What's Happening in the Youth Department

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

graysyouthservices — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:39:53 +0000

At the library, that is! Our 18th Annual Kite Decorating Contest is coming up. Beginning March 1st, kids can come in and pick up a kite to take home and decorate. Creativity counts here, and don’t forget to add a tail to your kite! Return the decorated kite by April 7th to enter the contest. We will display all of the returned kites in the Youth Department, and everyone gets a small prize just for entering.

To give you an idea of what our kite contest usually looks like, here are some displays from years past. Find your own unique idea and fly with it!

Wii on Wednesdays

graysyouthservices — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:01:24 +0000

If you’re looking for something fun to do on these dreary Wednesday afternoons, stop by the library! This winter, we’ll have Wii gaming at 4 PM on Wednesdays. No need to sign up, just drop in! For grades 2-6, from 4 PM – 4:45 PM.

The Trains are Here!

graysyouthservices — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:30:53 +0000

The toy trains are back at the library this winter. From now until January 15th, you can come in to see the train displays that have been set up in the Youth Department. We hope to see you, and happy holidays to all!

Magic Storytelling

graysyouthservices — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:42:38 +0000

Do you like magic? Do you like hearing stories? Then this is the program for you! On Saturday, January 21st, come to the library and meet Chris McBrien. His energy and enthusiasm, combined with magic, provide a morning of fun and excitement. Tickets for this event are now available at the Youth Services Desk. – and the best part? They’re free! Just make sure that you come in to register as soon as possible, because space is limited. This is a free event that will be great fun for the entire family. View the Event Calendar

Peace Pipe Tales: Native American Legends

graysyouthservices — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:44:14 +0000

Join us next Saturday, November 19th at 10 AM, for a special family event. Storyteller Paddy Lynn will present stories from Native American culture that were used to teach lessons to their children and build lifelong character and integrity. These stories still hold truths and values that we appreciate in the present day. To be part of this cozy November event, come to the Youth Services desk to get your free tickets. Space is limited, so hurry in to reserve your seats! If you have any questions please call us at 847-223-5313.

National Gaming Day @ Your Library

graysyouthservices — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:41:14 +0000

Get your game on! On Saturday, November 12th, the Grayslake Area Public Library will be participating in National Gaming Day @ Your Library. From 10 AM – 4 PM, there will be games going on all over the library. Love board games? We’ll have those! Love video games? We’ll have those, too! From 10-11:30 and 2-3:30, there will be Wii and PS3 video gaming. Come to the library on November 12th for a day of community, sharing, and fun and games! See you there!

Calling all Beginning Readers!

graysyouthservices — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:23:40 +0000

The process of learning to read can be a stressful time for both child and parent. Here at Grayslake Area Public Library, we’ve tried to take the guesswork out of the equation. Our entire Easy Reader collection (located under the windows in the picture book section) has been combed and curated to give you the best possible experience. Each book has been examined and labeled under one of four color-coded categories: Just Getting Started (blue), On My Way (yellow), Reading Alone (green), and First Chapter Books (red). If a book was deemed beyond any of these levels, it was moved to a different section of the department.

In the Easy Reader section, you will find four posters, each describing the type of reader and the characterisitcs of a book at that level. We have also provided book lists for each level. To find the level of a book, simply look at the top of the book spine, where a colored dot corresponding to the level has been placed.

For even more information about beginning readers, Joanne has recorded two videos full of tips and instruction. One explains the Easy Reader section and the other offers valuable information about what to do before your child has even started to read a book. Enjoy these videos below!

Come Play With Us!

graysyouthservices — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:13:52 +0000

Exciting news! No more waiting an entire week to enjoy some library fun – we’ve brought the storytime to you! Staffers in the Youth Department have recorded a collection of fingerplays and stories just for you. The videos are accessible from the Youth Department home page, on the sidebar of this blog, and from our YouTube channel. Watch and play along in the fingerplay below!

“Ten Little Fingers” with Miss Penne

I have ten little fingers and they all belong to me (hold up fingers).
I can make them do things, would you like to see?
I can shut them tight (make a fist).
Or open them wide (open them).
I can put them together or make them all hide (interlace fingers).
I can make them jump high (put hands above head).
I can make them go low (put hands on the floor).
I can fold them up quietly and hold them just so! (fold hands together and place on lap).

Book Club to Go

graysyouthservices — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:13:48 +0000

Want to start a book club with your friends? Then check out Book Club to Go! Each Book Club to Go bag comes with approximately 4-5 copies of a book, as well as possible discussion questions and activities. The Book Club to Go stand is by the reference desk in the Youth Department.

Available titles include:

Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George

Ida B. by Katherine Hannigan

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

Party at Mount Olympus

Grayslake Library — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:07:28 +0000

Saturday, October 1 at 11 am

While you’re waiting to find out how Percy fares in Son of Neptune, tie on a toga and join us at Mount Olympus. We’ll test our knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology, compete in some Camp Half Blood activities, and maybe even try a little nectar and ambrosia. Togas recommended.