Bloomfield Library Keeps Kids Active During Holiday School Break – TAPinto.net

BLOOMFIELD, NJ – In an effort to keep kids busy over the holiday break, the Bloomfield Public Library Children’s Department hosted special free programs for elementary school students in grades kindergarten through sixth.

First-Ward Councilwoman Jenny Mundell, who is a liaison between the township and the library, expressed her delight about the holiday events that are keeping young minds stimulated with interactive and informative activities.

“As the parent of a school age child, I know well the importance of ensuring our kids have access to creative and educational activities, particularly over long breaks from school,” Mundell told TAP.  “Our children’s library has once again delivered with a whole array of fun, family-friendly alternatives to being cooped up in the house with television and video games.”

On Wednesday afternoon, area youngsters participated in Book Bingo, which is like regular bingo but uses author’s names and book titles.

Thursday afternoon saw an Open Crafts Studio where kids were able to get their hands dirty with all different types of materials.

The highlight on Friday – a double-feature screening of holiday movies, including Emmet Otter’s ‘Jug-Band Christmas’ and Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’

“These programs give the kids something to do when they’re out of school,” library staff member Shana Lynch told TAP.  “This is an annual event as the parents are always looking to get the kids out of the house to do something, rather than spending time on their (phone and computer) screens.”

Creative artwork from students at Demarest School is on display throughout the month of December.

Regular story-time programs resume on January 8, with other special events occurring year-round.

“We have a big summer reading program with ‘Read to Ruby’ – our pet bunny Ruby, and we have a Labrador retriever service dog that comes in named Brady, and the kids read to him,” said Lynch.  “The kids really like it because it draws them out of their shell if they are a little shy about reading, as they can practice on the dog who’s not going to judge them, and they can feel more comfortable.”

The library also hosts a Special Olympics program three times a year that is open to special needs children and other kids called Unified Partners that are welcome to join their siblings.

“We were the first library in New Jersey to host Special Olympics young athletes,” Lynch added.

The Bloomfield Public Library, located at 90 Broad Street, has been serving the community for over seventy years.  For information about upcoming programs and events, visit www.bplnj.org.