Join us for songs with Laz Slomovits, check out beautiful traditional dresses and books and make felt bookmarks with flower designs. Experience the rich Hungarian culture this Sunday, October 12th at the Downtown Library at 2:00 pm.

Come and play one of the world's most popular games with players of all ages and abilities. Chess sets are provided. Challenge old friends and meet new ones!

Sunday, October 12 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr.

Our wonderful library is always getting new graphic novels. Here are a few new ones for kids that could be new favorites:

Chiggers by Hope Larson: Abby goes back to the same summer camp she always goes too. All her old friends are there but so is a new girl Shasta, who drives everyone except Abby nuts. Can Abby be friends with Shasta without losing her other friends?

Korgi: Volume 2 of this strange and exciting graphic novel series is now in our library. Follow Ivy and her korgi dog Sprout as they navigate the wonders and dangers of magical Korgi Hollow. You know what else is strange? There are no words!

Dinosaurs Across America: These dinosaur friends are travelling across the USA visiting every state. Fun and informative, with plenty of dinosaurs for everyone!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: It's the classic story of the hunchback Quasimodo, now in graphic novel format!

Parents Ask ... "Is there a list of 'Family Movies' that might include my 6 year old too?" Finding a list to match your values is always a trick, but these websites might help.
Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children's Media where you can find reviews, age levels, and subject listings.
British Film Institute offers a Top 10 and Top 50 list.
For younger children, my all-time favorites are Babe; Pollyanna; E.T.; Mary Poppins; Fly Away Home; and Jungle Book.

October is Fire Prevention Month. Please take some time out to remind kids how to be “fire smart.”

This super Web site is just the thing to help you teach elementary-age kids the basics of fire safety and prevention. The “Where’s the Fire?” five-minute online video covers all the basics in an entertaining way.

The library has some great fire safety resources to offer, as well!

Stop, Drop, and Roll and Fire Safety are both great books that teach kids about fire safety. The Big Red DVD, suitable for kids ages 2-8, takes a "fireman's view" and features fire trucks and fire safety lessons along the way. The Fire Busters DVD includes fire helicopters, planes, boats, and trucks.

The library also has plenty of wonderful picture books featuring fire trucks and firefighters. Check some out, and get fire smart!

The story of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Heschel’s lives intertwine in this book about two great men who fought for human rights. An excellent example of how justice is achieved through the mutual cooperation between people regardless of creed or color.

Yummy stories about apple pie and carrot soup will make you hungry at the Downtown Tuesday preschool storytime this week .

Election Day is coming Tuesday November 4, 2008. Kids can experience the election process and some voting history through these books.
Vote 4 Amelia;
Duck For President;
Papa's Mark;
With Courage And Cloth: Winning The Fight For A Woman's Right To Vote;
Vote! and
The Kid Who Ran For President

Outrageous hats and backward dressing jazz up the storytime jamboree at the downtown preschool Tuesday and Wednesday storytimes next week . Put on your silliest outfit and find out how hen hatches a plot to get scarecrow’s fabulous hat.