Digital Bookmobile National Tour

Mondays can be so very drab. Rainy weather. Kids not back in school just yet. On days like this does your brain scream out the eternal parental question: "What to do, what to do?!" Consider yourself saved thanks to the Cranston Public Library and the Digital Bookmobile!

LOCATION: Cranston Public Library: Upper Parking Lot
140 Sockanosset Cross Road, Cranston, RI
DATE: Monday, September 21, 2009
TIME: 10:00am - 4:00pm
PRICE: FREE

Cranston Public Library and Ocean State Libraries will host the Digital Bookmobile, an immersive download experience inside a 74-foot, high-tech tractor-trailer.

Readers of all ages are invited to engage digital downloading through interactive demonstrations and experience the library's audiobook, eBook, music, and video download service at this free event.

The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors explore the library's download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video.

Come and learn about digital media and the latest gadgets and technology. There will be a raffle and other fun stuff!

All Ages are welcome. Registration is not required. The Digital Bookmobile is handicap accessible and will be parked in the upper parking lot of Cranston Public Library for this event.

The Digital Bookmobile is a service of Ocean State Libraries and the Cranston Public Library. The Digital Bookmobile is operated by OverDrive, Inc.

For more information call: (401) 943-9080 EXT6 or email: central@cranstonlibrary.org

Free Stuff!!

This entry is originally from January of this year. But because I'm getting lots of questions about museums and other cool/fun stuff to do on the cheap, I thought I would repost it.

Did you know the Middletown Public Library has discount passes to some amazing museums in Rhode Island AND Massachusetts? Well we do!

We provide passes and coupons to a variety of educational and cultural destinations throughout little Rhody and our sister state to the north. Passes and coupons can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

So what passes do we have?

Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Bristol, RI & Seekonk, MA
Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under the age of 18


Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Bristol, RI
Pass admits 2 adults and 6 children under the age of 18


Children's Museum, Providence, RI
Coupon allows free admission for up to 4 people


Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Coupon admits 2 adults at $8.00 each and discounted admission to special exhibits


Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Coupon admits up to 4 people at $5.00 each


New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Coupon admits up to 4 people at $8.00 each - not valid July and August


Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Pass allows 2 adults free admission and 10% discount in the museum store


Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
Pass admits up to 4 people at below prices:
July and August: $9.00 adults, $5.00 children/Rest of the year: $6.00 adults, $3.00 children

So gather up your friends and family and go see something wonderful!

(Please remember that passes cannot be reserved or renewed. Overdue fine is $5.00 per day. And if the pass is lost or damaged full replacement cost is charged.)

"I'm BORED!"

Now that summer is finally, truly here (ignore today's weather) are you looking for some memorable activities to do with the Short People*?

The Rhode Island Family Guide is a website and FREE guide book that gives families in RI listings of resources for fun, adventure and well-being here in the Ocean State.

The site and guide books offer sections on family fun destinations, activities, health care, safety & emergency, shopping, camping and MORE!

The 2009 guide books are available at many state institutions including this awesome library. So stop by our Circulation Desk and ask for your free copy.

*Definition of Short People: The adorable, sweet faced little people who live in your house and constantly announce their boredom despite having access to a room full of toys and a backyard the size of a wildlife preservation.

Be Creative @ Your Library

There are some really wonderful things happening RIGHT NOW at our library.

AWESOME PRIZES!

1. You can "Be Creative @ Your Library" by reading 5 books or more. For older kids, reading 100 pages counts as 1 book.

2. Write the title of every book that you read into your folder. Roll the dice to get your question number. When you've answered your question, put a color dot on your paint palette!

3. When you've got at least 5 colors, you qualify for a READING CERTIFICATE, a PAPERBACK BOOK and a BAG of PRIZES to boost your creativity!!

FREE PROGRAMS!
Tickets will be available beginning the Monday one week prior to each performance:

Monday 7/20 Keith Munslow, Artist/Musician
Friday 7/31 Great Baldini, Magician
Thursday 8/13 Creative "Mad Scientist"

All shows begin at 10:30am

FREE CRAFTS!
Limited enrollment! Sign up the week before each workshop.

Wednesday 7/22 "Be Creative" with Origami
Wednesday 7/29 "Be Creative" with Beads

All programs begin at 10:30am

Free Passes!
To Roger Williams Zoo, Providence Children's Museum, Green Animals, Casey and Watson Farms, Quonset Air Museum, Butterfly Zoo, South County Museum, Audubon Society of RI, Fort Adams, First Beach Carousel, McDonald's Restaurants and MORE!

February Vacation: Bubble Show for Kids!

The amazing Keith Michael Johnson is coming to our library! He'll be bringing his exciting show "The Secret World of Bubbles" to the Middletown Public Library on Wednesday, February 18th at 11am.

The show features bubble sculptures as big as bathtubs, bubbles that dance toward the ceiling, bubbles that act as boomerangs, and bubbles that create amazing tunnels around young volunteers. Want a sneak peek at the fun? Check out Mr. Johnson's wonderful and informative website.
Click here!

Mr. Johnson is trained as a clown and mine, and uses his theatrical talents to explain scientific principles such as matter, force, and pressure. He's also performed on Discovery TV as well as at schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England. The show is geared towards children in grades K-5.

Tickets are free, but get them NOW! Our last event SOLD OUT and we don't want you to miss this wonderful show! Please call 846-1573 to reserve your free tickets today!

Helping Little People Learn Computers

Recently a friend introduced me to a wonderful resource for kids and I want to share it with you. It's called ZAC Browser.

ZAC (the letters stands for Zone for Autistic Children) "is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders."

ZAC is a browser that allows children to interact directly (and safely!) with games (a LOT of games) and activities (focused on MANY interests). The links cater specifically to kids with impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. The icons are big and colorful, thus kids can navigate the site easily.

While ZAC is geared towards children with autism, it is also a wonderful tool for toddlers and children with delayed speech issues. (My 2-year-old son LOVES it!)

Want to learn more about ZAC browser? Blast Magazine wrote a great article about the history of this browser.

ZAC brower is free, so check it out!

MAGIC SHOW!

Looking for something fun to do with your little ones during the holiday break? Why not take them to a MAGIC SHOW!

On Tuesday, December 30th at 10:30am MPL will host Magician Tommy James. With over 30 years of performing experience Mr. James has the show for you. His performance will amaze and amuse with a roller coaster ride of comedy and magic that is GUARANTEED to PLEASE! Click here to see his website!

Please call (401) 846-1573 for information and free tickets!

Fun Stuff to do with Kids!

The weekend is here and once again you have oodles of time to spend with your favorite short people. What are you going to do?

FamilyFun.com has some wonderful ideas! Parents (o and teachers and babysitters too) can search for activities based on the age and interests of your child. Get ideas for parties, Halloween costumes, snacks, arts & crafts and more! This site is run by the Disney corporation so you know it's chock full of fun, wholesome ideas!

Fun Stuff for Little Ones on the Internet

Kid Space: KidSpace has lots of sites that are just plain fun (and kid safe)!

PBS Kids: A safe place for kids to explore and play hundreds of fun educational games with their favorite PBS KIDS characters.

Kid Sites: A guide to the best in web sites for kids.

National Geographics Kids: Features different people, animals, and places each month with facts, games, activities, and related links.

Kids Know It Network: Children's Learning Activities. Kids Learning Websites. Making education fun and free. Free educational Websites For the young, and the young at heart!