Have you signed up for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten?
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages all families and caregivers to read one thousand books with their children before they enter kindergarten.
Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary – two important tools for beginning to learn to read when they enter kindergarten.
Go here for more information and register today! Don’t forget to stop in and claim your prizes as you
make your way through 1,000 Books!
ICPL to Host Belly Babies for Expectant Parents
Parents expecting the pitter-patter of little feet are
invited to the Iowa City Public Library’s Belly Babies, a program for
parents-to-be.
Beginning March 3 and continuing through April 7, Belly
Babies will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday, (except March 24)
in the Storytime Room. Programs will focus on pre-birth bonding activities,
such as songs and stories, and feature special guests who will provide
information for families as they prepare to welcome their new addition. This
also is an opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the community.
Our complete listing of Belly Babies programs includes
the following:
Saturday, March 3:
Begin a Reading Ritual
Recent research suggests that babies can hear their
parents’ voices as early as 23 weeks. We’ll share literacy tips and practices
to start a reading ritual.
Saturday, March
10: The First Three Months
Early childhood educator Siobhan Gordon, MS, will talk about baby's cognitive
and social-emotional development from 0 to 3 months, and discuss tips and ideas
for helping to foster and nurture this development. Siobhan is mom to 4 year
old Theo.
Saturday, March
17: Finding Balance with a Baby
A new baby means a new routine. Helen Kudos, MSW, LSW, of
Eastwind Healing, will be here to share tips and best practices about keeping
the lines of communication open and finding balance during this unpredictable
time.
Saturday, March 31:
Lactation – What is a Doula?
Professional Birth Doula and Certified Lactation
Counselor Kimberly Hendricks takes the mystery out of childbirth and breast
feeding with her presentation, “Beloved Bonds Womb to World.”
Saturday, April 7:
Prenatal Yoga
Come join Kelli Jackson Amato, from Zen Den Yoga Studio!
Kelli will teach you prenatal yoga postures, breathing, and meditation to help
ease pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. This is the last program of
our Belly Babies Series.
Programs are free and open to all expectant parents in
the community. Registration isn’t required. Older siblings are invited to
attend, too.
And the winners are ...
We have our winners for the Library's 2018 Mock Youth Media Award, as determined by your votes.
The Mock Newbery Medal goes to Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani, while our Mock Caldecott Medal is awarded to Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin.
You can read more about the winning titles, and our honorary winners, here. A big thank you to everyone who voted!
Make the Library part of your Spring Break!
Is your family planning a stay-cation this Spring Break? Don't forget to include us in your itinerary!
Monday, March 12
Tumblin’ Tots with Iowa Gym-Nest in Room A, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Monday Matinee: Coco in Room A, 1 to 3 p.m.
Totally Tweens: Leprechaun Houses in the Storytime Room, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 13
Toddler Storytime Special: Music Together in the Storytime Room, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Spring Break Legos in the Storytime Room, 1 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 14
Preschool Storytime: Drive-In Movie in Room A, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Spring Break Bingo in Room A, 1 to 2 p.m.
Champagne Irish Dance Performance in Room A, 6 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 15
Preschool Storytime: Drive-In Movie in Room A, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Blank Park Zoo Show & Tell in Room A, 1 to 2 p.m.
Friday, March 16
Art Workshops for K-2 graders: Little Lion Sculptures in Room A, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.
Art Workshops for 3-6 graders: Beautiful Butterflies in Room A, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Register here.
