Children's Department Activities

Children’s Department

Summer Reading Program:
Every Hero Has a Story! and Unmask!
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this year’s summer reading program. The program ended on Friday, August 21, though you may still collect prizes until Monday, September 7. Congratulations on the following!
287 active participants
99 finished the program
230.825 minutes logged
1,142 reviews logged
Thank you to our 39 dedicated teen volunteers and to the Friends of the Portland Library
for providing the funding for the incentives and fun, educational, family programs that keep everyone
motivated and connected all summer long!



Registration for fall story times is required and began on Monday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. Story time sessions will begin the week of September 14-18 and will be divided up into the following age groups:
Story Garden (ages 3-5)
Children are invited to have some fun while sharing some of Miss Lauren’s favorite stories, songs, and games every week.
Mondays at 1:00 p.m.
September 14, 21, 28,
October 5, 19, 26 (no program on October 12).

Bouncy Babies (ages 0-24 months)
This introduction to story time provides important bonding time and early literacy skills through stories, songs, games and playtime with new friends.
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
September 15, 22, 29,
October 6, 13, 20, 27.

Stories for Twos (ages 24-36 months)
Laugh, create, and connect with new and old friends, while listening to stories and enjoying related activities.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
September 16, 23, 30,
October 7, 14, 21, 28.

Family Story Time
Come out and play with your child(ren) and enjoy a variety of Language and Art Enrichment activities for your family to share together. This program is open to all families with children in grades pre-K through 2nd grade. Younger siblings are always welcome.
Family story time is held Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
September 23, 30,
October 7, 14, 21, 28.
Fairy tales with a twist!

• What if Rapunzel had a pulley so she didn’t always have to let down her hair?
• What if Jack had a parachute to escape the angry giant?
• What if the Billy Goats had a raft so they didn’t have to meet the troll on the bridge?

Each week, we will introduce a new fairy tale. After hearing the traditional version of the story, children in grades K-2 will use some basic craft supplies and our knowledge of science to help our favorite characters find a happier ending.
Registration is required.
Session dates: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
September 17, October 1, 15, 29

“Rip the Page” Graphic Novels Workshops
If you have discovered the wide, wonderful, world of Graphic Novels…then this program is for you! (If you haven’t, DO IT NOW)! Children in grades 3-5 will get up close and personal with a variety of newly released graphic novels as we explore what makes them so AWESOME! In addition to reading, gushing, and discussing the latest of the greatest in GN releases, we will work on our own creations during our monthly meetings. Through cartooning and writing exercises, we will attempt the ultimate goal of creating our own graphic novel storylines and characters. Registration is required. Session dates:
Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
September 24,
October 8, and
November 5.

TAB Group
The Teen Advisory Board at the Portland Library is a group of teens in grades 6-12 with an interest in influencing teen library services. Meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Members plan teen programs, discuss current trends, and participate in various volunteer capacities from the summer reading program to Portland Family Day.New members are always needed. Contact a Youth Services staff member for more information or attend a monthly meeting.
2015 Meeting Schedule:
Oct 19, Nov 16, and Dec 14.

Museum Passes
Book a trip today! List of Museums, etc.
Looking for something to do? Book a pass at the Portland Library for one of over 20 museums and zoos. Patrons (18 and over) may check out the passes; the passes allow for a set number of people to attend the museum for a reduced rate or free admission.

Featured Pass: Connecticut River Museum:
This pass allows up to 2 adults and their children or grandchildren (under the age of 18) half-price admission to the Connecticut River Museum. Please check museum for holiday closings.The museum contains an 1878 dock house, waterfront, and park. There is also a replica of America’s first submarine.Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 to 5:00; (Monday June-August)

Recent Donations
Christine & William Sullivan in memory of Sal Storo
2 book donations by Carolyn Freeman

On Display in September 2015
In September, the Library will have a large display of Newly Arrived materials and will also feature Fall Fiction and art books. From our special displays in September, check out DVDs titles that start with the letter X, Y & Z and Music CDs of Ethnic and International Folk Music.