Tween Steam Hour (3rd grade+)
Friday, January 11, 4-5 p.m.
Join us for an hour of STEAM freeplay fun in the Chase Room. Spheros, Snap Circuits, LEGOS, oh my! See what fun you can get into with the library’s techy gadgets. Please register.
Paws for Reading (ages 5-10)
Saturday, January 12, 11:00 a.m.
Build confidence and vocabulary (and have fun) while reading to licensed therapy dogs. They are very good listeners! Registration required for this program.
Mommy and Me Yoga (ages 2-5)
Monday, January 14, 10:30 am
Please register for this program. Travel underwater, visit the circus, fly high up in the sky, and see where else we can travel in yoga storytime with Miss Tracy! Each session will be a new adventure with a story and yoga poses to go along with it. Sponsored by Friends of the Madison Public Library.
Storybox Tales (ages 4-6)
Monday, January 14, 4:00 p.m.
Educator Allison Caplan brings to life the magic of storytelling right in your location! The Storybox Tales program combines favorite tales with puppets, props, and interactive songs to engage and enthrall young children – and foster their love of reading. Visit StoryboxTales.com for more information. Please register for this program. Sponsored by Ralph Errington Charitable Foundation.
Stories and Songs (ages 2-5)
Tuesday, January 15, 10:30 a.m.
For children ages 2 to 5 years, this storytime and craft is an excellent way to introduce important listening and early literacy skills to young children. Drop-in program – no registration required.
Lego Club (Ages 5-10)
Tuesday, January 15, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for Lego Club! We provide the Lego Bricks – you bring the imagination! Registration required for this event.
All the Presidents’ Gardens
Tuesday, January 15, 7:00 p.m.
Come learn about the history of the gardens at The White House with New York Times Bestselling author Marta Mcdowell. Marta McDowell brings you through the history of the changing grounds at the White House and discusses the presidents, first ladies and the gardeners. Please register online for this program.
Teen Book Arts (5th grade-12th grade)
Tuesday, January 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to make a secret compartment in a book? Join us for a fun workshop to learn how! Registration is required. We will be meeting in the Rushmore Room.
Tween Craft: -Tassel/Pompom Backpack Charm (ages 8 and up only)
Wednesday, January 16, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a special afternoon craft series at the library. Please register in advance.
Ready… Set… Go! To College (6th-10th grade)
Wednesday, January 16, 4-5:30 p.m.
A workshop for Middle School students and Ninth and Tenth grade students on how to prepare for the Eleventh Grade College Search process. We will explore, explain and discuss Resumes, Transcripts, Report Cards, SAT-ACT Testing, The Essay, The Interview, Teacher Recommendations, Campus Visits, The Application, and other College Preparation/Search Topics. Handouts will be given. The format is an interactive discussion on how the student can make him/herself a better candidate for college acceptance. Anticipated workshop length: 1½ hours. Parents of 6th-10th graders are also welcome! Registration is Required.
STEAM Storytime (ages 2-5)
Thursday, January 17, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Join Miss Paige for 45 minutes of themed learning for your preschooler. Each session will include one to two books, felt board or finger plays, and various stations for individual learning. It’s never too early to introduce your children to the concept of STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math)! Drop-In in the Picturebook Room.
Unplugged Gamers (4th grade+)
Thursday, January 17, 4-5 p.m.
It’s time for some old fashioned gaming! Join us for an hour of fun games without a screen.
Snacks provided. Meet in the Chase Room. No registration required.
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Chess Class (Ages 6+)
Saturday, January 19, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a Saturday morning chess class led by Coach Rob of Diplomat Chess! Students will improve their chess abilities, as well as develop strategic thinking skills, foster good sportsmanship, improve concentration, build self-confidence, and have fun! Class time will be split between an interactive group lesson and playing time. All equipment will be provided by Diplomat Chess. This class is for advanced beginners (players that can complete a game of chess to checkmate). Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of the Madison Public Library.
Art for Tots (Ages 18 months – 3 years)
Monday, January 21, 10:30 a.m.
Experiment with art! Toddlers will learn a basic artistic concept each program and get a chance to experience it hands-on. Remember to wear play clothes – things might get messy! Registration required for this program.
Maker Monday: Drop-in Activity – Melted Crayons (ages 5+)
Monday, January 21, 4:00 p.m.
Drop by the library’s lobby between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. for a fun Maker related activity! This afternoon’s activity will be using melted crayons to make artwork. These programs are recommended for children who are 5 years old and up.
Stories and Songs (ages 2-5)
Tuesday, January 22, 10:30 a.m.
For children ages 2 to 5 years, this storytime and craft is an excellent way to introduce important listening and early literacy skills to young children. Drop-in program – no registration required.
Go, van Gogh! Armchair Art Tour
Tuesday, January 22, 7:00 p.m.
Pastor and painter Vincent van Gogh produced more than 2,000 works of art in his last decade. Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo that, as he had no children, he viewed his paintings as his progeny. Let’s explore some of these “brilliant children,” especially those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Come spend an evening with art historian Michael Norris to learn about van Gogh’s art and life. Registration required.
Tween Craft: No-Sew Fleece Pillow (ages 8 and up only)
Wednesday, January 23, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a special afternoon craft series at the library. Please register in advance.
Bad Art Night (5th grade+)
Thursday, January 24, 4-5:30 p.m.
What is ‘bad art’? Well… bad art is what you make of it! It’s gaudy… it’s outrageous… it’s absolutely fun to make! Join us in the Chase Room for an evening of creations beyond anyone’s belief. Will you take home the Madison Public Library Bad Art trophy? Registration is required. This program is only for Teens.
Anime & Ramen (Grade 8+)
Friday, January 25, 4-5 p.m.
Your favorite anime + noodles = the perfect after school hangout! Meets in the Chase Room. No registration required.
Sensory Storytime
Saturday, January 26, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Join Miss Paige for a storytime specifically tailored to individuals with special needs or who are uncomfortable with regular storytime. This structured storytime will incorporate literacy education, fine motor skills, socialization, and sensory-friendly activities for your children. Lights will be dimmed, any music played will be at a moderate to quiet level, and the group will be small for those who are easily overwhelmed. Please inform Miss Paige of any requests for accommodations and she will be happy to see what she can do for the comfort of your child.
This storytime is open to families. Registration is required.
Science Explore (families)
Saturday, January 26, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of exploration! We will have stations with various activities, crafts, and more. The first of our Science Explore series will focus on weather. Learn about weather, make a rain/snow gauge, and more. Drop-in program. No registration required.
History of the Super Bowl
Sunday, January 27, 2 p.m.
The Super Bowl is much more than a football game. It’s the Super Bowl, as you might know, it is the only sports event that impacts every community in the United States. But, did you know that the Super Bowl rose out of the civil rights movement, specifically the African American Boycott of the AFL All Star Game in New Orleans. Evan Weiner, a veteran sports broadcaster will take us on a journey from the birth of the Super Bowl to talk about the halftime shows and everything in between including how the famed football game got its name! Please register for this program.
Chair Yoga
Monday, January 28, 11:15
Come join a certified yoga instructor and do yoga from your own chair. No registration.
Teen Treats & Good Eats (5th grade+)
Monday, January 28, 4-4:45 p.m.
Join Torey from the Chatham Library to learn how to make a special, tasty snack. Registration required for this event.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? DIY Plush Snowman (ages 3-7)
Monday, January 28, 6:30 p.m.
Please register for this program.
Do you want to build a snowman? Take home this snuggly and warm snowman friend that won’t melt away in the spring! We will be reading a story, stuffing our snowman, and making a small craft. Sponsored by Friends of the Madison Public Library.
The Revolutionary War
Tuesday, January 29, 7:30 p.m.
Historian Joel Farkas will take you on a journey through the history of the Revolutionary War in 1 hour! This lecture spans 50 years of extraordinary people, and their achievements, presented in a “visual history” manner. Just in time to honor the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln!
Tween Craft: -Penguin Sock Craft (ages 8 and up only)
Wednesday, January 30, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a special afternoon craft series at the library. Please register in advance.
Movie Morning: Curious George (toddlers and preK)
Thursday, January 31, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a short video in the picture book room and a simple themed craft.
Drop-in program – no registration required.
After School Art: Mosaic Art (ages 5-10)
Thursday, January 31, 4:00 p.m.
Create a work of art with torn colored paper.
Registration required for this event.
For more information on these and other programs and events please check the library’s website at madisonnjlibrary.org, or call 973-377-0722.
