Hi everyone! This is Miss Jeanna. As a children’s librarian and mother of two little ones, I see a lot of picture books and stories created to transform the lives of small children. Stories that explore concepts or creativity. Stories that delve into fairy tale and folk lore. I see illuminating stories of fantasy and serious slice of life tales.  

With such a rich variety of stories to choose from, why then is there less variety when it comes to children’s book characters? I look at the children who visit the library, and the children who attend my programs, and even my own children, and I think of the value of seeing themselves in these stories. Representation matters. 

Thankfully there are many authors who introduce diverse characters into their magical worlds. Below are some of the best picture books featuring diverse characters. Stop by the Lindenhurst Memorial Library to pick up some of these books or ask a librarian about other diverse titles to enjoy.

Even the best parents in the world need a little help sometimes. Did you know that your local library can help you out with everything from adventurous activities to homework assistance? Below are a few resources you can find at Lindenhurst Memorial Library to help keep everyone entertained and educated. 

1. Books, movies, DVDs, and more: While you likely already know what type of material the library has to offer, you may not realize the extent of it. We have books for babies, early readers, and chapter books. We have graphic novels and audio books. We also offer a huge collection of DVDs, video games, as well as devices like Hotspots, Starlings, and Launchpads. Additionally, we have a large Parenting Collection of current Parenting books. 

2. Adventures Await: Looking to get out of the house? Why not explore Long Island by reserving a Museum Pass from us? Follow this link to learn more: Museum Pass Program 

3. Homework Help: When homework piles up it can be tough on everyone. Let the library help you! We have FREE and LIVE tutors ready to help your child learn. Users can get free tutoring for math, science, reading/writing, social studies, and PSAT/SATs/ACT/AP and standardized tests. You can also submit homework questions, request essay feedback, and much more! Interested? Check it out here: Brainfuse eLearning 

Regular physical activity in children is essential to developing and perfecting fine and gross motor skills. According to the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health, these skills are important to a child’s coordination, self confidence, ability to socialize, and academic performance. And since students are now learning at home, some or most of the time, I figured it would be a great time to introduce some ideas to create a healthy learning environment at home.

Some fun activities that your children could do include outside activities, such as walking, jogging, running, playing hopscotch, riding a bicycle, setting up an obstacle course in your backyard using hula hoops for the kids to jump through, or having a hula hoop contest. Raining or too cold to be outside? There are plently of inside activities that help to build Cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility such as doing Yoga, and Zumba. Look for some amazing movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts on Go Noodle.

And don’t forget to check out some exercise videos for children on Hoopla. Not sure what Hoopla is? Our Niche Academy tutorial can help!

International Games Week is an initiative of the American Library Association to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. 

There’s no better time to play games with your family than now! Break out board games and card games like Uno, Sorry, Apples to Apples, Spot It and more! There are also many new types of games you can learn to play like Exploding Kittens, Coup, Codenames, and Ticket to Ride.

There are many ways to celebrate this week and your love of games in general. Participate in a live virtual program with us, download online games to play, borrow books about games or borrow a videogame!

Virtual Game Programs at the Library

Here are some game programs to participate in at the library!

POKEMON VIRTUAL MEET UP
Grades 4-6
Friday, November 13, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Join us for a virtual meet up to discuss
all things Pokémon! Pokémon Master
Lori Beth will be on hand to facilitate
Pokémon related topics such as your
favorite Pokémon, new cards, questions
about cards, and game play strategies!
Bring your cards and virtually share
some of your Pokémon adventures!

GAME TIME!
Grades 6-12
Wednesdays, December 2 (Jackbox
Games) & December 30 (Escape the
Room) 3:00-4:00 pm
Calling all gamers! Join our librarians
on our Discord server for some fun and
exciting games. Don’t forget to bring the
snacks. Registration begins November 2

FAMILY GAME
NIGHT: BINGO
AND SPACE
TRIVIA
Families
Saturday,
December 19,
6:30-7:30 pm.
Let’s get together
for some fun and exciting virtual games.
Grab the whole family and compete
against your neighbors, all from the
comfort of your own home. Don’t forget
to bring the snacks! Registration begins
November 16

Online Games to Play on Your Own Time:

Caterpillar Feast Eat your way through the leaves before the owl finds you!

Mint Cooperative A mint-based superhero game designed to fit in an Altoids tin.

Orchard Grab as much fruit as you can by overlapping tiles in the most advantageous way in this simple and clever game.

Rolling Realms This downloadable page features 9 different games on one page.

Read About Gaming:

Did you know the library offers museum passes for you to borrow? These museum passes offer you the key to a variety of fun places to go. From planetariums to state parks, there is something fun for everyone to do! Here is some background information on each museum.

American Airpower Museum Farmingdale, NY

Admission is for 2 adults and 2 children.

This museum’s mission is to preserve the legacy of all Americans who have sacrificed themselves to defend our liberties. They hope to educate a new generation by presenting the operational aircraft and armor in the museum’s collection and its related displays, exhibits and programs.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Admission is for 2 adults and 4 children.

After 99 years as a New York State trout hatchery, this non-profit center became dedicated to educating visitors about the freshwater ecosystems of New York. They have the largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fishes and amphibians. Visitors can tour two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds, feed hungry trout and try “Catch & Keep” fishing.

Cradle of Aviation Garden City, NY

Each pass admits 2 adults and up to 2 children, 18 years and younger.

This aviation and spaceflight museum is located in East Garden City on Long Island to commemorate Long Island’s part in the history of aviation. This educational center preserves Long Island’s contribution to aerospace, science and technology by inspiring future generations through learning.

Empire Pass New York State

The Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks including forests, beaches, trails and more. Here are just some of the places you can visit with the pass:

Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society Captree Island, NY

Admission is for 2 adults and 4 children.

The Fire Island Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island. Visit the lighthouse and climb the 182 steps to the top of the tower. There you will see the ocean, Fire Island, the bays, Long Island to the North and on a clear day, the skyline of New York City. You can also see the Keeper’s Quarters, the Len’s Building, and the Boathouse.

Long Island Children’s Museum Garden City, NY

This pass admits 2 adults and 2 children.

The Long Island Children’s Museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, plus live theater, art spaces, and daily activities to provide hours of discovery for children of all ages.

Nassau County Museum of Art Roslyn Harbor, NY

Includes admission for 2 adults and 4 children

Visit this museum to get a deeper understanding of art and culture through their exhibits and education programs. They work hard to enhance their permanent collections, sculpture park, historic property, and natural setting.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration Old Bethpage, NY

Includes free admission for up to 4 people.

This unique history museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life as it was on Long Island during the 19th century. This village consists of 36 houses, barns, and buildings dating from 1660 through 1875.

Old Westbury Gardens Old Westbury, NY

This pass includes free admission/parking for 2 adults and their children to the gardens.

The historic mansion at Old Westbury Gardens sits among 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. The Westbury house itself is furnished with English antiques and decorative arts. On the Gardens’ premises you can attend guided tours, museum exhibitions, pop up concerts, gardening classes and more!

Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion and Planetarium Centerport, NY

Each pass admits 2 adults and 4 children. Includes museum grounds, exhibits and one free regularly scheduled planetarium show. 

This informal educational facility is a unique combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium and park. This facility was Mr William K Vanderbilt II’s idea to help promote understanding and appreciation of the diversity of life.