June is a wonderful time! School is winding down, the weather is beautiful, and summer is on the wind. It is also time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! Check out our displays in the library! Don’t be afraid to be you! See below for reading suggestions to learn more and celebrate this month! Adult Fiction Titles [books list=”adults-june-pride-month-fiction” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”] Adult Non-Fiction/Biography Titles [books list=”adults-june-pride-month-nf-bio” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”] Teen Fiction Titles [books list=”teen-june-pride-month” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”] Teen Non-Fiction/Biography Titles [books list=”teens-june-pride-month-nf-bio” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”] Kids Fiction Titles [books list=”cr-june-pride-month-fiction” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”] Kids Non-Fiction/Biography Titles [books list=”cr-june-pride-month-nf-bio” display=”carousel” total_items=”90″ auto=”true”]
Children’s Holiday Party
Join your children’s librarians for a fun-filled morning to get you in the holiday spirit. Our theme this year is Polar Express. Take photos with the train conductor, bring your letters to Santa, and make some themed crafts! Registration is not necessary. This event will be in the Collins Room of the library, across from the Children’s Room, on Saturday, December 2nd from 10am to 12pm.
National Native American Heritage Month
During the month of November we observe National Native American Heritage Month. You may have already seen our displays around the library of various books, movies, and music to celebrate this month, but if you are looking for a little bit more information and a few more title recommendations, please read below. A Brief History of the Month According to the official U.S. government website dedicated to this observed month, “What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose. […] The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. In Illinois, for example, legislators enacted such a day in 1919. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday. […] In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 ‘National American Indian Heritage Month.’ Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including ‘Native American Heritage Month’ and ‘National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month’) have been issued each year since 1994.” To learn even more about the history and rich cultures of Native American tribes across the American and Canadian lands, please click HERE. Looking to learn more through a good book? Adult Reading Suggestions: [books list=”adult-native-american-heritage-month” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] Teen Reading Suggestions: [books list=”teens-native-american-month-titles” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”] Kid Reading Suggestions: [books list=”indian-heritage” display=”carousel” total_items=”50″ auto=”true”]
World of Owls with Jim Parks from Wingmasters
Owls are not evil spirits, wise little philosophers or Walt Disney creations. Nor do they wing about carrying messages, despite the way they’re depicted in the Harry Potter books. In fact, owls are probably more misunderstood than any other kind of bird. These are hunting birds, yet their sharp beaks and talons are partly hidden under feathers. Owl have more and softer feathers than other birds, and this unique plumage gives them a plump, rounded look. Add an upright posture and huge eyes set in front like ours, and you have what looks irresistibly like a small, bemused person wearing a fur coat. In reality, owls are superbly adapted nocturnal hunters. This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the dark explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live owls provides the focus of the presentation. For ages 7 and up! Click the link below to register! https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/wingmaster-eyes-on-owls/
Children’s Room Photo Exhibit & Reception
Come view the many photographs taken by children all summer as part of the Children’s Room Annual Photo Contest. Matted and hung, the photos represent four distinct themes and the work of children ages 6-13. The photographers capture beauty, humor and the off-beat each year and the collection is always terrific. Light refreshments will be served.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka Author Event!
Do you love the Lunch Lady books, or graphic novels in general? You will be thrilled to know that author Jarrett J. Krosoczka is coming to Ipswich for an in-person author event. The event will be held on August 15 at 6 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street in Ipswich. Online registration is required at www.ipswichlibrary.org Click on Events. Click on the program date and a registration form will appear. Seating is limited. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. The summer theme for Massachusetts libraries is Find Your Voice and this author will be able to help young readers and writers do just that. Krosoczka will do a presentation on how to make comics, share some quick drawing tips, offer a Q&A and a book signing. His books will be available to purchase with the help of The Book Shop of Beverly Farms. He is the author of the Lunch Lady and Star Wars Jedi Academy series of graphic novels. Krosoczka’s most recent books, Hey, Kiddo and Sunshine are for Young Adult readers and we extend this program invitation to all ages.
Who killed Dumbledore?
Get Your Wands Ready! Was it Luna? In the Great Hall? With the Bludger? YOU are all suspects and will need to figure out just how Dumbledore died as you roll the giant dice and move yourselves around the custom made Clue board. Costumes encouraged. Wands & food provided. Chocolate frog breaks included. Register online ASAP to save a spot on the board! A minimum of six players is needed to play, so please sign-up as soon as you can. 7/20 (1-2:30pm): Incoming 4th & 5th Graders Only 7/21 (5-6pm): Teens Only (Incoming 6th-12th Graders) 7/22 (6:30-7:30pm): Adults Only (Ages 18+) Please contact Teen Librarian Katy Wuerker for more information at (978) 356-6648 or kwuerker@ipswichlibrary.org.
Summer Book Camp for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders – Register Now!
Register your rising third, fourth and fifth graders for the 2023 Children’s Room Summer Book Camp! Camp runs this year from Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Each day we will read a couple of theme-related stories, do a craft, have a cool snack and go outside for some games. Our theme this summer is “Time Travel.” We will head back in time to the ancient world, the Renaissance, the American colonial period, and maybe even have a look at the future! Use the links below to register your child for book camp. You only need to sign your child up once for them to attend for the whole week! Click HERE to sign up for rising 3rd graders. Click HERE to sign up for rising 4th graders. Click HERE to sign up for rising 5th graders.
February Vacation Kid’s Offerings!
The Children’s Room at the Ipswich Public Library is offering many drop-in programming options during school vacation. Registration is only required for the LEGO programs. Stop by to pick up some books and stay to watch a movie, make a craft or play giant games. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, The Movie Tuesday afternoon in the Collins Room 2 to 3:45 p.m. — Enjoy our screen projection and sound system in the Collins Room. One bottle of water and one bag of popcorn provided to each participant. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. This live-action/CGI comedy runs about one hour and 45-minutes. It is rated PG. Common Sense Media recommends this movie for ages 6+. Giant Games Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 3 in the Collins Room Plan to meet friends or just drop by for this family activity and play with our collection of oversized games, including: Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Giant Spoons, Giant Tic Tac Toe, Jumbo Bananagrams, Jumbo Pick Up Sticks, Pass the Big Pigs, Giant Uno, and some Corn Hole. Work with our coding toys, too! Drop-In Craft Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon in the Collins Room Watch for details of this month’s project. TBA Intended for school age children who can complete more intricate and challenging crafts. Each child under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver to actively assist with the craft. _________________________________________________________________ Registration is only required for the LEGO programs. The links are included below. LEGO Day!, Friday, Feb. 24 Jo-Ann Gorrell from Engineering Action is a popular and frequent LEGO presenter/instructor at the library (and all over Ipswich)! To register, go to www.ipswichlibrary.org , click on events, and then click on the age-related LEGO program for your child. Do put your name on the wait list, as families’ plans often change and we update the registration list on a regular basis. Registration begins on February 1, 2023. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For students in Grades 1 and 2, Jo-Ann will first provide projects for participants to create. All LEGOS are provided and there is a mountain of them! Following the initial building exercise, participants will be given some time to play and refine their creations. Registration grades 1 and 2 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For students in Grades 3 to 5, Jo-Ann will first provide projects for participants to create. All LEGOS are provided and there is a mountain of them! Following the initial building exercise, participants are given some time to play and […]
Children’s Room January programs to keep you warm!
January Children’s Programs
Join us for a musical time on July 11th!
Join us on the front lawn of the Winthrop School at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 11, for this exciting community Campfire Sing-along! It’s a musical reunion opportunity with Kitt Cox (former director of Birth to Three) with his band, The Wabi-Sabi Combo. This band has been sharing their talents throughout the pandemic to attract contributions to buy diapers for those in need. This program is free and no registration is required.
Clean Up for Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! Come by the library to pick-up one of our three new Trash Grabber Kits to assist you in cleaning up around the yard, woods, or beach this weekend. Each kit comes with a collapsible trash grabbing tool and a yellow safety vest to help you clean-up the Earth safely and in style. Need some extra trash bags for Ipswich Town Clean Up? We have those as well, orange and yellow, behind the main circulation desk. come in and ask for some. (The orange bags are single bags and the yellow are two joined bags.) Learn more about this year’s Ipswich town Clean Up Day HERE. A big thank you to the Town of Ipswich MA DPW for purchasing the kits and providing the bags and to our patrons for suggesting such a great kit idea.
Clemenzi Crusaders Super Hero-themed concert!
The Clemenzi Crusaders are a father and son duo who will bring new life to your favorite movie, TV, and video game theme songs! Eric and Xavier Clemenzi will rock out on their guitar and drums, playing along with video clips from your favorite pop-culture movies, all while wearing costumes!! Nick’s Comic Strip of Danvers will provide free comic books for all in attendance, and the Clemenzi Crusaders will donate 10% of their net profits from t-shirt sales at the show to the Ipswich Library! We hope you can join us! Registration is required. https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/clemenzi-crusaders-super-hero-theme-music-concert/ Seats are limited.
Held at Ipswich Town Hall 25 Green Street!
NEW ENGLAND BIRDS OF PREY with Jim Parks of Wingmasters Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA Register at: https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/new-england-birds-of-prey-2/ This program is sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library. The minimum age for registrants is 6-years-old. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Birds of prey are also known as raptors, and they are hunting birds characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons (the word raptor comes from a Latin word that means “to seize”). Raptors can also boast the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. Raptors include hawks, falcons and owls, and this presentation, which incorporates 5 live birds of prey, all native to New England, gives an overview of these different categories. The program is designed to explain predation, the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that WINGMASTERS cares for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future. WINGMASTERS is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed wildlife rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey at their center in Leverett, Massachusetts. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these nonreleasable raptors, and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994 WINGMASTERS has presented over 10,000 programs at schools, libraries and museums throughout New England.
Intro to Yoga grades 1 to 5
Yoga for grades 1 to 5 with Elissa Shoreman from Buddhaful Souls Yoga Studio. Meet with friends to learning stretching, breathing and mindfulness techniques. A great introduction or refresher for the elementary school age set. Tuesday, March 29 from 2:45 to 3:45. Register here: https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/yoga-for-grades-2-to-5/
Movement Classes with Jenny Carlson
Movement classes at the library
Cozy Up with a Good Read
Although the days are getting longer, it’s still a bit chilly out there! Why not cozy up with a good book or audiobook? Wait! You’ve just finished the last Harry Potter or the most recent Pigeon book and don’t know what to try next? Reader’s advisory to the rescue! Whether you’re into dinosaurs, arctic explorers, or superheroes, we have a suggestion. Click HERE to see a long list of topical suggestions with each title leading to the full book description and the “place hold” button. Still stumped? For Children’s titles, please feel free to call the Children’s Room directly at (978) 413-8713. OR For our helpful Book Match service (for adults, teens, and kids), click HERE to learn more and give it a try!
IPL Launches Kanopy Video Streaming Service
Ipswich Public Library cardholders now have access to Kanopy, a free video streaming service known for providing “thoughtful entertainment” such as award-winning movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational content. Library users get 4 credits to view premium titles each month as well as unlimited access to Great Courses, Kanopy Kids, and a rotating catalog of free titles. Getting Started: Head to IpswichLibrary.Kanopy.com on your preferred internet browser OR download the Kanopy app from an Apple, Google Play, Roku, or Smart TV app store for free. Select “Log In to Ipswich Public Library” or use the search tool to locate and select the Ipswich Public Library if it isn’t shown by default. Input your library card number and account PIN when prompted. Sign up for a new Kanopy account or log into an existing one if you’ve used Kanopy at another institution before. Begin browsing through the available titles immediately or adjust your account settings to your preferences and enjoy! Need help accessing Kanopy? Call or visit the Library in person or email refdesk@ipswichlibrary.org for assistance.
Countdown to the New Year with the IPL!
Starting Friday, December 17th, join us as we count down to the New Year with 15 day-by-day resolutions to finish up 2021! Check back here each day and maybe you will find a new genre to read, try an audiobook, or download the Libby app for your smart device! Will you decide to finally learn French? Discover the world through our museum passes? Whatever you decide, we hope you’ll bring your new passions and interests into 2022!
Children’s Scavenger Hunt!
Register on Beanstack! Runs July 6-Aug. 20 Scavenger Hunt Packet 2021
Join us for Summer Reading!
Imagine your story with the library this summer, from June 18th through August 20th! Tracking for our our summer reading program is still virtual this year! Register now on our Beanstack site or download the Beanstack tracker app from the Google Play store or Apple App store. Kids and teens are invited to read books and participate in activities to earn virtual badges. For information about events for kids and teens this summer, hop on over to our library event calendar! Beanstack is the online tracker we use for reading and learning programs here at the Ipswich Public Library! You can visit our Beanstack page here: https://ipswichlibrary.beanstack.org/ GETTING STARTED WITH BEANSTACK Go to ipswichlibrary.beanstack.org Scroll down the page and click on the “Register an Individual or Family” button. Follow the prompts to create an account. Multiple readers may be registered within the same account so each child’s activities can be tracked separately. To add readers to an account, click the reader’s name on the left and select “Add a Reader” from the drop down menu. When entering information, be sure to include the grade each child will be entering in the fall. Not in school? There is an “adult” option in the grade level drop down menu. If you need to register multiple children, the program will ask if you wish to register another child. Click yes until each child has a profile in Beanstack. REGISTERING FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM Go to ipswichlibrary.beanstack.org Scroll down, click on “Sign in Here”, and sign in. In the upper left corner of the page, you’ll see which account you are currently viewing. To change to a different reader, click on the reader’s name and select “Change Readers”. Choose the reader you wish to register. You will see a list of programs for which you or your child may be eligible. Choose the appropriate program(s) and click the “Register” button. Repeat for any additional children. LOGGING ACTIVITIES Sign into your account at ipswichlibrary.beanstack.org In the upper left corner of the page, you’ll see which account you are currently viewing. To change to a different reader, click on the reader’s name and select “Change Readers”. You will see the program(s) for which you or your child is registered. Click “Return to this Program” Click the “Activity Badges” tab to see the available badges. Click each badge to see its suggested activities. For each activity completed, click the […]
Read to Bead
Library Service Update: June 2021
Welcome back to the library! Beginning Tuesday, June 1st, we will be lifting most capacity limits and shifting to a walk-in model of service. Appointments will no longer be required to browse the adult and children’s collections. Study carrels and seating throughout the library will be made available for public use. You may notice that some precautionary measures remain in place. Sneeze guards will continue to be used at public service desks. We continue to ask all library visitors to practice appropriate social distancing, and to wear masks if they are not fully vaccinated. Masks will continue to be required for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Please read on for updated information about holds pickup, printing, room use, and more. Holds pickup As always, you can place holds through our online catalog, call staff to do it for you, or even have them choose some items for you to pick up. Starting on June 1st, holds and book club picks will be available for self-pickup on the shelving just past the Circulation Desk. Holds on Children’s Room material will be once again be available for pickup in the Children’s Room. Printing Services and Tax Forms Our computers, copier, and scanner are available for walk-in use. Click HERE for more information about printing. You can still request tax forms and printing through our website. Fill out a printing request or tax form request and we will let you know when your materials are ready to be picked up. Room Use We hope you continue to enjoy our new event tent! In addition to this outdoor space, our Conference Room and Quite Study Room will once again be available for the public to reserve. Capacity limits have been reduced for these spaces to promote appropriate social distancing. Click HERE to view our guidelines, check availability, and make a reservation request right online! You can also simply call the library or ask a staff member to help you with a reservation. BookMatch: Let Us Help You Find Your Next Great Read Need a reading suggestion? Try our personalized reading list service, BookMatch! Just fill out a quick form on our website and we will send you a list of books we think you’ll like. Statewide Delivery is Active Statewide delivery among libraries — also known as Inter-library Loan — remains available and you can place requests from other libraries (choose from over five million items in our 36-member network alone)! Search the catalog HERE! Online Resources Our website has tons of resources that are available to you any time of day or […]
Unplugged Early Literacy Programs
Unlugged June Programs for the Little Ones June Programs for the Little Ones – Unplugged! All early literacy programs in June of 2021 will be held live and in person under the Event Tent on the front lawn of the library. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are asked to wear masks in the library and while attending library programs. The Children’s Room staff will continue to wear masks for the near future. Registration opens the week before the program. Registration is required. Patrons may register for these programs beginning Tuesday mornings the week prior to their occurrence. Go to www.ipswichlibrary.org Click on Events and a calendar will appear. Click on the day and time of the program you are interested in to register. Got Questions? Call the Children’s Room at 978-412-8713 with any questions or email Laurie Collins at lcollins@ipswichlibrary.org. Music for the Little Ones with Eric Clemenzi Monday, June 7 at 10 a.m. A wonderful opportunity to expose children to music in a group setting. Caregivers and children are invited to sing and dance together! Eric shares children’s classic songs, now accompanied by his son, Xavier, on drums, Held under the Event Tent on the library lawn, registration is required and seating is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. Mother Goose on the Loose every Tuesday at 10 a.m. An interactive early literacy program for caregivers with infants through 2-year-olds. Songs, stories, music and finger-plays for caregivers and babies to enjoy together. Ipswich Children’s Room staff are trained in the presentation of this well-renowned program. Story Time every Thursday at 10 a.m. For caregivers with children age 2 through Kindergarten this is a fun opportunity for adults to interact with the children in their care while listening to stories, singing songs and participating in large motor skill activities. Creating a wonderful sense of community, this is a great program not only for parents, but for grandparents and their grandchildren or for any caregivers who want to participate in Story Time with the children in their charge. Yoga for the Little Ones with Elissa Shoreman Fridays in June at 11 a.m. Take a deep breath! Stretch! Yoga for caregivers with children ages 2 to 5. Join Elissa Shoreman from Buddhaful Souls Yoga Studio to enjoy a yoga program created just for them!
Kids’ 2020 Book Clubs
Register now for Book Buddies (grade 3) and Radical Readers (grades 4/5)! Email Betsy Johnson at ejohnson@ipswichlibrary.org for more details or to register.
Mother Goose on the Loose and Story Time videos
Betsy Diamant-Cohen, one of the creators of this early literacy program has given permission to create Mother Goose videos during the COVID19 shut down. Mother Goose on the Loose came to the Ipswich Public Library through an LSTA (Library Science Technology Act) grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Laurie Collins and Michelle Guvendiren share their programs here! Send an email to lcollins@ipswichlibrary.org and share your photos and videos of Story Time and Mother Goose participants! Just click on these on demand titles!
