Children

Hola La: Pepa at the Family Table

Dates: Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 5:00 - 5:45pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
More information: Hola La Website
Grades K-2 with parent or caregiver

Hola La continues with its 2012-13 theme, "La mesa familiar/The Family Table". This fall, Pepa and her friend Kiko (el coqui!) enjoyed breakfast in Pepa's new home. This winter and spring, the children will join them for "almuerzo" (lunch) and "cena" (dinner), learning mealtime/table vocabulary and about foods both familiar and native to Puerto Rico. As always, children will also learn additional concepts and basics, interwoven throughout each class, such as weather, colors and numbers, presented in an age-appropriate manner. Through humor, puppets, games, music and stories, Hola La strives to bring the Spanish language to life for children.

Hola La: Pepa at the Family Table

Dates: Thursdays, April 11, 18, 25; May 2
Time: 5:00 - 5:45pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
More information: Hola La Website
Ages 2.5 - 5 with parent or caregiver

Hola La continues with its 2012-13 theme, "La mesa familiar/The Family Table". This fall, Pepa and her friend Kiko (el coqui!) enjoyed breakfast in Pepa's new home. This winter and spring, the children will join them for "almuerzo" (lunch) and "cena" (dinner), learning mealtime/table vocabulary and about foods both familiar and native to Puerto Rico. As always, children will also learn additional concepts and basics, interwoven throughout each class, such as weather, colors and numbers, presented in an age-appropriate manner. Through humor, puppets, games, music and stories, Hola La strives to bring the Spanish language to life for children.

Drumming Workshop

Dates: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 4:30 - 5:15pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Grades K-2

Learn about West African and Native American drumming circles while performing authentic songs from both traditions using some hand-made instruments from both cultures. Drumming songs from based on American Folk music will be included. In addition to drums, participants will also use several other percussion instruments for many songs.

Get Creative with the Tang Museum

Date: Tuesdays, April 9, 23, 30
Time: 4:30 - 5:30pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Grades K-3

Join educators from the Tang Museum to get creative. This three week workshop series will feature a different project each week.

Wilton Wildlife

Date: Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 4:30 - 5:15pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Grades K-2

Join educators from the Wilton Wildlife Preserve for a 4-week series of fun afterschool nature-related activities.

Story Time Science

Date: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 4:30 - 5:15pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Time
Grades K-2

A story and hands-on science activity each week with Library Staff. For children in grades K-2.

Tail Waggin' Tutor

Date: Wednesdays and Saturdays, March 2 - April 11
Times: Wednesdays 3:34 - 4:45pm; Saturdays 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

On Wednesdays, read to Quinn, our Newfoundland reading therapy dog. Quinn trains regularly with the Northland Newfoundland Club and has taken many classes through the Complete Canine. He is certified through Therapy Dogs International. This adorable pup loves to make people smile. Please call the day of the program to schedule a 10-minute appointment at 584-7860, opt 3.

On Saturdays, read to Buck, our Schnoodle reading therapy dog. Buck is certified through Share-a-Pet's Pawsitive Reading Program and is happy to sit quietly and listen appreciatively to any story you may wish to read. Please call the day of the program to schedule a 10-minute appointment at 584-7860, opt. 3. Please note that Buck has a busy social schedule and some of these dates may change. Go to our website for the latest information.

Lego Club

Dates: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room
Grades K-5

Join us for the Saratoga Springs Public Library Lego Club. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to attend. We will use our imaginations to create buildings, creatures, and other objects. In addition we may have Lego games and "challenges." This program will not include Lego robotics. There is no registration for this program. Attendance may be limited due to the size of the room. Lego Club will meet the first Wednesday of each month.

Toddler Storytime

Session 1: Mondays, March 4 - May 6, 9:30 - 9:50am
Session 2: Wednesdays, March 6 - May 8, 9:30 - 9:50am
Session 3: Wednesdays, March 6 - May 8, 11:00 - 11:20am
Session 4: Thursdays, March 7 - May 9, 9:30 - 9:50am
Ages 2 - 3.5

This interactive program is designed to foster a love of stories, as well as encourage the development of pre-literacy skills. Children and their parent or caregiver will be introduced to stories, rhymes, and songs that they can enjoy together.

Preschool Storytime

Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays, March 6 - May 9
Time: 10:15 - 10:45am
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Ages 3.5 - 5

A children's librarian will read aloud, offering stories and visuals that will help build your preschooler's vocabulary and spark their imaginations. Children ages 42 months-5 years will enjoy, learn, and develop emerging literacy skills through this popular story time program.

Preschool Story/Music Program

Session 1: Mondays, March 4 - May 6, 10:15 - 10:45am
Session 2: Tuesdays, March 5 - May 7, 2:00 - 2:30pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Ages 3.5 - 5

Children will have fun with age appropriate musical instruments and enjoy interactive storytelling led by a children's librarian.

Preschool Story/Art Program

Session 1: Tuesdays, April 9-30, 10:15 - 10:45am
Session 2: Wednesdays, April 10-May 1, 2:00 - 2:30pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Ages 3.5 - 5

Children will enjoy engaging stories and a new hands-on craft activity each week. 4 week series begins April 9 and ends May 1.

Library Babies

Session 1: Fridays, March 8 - May 10, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Session 2: Saturdays, March 9 - April 27, 10:00 - 11:00
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Under 24 months

This is an informal playgroup for babies under the age of 24 months with their parent or caregiver. The first 15 minutes of this program will include rhymes, songs and activities with a librarian. Registration is not required.

Parent/Child Workshop

Date: Mondays, March 4 - May 6
Times: 9:15 - 10:30am, or 10:45am - 12:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room
Ages 1-3

Children ages 12-36 months and their parent or caregiver will participate in interactive hands-on learning and play stations. A children's librarian will lead a circle time with song and movement activities and a community professional (dental hygienist, nutritionist, etc.) will be on hand to answer parents' questions. Register in the Children's Room or call 584-7860, opt 3

Saturday Family Storytime

Date: Saturdays, March 2 - April 27
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Ages 2-5

Children with their parent or caregiver. Siblings welcome too! Registration is not necessary for this program.

No session on March 9 or April 6.

Sensory Storytime

Dates: Thursdays: March 21, April 25, May 23
Time: 6:30 - 7:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

Open to all children from preschoolers on up. Especially geared for those with sensory integration issues and those on the autism spectrum. If your child has difficulty sitting through one of the library's other storytimes, this program of stories, songs and art activities may be just what you are looking for. Children must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. No registration necessary.

Family PJ Storytime

Date: 2nd Thursdays of the month (March 14, April 11, May 9)
Time: 6:30 - 7:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

Get cozy in your comfy jammies, snuggle with your favorite stuffed animal and listen to some bedtime stories. For kids, parents, grandparents and caregivers. No registration necessary.

Adult Storytelling Workshop

Dates: Tuesdays, March 5 - April 9
Time: 7:00 - 8:45pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

With Jeannine Laverty, professional storyteller. Learn storytelling techniques and practice telling a story. Participants should plan on attending all five sessions. Register in the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, opt 3.

Family Wellness Workshop

Date: Wednesday, March 6
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Susman Room

A group of holistic doctors and other health care professionals will be educating families about wellness issues. Each attendant will receive a free copy of the magazine, "Pathways to Family Wellness," where articles and other popular topics will be addressed each session. Register in The children's Room or by calling 584-7860, option 3.

5 Steps to Academic Success -- For those with ADD/ADHD, LD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum and More

Date: Thursday, March 7
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Susman Room

Join Kathy Johnson, MS, Ed as she reviews the building blocks outlined in her book "Pyramid of Potential." Kathy will explain why brain and body health, neurodevelopment, auditory and visual processing and cognitive development are all important in overcoming ADD, autism, learning disabilities and dyslexia. Come and explore the road map from learning issues to success! Register in the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, option 3.

Effective, Drug-free Treatment for LD, ADD, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Date: Thursday, March 14
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Susman Room

Patricia A. Blackburn, a registered licensed occupational therapist, presents an informational talk on a drug- and accommodation-free way to success for struggling students. Part of the Pyramid of Potential team, her specialty is in reflex integration and she is trained in both the Sam Byrne and Masgutova methods as well as in therapeutic listening.

Developing Social Skills & Behaviors for the School Aged Child on the Spectrum

Date: Friday, March 15
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

This introductory class is designed to help you teach your older elementary school child or teen/student to use appropriate social skills and to monitor behaviors. Debby Luetkenhoelter, Autism Consultant,will furnish examples of visual and concrete supports, environmental considerations, and facilitate a discussion of behavior as communication. Register in the Children's Room or by phoning 584-7860, option 3.

Vision, ADHD and the Out-of-Sync Child

Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Susman Room

Join Dr. Robert Fox, FCOVD, Behavioral Optometrist, who specializes in the remediation of functional vision Problems. Discover if your child's learning, reading and attention difficulties might be attributed to deficient visual skills such as eye teaming, tracking, focusing and perception. Register in the Children's Room or call 584-7860, option 3.

Parents As Advocates: Holistic Approach to ADD/ADHD

Date: Tuesday, March 26
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Susman Room

Parents As Advocates is an educational/advocacy group for parents of children with developmental delays. Facilitated by Mary Fornabia [email protected] Presented by Deb Dittner,FNP-C of The Balanced Body. This presentation will include other medical systems that have proven successful in reducing ADD/ADHD symptoms without the use of psychotropic medications. No registration necessary.

Green Homes, Healthy Families

Date: Thursday, April 11
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: Glasby Room

Regardless of whether you own your own home or are renting, learn what steps you can take before conception,during pregnancy and while raising your family that will make your home healthier as will as minimize your impact on the environment. Michelle Przedwiecki, a Realtor and Doula in Saratoga Springs is a Renovation Specialist holding the Green designation. She will review nursery furnishings, baby clothes, toys, feeding, etc. and offer advice on how to create a healthy home or work environment by enhancing its healthy and eco-friendly aspects. Register in the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, option 3.

Baby Massage

Dates: Mondays, April 15, 22, 29
Time: 6:00 - 6:45pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

With Linda Addario, LMT and PTA. For babies up to 6 months old and their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Please plan on attending all three sessions. Register in the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, option 3.

Parents as Advocates: Guardianship-Supplemental Needs Trusts and Wills

Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Parents as Advocates is an educational/advocacy group for parents of children with developmental delays. Facilitated by Mary Fornabia [email protected]

Presented by Julie Michaels Keegan, Esq., an attorney committed to ensuring that families and their children with special needs receive quality legal representation. NYS law states that once a child is 18 years old, regardless of disability, that child assumes the rights and responsibilities of an adult citizen. That child may also be entitled to government benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. This workshop will help parents understand the options available to enable them to continue tham to make medical, personal and financial decisions for their child. Parents and caregivers will learn the pros and cons of guardianship, medical decision making and benefits planning including the use of supplemental needs trusts. No registration necessary.

CANCELLED - Cloth Diapering 101

Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Glasby Room

Cloth diapering is no longer a fifties throwback. In this workshop, attendees will get an introduction to the Thoroughly Modern Millie world of cloth diapering options. Facilitated by Vikki Casey-Ahmed of Sonrise Diaper Service. Register in the Children's Room or by phoning 584-7860, option 3.

Parents as Advocates: Open Forum

Date: Tuesday, May 28
Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Parents as Advocates is an educational/advocacy group for parents of children with developmental delays. Facilitated by Mary Fornabia ([email protected]). This group is open to all parents/families of children with special needs. Come meet other parents/families to share, network and support one another. No registration necessary.

Library Babies

Session 1: Fridays, March 8 - May 10, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Session 2: Saturdays, March 9 - April 27, 10:00 - 11:00
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Under 24 months

This is an informal playgroup for babies under the age of 24 months with their parent or caregiver. The first 15 minutes of this program will include rhymes, songs and activities with a librarian. Registration is not required.

Owl Prowl

Offering 1: Friday, March 1, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Offering 2: Friday, March 22, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Location: Wilton Wildlife Preserve, 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY

Meet at 80 Scout Road, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and enjoy an owl presentation by Beth & Brad Bidwell. Participants will then go on an outdoor walk and listen for owls. For children ages 5 & up. Children must be accompanied buy an adult. Snowshoes, if needed, will be available. Please let us know if you need to reserve a pair. Register at the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, opt. 3 by 3/19/13. Registration is limited and please remember to dress for the weather!

Children's Room Grand Opening

Date: Sunday, March 3
Time: 1:00 - 2:00pm
Location: The Children's Room

Join us as we celebrate our new Children's Room. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Join us immediately following the snacks for Cabin Fever Family Dances with Peter, Paul and George!

Cabin Fever Family Dances with Peter, Paul and George

Date: Sunday, March 3
Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

The month of March sometimes brings long, cold days. Come in from the cold, beat that cabin fever, and enjoy some traditional folk music from America and the world with Peter, Paul and George.

Pinocchio Presented by Saratoga Opera to Go

Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 11:00 - 11:45am
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Opera Saratoga's Opera to Go is pleased to announce its 2013 production of Pinocchio! Based on the children's literary classic by Carlo Collodi, the music of Donizetti, Mozart, Offenbach, Pergolesi, Sullivan, and Verdi sets the tone for this whimsical opera about a young puppet-boy's adventures.

Andrew Simmons' Wildlife

Date: Tuesday, April 2
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room
Ages 5+ with parent or caregiver

Wildlife expert Andrew Simmons returns to the library for this April break week program. Bringing live animals for all to see, Mr. Simmons presents information and stories about the wild creatures he studies and shares.

Debbie and Friends Family Concert

Date: Wednesday, April 3
Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Debbie Cavalier of Debbie and Friends has worked with artists Shari Lewis and Bob McGrath of Sesame Street among others. Her shows are all about making music and having fun! Join Debbie and Friends for this very special April break week concert for children and families.
Want to know more? Check out one of Debbie's concert DVDs from our collection!

Reconnecting with Nature

Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Location: Susman Room, Crawshaw Rooms

For children ages 3-9 and their parents or caregivers. Meet in the Crawshaw Story Room and then walk as a group to Congress Park to collect sticks and other items to make a twig vase. Interns from the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be on hand to answer any nature-related questions and assist with the project. Please bring a small plastic or glass jar for each child participating. Space limited! Children must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. Register in the Children's Room or by calling 584-7860, opt 3.

Welcome Spring! Games and Movement Activities

Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 10:30 - 11:30am
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Join Lili Loveday in a program designed to celebrate spring through movement, games and other activities. For children in grades K-3. Please call or stop in (beginning March 9) to register.

Meet Molly: An American Girl Program

Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 1:00 - 2:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

Join educator, Teresa Wood as she brings to life the story of WWII through her Meet Molly program. Children and families will get to see the American Girl Doll, Molly as well as a doll house that shows a home during WWII while listening to stories and learning more about this time period.

Superhero Day

Date: Sunday, April 28
Time: All Day
Location: The Children's Room

Show us your inner superhero! Kids, feel free to dress in your favorite superhero costume (you can make up your own super hero if you want to!). Stop into the library for a drop in activity where you tell us what makes a great superhero, and get a small, but super, goodie in return! For all ages.

Saratoga City Ballet

Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

In full costume, the Saratoga City Ballet will present ballet excerpts from their current story ballet production. Performers will also offer a demo ballet class. For all ages.

Llamas in the Library

Date: Sunday, May 12
Time: 2:00 - 3:30pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room

An up close and personal encounter with live llamas from Katrina and Gary Capasso's Dakota Ridge Farm. Owners will introduce their llamas and share some llama facts. We will celebrate Mother's Day with Is Your Mama a Llama. Children will have the opportunity to pet the llamas, so bring your camera. For all ages.

Lego Club

Dates: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month
Time: 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room
Grades K-5

Join us for the Saratoga Springs Public Library Lego Club. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to attend. We will use our imaginations to create buildings, creatures, and other objects. In addition we may have Lego games and "challenges." This program will not include Lego robotics. There is no registration for this program. Attendance may be limited due to the size of the room. Lego Club will meet the first Wednesday of each month.

The Sunday Club

Date: Sundays in March, April, and May (see calendar)
Time: 12:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Please see calendar for specific date locations.

An informal weekend club for teens on the Autism Spectrum to get together socially and play board games. Please check website prior to coming as dates and times may change.

Sensory Storytime

Dates: Thursdays: March 21, April 25, May 23
Time: 6:30 - 7:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

Open to all children from preschoolers on up. Especially geared for those with sensory integration issues and those on the autism spectrum. If your child has difficulty sitting through one of the library's other storytimes, this program of stories, songs and art activities may be just what you are looking for. Children must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. No registration necessary.

Family PJ Storytime

Date: 2nd Thursdays of the month (March 14, April 11, May 9)
Time: 6:30 - 7:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room

Get cozy in your comfy jammies, snuggle with your favorite stuffed animal and listen to some bedtime stories. For kids, parents, grandparents and caregivers. No registration necessary.

Saturday Family Storytime

Date: Saturdays, March 2 - April 27
Time: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Crawshaw Story Room
Ages 2-5

Children with their parent or caregiver. Siblings welcome too! Registration is not necessary for this program.

No session on March 9 or April 6.

Stories, Songs, and Strings with Troop 3159

Date: Sunday, May 19
Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: H. Dutcher Community Room
Ages 3-5

Join the middle school girl scouts from troop 3159 for an hour of reading, crafting, and dancing. Participants will enjoy dancing with the scouts, listening to stories read by the scouts, and have an opportunity to make colorful pasta necklaces with the help of the troop.

A Saratoga Springs Public Library Librarian will also be present. Ask us about our materials about reading, crafts and dance!