What falls, but never gets hurt? Snow, of course. It's that time of year again, when the snow falls and snowmen are made. Here are some fun picture books to help you make the best snowman on the block.

Bear in long underwear by Todd H. Doodler

Making a friend by Alison McGhee

Perfect snow by Barbara Reid

What can be more befitting the Christmas season than Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet! This week we offer free download of "Shchelkunchik [The Nutcracker], Op. 71" from our Classical Music Library. Based on a Christmas story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet was first produced on December 18, 1892, and has since become a traditional Christmas favorite for the whole family.

Every two weeks, you can download a free piece of music, courtesy of Alexander Street Press. Find the link from our Databases page and you can sign up for future notices.

Family Storytimes begin the week of January 14. 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.

Open Family Storytimes , January 14-February 23:

• Mondays 10:00-10:30 AM in the Community Room
• Wednesdays 10:00-10:30 AM in the Community Room
• Thursdays 10:00-10:30 AM in the Community Room
• Saturdays 10:00-10:30 AM in the Purple Room

This week we are giving away a family pack of four tickets to see Candy Canes & Kiddie Rock featuring SteveSongs, Mr Steve from PBS Kids. The event will take place on Friday, December 7 at 7:00 PM at the Village Theater. Come into the Children's library and fill out an entry form today!

Merry Christmas, Alex Cross [sound recording] by James Patterson

Twelve drummers drumming [sound recording]: a mystery by C.C.

1225 Christmas Tree Lane [sound recording] by Debbie Macomber

A fool's gold Christmas [sound recording] by Susan Mallery

An O'Brien family Christmas [sound recording] by Sherryl Woods

The Christmas wedding [sound recording] by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

Come join the staff of Premier Athletics: Little Explorers as they jump and tumble, dance and sing.  This program incorporates music and games to inspire children to learn and grow both mentally and physically.  Caregivers and their children aged two to five are encouraged to check it out for themselves on Tuesday, December 18 at either 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM.  Please only attend one session. 

Join us Saturday December 29, at 11:30 AM  in the Purple Room for our family celebration of Kwanzaa and its seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. 

On Thursday, December 6, 7:00-7:45 PM, Thirupu Siva will teach young people from 6-16 years of age the basic asanas, building up to various intermediate poses.  Please wear loose fitting clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat to work on.  Registration for this program begins on November 22. 
[Halasana - Postura del Arado/Amineko Yoga by ((carola)) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

On November 29, from 6:30-8:30 PM, Starfish Family Services will present the second of a two-part Problem Solving series titled, Children Can Solve Their Own Problems. Their trained instructor will present an important six-step process to encourage children to resolve conflicts on their own. Attendees are encouraged to bring their children into the Purple Room to play with Starfish's licensed daycare providers while the caregiver's program takes place in the Community Room.

ABC Activity Time will begin November 12. This 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, unless otherwise noted.

Sessions November 12-December 15

• Mondays 10:30-11:00 AM and 1:30-2:00 PM
• Tuesdays 7:30-8:00 PM
• Wednesdays 10:30-11:00 AM and 7:30-8:00 PM
• Thursdays 10:30-11:00 AM
• Fridays 10:30-11:00 AM
• Saturdays 10:30-11:00 AM in the Purple Room

There will be no ABC Activity Time on Thursday, November 22 and Friday November 23 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Gobble Gobble!

Local Author Gordon Briley will talk to us about his inspiration and writing process for creating the rhyming picture book The Adventures of Lily and Ava. Attendees will get a look at the book and be able to ask the author any questions they have about the how to write a book.  Families are invited to join us on Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 PM for this fun program. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Does the thought of eating meat make you feel just awful? Join me in celebrating National Vegetarian Month, going on now in the month of October. We have a wonderful collection of Vegetarian cookbooks that are sure to get your mouth watering. Even if cooked cow does pass your lips sometimes, don't be afraid to try some new, great meatless recipes out. You may be pleasantly surprised.

125 gluten-free vegetarian recipes: quick and delicious mouthwatering dishes for the healthy cook by Carol Fenster

Enjoy these great picture books filled with dinosaur tales:

Dinosaur thunder by Marion Dane Bauer ; [illustrated by] Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Dinosoaring by Deb Lund ; illustrated by Howard Fine

The Berenstain Bears dinosaur dig by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Join us on Sunday, October 14 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Canton Farmers Market's Annual Harvest Celebration. Held at the historical Preservation Park, this celebration will include crafts, stories, and Halloween Parade, so come dressed in your finest costume garb. See you there!
[After our trip to the pumpkin patch by knitsteel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

Listen and read along with one of our J Book/CD Kits. You can find them near the music CDs in the Children's Department. Pick some up today for a car trip or for listening at home. Here's a list of some popular choices:

Chrysanthemum [kit] by Kevin Henkes

Amelia Bedelia [kit] by Peggy Parish

A fine, fine school [kit] by Sharon Creech

Is there a new baby in your house? Read some picture books about older siblings and how they adjust to all the changes that a new baby brings.

Sophie and the new baby by Laurence Anholt; illustrated by Catherine Anholt

Hi, new baby! by Robie H. Harris; illustrated by Michael Emberley

Brand-new baby blues by words by Kathi Appelt; illustrations by Kelly Murphy

First graders, here are some great books just for you!

Young Cam Jansen and the missing cookie by David A. Adler; illustrated by Susanna Natti

Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

Inside, outside, upside down by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Mine's the best by Crosby Bonsall

Family Storytimes begin the week of September 10. 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.

September 10-October 20

• 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 AM
• Thursdays 10:00-10:30 AM
• Fridays 10:00-10:30 AM