LIBRARY HOURS
MON-THURS 10:00 - 8:00
FRIDAY 10:00 - 5:00
SATURDAY 10:00 - 3:00
Upcoming Holiday Closing: All day Monday Feb 17 for President’s Day.
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Cooking with Apples
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
October 30 and November 6
Grades K-2
A staff member from Food Explorers will teach us how to create two different apple-themed recipes during this two-week program. Learn how to make apple fritters and apple crumble from scratch!
Registration is required and opens on
Monday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Cooking with Italian Flair
Wednesday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 18
at 3:30 p.m.
Grades 3-5
A staff member from Food Explorers will teach us how to make two different Italian inspired dishes. Come learn how to make pizza naans and cannoli croissants in this two-week cooking program for kids in grades 3-5.
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Registration is required and begins on Monday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Drop-In Crafternoon
Tuesday, November 25
from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Grades K-5
We’re cleaning out our craft closets! Drop in on this half day of school and see what you can make with the items we have on hand.
Registration is NOT required for this program.
Mad Science presents:
The Science of Superheroes
Monday, November 24
2:00 p.m.
Discover the real science behind some of the most popular superhero powers! Children will explore the science of flight, how science can make things invisible, and how Spiderman might walk up walls using fun, high-energy experiments!
Registration is
required and opens on Monday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah!
Monday December 1 at 4:00 p.m.
You 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, games and some delicious latkes. This program is geared towards kids and their families, but all are welcome. Registration is required.
Family Craft Night:
Gingerbread Houses
Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Use your imagination to create a unique and tasty house to bring home with you using graham
crackers, frosting and other delicious supplies.
This activity has steps that are appropriate for all ages, but a parent or guardian must be with children to help with supervision.
Registration is required and open on Monday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. Space is limited.
Sensory Resources and Programs at the Portland Library
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We are excited to announce the addition of nine sensory kits (3 adult, 6 child) available to patrons for use inside and outside of the library. Kits circulate for 21 days and must be returned to the Portland Library.
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Each kit contains:
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One weighted lap blanket
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One pair of headphones (child or adult)
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One pair of sunglasses (child or adult)
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Visual communication chart
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Fidget toys
This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Connecticut State Library.
Reading Lists
Not sure what to read next? Check out these book lists for some new ideas.
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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
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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:
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Parents and guardians will have to sign a Public Computer Procedures form the first time their child uses a computer.
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If others are waiting, use is restricted to 30 minutes per user.
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There is filtering software on the computers in the Children's Department.
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Please, no eating or drinking at the computer.
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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:
ABCYa
BookFlix (Portland Library database subscription, requires library card number)
Scholastic Go! (Portland Library database subscription, requires library card number)
SwitchZoo
Homework Help
School Websites:
Brownstone Intermediate School
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General:
DK FindOut!: This secure search engine from published DK has information for young children on many different subjects.
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Math and Science:
HowStuffWorks.com: Learn how thousands of things work
NeoK-12: Fun videos and lessons on science subjects
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Social Studies:
Social Studies Games: for younger children
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English and Spelling:
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.
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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.
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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!