Preschool Storytime by themselves. Stories in books, songs, games, fingerplays, flannel boards, and puppets introduce literature to the young child through interaction with the adult and other children of the same age.
Each series lasts five weeks. One adult must accompany each child, and other arrangements should be made for older or younger children. The child must be two years old and no older than 3 ½ by the first session. There is a limit of 12 adult/child teams per series.
Early Fall
Registration begins Saturday, August 30 and continues thru September 15 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays September 16 to October 14 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Fridays September 19 to October 17 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Late Fall
Registration begins Saturday, October 18 and continues thru November 3 or until full. One series listed below may be selected.
Tuesdays November 4 to December 2 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Fridays November 7 to December 5 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime
These storytimes are designed for children who are ready for a social activity on their own for a short period of time. By the age of three, the child is usually able to sit quietly and listen to a brief story and to engage in simple group activities with other children. These sessions will introduce children to new stories and activities, which may be reinforced at home through books, puzzles, recordings, and kits checked out of the library.
Children aged three to five, not yet enrolled in kindergarten, may be registered for these series, which will meet every week for a total of five sessions. Children must be three years old by the first session.
Early Fall
Registration begins Saturday, August 30 and continues thru September 15 or until full. Each series is limited to 25 children. One series listed below may be selected.
Mondays September 15 to October 13 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays September 16 to October 14 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Late Fall
Registration begins Saturday, October 18 and continues thru November 3 or until full. Each series is limited to 25 children. One series listed below may be selected.
Mondays November 3 to December 1 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays November 4 to December 2 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
After School Story Time
Storytelling, read-alouds, songs, and games are included in this series for students in kindergarten through second grade. Children in this age group are most receptive to literary experiences as this is their peak learning period in reading readiness. With so many other activities in a child's life, story time at the library offers an "oasis" of quiet enrichment that may continue for a lifetime. Five sessions meeting every week will be conducted.
Early Fall
Registration begins Saturday, August 30 and continues thru September 15 or until full. Enrollment is limited to 30 children.
Wednesdays September 17 to October 15 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Late Fall
Registration begins Saturday, October 18 and continues thru November 3 or until full. Enrollment is limited to 30 children.
Wednesdays November 5 to December 3 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Saturday Drop-In Storytimes
The Youth Services Department offers this program for busy, on-the-go families. On the first Saturday of each month, one of the Youth Services Librarians will offer a half-hour program of stories, songs, action rhymes and more for children aged 3 to 8. No registration is required for this program -- just come to the Youth Services Program Room and join the fun! Parents are welcome to join their children for this storytime. Parents who do not attend the storytime are reminded to stay in the library.
Saturday October 4 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday November 1 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday December 6 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Monthly Drop-In Crafts
A new science-related drop-in craft will be available each month. Each craft will be available for the entire month:
September: Heart Card
October: Car Shapes Craft
November: Egyptian Bracelet
December: Snowflake Craft
Monthly Contest
Enter our monthly science contest and you may be eligible to win a prize! A new contest will be offered each month. Kids in preschool through grade 8 are eligible to enter. See the Youth Services Desk for further information.
September: Technology: Past & Present Quiz
October: How many vehicles?
November: Hieroglyphics Quiz
December: How much snow?
Child ID Program
The Oak Lawn Police Department will be in the Youth Services department to create Child ID cards for parents and their children. The identification cards include the child’s thumb print, photo of the child, and space for personal information about the child, which should be updated regularly. These cards help authorities locate children in the event of an emergency. Pre-registration is not required for this program.
Saturday September 13 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Halloween Party
Saturday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. OR 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Kids ages 2 to 7 and a caregiver are invited to join us for a fun, not scary Halloween party. Participants will enjoy crafts, games, and yummy treats. Come dressed-up in your scariest (funniest, cutest…) Halloween costume. Choose one of the above times to attend. Registration is NOT required for this program.
Read to Rover
Children ages 7 and older can practice reading aloud to a furry, nonjudgmental audience. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on three Saturdays this fall; children sign up for each month separately. Time will be made available for special needs children. Dogs are provided by Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy of Chicago. Registration is required for this program.
Saturday September 13 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday October 11 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday November 8 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Homeschool Group
Do you currently homeschool your children? Would you like to get to know other homeschool families in the area? The Homeschool Group may be just what you’re looking for! The Homeschool Group meets at the library on the second Thursday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is NOT required. All ages are welcome.
September 11 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
October 9 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
November 13 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
December 11 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Mother and Daughter Book Club
Girls in grade 3 to 5 and their moms, grandmas, aunts, etc. are invited to join our Mother & Daughter Book Club to explore great stories, join in lively discussion, and enjoy the experience of getting to know one another better. Each session will include related discussion activities and snacks. The sessions will be held the second Saturday of each month. Registration is required for this program and is limited to 15 pairs. Registration begins one month before each session starting September 13.
October 18 11:00 a.m. to noon
November 15 11:00 a.m. to noon
December 13 11:00 a.m. to noon
Guys Read
All guys read, but they don’t always get to choose what they want. The Guys Read team meets monthly after school to find the reading options they really want. Participants will share their favorites (and their not-so-favorites), challenge each other in games and activities, and spoil their dinner with a snack. Registration is limited to 30 guys.
Tuesday September 23 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 28 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 25 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Yu-Gi-Oh
The name means “King of Games.” Students in grades 3 and up who have their own Yu-Gi-Oh cards and would like to play with others are invited to a monthly game program. Participants will bring their cards and play among themselves, with staff on hand to supervise. Pre-registration is not required for this program.
Thursday September 11 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday October 9 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday November 13 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Science Club
Students in grades 3 to 5 are invited to join us as we explore interesting and fun aspects of science. Each month, a different science will be highlighted. Register for each month separately. Each program is limited to 30 participants.
Tuesday September 16 Technology 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 21 Things That Go 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 18 The Great Fossil Hunt 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 16 Weather 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Chess Club
Come to the library and play chess with others! Instructions will be provided. Beginners as well as experienced players are welcome. Bring your own chess set and clock if you have one. This program is for children in third to 10th grade. Registration is required and is limited to 36 participants.
Wednesdays September 17 to October 15 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays November 5 to December 3 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Family Game Night
Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun on Wednesday, November 5 from 6:30 to 8! Parents and children are invited to bring their own board games or play one of ours. Our librarians will also host some active games, trivia challenges, Dance Dance Revolution, and more! Registration is NOT required for this program.
Wednesday December 5 6:30 to 8:00 p.m
Movies at the Library
Join us for fun family films during fall school holidays. All movies will be held in our lower level meeting rooms from 2 to 4 p.m. No registration is required.
Monday, October 13 Monster House
A group of kids discover that a neighborhood house isn’t just haunted – it’s a monster! Rated PG.
Tuesday, November 4 The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, decides to bring the magic of Christmas back to Halloween Town. Rated PG.
Tuesday, November 11 Batman (1966)
Biff! Bam! Pow! Join Batman and Robin as they face off against four of the most fearsome villains ever – the Joker, the Riddler, The Penguin, and Catwoman! Rated PG.
Friday, November 28 Disney’s the Rescuers
Two brave mice try to rescue a young kidnapped orphan from the hilariously evil Madam Medusa, who is obsessed with getting her hands on the world’s largest diamond! Rated G.
Family Reading Night
The Illinois State Library has declared Thursday, November 20 as Family Reading Night 2008. The theme for the 2008 Family Reading Night is Go for the Gold: Reading Together is a Winner! This is the state’s seventeenth annual official Family Reading Night. The Youth Services department encourages families to spend time reading together, whether at home or at the library, on this special evening.
Weekend Special Programs
Laser Arts Productions Sunday, September 14, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
All Ages. Holography Artist Jim MacShane will put on an educational demonstration showing the relationship between art and Science through the use of lasers in light sculpture, light shows, and holography. No registration is required.
Model Train Day Saturday, October 11, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All Ages. All aboard! The Youth Services Department of the Oak Lawn Public Library is hosting a Model Railroad Showcase. Members of the Midwest Division of the Train Collector’s Association will display hands-on train layouts for all to see and operate. There also will be kid-friendly trains for children to operate. Drop in anytime and chat with participating railroad enthusiasts. A special additional feature: The club will provide a Tune-Up Lube & Clean Corner for patrons with Lionel trains during the showcase. No registration is required.
Family Drumming Program Sunday, November 23, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All Ages. Man has been beating on drums from as far back as history records. It has been part of the tribal ceremonial gatherings and informative show presented by master drummer Michael J. Taylor and his ensemble of djembe students. History of the West African drum, a slice of ethnic languages and crowd participation will be on the menu. For a primer of what is to come, visit www.holygoat.com. Bring along your drum if you have one! No registration is required.
Mike Offutt's Ultimate Science Show, Sunday, December 7, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kindergarten and Up. Award winning science teacher Mike Offutt will present a highly interactive science demonstration designed to introduce young minds to the fun of science exploration. Concepts of weather, chemistry, and general science will be highlighted. It may seem like a magic show, but "It's NOT magic, it's science!" No registration is required.
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9427 South Raymond Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: 708-422-4990
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