Children ages 4-9 with a caregiver can join us Monday, April 16 from 7:00-8:00 PM to celebrate the springtime season. We will read a story, enjoy activities, eat treats, and make a springy craft. Each family will also receive one free book to take home. This program is funded by the Target Store Early Childhood Reading Grant and the Friends of the Canton Public Library. Registration begins on March 26, 9:00 AM.

Help your infant develop brain power and have fun by trying out some new games during playtime. Below are some suggested books filled with ideas for baby and caregiver play. You can find these titles in the Parenting section in the Children's Department.

Baby minds: brain-building games your baby will love by Linda Acredolo, Ph.D. and Susan Goodwyn, Ph.D

Baby play by general editors Wendy S. Masi, Roni Cohen Leiderman

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bee? How do they live? What do they do? Join us Thursday, April 12th from 3:00 to 4:00 PM where we will learn all about bees! Live bees will be present at the program! Registration begins online Thursday, March 29th. This program is for kids ages 6 years to 9 years and their caregiver. See you there!

Is vocabulary your downfall? Taking the ACT/SAT soon? Working on the TOEFL? Struggling with your 3^rd grade homework? For all ages, Word Dynamo has great vocabulary games for standardized tests. Even science vocab (get taught, say, the bones in the body). Play along and learn something new!

Cold cereal by Adam Rex — If you are a cereal lover as I am, you may never be able to eat it again with impunity after reading this book. However, this zany, fast-paced, hilarious fantasy adventure by Rex is totally worth it. Scott Doe has the ability to see magical creatures that no one else can, but doesn't really realize it. Emily and Erno are super smart twins involved in an nefarious experiment, but do not know it. Goodco Cereal Company is capturing magical beings and draining the "glamour" from them to use as an addictive additive to their products, but consumers haven't a clue. A bigfoot butler, a snarky leprechaun, and a rabbit-headed man are some of the lucky few creatures who have managed to escape Goodco's ever-expanding power.

We are proud to announce the newest arrival to the library — our new baby fish! Now, we just need a little help naming him. Stop by the Children's Department to submit your name suggestion, or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Our art collection has many different topics in it and one that I just know you will enjoy is our array of books by Charles Schultz. The Peanuts characters have been beloved by millions for many, many years. Be sure to check out our selections located in both the Children's and Adult departments. I can almost hear Schroeder playing the famous theme song now. Enjoy!

Tim Heller, avid chess player, hosts informal open play on Sunday, April 29 at 1:00 PM in the Community Room while providing instruction and pointers on improving your game. Beginners welcome. Note: no chess on April 8 due to the Easter holiday.

The following series books will be temporarily unvailable while the spine labels are being changed:

• Candy Apple — new location will be J Fiction Candy Apple
• Farley's Stallion — new location will be J Fiction Farley
• Flower Fairies — new location will be J Fiction Flower Fairies

Thank you, again, for your patience and understanding.

You’re invited to join CPL, Huntington Learning Center and Shooter from the Plymouth Whalers for a free workshop Saturday, March 24th from 2:00-3:30 PM. The workshop will offer you and your child valuable practical advice on how to tackle everyday homework problems and ensure that your children have the right environment and skills for completing assignments to the very best of their abilities. Welcome time, including snacks and a photo op with Shooter, will take place from 2:00-2:30 PM with the workshop to follow from 2:30-3:30 PM.

March 20th is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Not only is it the first day of spring, but it is also Fred Rogers's birthday. His ground breaking children's program, Mister Roger's Neighborhood, premiered on PBS in 1969 and stayed on the air for three decades. Many of today's parents have fond memories of growing up "visiting" with Mister Rogers. He even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy for his work in children's television. Although it will probably be too warm to wear a sweater, change into your comfy shoes and introduce your children to a time when tv shows were slower by checking out some of the resources here at Canton Public Library.

Easter is just around the corner. Introduce your children to the holiday with one of the many films we have here in the Children's Library.

Easter [videodisc] by Schlessinger Media — Basic, nonfiction information about the Easter holiday and how families celebrate

Yogi the Easter bear [videodisc] by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons in association with Fil-Cartoons; produced by Davis Doi; directed by Robert Alvarez; teleplay by Jeff Holder — Yogi Bear must give away baskets instead of stealing them in this special.

The book of wonders by Jasmine Richards is an exciting fantasy based loosely on the Arabian nights. When thirteen-year-old Zardi's sister and father are captured by the evil, saddistic sultan, Zardi knows the time has come for her to flee the realm and seek help in overthrowing this tyrant.  Otherwise her sister will suffer the same horrific fate as countless other teenage girls.  Along with Rhidan, who is her best friend, and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the notorious Captain Sinbad, Zardi embarks on a perilous quest in search of the lost magic of Arribitha. Only with the power of this force is there any hope of restoring peace and harmony to her homeland.

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

This Saturday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. This day is held in honor of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to the Irish people in the 400's A.D. Over 34 million Americans have some Irish in their blood. But don't worry if you don't. Everyone is at least a little Irish on this day. So wear some green, try some corned beef and cabbage, and "may the wind be always at your back."

Benjamin Bear in Fuzzy thinking: a Toon book by Philippe Coudray — is a quick read with early reading level text. This short graphic novel is really great for kids in Kindergarten to Second grade. Each comic is a one page episode in Benjamin Bear's life with his animal friends and is sure to get some giggles out of the reader. Enjoy!

What happens when you combine great stories with an easy-to-make treat? You get "Snack Tales!" This program is for kids in grades K-4 with a caregiver. Join us Wednesday, March 28, from 7:00-7:45 PM to enjoy a story and make an edible treat based on that story. Registration begins March 14, 2012.

Kids and Tweens in grades K-6, improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a dog. Sign up begins at 6:25 PM and is on a first come, first serve basis. Sessions are 10 minutes long.

Program Date: Monday, April 23rd, 6:30-8:30 PM

Looking for a funny and easy read? Try some of the books listed below next time you need a good laugh. They can all be found in the Readers section in the Children's Department. Happy reading!

Splat the cat sings flat by Rob Scotton

Itchy, itchy chicken pox by Grace Maccarone; illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Amelia Bedelia under construction by story by Herman Parish; pictures by Lynn Sweat

NHS students are here to provide 3rd-12th graders free homework help. If you are interested in getting tutored:

• You must be in 3^rd through 12^th grade
• If you are under 12, your parent must remain in the library
• You must bring the assignment and any other needed materials

Days and Times

• Monday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library
• Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM by the Teen Desk
• Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM at Plymouth District Library

*Tutors will not be here during snow days or the holiday breaks, they need a break too!