Kids' Events & Programs

Summer Activities

Turtle reading a bookSummer Stories

10:00 AM, Tuesdays, July 6 - August 17     Hubbard Room
Ages 3 - 6      No Registration

Join us each week for stories, songs and a craft.  We'll share some reliable old classics and some brand new favorites too.  It's sure to be a fun time for children and their caregivers. 

Baby Rhyme Time

1:30 - 2:30 PM, Wednesdays, July 7 - August 18, Activity Room
Bear on a bath tub

Looking for something to do with your infant or toddler?  Come join us for a brand new program for babies one year and under and their grown-ups.  We will sing songs, learn rhymes and fingerplays and more in this fun, interactive program.  Learn about the library and all it has to offer.  Stay and play after the program! 
Registration for Middletown residents begins on Monday, June 21.  Non-residents are welcome to call the day before the program to see if space is available.  To register, drop by the Children's Desk or call (860) 344-8479.

Winter in July

Wednesday, July 28Rabbit on the beach reading a book
10:00 AM   Activity Room
Ages 3 and up
It's sure to be hot outside but there will be plenty of cool fun inside--come see what wintry crafts we have planned!  

Bear diving into a poolWild About Weather

Featuring Keith Michael Johnson
Saturday, July 24, 2010, 10:30 AM, Activity Room
For ages 5 and up, no registration required


In 50 minutes kids will ride the water cycle, float a hot air balloon and identify clouds all from the comfort of their seats.  You’ll laugh and smile, and learn something too!  Part of the “Make a Splash” summer program.

Cat on surfboardA Visit from Rocky the Rock Cat
Thursday, July 29
2:00  PM, Activity Room
Meet Rocky the Rock Cat!  A fun baseball craft and baseball stories will be included.  Bring your camera Rocky will pose for photos!

Art workThe Disintegration Project with Amy Ordonez

Friday, August 6th
3:00 PM, Activity Room
Ages 8 and up

What would happen if you took your artwork off of the refrigerator and hung it outside?  Join us to find out!  Each child will be encouraged to create an “art bundle” to be placed outside on the library grounds.  Each month photographs will be taken and placed on the library website to see what happens when wind, rain, snow and sun have their way with your art.  At the end of March the bundles will be brought back inside to see the results.  Materials will be provided, but please bring any items that are special to you; such as a poem or written wish, photograph, a piece of cloth, etc. 

Wet Wild Water CraftsRacooon with rubber ducky reading a book


Wednesday, August 11
10:00  AM, Hubbard Room
Ages 3 and up
We recommend play clothes for this event--sure to be a lot of fun for everyone!

Behind the Lens with Craig Norton

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 4PM
Activity Room
Ages 10 and UpClass taught by Craig Norton

Do you love photography?  Want to know how to get those really unusual shots that keep people coming back for more?  Come join us as we welcome Craig Norton who will show you what you can do with a simple camera.  “Behind the Lens” offers kids a birds eye view of all the tips and tricks to use with your camera to get those really cool and unusual shots.  Cameras provided by Young Audiences of Connecticut. 

Registration for Middletown residents begins Tuesday, August  10.  Non-residents are welcome to call the day before the program to see if space is available.  To register, drop by or call the Children’s Desk at: 860-344-8479.

Summer Reading Programs

Make a Splash Summer Reading ProgramCat on a pool toy reading a book

  • For ages 3 to Kids entering 3rd grade.
  • This summer we’re asking you to read any books you would like and keep track of the minutes that you read. 
  • Children that aren’t reading yet can participate too!  Little ones love to be read to. 
  • Come to the library and pick up your game board. 
  • Every time you read 15 minutes, you’ll get to fill in a picture. 
  • For every 2 hours you read up to 10, you’ll get a cool prize.  When you complete the whole sheet you’ll receive coupons from local merchants!
  • All reading game boards should be turned in by August 30th to receive prizes.

Phantasmagoria image

Phantasmagoria: A constantly changing scene composed of numerous elements

mouse Children's Calendar for Programs and Events

Fall and Winter Ongoing Programs

  • Wonderful Ones - Registration Required
  • Twos Are Terrific - Registration Required - Registration Starts Jan. 19, 2010
  • Preschool Storyhour - Registration Required - Registration Starts Jan. 20, 2010
  • Twilight Tales - Drop In
  • Green Children - Drop In

Shenker Contest

Community Commitment: Reading is Fun Program

Russell Library and A New World Laser Tag are proud to present our "Reading is Fun Program".

Visit the library - read a book - write a one page report and receive a free pass for a twenty minute game at A New World Laser Tag on Main Street in Middletown.
Reading is a Blast!