The Children's Department offers many special programs that require registration. Online registration is now available.
To register, go to the library's home page, click on the Calendar of Events in the upper left corner of the page, "mouse over" the description of the program, and you will see the date that registration begins. When registration begins, click on the program and the registration form will appear.
If you have any difficulties, call 978-256-5521 x4 or come to the library, and the children's staff will be happy to help.

Annual Teddy Bear Concert on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 am

Ben Rudnick and Friends will be the stars of the show this year. Come join us for an outdoor concert on the Chelmsford Common. There will be lots of singing and dancing. After the concert, the library will provide juice and snacks.

All ages are invited to the concert, but preschoolers are especially welcome. Bring your teddy bear or other stuffed animal if they want to come. (We will not be collecting any teddy bears this year.)

There will be a petting zoo at the library on Thursday, June 6!

Baby goats, pigs, chicks, ducks, rabbits and a lamb will be here to hold and pet. Gently...

The animals will be here from 10:00-11:45 am. Free, timed tickets are available courtesy of the Friends of the Library. You must come to the Children's Room to get a ticket for a specific time. Tickets are only available for immediate family members. Friends and neighbors need to pick up their own tickets.

Children are invited to visit the animals for 15 minutes in groups of 15 children.

Tickets are available beginning Thursday, May 23.

Dig Into Reading is this summer's reading theme, and what better way to celebrate than to build a garden?

The MacKay Branch Library at 43 Newfield Street will be home to a marvelous garden this summer, and we need lots of help to make it happen!

Family Planting Day is Friday, May 31st:
Families with preschool children are invited to help at 11:00 am.
Families with school age children are invited to help at 3:30 pm.

The first Family Activity Day in the Garden will be on Friday, June 14 at 3:30 pm. Come learn about a garden and about ways you can help all summer long.

Contact the MacKay Branch at 978-256-5521 x6 for more information. (Hours: Wed., 1-8 pm, Fri., 10-5 pm, Sat., 10-2 pm)

Dora will visit our Dads and Donuts storytime on Saturday, June 8 at 10:30.

After we read some stories and sing some songs, Dora will visit with one of her very special stories. Children will have an opportunity to visit with Dora at the end of the storytime, so bring your cameras.

This program is sponsored by the U Fund Start U Reading initiative in Massachusetts. This is a youth literacy initiative that visits libraries to explain to families about 529 college savings plans. All families will go home with a goodie bag, which includes information on the tax advantages of saving for college in this way.

Bubble Dance Parties are back.

Children ages 2 and up are invited to sing and dance themselves silly on Wednesday mornings in June. Drop-in at 10:00 am.

Book Buddies: pairing elementary readers with teen volunteers for one-on-one reading fun.

Book Buddies provides an opportunity for children to practice reading, receive one-on-one attention and have fun with books. It is not a tutoring service. The teens have not been trained to correct mistakes or teach children to read.

May 13 at 4:00 or 4:30 pm.


Space is limited. Children will be paired with teens on a first come / first serve basis.

Lego Club

Children in grades Kindergarten - 4th grade are invited to lego club on the 1st Saturday of the month OR the 2nd Thursday of the month through May.

Children will have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of pieces to build their own creation.

Dads and Donuts

2nd Saturday of the month at 10:30 am

Children ages 2 and up are invited to join us for a storytime followed by a snack on the second Saturday of the month. This is a popular storytime for dads, but moms are always invited.

Dads and Donuts is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Family Resource Network (part of Community Teamwork Incorporated, assisting families with young children.).

PARTNERS in early literacy at storytime

Parents and Caregivers
Arrive early
Relax and respond
Take time for children
No chit chat
Enjoy this time
Read at home
Success!

Visit our storytime page for more information.

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