Tag: library

Caught Between JF and YA (The Tween Problem) by Lindsay Bandy

Tweens have it rough! When it comes to searching for  books, eleven or twelve-year-olds find themselves at the tail end of  the 8-12 Juvenile Fiction category, but their reading comprehension and understanding of the world has grown exponentially since their 8th birthday. Plus, they often feel like the whole world is shining a spotlight on just how little they still are -so anything that makes them seem young becomes embarrassing. This can include everything from hugging their parents goodbye to walking into the juvenile fiction section of the library. But does that mean they’re ready to conquer the YA shelves? There’s not always an easy answer, but here are some tips and resources to help you decide what’s right for your growing kids.

  1. Read & Discuss Together. This is the obvious one, right? Even if your tween decides she or he is too old for a read-aloud, you can both read the same book. You’ll have the opportunity to talk about any issues that come up, as well as what you both really loved (or hated) about the story. Taking the time to read a book your child loves shows them that you care about their interests and feelings, even if it’s not what you would select for yourself. Think of it as a shared experience, which can bring you closer together! Did you know you can also borrow audiobooks on your phone or computer through Overdrive? Try one out while you’re prepping dinner or driving to sports practice!
  2. Consult lists.
    1. Web sites like Brightly offer reading lists for different age groups, including kids 9-12 and 13+. There are also special interest lists, like this one, for Harry Potter fans who are looking for their next great read: 10 Series to Read After Harry Potter.
    2. Sites geared toward teachers can also be a great starting point for you and your child. Try this list from We Are Teachers: Best Middle School Books
    3. Check out Goodreads. People make all kinds of bookish lists on Goodreads! For example, if you have a tween who is eager to read a little romance but you don’t want them reading anything too sexy, there’s a list for that. I tried typing in “Books for kids with romance but no sex” and this list popped up right away:  https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/no-sex-romance 
  3. Consult media review sites. Unlike movies, books don’t come with ratings. And let’s be real…parents don’t have time to pre-read every book their child is interested in. Sites like Common Sense Media provide reviews of books and movies FOR parents and kids BY parents and kids, as well as curated lists for special interests. These reviews will give you the rundown on the presence of topics like drug/alcohol use, smoking, violence, sexy stuff, and mature language in popular books so you can decide what is appropriate for your child.
  4. Keep the lines of communication open. Knowing your child’s changing interests, emotions, and abilities can be a big job, but with a little time and effort, you can stay close through the changes and navigate them together. Sharing a great story can pave the way for meaningful conversations and relationship growth, even if you don’t always agree. For more ideas about staying close to your changing kids, check out this article from Child Mind: 10 Tips for Parenting Tweens.

More Take and Make Kits for Kids of All Ages!

We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to our first round of Take and Make Kits, so we’re rolling out some more! Kits are divided into three categories: Preschool/Kindergarten, Big Kid, and Tween/Teen. We hope you’ll check in often to see what’s new, as we’ll be switching things up regularly.

-Each kit helps kids build literacy and fine motor skills while providing kids with a fun, screen-free activity.

-You’ll find our new display in the lobby (beside the bagged holds ready for pickup.) Just buzz in and one of our friendly staff will open the door for you. Don’t forget your mask!

-Easy access: There’s nothing to check out, and nothing to return. Just grab and go!

 

-New For Preschoolers and Kindergarteners: Silly Scissor Skills

Our little ones are doing so much on their tablets these days, even at school. While technology has opened up a whole new world of learning for kids, experts are finding that many children aren’t getting the practice they need to master fine motor skills. These packets include several sheets of silly cut-outs that will help your child give a paper friend a “haircut,” as well as more information for caregivers on how to practice cutting skills together.

*Please not that if you are in need of child-safe right or left hand scissors, one of our friendly desk staff will be happy to provide you with a pair.

-New For Big Kids: Paper Snowflake Templates

Paper snowflakes can be delicate, beautiful, and also very frustrating! These templates offer clear folding instructions and pre-printed, shaded gray areas to show your child exactly where to cut. They’ll practice following instructions (with easy to understand diagrams) while cutting slowly and carefully. You’ll all be amazed at the lovely designs they unfold!

 

-For Tweens and Teens

 

Our very popular self-care BINGO kits are still available!

Stop by to pick up your kit, which includes everything you need to make a squishy, relaxing water bead stress ball, a BINGO board that fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and kindness, and a mini-journal. Don’t forget to return your BINGO board for a prize….a free book of your choice!

 

We want to hear from you! Are you enjoying the Take and Make kits? If so, we’d love to see pictures of your finished projects. Also, is there something you’d really like to see in the future? Drop us a line so we can serve you better.

Did You Know? Youth Take-And-Make Kits Are Now Available!

For the month of December, we’re offering FREE Gnome take-and-make craft kits for kids!

Many of you have already stopped by to pick up your kit (which comes with cocoa and cookies, thanks to Weis Markets!) and shared some photos of your adorable completed gnomes. These will still be available through the end of December (while supplies last). Just stop by the lobby of the Borough building to pick one up today. Plus, you can come upstairs to the library to check out The Little Winter Book of Gnomes by Kirsten Sevig!

 

Next up, we’ll be offering FREE Teen/Tween Self-Care Kits!

This year has been stressful, and we’d like to see our teens and tweens start 2021 off right. That’s why we’ll be offering Self-Care Kits starting Tuesday, December 22, which will include a mini-journal, a self-care Bingo board, and everything you need to make a water bead stress ball. Perfect for holiday break! Teens and tweens can turn in their completed Bingo board to the library to receive a free book of their choice. We have lots of awesome YA and middle grade titles ready for prizes, and we can’t wait to reward you with a great read for being good to yourself. Plus, we’ve got LOTS of brand-new kids books on the shelves, so stop by to check them out!

Pick up your supplies in the lobby, then click here for a YouTube tutorial on How To Make A Water Bead Stress Ball.

**The library will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day (December 24 and 25, January 1.) We’ll be closing at 1 p.m. on December 31 for New Year’s Eve.**

 

Wishing all of our patron families a very happy holiday season!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing E-books Through BookFlix, by Lindsay Bandy

 

There are so many amazing online resources through the library’s web site, but how do you find them? How do you use them? What are they, where are they, and why should you use them?

Fear not!

I’m here to help.

Today I’m going to show you how to use Scholastic’s BookFlix, which I use regularly for virtual Story Times. BookFlix is my personal favorite e-book resource because….

  1. The books featured are top-notch, well-known titles
  2. Books are featured in fiction/nonfiction pairs so you can have fun and learn at the same time
  3. Each story is slightly animated and gives you the option to read along with the narrator.
  4. Each story pair comes with extra resources and games on the sidebar so you and your child can explore beyond the books!

Here’s how to get to BookFlix in 5 easy steps, starting at the Manheim Community Library homepage.

STEP ONE

Beginning at www.manheimlibrary.org.

Click on the drop-down menu EXPLORE and select POWER LIBRARY RESOURCES.

 

STEP TWO

Click to access Power Library

 

 

STEP THREE

Select Power Kids

 

STEP FOUR

Select BookFlix

 

STEP FIVE

Enjoy exploring the site!