October and November Children’s and Family Programs at the Cranford Library

The Cranford Public Library has a full calendar of fun, free programs for all ages!

Children in grades 1-3 and 4-6 are invited to learn the basics of coding at the library!
Each iDiscover Coding class will acquaint children with a coding concept through the use of fun, educational apps. Participants will create interactive stories, animation, and even video games! Children in grades 1-3 will meet
on October 2 or 30 at 6:30 p.m.
(please only attend one session per month). Students in grades 4-6 will meet on October 2nd at 7:30 p.m. This free program is sponsored by a grant from the Union County Freeholders, registration is not required.

You might put a jacket on when it gets a little chilly out, but did you know that books also have jackets?!
Find out why at the Cranford Public Library
on Saturday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m.
as Laura Sassi reads her latest picture book LOVE IS KIND then delves into the world of book jackets. Children (ages 5+) will have a chance to make their own book jackets and speak to the author. Registration for this free program is required and can be done as early as October 6.

Students in grade 4-6 are invited to join us for on October 4 and 18 at 4:00 p.m. for
“Unquiet Library,”
an event where tweens are able to hang out, create, and discuss the things that are important to them. We’ll be making pixel art
on October 4,
watching anime and eating Japanese snacks on October 18, and competing in a string of cookie-centric challenges on November 1. Registration is not required, but we ask that parents of children with allergies notify us at least two weeks before each program.

Independent readers are invited to hone their skills by reading to therapy dogs at Cranford Public Library’s
“Paws for Reading” program.
We’ll be joined by certified therapy dogs
on Tuesday, October 9 and November 13 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.,
call or stop by the library to reserve a spot. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each program.

Meet Michelangelo the miniature therapy horse
on Thursday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m.!
Learn about miniature horses: what they eat, where they live, and – since they are too small to ride – what kinds of jobs they have. This program is perfect for children ages 4+. Registration for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is not required. Space is limited and we may be unable to accommodate latecomers, so please arrive on time!

Joyce Alexander, an early literacy expert and music therapist, will be leading two sessions of a musical story time at the Cranford Public Library.
Joyce will lead a short, small-group session
from 10:30 – 10:55 a.m.,
followed by a larger group session from 11:00 – 11:45. Both sessions are open to all children ages 2-5, and are well suited to children with special needs. This free program is sponsored by a grant from the Union County Freeholders, space is limited and registration is required.