This is an informal gathering time to fill the void between storytime sessions. There will be books for parents to read to their children, the ABC Activity cart and even some tunes.

Activity times will be held on the following Saturdays from 10:00-10:45 AM:

• March 24
• March 31
• April 14
• April 28

Have you been wondering how you can listen to your favorite song from storytime when storytime is over?  Look no further, here is a list of some classic storytime cd's:

Six little ducks [sound recording] by Al Dana... [et al.]

More singable songs [sound recording] by Raffi with Ken Whiteley

Jim Gill sings The sneezing song and other contagious tunes [sound recording] by Gill, Jim

Rhythms on parade [sound recording] by Hap Palmer

Are you looking for some new books to read at bedtime? Look no further! We have many, many wonderful stories to get those little ones in the sleeping mood.

Jammy dance by Rebecca Janni; pictures by Tracy Dockray

Hide-and-squeak by Heather Vogel Frederick; illustrated by C.F. Payne

Good night, Chickie by Emile Jadoul

Classical music is not just for adults. We have lots of classical music in the Children's Department that kids will love. Check out any of these wonderful titles and enjoy!

Brainy Baby Classical Tunes Instrumental Classics [sound recording]

Classical naptime for tots [sound recording]

Disney's silly classical songs [sound recording]

The classical child at the ballet [sound recording]

Some of our most-loved picture books at the library are about our canine friends. Check out some dog tales today and discover a new favorite!

Sally goes to the vet by written and illustrated by Stephen Huneck

10 little hot dogs by John Himmelman

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Join us on Thursday, February 23 from 9:30-11:30 AM for, Let’s Be Friends – Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development. Highly trained staff from Starfish Family Services will encourage participants to explore how a young child’s thinking and reasoning impacts their social relationships as well as identify ways to help children learn about others, environmental strategies to encourage friendships and practice interaction strategies that support social learning. This program is open to parents, daycare providers, caregivers and their children. Childcare will be provided by licensed Starfish Family Services staff.

Hey Hockeytown! Tuesday night, February 14, 2012, our Detroit Red Wings will be playing for not just another win against the Dallas Stars. They will be playing for a record breaking win. Currently, our Wings have tied the record at 20 home games won in a row, tomorrow they are hoping to break that record with their 21st home game win. I have tickets, do you? If not, be sure to watch the game on TV or check our awesome selection of items on the Red Wings. My fingers are already crossed, are yours?

Jim Gill, master of all things fun and silly, has a new album.

Jim Gill presents music play for folks of all stripes [sound recording] by Gill, Jim — If you love bananas or pizza, this album has songs for you. If you love Mozart or friends, look no further. Jim Gill has created another great dancing, clapping, silly songs album for everyone young and old. You can find other Jim Gill albums in the Children's Department, too. Happy listening!

A Ball For Daisy, written and illustrated by Chris Raschka, has been awarded the 2012 Caldecott Medal. This wordless picture book tells the story of a spirited dog named Daisy and her beloved red ball. Through a turn of events, she gains a brand-new friend and realizes there can be more than one way to have fun. The brightly colored, expressive illustrations make this story an entertaining read for kids and adults alike.

Circles, squares, diamonds or rectangles, we have books that show all the angles. Triangles, ovals, octagons too, these books will teach them all to you!

All sorts of shapes by written by Hannah Reidy; illustrated by Emma Dodd; reading consultant, Susan Kesselring

Bear in a square by written by Stella Blackstone; illustrated by Debbie Harter

Circle dogs by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Guess what? Our beloved mitten state is celebrating a major milestone Thursday — 175 years of Statehood! Time does fly, doesn't it? We've seen both good and bad events in our historical journey through time, plus we have given birth to numerous famous people. On this date in 1837, President Jackson signed the bill that officially made us the 26th state in the union. There are lots of ways you can celebrate this momentous occasion including baking a cake shaped like Michigan, take pictures of your neighborhood, write what you love about our great state, or check out some of our wonderful materials on Michigan.

Getting your baby to sleep at night can be a challenge. For parents who need tips and advice for successful sleeping, we have several sleep guides available in the Parenting section in the Children's Department. Check out some of the titles listed below to help your baby (and yourself!) get some much-needed rest.

The complete guide to helping your baby sleep through the night so you can too: 101 tips and tricks every parent needs to know by Jessica Linnell

The baby sleeps tonight: your infant sleeping through the night by 9 weeks (yes, really!) by Shari Mezrah

Join us on Monday, February 20 for an all day family movie extravaganza starting at 10:00 AM with a film for our youngest patrons and gradually getting more sophisticated, until the 6:30 PM showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

• 10:00 AM — Winnie the Pooh (G)
• 1:00 PM — Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)
• 3:00 PM — Mr. Popper's Penguins (PG)
• 6:30 PM — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (PG-13)

You may bring pillows, snacks, even your own comfy lawn chairs if you like.

On January 23 at 7:45 AM, the 2012 Youth Media Awards will be announced at this year's American Library Association Midwinter Conference in Dallas, TX. The Newbery, Printz and Corretta Scott King for literature and illustration are just a few of the many accolades to be awarded. One of the most anticipated announcements is the Caldecott Medal which is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. It's always an exciting time in the world of youth literature and we will keep you posted of the winners as they are announced. In the mean time, you may peruse our list of past winners here. Stay tuned!

ABC Activity Time is an informal session where parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment. This drop-in playtime includes sensory activities, puzzles, and matching games for children ages birth to 5, with caregiver. No registration required. Program takes place in the Community Room. Program Dates and Times (January 16-February 17):

• Mondays-Saturdays*, 10:30-11:00 AM
• Mondays, 1:30-2:00 PM
• Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30-8:00 PM

*Saturday sessions are in the Purple Room.

Family Storytimes begin the week of January 16. These storytimes are designed for children ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Storytimes are held in the Community Room and do not require registration. Saturday sessions are in the Purple Room.

• Mondays, 10:00-10:30 AM and 1:00-1:30 PM
• Tuesdays, 7:00-7:30 PM
• Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 AM and 7:00-7:30 PM
• Thursdays, 10:00-10:30 AM
• Fridays, 10:00-10:30 AM
• Saturdays, 10:00-10:30 AM

Designed for babies up to 18 months, these storytimes feature simple stories, songs and fingerplays. Register online beginning January 3.

Session begins: Tuesday, January 17, 10:00 AM

Looking for those little books perfect for little hands?

In response to parent suggestions, our board book collection has moved. If you're searching for a sturdy book just right for your exploring young child, look no further. The board books now live outside of the Purple Room. Great for those in Baby Storytime!

Have you ever looked at your kids and wondered "What are we going to do today?" Starfish Family Services will present a workshop for parents, caregivers and daycare providers titled Making Playroom Materials from Everyday Items on January 5, 2012, 9:30-11:00 AM. Attendees will identify natural, real, recycled and scrap materials for your playroom. During the program you will also make playroom materials to take back to your setting. Childcare will be provided by licensed Starfish Family Services staff. Online registration begins on December 22, 2011.

Frosty the Snowman is a classic winter song. But did you know there were so many different versions? Check out some of these great songs, and learn a new snowman song too!

Sing along! [sound recording] by Caspar Babypants

Kidz Bop Christmas [sound recording]

Christmas with the Chipmunks [sound recording] by Alvin, Simon & Theodore with David Seville

Phineas & Ferb holiday favorites [sound recording]