Children's Programming

Check-out the current YS Calendar for information and updates.

Summer 2024 Calendar and Newsletter are now available!

(July program registration opens June 15; August program registration opens July 15)

Adventure Begins At Your Library!
Eldredge Public Library Youth Services Programs
July and August 2024

Tuesday, July 9^th

Summer Reading Kick-off Celebration with World Famous Juggler Bryson Lang! @ Eldredge Public Library @ 1:30 pm
Summer reading kick-off day is finally here! Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to join us for an astounding start to our summer reading program with a performance by multi-talented magician, juggler, and comedian Bryson Lang. This unforgettable show is filled with astounding juggling skills, creative physical manipulation, and lots of laughs! Bryson has performed all over the world (even on TV and film) with his inventive and clever routines that mix comedy, juggling, magic, and audience participation into a family-friendly act that will delight and amaze all ages! Registration for the kick-off celebration is not required.

Registration for the Adventure Begins At Your Library summer reading program will open immediately following this performance. If you can’t attend the Kick-off celebration, you can still register any time in Youth Services to participate in the summer reading program between July 9^th and August 9^th. Find more information on our website at www.eldredgelibrary.org.

Tween/Teen Night Kick-Off Celebration with Olympic Minute To Win It! @ Eldredge Public Library from 5:00-6:30 pm
A Tween/Teen Night favorite returns with an Olympic twist as we bring new crazy challenges for you to complete as fast as you can! Students in Grades 5-12 will compete to see who will be the 2024 Minute to Win It Olympic Champion. Registration is required .

Wednesday, July 10^th

Baby Bookworms @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Caregivers and their pre-walking babies will enjoy time together to learn and play with new friends, and develop language, motor skills, and a love of reading! Come prepared to sit on the floor for one-on-one fun with your pre-walking baby in your lap as we explore stories, songs, rhymes, and other early literacy activities! Registration is required

Thursday, July 11^th

4-H Babysitting Training Course (Part 1 of 2 sessions—must attend both) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00 to 4:45 pm

Do your tweens/teens want to babysit? Do you want to send them off prepared and confident? Students entering Grades 5-12 can register for this invaluable two-part course taught by a 4-H professional. Subjects include child safety, first aid and emergencies, child development, feeding, discipline, entertainment, and the business of babysitting. Participants must attend both classes and will receive an ID card certificate upon successful completion. Registration is required, class size is limited to 15 participants.

Friday, July 12^th

Songs of the Sea with Julie Wanamaker & Denya LeVine @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Children ages 18 Months-5 Years and their caregivers are in for a galloping, interactive concert featuring fabulous fiddling by Julie and Denya that will have you singing and dancing along! During this musical adventure, YOU are in the rhythm band! You’ll hear familiar songs and new ones about the seven seas and the creatures that call them home. This upbeat, spirited, fun musical program will knock your socks off! Registration is not required.

4-H Babysitting Training Course (Part 2 of 2 sessions—must attend both) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00 to 4:45 pm
Do your tweens/teens want to babysit? Do you want to send them off prepared and confident? Students entering Grades 5-12 can register for this invaluable two-part course taught by a 4-H professional. Subjects include child safety, first aid and emergencies, child development, feeding, discipline, entertainment, and the business of babysitting. Participants must attend both classes and will receive an ID card certificate upon successful completion. Registration is required, class size is limited to 15 participants.

Saturday, July 13^th

Rolie Polie Guacamole Family Concert @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
We can’t believe we’re lucky enough to have these music legends visit us in Chatham! Families with young children (ages 2 to 8 years old) are invited to this high-energy, interactive family concert with “kindie” music titans Rolie Polie Guacamole! They have been perfecting their show over the last decade scooping up several Parents’ Choice awards along the way. Their shows incorporate fun, fresh, and smart lyrics in a style appealing to kids and adults alike. They encourage the audience to get up and move with a high-energy show that will rock your guac off! Registration is not required.

Tuesday, July 16^th

Dream Tale Puppets Presents: Alice, or the Red King’s Dream @ Eldredge Public Library @ 1:00 pm
The fabulous Dream Tale Puppets is making a special visit to Chatham to present its newest production! Audiences are invited to a world of fantasy, make-believe, and play in this joyful show inspired by the characters and motifs of Lewis Carroll’s masterpieces. We’ll meet Alice and join her on an adventure to find her lost kitten. Along the way, she has all sorts of encounters, some funny, some nonsensical, and some that make her doubt herself entirely! Alice must overcome doubts and defeat the most frightening creature of the land behind the looking glass. Puppeteers use twenty-five tabletop, figure, and rod puppets of different sizes to bring the tale to life. This hour-long show is best suited for audience members ages 5 years old and up. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Chatham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Registration is not required.

Tween/Teen Night: Virtual Reality Open Gaming with One Up Games @ Eldredge Public Library from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
One Up Games is bringing their next-gen consoles and gaming monitors to Tween/Teen Night! Featuring popular games, classic and retro games, plus virtual reality! This is an open gaming session for students in Grades 5-12 to choose the games they want to play. We provide the dinner, you provide the gaming skills! Registration is required

Wednesday, July 17^th

Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Excite, explore, express! Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination is a dynamic arts adventure where children use their imaginations to express their true, unique voices. This unique multidisciplinary program mixes and matches the arts and offers fun activities in drama, movement, art, music, improvisations, physical exercises, and more. Come swim with dolphins, fly with dragons, construct fantastic castles, sing upbeat songs, draw vivid pictures, read colorful stories, and move to the music. This is a vibrant, creative experience for kids ages 4-8, facilitated by the amazing Lane Gifford. Lane Gifford is artistic director of LaneCoArts, a multi-arts dance theater company based in New York City, with a mission to combine dance with such elements as words, drama, sculptural components and rigorous physical investigations. Registration is required . For more information contact info@lanecoarts.org and mkemp@clamsnet.org.

Friday, July 19^th

Music and Movement with Robert the Guitar Guy @ Eldredge Public Library @10:30 am
Robert the Guitar Guy’s musical shows are a wildly creative unique mix of bedtime lullabies and rock n’ roll beats for children 18 months to 5 years old and their caregivers! You never know what musical adventures are in store – including marching ants, rocking spiders, and even sweet, soothing lullabies! Registration is not required.

Saturday, July 20^th

Family Music Fun Time with Evan Haller! @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Evan Haller is a favorite at Eldredge Public Library and we’re so happy he’s here in Chatham again to bring us his tremendous music program! Evan’s program not only entertains young minds but helps children grow mentally, physically, emotionally, and cognitively while building a sense of community and kindness both within families and between families. We’re so excited for families with children 2 to 6 years old to join us for Evan’s fun program filled with singing, playing, and dancing! Registration is not required.

Tuesday, July 23^rd

TaleWise Science Heroes and the Adventure of the Lost Treasure @ Eldredge Public Library @ 1:30 pm
Science and stories collide in this all-new, interactive STEM show for students in Grades K to 4 and their caregivers! Join us on a treasure-hunting adventure deep within the jungle! The audience helps act out the tale, as we use the events in the story to explore several exciting science concepts! Audience volunteers will help conduct each experiment and the whole audience will get involved as we bring experiments out into the crowd. Registration is not required.

Tween/Teen Night: Glow In The Dark Mini-Golf with One Up Games @ Eldredge Public Library from 4:00-7:00 pm
One Up Games is back with another exciting event for students in Grades 5-12! This time they’ve brought along their light-up LED Mini Golf course! The course glows with different color LEDs and we’ll even play using LED golf balls! We’ll have snacks on hand to make sure you're fueled up for a night of library light-up mini golf! Registration is required

Wednesday, July 24^th

Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Excite, explore, express! Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination is a dynamic arts adventure where children use their imaginations to express their true, unique voices. This unique multidisciplinary program mixes and matches the arts and offers fun activities in drama, movement, art, music, improvisations, physical exercises, and more. Come swim with dolphins, fly with dragons, construct fantastic castles, sing upbeat songs, draw vivid pictures, read colorful stories, and move to the music. This is a vibrant, creative experience for kids ages 4-8, facilitated by the amazing Lane Gifford. Lane Gifford is artistic director of LaneCoArts, a multi-arts dance theater company based in New York City, with a mission to combine dance with such elements as words, drama, sculptural components and rigorous physical investigations. Registration is required For more information contact info@lanecoarts.org and mkemp@clamsnet.org.

Friday, July 26^th

Puppets, Paul & Mary presents You, Me, Trees, & The Sea @ Eldredge Public Library @ 11:00 am
Puppeteer Mary Wilson, singer/songwriter Paul Kehoe and their puppet friends are all back at the Library to bring you on a new adventure all about the amazing natural world we live in and how we can take care of it. This interactive, inventive and extremely funny performance is great for ages 18 months-100 years old. Songs, silly stories, and audience participation will keep you and your little ones entertained! Registration is not required. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Chatham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Dungeons & Dragons (Part 1 of 4 sessions) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Whether you’re an experienced elf, a wizened wizard, or a hapless human new to the world of D&D, this four-week campaign for students in Grades 5-12 is sure to bring epic adventures and fun! Create your character and navigate further along on your quest each week. Registration is required and attendance at all four sessions is necessary for participation.

Saturday, July 27^th

Drop-In Adventure Storytime @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Children ages 2-5 years old and their adult caregivers can join us for a drop-in library adventure! Together, we’ll read, sing, dance, and play our way through storytime fun! Registration is not required.

Tuesday, July 30^th

Toe Jam Puppet Band@ Eldredge Public Library @ 1:30 pm
Join the toe-tapping, finger-snapping fun of the Toe Jam Puppet Band! Their exciting variety show features interactive songs, stories, puppets, and lots of silly voices. Sing and dance along with the band in this interactive, super-fun performance for all ages! Registration is not required.

Tween/Teen Night: Matt Gabriel’s Animal World Experience @ Eldredge Public Library from 5-6:30 pm
Matt Gabriel is back again with amazing opportunities for up-close animal encounters for students in grades 5-12. Animal lover and wildlife educator Matt Gabriel is bringing his exciting animal show to the library! Meet and learn about animals from all over the world. Registration is required

Wednesday, July 31^st

Friday, August 2nd

Wee Read Tales & Trails @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Families with children ages 18 months to 5 years old can join us as we take our Wee Read program out into the world to explore the beautiful trails at Sylvan Garden nurtured by the Friends of Sylvan Garden and the Chatham Conservation Foundation. Let’s encourage your child’s curiosity about nature and spend time with them exploring outdoors! We’ll enjoy a story reading, a simple nature activity, and a gentle nature walk. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org. Meet at Sylvan Gardens Trail, weather permitting. In the event of rain, the program will be canceled.

Dungeons & Dragons (Part 2 of 4 sessions) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Whether you’re an experienced elf, a wizened wizard, or a hapless human new to the world of D&D, this four-week campaign is sure to bring epic adventures and fun! Create your character and navigate further along on your quest each week. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org and attendance at all four sessions is necessary for participation.

Saturday, August 3^rd

Malik the Magic Guy @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
The Eldredge Public Library is excited to welcome back this fan favorite! Malik the Magic Guy is a nationally renowned performer and a special guest at libraries throughout the region. In fact, Malik learned his first magic trick from a library book! Join us for Malik’s marvelous, magical performance that is guaranteed to amaze and amuse! Best suited for families with children 3-8 years old and their caregivers. Registration is not required.

Tuesday, August 6^th

Magic & Beyond with Illusionist David Garrity @ 1:00 pm
The Eldredge Public Library is thrilled to welcome world-renowned illusionist, David Garrity back to Chatham! David is performing Magic & Beyond, his illusion show featuring unique, theatrical, and visual magic, audience participation, and comedy set to a custom-edited musical soundtrack. Audiences will enjoy illusions such as mind-reading, floating furniture, and a hilarious Houdini-style “Escape Challenge.” This show is appropriate for all ages and will leave you astounded and amazed! Registration is not required.

Tween/Teen Night: David Garrity’s Mysterious Deceptions & Sleight of Hand with Everyday Objects Workshop @ Eldredge Public Library from 5:00-6:30 pm
Our final Tween/Teen Night will be one to remember! This performance for students in grades 5-12 is a one-man illusion show that features unique, theatrical, and visual magic, audience participation, situational comedy, and a custom-edited musical soundtrack. David’s “Mysterious Deceptions” show has recently been seen at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, NY; and an international tour of exclusive, all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Highlights from the “Mysterious Deceptions” performance may include hilarious stunts of apparent mind-reading, floating furniture, “dangerous” stunts and a Houdini-style “Escape Challenge.” Stick around after the show for celebratory treats and Mr. Garrity’s “Sleight of Hand with Everyday Objects” workshop so you can perform your own close-up magic illusions. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org.

Wednesday, August 7^th

Thursday, August 8^th

What is Big Foot? with Ronny LeBlanc @ Eldredge Public Library @ 5:00 pm
Tweens, teens, and adults have the opportunity to join Ronny LeBlanc from Discovery Channel's Expedition Bigfoot and Travel Channel's Paranormal Caught on Camera as he discusses the reality of Bigfoot. For hundreds of years people have been encountering an unknown creature inhabiting the dark woods of New England...and all over the country. Thousands of sightings have been reported by credible witnesses. What is Bigfoot? Is it a long-lost hominid? An unknown primate...or something else? Registration is recommended, seating will be limited. Ronny LeBlanc stars in two shows for Discovery+ & Travel Channel, EXPEDITION BIGFOOT and PARANORMAL CAUGHT ON CAMERA. Ronny is a globally recognized figure in the world of paranormal, Bigfoot and UFOs. Ronny is an independent researcher and author of the critically acclaimed and best-selling book “Monsterland: Encounters With UFOs, Bigfoot and Orange Orbs,” which details the history and connection between the various phenomena, highlighting his experience and a research area called Monsterland in central Massachusetts. The follow up was released in 2019. Ronny was the first person ever to cast a Bigfoot print in the Bay State from a trackway discovered by a couple in Leominster State Forest in the summer of 2010. He is a regular speaker at UFO, Bigfoot and Paranormal Conferences around the country and has appeared on Coast to Coast AM, CBS and cover stories for Boston Herald, Sentinel & Enterprise and Telegram & Gazette. Registration at www.eldredgelibrary.org is recommended.

Friday, August 9^th

Wee Read Tales & Trails @ Eldredge Public Library @ 10:30 am
Families with children ages 18 months to 5 years old can join us as we take our Wee Read program out into the world to explore the beautiful trails at Sylvan Garden nurtured by the Friends of Sylvan Garden and the Chatham Conservation Foundation. Let’s encourage your child’s curiosity about nature and spend time with them exploring outdoors! We’ll enjoy a story reading, a simple nature activity, and a gentle nature walk. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org. Meet at Sylvan Gardens Trail, weather permitting. In the event of rain, the program will be canceled.

Dungeons & Dragons (Part 3 of 4 sessions) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Whether you’re an experienced elf, a wizened wizard, or a hapless human new to the world of D&D, this four-week campaign for students in grades 5-12 is sure to bring epic adventures and fun! Create your character and navigate further along on your quest each week. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org and attendance at all four sessions is necessary for participation.

Saturday, August 10^th

Harwich Junior Theater’s Junior Players present “The Mysteries and Other Curious Tales” @ Eldredge Public Library @ 11:00 am
The talented Junior Players from Harwich Junior Theater are visiting the library to bring fantastic short stories to life in this exciting and engaging performance for children ages 3-9 years old and their families. Registration is not required.

Tuesday, August 13^th

Drop-In Adventure Storytime @ Eldredge Public Library @ 1:30 pm
Children ages 2-5 years old and their adult caregivers can join us for a drop-in library adventure! Together, we’ll read, sing, dance, and play our way through storytime fun! Registration is not required.

Thursday, August 15^th

Virtual Program: The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think: Redefining Success for Parents of Teens with Irena Smith, PhD @ Eldredge Public Library @ 2:00 pm
Another college application season is around the corner, and stress is already beginning to ratchet up for teens and their parents. You’re invited to join us for this must-watch online talk by Irena Smith, PhD, a former Stanford Admissions Officer who spent 18 years advising accomplished students around the world. You will hear about constructive and healthy ways to approach the college application process, preserve your relationship with your teen, and help them define success on their terms instead of chasing the elusive “golden ticket.” Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org.

Family Movie Night @ Eldredge Public Library @ 5:00 pm
Bring the whole family and join us for a movie night on the big screen at the library! Chairs and beanbags will be out but feel free to bring a cozy blanket as well! Stay tuned to the library’s website (www.eldredgelibrary.org) for movie selections and other information. Registration is not required.

Friday, August 16^th

Dungeons & Dragons (Part 4 of 4 sessions) @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Whether you’re an experienced elf, a wizened wizard, or a hapless human new to the world of D&D, this four-week campaign for students in grades 5-12 is sure to bring epic adventures and fun! Create your character and navigate further along on your quest each week. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org and attendance at all four sessions is necessary for participation.

Tuesday, August 20^th

Wednesday, August 21^st

Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Excite, explore, express! Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination is a dynamic arts adventure where children use their imaginations to express their true, unique voices. This unique multidisciplinary program mixes and matches the arts and offers fun activities in drama, movement, art, music, improvisations, physical exercises, and more. Come swim with dolphins, fly with dragons, construct fantastic castles, sing upbeat songs, draw vivid pictures, read colorful stories, and move to the music. This is a vibrant, creative experience for kids ages 4-8, facilitated by the amazing Lane Gifford. Lane Gifford is artistic director of LaneCoArts, a multi-arts dance theater company based in New York City, with a mission to combine dance with such elements as words, drama, sculptural components and rigorous physical investigations. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org. For more information contact info@lanecoarts.org and mkemp@clamsnet.org.

Thursday, August 22^nd

Family Movie Night@ Eldredge Public Library @ 5:00 pm
Bring the whole family and join us for a movie night on the big screen at the library! Chairs and beanbags will be out but feel free to bring a cozy blanket as well! Stay tuned to the library’s website (www.eldredgelibrary.org) for movie selections and other information. Registration is not required.

Wednesday, August 28th

Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination @ Eldredge Public Library from 1:00-3:00 pm
Excite, explore, express! Summer SPLASH/Adventures in Imagination is a dynamic arts adventure where children use their imaginations to express their true, unique voices. This unique multidisciplinary program mixes and matches the arts and offers fun activities in drama, movement, art, music, improvisations, physical exercises, and more. Come swim with dolphins, fly with dragons, construct fantastic castles, sing upbeat songs, draw vivid pictures, read colorful stories, and move to the music. This is a vibrant, creative experience for kids ages 4-8, facilitated by the amazing Lane Gifford. Lane Gifford is artistic director of LaneCoArts, a multi-arts dance theater company based in New York City, with a mission to combine dance with such elements as words, drama, sculptural components and rigorous physical investigations. Registration is required at www.eldredgelibrary.org. For more information contact info@lanecoarts.org and mkemp@clamsnet.org.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program that encourages families and
caregivers to read 1,000 books with their young children before they enter kindergarten.

Families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help strengthen language skills
and build vocabulary–two important tools when children begin learning to read in
kindergarten.

We want to support you in building a strong foundation for reading and school readiness. We’ll provide you with resources, encouragement, parent education workshops, fun events for your family, and celebrations at each milestone along the
way.

Here’s how to participate:
1. Register in Youth Services and take home a reading log, or sign-up online.
2. Download the Beanstack Tracker App for easy tracking on your mobile device.
3. Every time you read a book with your child, mark a circle on the reading log or
add it in Beanstack.
4. Visit Youth Services at the Eldredge Public Library each time you read 100 books
and receive a new book to build your library at home.
5. When you complete 1000 books, we’ll celebrate with you and you’ll earn a
special reward!

If you have any questions or are ready to sign-up, visit Youth Services or give us a call
at 508-945-5170.

Children's Programming

Summer 2024 Calendar and Newsletter are now available!

Adventure Begins At Your Library! Eldredge Public Library Youth Services Programs July and August 2024

Adventure Begins At Your Library!
Eldredge Public Library Youth Services Programs
July and August 2024