‘Read in the New Year’ Celebrations Designed Especially for Kids

It’s a New Year for Kids too, Ya Know

Camden County Library System branches continue their annual tradition

[Six of the Camden County Library System’s branches will hold Read in the New Year programs for children of all ages. Here the kids celebrate in style at the Voorhees branch when it marked the end of 2010 and welcomed 2011 last year.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Dec. 7, 2011- The Camden County Library System is offering annual Read in the New Year Celebrations at six of its branches.  Kids can celebrate the new year a little early with programs that include a countdown, craft, stories and plenty of fun.

Merchantville  - 130 S. Centre St., Merchantville, NJ 08109 
Wednesday, December 21, 3:30 p.m.  Register

Vogelson – 203 Laurel Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Thursday, December 29, 11:15 a.m.  Register

Haddon Township – 15 MacArthur Blvd., Westmont, NJ 08043
Friday, December 30, 11 a.m.  Register

Gloucester Township – 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Friday, December 30, 11:15 a.m.  Register

Riletta L. Cream Branch, 852 Ferry Ave., Camden, NJ 08104
Friday, December 30, 3 p.m.  Register

South County – 35 Coopers Folly Rd., Winslow Twp., NJ 08004
Saturday, December 31, 11:30 a.m.  Register

Registration for any program is available three weeks in advance of the event date either online through SIGNUP at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or by calling the local branch hosting the event.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Fun @ Haddon Branch Library’s 50th Birthday Party

 

 

[Camden County Freeholder Scot McCray reads to a group of children from Dr. Seuss’s “I Can Lick 30 Tigers a Day” at the 50^th Birthday celebration for the Haddon Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

The party featured a performance by the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, birthday cake, face painting, book mark making, tattoos, contests and more. Camden County Freeholder Board Director Louis Capelli and Freeholder Ian Leonard, as the board’s library liaison, joined Camden County Library System Director Linda Devlin in speaking about the branch’s history of serving the people of Camden County.

The branch announced that Mark D’Tamaso of Haddon Twp. won a basket of assorted chocolates from Bayard’s Chocolates for a contest at guessing the branch’s average circulation that was part of the day’s events.]

Get a Library Card to Get Ready for School

Homework help resources and special programming help students succeed

 
 
[Camden County libraries remind parents and students that an updated library card is one of the most important school supplies to have.]

VOORHEES, NJ – August 22, 2011 – As Camden County students go back to school this September, the Camden County Library System wants to make sure that all children have one of the most important school supplies – a library card.  

Owning a library card provides students the resources they need to compete academically. Most public libraries (89.6 percent) provide students free access to databases of news articles, encyclopedias and test preparation materials, as well as homework help and other resources. 

In addition, public libraries are the number one place for free Internet access, an important resource for families without a home Internet connection when 96 percent of school districts require students to use the Internet to complete their homework. 

“Today’s libraries provide all types of students with the tools they need to succeed,” says Linda Devlin as director of the Camden County Library System. She points out that the library system offers special sections on its website that provide access to homework help for both children and high school students. Kids World and the Teen Zone can be found on the library’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org . 

Each month throughout the year the library offers scores of programs and events designed for students of all ages. Everything from story times, teen book clubs, craft workshops and special programs like a teen video contest and festival held just a few weeks ago.  The Riletta L. Cream Ferry Ave. Branch even offers a homework club for students in grades three through eight that meets once a week on Thursday afternoons starting Sept. 22. 

“Libraries provide young readers with exciting and engaging programs that make learning fun. Now more than ever, a library card is the most important school supply of all,” stresses Devlin. 

Getting a library card is easy.  Residents of 27 member communities are eligible for a free library-system card. Owners of properties or businesses that operate in a member community are eligible as are others.

A list of member communities is available on the website, and residents of non-member communities can get a library card on a subscription-fee basis, which is explained on the website. Residents can also visit one of the seven CCLS branches located in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Twp., Haddon Twp., Merchantville, Winslow Twp. or Voorhees to find out about joining the system and getting a card. 

The American Library Association, the New Jersey Library Association and libraries across the country have designated September as Library Card Sign-up Month since 1987 to remind parents that a library card is an essential school supply. 

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Children’s Author Dan Gutman Kicks off Bellmawr Summer Reading

Author of popular ‘My Weird School’ book series signed and gave away books

 
 
[Children’s author Dan Gutman poses with cartoon he drew for the kids at Bellmawr.]

VOORHEES, NJ –  July 14, 2011 -- Dan Gutman, author of the popular ‘My Weird School’ book series for children, helped the Bellmawr Branch of the Camden County Library System kick off its summer reading program. His visit drew 98 kids and adults in June.

Before the program, Gutman signed 104 of his books that the library gave to those attending the event. He also provided the library with a box set of the first eight ‘My Weird School’ titles and five audio CDs of his stories that were offered as raffle prizes.

Given the number of kids who turned out for the event and their enthusiasm, Bellmawr branch manager Debbie Stefano said, “We were giddy over the success of it all.”

The Camden County Library System’s summer reading program for children and teens runs through August 6 and features special program events at each of its branches related to the themes of ‘One World, Many Stories’ for children and ‘You are Here!’ for teens and ‘tweens.

Registration for the summer reading program is available online through library’s website or in person at one of the system’s branch locations. Hours, directions and numbers for each branch can also be found on the website by clicking the link at the upper right corner of the library’s home page at www.camdencountylibrary.org .

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[‘My Weird School’ children’s author Dan Gutman talks to kids at the kick off of the Bellmawr library’s summer reading program, June 15, 2011. After the presentation he took time to speak with aspiring writers and illustrators in the audience.]

 

 

Children's Summer Reading Program: One World Many Stories, begins June 27th

Calling All World Travelers:

Open a Book and Open the World with our 2011 Children’s Summer Reading Program: One World Many Stories, beginning June 27!

Hop on board by registering for summer reading at your local branch or online.  Once you have registered, stop by your library to pick up your summer reading log and then all you need to do is start reading!  Read anything!  Read anywhere!  Really – you can read anything anywhere and for every hour of reading, you can earn a chance at a prize.  The more you read, the more chances you get to win!

We’ll also explore the globe and the world around us through stories, crafts, music, dance and other fun activities.  Check out the wide selection of summer programs listed under each branch and use SignUp to register for your favorites. 

Sign up for the Children’s Summer Reading Program

See and sign up for children’s summer programs in your branch:

Bellmawr
Ferry Ave.
Gloucester Twp.
Merchantville
South County
Voorhees

Kids Can Celebrate the New Year Early at the Library

It may be past bedtime when the clock strikes midnight, but kids can celebrate the new year a little early. "Read in the New Year" at the library! Our New Year’s Eve celebrations, designed especially for kids, will include a countdown, craft, stories and lots of fun!

This program will take place at each branch.  Register to reserve your space.

Merchantville Branch: Wednesday, December 16, 3:30 p.m. Register

Bellmawr: Wednesday, December 31, 11 a.m.  Register

Haddon Township: Wednesday, December 31, 11 a.m.  Register

Gloucester Township: Wednesday, December 31, 11:15 a.m.  Register

South County: Wednesday, December 31, 11:30 a.m.  Register

Vogelson: Wednesday, December 31, 11:15 a.m.  Register

Over 100 Events for Kids Summer Reading at Camden County Libraries

 

June 15, 2009

 Summer reading is a great way for children and young people to enjoy themselves while maintaining and even sharpening their reading skills during summer vacation from school.

The Camden County Library System is pleased to offer well over 100 programs this summer through its six branches based on the themes of "Be Creative @ Your Library" for children and "Express Yourself @ Your Library" for teens and ‘tweens.

Inspired by these twin themes, children, ‘tweens and teens are invited to explore the arts through music, drama, crafts and books. We are offering a host of activities – everything from sand painting and cardboard weaving to drama workshops and more.

All of the branches will be providing a summer reading log for participants. They can earn points, prizes and a chance to win a gift basket based on their reading and participation in events.

Featured system-wide, students in grades two through six will have the chance to "Explore the World of the Theatre!" with Mr. Malcolm, an experienced children’s performer. In this two-day workshop, participants can learn about the actor’s craft including the skills of movement and speech. During the second day, participants will act in a short play. Registration and participation in both days are required.

Also, nearly all of the branches will be offering a special program, "Get Beary Creative @ Your Library". Michelle Ruggiero of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife will present an imaginative program about black bears living in New Jersey. Dates and times for this summer program and others offered at the various branches can be found by going to SignUp at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

"Youth Stages" will be presenting a series of events designed to help young people explore creative drama throughout July. On Wednesday July 22, the Gloucester Twp. Branch will present "Angelina Ballerina", and Merchantville will offer "The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School." At the other branches, "Youth Stages" will engage kids in "Garbage Drama". Participants are invited to bring in recyclable junk,

which they will use to create props and scenes to act out. Again, dates and times at the different branches are available on the CCLS website at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

Many of the events in the 2009 summer reading program are sponsored by the Friends of the Camden County Library System.

Three of the branches are planning kick-off events for their summer reading programs.

Bellmawr Branch

Thursday, June 18, 3 p.m.

Camden Riversharks mascot Finley will pay a visit, and there will be face painting and snacks to mark the start of summer reading where kids and teens can sign up for programs. The branch also invites people to bring nonperishable food items that it will be collecting for local food banks at the event.

South County Branch

will mark the start of the summer reading program with two different events:

Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

A special presentation of "Trapped at Tripletree" for children grades k - 5

Friday, June 26, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

"Calling all Gamers" activity with the library providing PS2, Nintendo Game Cube and Wii for teens and ‘tweens, ages 9 - 18.

Voorhees Branch

Saturday, June 20, 1 – 3 p.m.

Summer reading program kickoff will start with food, face painting and more. Mr. Malcolm will be telling stories from 2 to 3 p.m.

Each of the six branches: Bellmawr, Gloucester Twp., Haddon Twp. Merchantville, South County (Winslow Twp.) and Voorhees will be offering other events related to the summer reading themes. Details about what is available at each branch during the summer can be found at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees. The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

New for Kids - Tumblebooks!

The library now offers Tumblebooks - animated, talking picture books;  audiobooks; and games and puzzles, all available at the library or from home.  Toddlers and preschoolers can sit back and listen, while beginning readers can follow along at their own speed.  Older kids can listen to classic audiobooks like The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book and House at Pooh Corner. The language learning center offers stories in Spanish, French, Italian and Russian.

The link for Tumblebooks can be found in Kids’ World: Suggested Reading.  Or you can go directly to Tumblebooks.

Catch the Reading Bug - 2008 Summer Reading Program

This summer, swarm over to your Library and catch the reading bug by signing up for our exciting, prize-filled Summer Reading Program! The theme this year is "Catch the Reading Bug." Kids of all ages will find programs and activities of the creepy crawly type at every branch.

All you have to do is sign up at any of our branch libraries to receive your booklog and then buzz into reading. Read anything! Read anywhere! You can win a prize or a chance at a prize basket - the more you read, the more chances you get to win.

Find out more about the kids' programs we'll be offering this summer.

Many thanks to the Friends of the Camden County Library for sponsoring the Summer Reading Program!