Need a book to read during summer vacation? Here are some filled with summer adventures!
Have you signed up for the Summer Reading Program yet? Do so here!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire
Hey there, cardholders! If you and your little ones are interested in learning how to keep healthy this summer, look no further -- the Kidzeum of Health and Science is the place for you!
Located in Springfield, the Kidzeum is committed to fostering life-long learning in children, sparking curiosity in science and inspiring concern for their health and the health of the world around them. Kids can learn about environmental health -- interactive water tables, the agricultural process -- as well as recycling and weather issues. Children are welcome to explore the various community exhibits, learning about why medical personnel, firefighters, construction workers, etc. are vital to their community and how each profession works.
There's also the three-story personal health exhibit, where kids travel through a human body from the legs up through the nose, learning about the various functions of the body and how (and why) everything is interconnected.
Barrington Area Library cardholders will receive a $3 discount off general admission via Explore More Illinois. Only one discount admission per person per visit. Please check available visiting dates prior to redemption of offer.
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between July 11, 2022 - July 22, 2022
Toddler & PreK: Texture Collage
Use a variety of different materials to create a unique collage. Register for the July Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your Kit Contains:
- 1 canvas
- 1 cup of glue
- 1 foam brush
- 3 buttons
- 5 feathers
- 4 pompoms
- 5 pieces of yarn
- 2 foam pieces
You may also want scissors if you would like to cut the foam smaller.
Instructions:
1. Take all supplies out of bag.
2. Gather any other supplies you may need, such as scissors or extra items to add to your collage! Examples of extra materials could be bits of paper towel, aluminum foil, or anything else that adds dimension to your artwork.
3. Apply glue with foam brush to canvas.
4. Arrange items on canvas, adding more glue as necessary.
5. Let dry.
6. Enjoy your texture collage!
Extension Discussion Prompts
- What does each of the items feel like? Can you describe how they are alike or different?
- What else would you like to add to your collage?
- What color is each of the items? Are some of them the same?
- What shapes do you see?
- Can you tell me about your finished project? Did you have a plan?
Grade K - 8: Calligraphy Set
Use a real calligraphy brush and ink to try your hand at the artistry of Chinese characters. Inspired by our Book of the Summer, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Register for the July Gr K-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- 1 calligraphy brush
- 1 small container of ink
- pieces of rice paper
- instruction sheet from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
You can try writing Chinese characters, or create your own artwork with the supplies. Check out this video (created by VIPKid) to learn a little bit about the art of Chinese calligraphy and characters:
Show us what you created! Send a picture of your work to youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Demitra
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our July sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
It's Raining, It's Pouring
It's raining. It's pouring.
The old man is snoring
He went to bed and bumped his head
and didn’t get up in the morning.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!
Bumble Bee
Bumble bee was in the barn
Carrying his dinner under his arm
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Baby, baby dumpling,
Put him in the pot
Sugar him and butter him
And eat him while he’s hot!
Bumpin' Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin' up and down in my little red wagon,
Won't you be my darling?
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
One wheel's off and the axle's broken,
Won't you be my darling?
Wiggle Waggle
Wiggle waggle went the bear
Catching bees in his underwear
One bee out
One bee in
One bee bit him on his big bear skin
Bzzzzzz!
Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
June is Pride Month, and to celebrate inclusion here are five great middle grade novels, all available at the Barrington Area Library.
Zenobia July
Lisa Bunker
Zenobia just moved across the country to Maine, and everything feels different: she's making new friends, she doesn't want to stay cooped up in her room all day, and, perhaps most importantly, nobody calls her a boy.
As she settles into her new life and community, Zenobia is shocked to discover that someone has been posting hateful memes on the school website. Using her skills as a coder and hacker, Zenobia must team up with her newfound friends and figure out who is trying to hurt her.
Too Bright to See
Kyle Lukoff
It's the summer before middle school, and while Bug would prefer to spend it having fun with Moira, Moira has different priorities -- buying new clothes, honing her makeup skills, and talking about boys. But Bug doesn't have time to worry about Moira's changing personality: there's a ghost in Bug's house...
Too Bright to See is a heartfelt exploration of grief, the complexities of friendship, growing older, and what it's like to grapple with one's gender identity.
Martin McLean, Middle School Queen
Alyssa Zaczek
When you look at it objectively, Martin shouldn't have any trouble expressing himself: his mother's an artist, his uncle's in theater, he's surrounded by quirky, outspoken personalities... but Martin just can't seem to find the right way to be himself. That is, until his uncle introduces him to the world of drag.
And thus, Lottie León is born!
Martin loves dressing in drag, loves the confidence boost, but he can't bring himself to open up to his friends about it. What if they make fun of him? What if the magic of Lottie León goes away? And that's not even mentioning Martin's new crush, Chris. Martin's content to keep his double life a secret, until a scheduling conflict between his Mathletes club and his first-ever drag show forces him to reveal his true self to his friends.
Answers in the Pages
David Levithan
Donovan's a huge fan of The Adventurers, a story about two boys trying to thwart an evil genius. Donovan's mom, on the other hand, isn't wild about the book, especially when she becomes convinced that the two main characters are gay.
The whole town works itself into a frenzy as Donovan's mom tries to get the book banned from school. Caught in the middle are Donovan, who doesn't understand why the adults are making such a big deal out of the book; as well as Gideon and Roberto, two classmates who are assigned to work on a book unit together.
Told in three interwoven stories -- Donovan's, Gideon's and Roberto's, and the plot of The Adventurers -- Answers in the Pages depicts a very real, very pressing issue in the world of literature and education.
Ellen Outside the Lines
A.J. Sass
Ellen Katz prefers it when things fit into easy categories. When plans work out and life makes sense: attending temple with her parents every weekend, hanging out with her best (and only) friend Laurel, etc. Ellen, who is on the autism spectrum, relies on Laurel to help her navigate the turbulent waters of middle school life. But now Laurel's making new friends, her interests are changing, and she doesn't seem to have as much time for Ellen.
The two friends plan to fix their friendship during their Spanish class's trip to Spain, but things don't work out as they planned. Ellen is assigned to a different group, and finds herself without Laurel for the first time. Included in her new group is Isa, a nonbinary student whose identity challenges Ellen's way of looking at things.
Ellen Outside the Lines is a heartwarming, sweet, and often silly celebration of those moments where life doesn't go exactly according to plan.
Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between June 13-24.
Toddler & PreK: Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin
Dye rice to use for a fun sensory experience. Register for the June Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit includes:
- 3 bags of rice in ziploc bags
- 3 bottles of food coloring
- 1 container containing 3 teaspoons of vinegar
- 1 spoon
- 1 cup
- 3 dinosaur fossil figurines
- 1 rubber ducky
1. Take 1 ziploc bag of rice and pour into a container with lid.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of vinegar from the condiment container and pour into the container with rice.
3. Add drops of food coloring to the container. Pick one color.
4. Place lid on container and shake rice until rice is completely covered in food coloring.
5. Spread the rice out on a tray or paper towel to dry.
6. Repeat steps 1-6, with remaining 2 bags of rice and different colors.
7. Once rice is dry, pour into a bin.
8. Add the rubber ducky, dinosaurs, spoon, and cup to the bin.
9. Play! Please note: RICE IS NOT FOR CONSUMPTION
10. Try adding other items to your sensory bin, such as bowls, different sized cups, funnels, and other small toys.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-8: Red Thread Connection
Use foam board and thread to map the many connections among your family and friends. Inspired by our Book of the Summer, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. Register for the June Grades K-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Kit contains:
- 1 foam board
- small portrait papers
- set of colored pencils
- push pins
- red thread
You will also need:
- Scissors
- Glue (optional)
- Scrap cardboard (optional)
Instructions:
- Decorate the small pieces of paper with people you care about: family members, friends, and/or pets. Use the colored pencils or your own art supplies. You could also print and cut photos. Make sure to make one that represents yourself!
- Optionally, glue a piece of cardboard to the back of the foam board. This will help keep the pins secure, and protect your table top from the pins.
- Arrange the portraits on the foam board. Use the pins to fix the portraits in place.
- Tie the end of the red thread to your portrait’s pin. (It may be easiest to tie a knot in the thread, and then pierce the pin through the knot and board.)
- Connect your portrait with everyone else’s, wrapping the thread around each pin.
- You can connect other people to represent their bonds with each other.
For more information about the Book of the Summer, visit: balibrary.org/bookofthesummer
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
If you can't make it to Baby Time this month, or if you just can't get enough and want to recreate it at home-we've got you covered! Here are all of the wonderful rhymes we'll be sharing in our June sessions.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go bouncin’, bouncin’
All the little babies go bouncin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies go swayin’, swayin’
All the little babies go swayin’ now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
All the little babies say hello, hello
All the little babies say hello now.
1, 2, Buckle My Shoe
1, 2, buckle my shoe,
3, 4, shut the door,
5, 6, pick up sticks,
7, 8 lay them straight
9, 10, do it again!
This Little Piggy
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy went home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
And this little piggy had none.
This little piggy went wee, wee, wee
all the way home!
Slowly, Slowly Creeps the Garden Snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
creeps the garden snail.
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
up the garden rail.
Quickly, quickly, very quickly
runs the little mouse.
Quickly, quickly very quickly
into his little house.
Acka Backa Soda Cracker
Acka backa soda cracker,
Acka backa boo,
Acka backa soda cracker,
I love you!
Acka backa soda cracker,
Acka backa boo,
Acka backa soda cracker,
Up goes you!
I'm a Little Cuckoo Clock
Tick tock, tick tock
I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick tock, tick tock
It’s one o’clock
CUCKOO!
Tick tock, tick tock
I’m a little cuckoo clock
Tick tock, tick tock
It’s two o’clock
CUCKOO! CUCKOO!
Two Little Eyes
Two little eyes to look around,
Two little ears to hear each sound,
One little nose to smell what’s sweet
One little mouth that likes to eat.
Looking for something to do with your little one? See a list of the library’s upcoming events for young children.
Youth Services Specialist Stefanie
Looking for something to do when the summer heat's got you beat? Looking to take a break from video games? Here are some journal prompts to keep the old brain stimulated while school's out!
By the way, don't worry about word count or anything like that -- express yourself how you want, as much as you want. And there are no real rules here -- you can do as many or as few of these as you like.
1.Describe your perfect summer day, from start to finish. It doesn't have to be a real day, just something that sounds perfect to you.
2. Describe how you feel now that school's ending. Do you feel happy? Sad? A little bit of both?
3. If you had the magical ability to make it one season forever, which season would you pick, and why?
4. Write a haiku about a memory from a past summer.
5. Who are you most excited to spend time with this summer?
6. Are you an indoors person or an outdoors person? Or both? Why do you think that is?
7. List three things you'd like to accomplish this summer.
8. What's your favorite summertime treat? Ice cream? Watermelon? Something else?
9. Do you like to stay up late during the summer? If so, what to you do? If you don't like to stay up, describe why!
10. Take a little walk outside -- make sure it's safe first! -- and describe the world around you, focusing on your five senses. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Taste? Feel?
11. If you could have a picnic with any person, alive or dead, who would it be, and why? What would you take with you on your picnic?
12. Take some lyrics from five of your favorite songs and use them to write a poem.
13. Imagine you're a tour guide for your town or community. What sights do you point out? Why are they important to the community? Why are they important to you?
14. Write a short story about an exciting event that gets interrupted by a sudden rainstorm. How do things change? How do people react?
15. If you could go on vacation to any fictional location, where would it be and why? What kinds of things would you need to pack?
16. Next time you're out in nature, take a photo of something that interests or excites you -- a cocoon, an old tree, a fish, etc. Now write a story based on the picture you just took.
17. Write an acrostic poem about your favorite ice cream flavor. If you don't eat ice cream, use candy. If you don't eat candy, use fruit or another snack!
18. Write a review for the movie you most enjoyed watching this summer.
19. Now write a review for the movie you least enjoyed.
20. As summer draws to a close, reflect on the time you had. Are you sad to see summer end, to go back to school? Or are you excited? Maybe a little bit of both?
Looking for recommendations? Fill out our form to get a custom list of reads or a Book Bundle for pickup.
Youth Services Librarian Chris
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Here are some stories that celebrate the teachers that go above and beyond for their students!
Looking for some personalized selections? Fill out this form and you’ll receive a customized list direct to your inbox!
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Claire
Investigate the weird and wonderful world of the paranormal with these great books, all available at the Barrington Area Library.
Eager to discover more great books? Try a Browsing Bundle!
Youth Services Librarian Chris
Bring home a fun new project! Sign up from our Library Calendar and pick up a kit at the Youth Services desk or through our Parking Lot Pickup service between April 18-May 1.
Toddler & PreK: Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
Be ready to get messy with this active art technique. Register for the April/May Toddler & PreK Take-and-Make Kit here.
This activity would be best done outdoors, it can be messy! Use caution when stomping on the paper, it can get slippery. Alternatively, you can use your hands to press the bubble wrap, instead of stomping.
The kit includes: 2 large pieces of paper, 1 bubble wrap, 4 different types of washable tempura paint.
Tape the paper down for extra security.
Pour the paint that you like onto the paper.
You can cut the bubble wrap in half and wrap it onto your feet, or you can just simply place the bubble wrap onto the paper.
Stomp around to create your art! Remember to use caution when stomping on the paper because it can get slippery. Alternatively, you can use your hands to press the bubble wrap, instead of stomping.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades K-2: Mini Collection Boxes
Decorate a box to hold your smallest treasures. Register for the April/May Grades K-2 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Kit contains:
- 2 small boxes
- 1 sponge brush
- 1 container of Mod Podge
- Several sheets of tissue paper
- 4 strips of cardstock
You may also need:
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Cut or tear the tissue paper into small squares or strips.
- Separate the two halves of one of the boxes. Coat one small area with Mod Podge, then place tissue paper bits on top. Keep applying Mod Podge as you go.
- You can overlap the pieces as much as you like. You can either trim the edges, or wrap them on the inside of the box.
- Let dry completely (about an hour). Make sure to wash out your sponge brush while you wait.
- Add a second coat of Mod Podge to seal the tissue paper, and let dry again. (Mod Podge will dry clear, and provides some durability for your design.) (Again, wash the brush!)
- If Mod Podge turns out to be challenging or too messy, you can also decorate the box with any other craft supplies – paint, crayons, markers, stickers, etc. Just make sure the box will still close!
- Fold one of the strips of cardstock paper into an accordion fold. The folds should be a little smaller than the width of the box. You can use a ruler and pencil to help with this.
- Lay the two box halves open and side-by-side.
- Use the sponge and Mod Podge to glue the first and last folds into the insides of the two box halves. Make them as even as you can so the box will close. You can also use double-sided tape.
- Let dry.
- Now your box is ready to store and display a small treasure collection! Stickers are a ready-to-go choice, but you can also glue buttons, class photos, leaves or flowers into your box.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Grades 3-8: CD Weaving
Turn an old CD into a work of art with this simple weaving project. Register for the April/May Grades 3-8 Take-and-Make Kit here.
Your kit contains:
- 2 CDs
- 2 sewing needles
- Black yarn
- Rainbow ombre yarn (color will vary)
- Blue ombre yarn
- 3 small skeins of yarn
1. Pick out a yarn color for the spokes of your CD. You can use the black yarn or a different color.
2. Pull the yarn through the hole of the CD, leaving a small amount of yarn at the end. Secure the yarn by tying a knot to itself.
3. Pull the yarn tightly across the CD and back through the hole, creating a spoke that goes from the hole to the edge of the CD.
4. Continue to make spokes until you have an uneven When you are done creating your spokes, tie a knot to the label side.
5. Pick out your first color of yarn, cut a piece, and thread it through your needle. Attach the end of the yarn to one of the spokes on the printed side. Weave the needle and thread over and under through the spokes, pulling it taut as you go along.
6. Continue to add different colors of yarn to your CD, until you are done.
Show us what you created! Send us pictures at youthservices@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Alyssa
Hey, cardholders! The Exploration Station is calling!
Based in Bourbonnais, Illinois, the Exploration Station offers a variety of hands on learning experiences for kids of all ages. Your little one can take on the role of royalty at Exploralot Castle, play with x-rays in the "Illumination" room, work on a kid-sized car at the Wreck Resort Car Care Center, cook up some grub at the Lickety Split Soda Shop & Diner, and much more!
So take a trip to the Exploration Station! Barrington Area Library cardholders can receive one free adult admission with one paid children's admission.
For more information, visit this page, accessible through the Barrington Area Library homepage. Please be sure to check offer availability prior to reservation. You can also contact us at exploremore@balibrary.org.
Youth Services Librarian Chris