Children | Portland Library

Drop-In Playdates

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11

Our fall storytimes end during the week of October 28. Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings in November and early December from 10:30-11:30 for an hour of socialization and open play with our story room toys. No registration is required.

Explore Japan

Grades 3-5

Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

September 26, October 10, 24, November 14

Come explore the culture and traditions of Japan, from ancient Japanese art forms to modern anime, popular trends and snacks. Find out what makes Japan such an interesting cultural icon. Registration is required and space is limited.

Middle Grade Book Club

Grades 5-7

Mondays at 3:30 p.m.

September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16

Come read some great books, join in the
discussion, and enjoy some tasty treats! Each meeting, we will discuss the book of the month, take part in a related craft or activity and have a snack. Registration is not required.

Frozen Party

Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us in celebrating all things Frozen before the new movie premieres on Friday,
November 22! We’ll have games, crafts, music and more at this evening program
for kids of all ages.

Registration is required and space is limited.

November Special Programs

Cookies and Canvas: Give Thanks!

Monday, November 25 at 1:00 p.m.

Kids in grades K-8 are invited to come create a holiday-themed painting masterpiece
and enjoy some snacks too! Registration is required and space is limited.

Turkey STEM Day

Tuesday, November 26 at 1:00 p.m.

Make your own LED-light up turkey, test your luck at a turkey-baster feather relay and play some other games to help you get ready for Thanksgiving! Open to kids in grades K-5. Registration is required and space is limited.

Homemade Holidays

Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

December 5, 12, 19

Grades K-5

Create art-based projects that are perfect for sharing with a loved one for the holidays or keeping for yourself.

Call the library to register at 860-342-6770 or visit www.portlandlibraryct.org. Registration is required and space is limited.

Family Craft Night:
Scandanavian Sock Gnomes

Wednesday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

These no-sew gnomes are a traditional Nordic decoration often seen during the holiday and winter solstice season. All materials will be supplied. A parent or guardian must be with children to help with supervision. Registration is required and space is limited.

Celebrate Hanukkah!

Tuesday, December 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Kids in grades preK-2 are invited to celebrate Hanukkah in this program led by Portland residents Barbara Sequenzia and Liz Hibino. Whether you actively celebrate Hanukkah or just want to learn more about this holiday, you are invited to join us for stories, songs, and games. Registration is required and space is limited.

Santa Storytimes

Wednesday, December 18
at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be returning to the Portland Library for two storytime programs this year! Join us at either 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. for programs featuring songs, stories and a meet-and-greet with our special guests! Registration is required and space is limited.

"Noon" Year's Eve Party!

Friday, December 27
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Join us for an early New Year's Eve celebration. There will be stories, crafts, games, and a countdown with a balloon drop at noon! Registration is required and space is limited.

Reading Lists

Not sure what to read next? Check out these book lists for some new ideas.

Adventures for Children

Books for Animal Lovers in Grades 3-5
Character Counts: Picture Books about Kindness and Caring
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Readalikes
Historical Fiction for Children
Mysteries for Children
Ready for School

Scary Stories for Kids
Science Fiction for Children

Computers in the Children's Area

Early Literacy Computer Station Added

In September 2014, the Youth Services Department added an AWE Early Literacy Computer Station to its list of services. Stocked with more than 40 games that build skills in the areas of reading, words and phonics; science and nature; math and problem solving; reference; music and arts; writing and computer skills; and social studies and geography, this colorful touch-screen computer is great for kids between the ages of 2-8. Users may sign up at the children’s reference desk to use the computer.

Portland Library Computer Information

We have two computers with Internet access in the Children's Department that can be used by patrons under the age of 11. Only children or others accompanied by children are allowed to use these computers.

Please note the following when using the computers:

Parents and guardians will have to sign a Public Computer Procedures form the first time their child uses a computer.
If others are waiting, use is restricted to 30 minutes per user.
There is filtering software on the computers in the Children's Department.
Please, no eating or drinking at the computer.
Our printing rates are as follows: Each user is allowed two free black and white pages. Additional pages are $.15 per page. Color copies are always $.50 per page.

Recommended Websites for Children:

American Library Association's Great Websites for Children

Cool Math Games

Disney Fairy Online Games

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Raise a reader! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national reading initiative that encourages parents and caregivers to provide positive, nurturing early experiences by reading aloud daily to their children from birth to age five. Reading to children builds important vocabulary and language skills that are needed for kindergarten. We invite you to participate in this exciting, free program open to children birth to age five.

How long will it take to read 1,000 books? This is a self-paced program that depends on how often you read together. Reading three books together a night—approximately 15 minutes—will mean you will have read 1,095 at the end of one year.

Come into the library and pick up your 1,000 Books Before Kindergartenwelcome packet in the children’s department.

Thank you to the Friends of the Portland Library for funding this program.

Not able to come to the library but want to get started on your next reading journal? Print them out here!