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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Celebrating American Women in History
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
March 5, 12, 26 (no program March 19)
Grades K-5
Join us to learn about some of the contributions American women have made to history in areas such as art, science and transportation. We’ll learn about several women who have broken barriers and made their mark in history and participate in
projects recognizing each.
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Registration is required.
Colonial Kids
Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.
April 9, 23, 30
Grades K-5
Take a step back into colonial times for this three-week program. We will explore the food, games, and crafts of our colonial kid ancestors. As we travel back to a simpler time, we will make our own butter, cranberry sauce and johnny cakes. From button spinners to cup-and-ball toys, this program offers a glimpse of what fun was had with limited resources and your imagination.
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Registration is required and opens on Monday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m.
Family Craft Night:
Terracotta Bumblebees
Monday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m.
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Get ready to create a buzz! Join us in turning regular terracotta pots into the sweetest bumble bees you’ve ever seen. It’s going to be un-bee-lievably fun! Grab a paintbrush, get a little messy, and take home a new garden friend. This activity has steps that are appropriate for all ages, but a parent or guardian must be with children to help with supervision.​
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Registration is required and opens on
Monday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m.
APRIL VACATION ACTIVITIES
Escape from the Oval Office
Escape Room
Tuesday, April 14
Time slots between 11:00 and 5:00
The President of the United States accidentally left a copy of his White House speech on his desk in the Oval Office. As a White House intern, it’s your job to pick it up and bring it to him. Except when you get to the Oval Office, the door locks behind you. Can you find the secret codes you need to unlock the office and get out in time to bring the President his speech?
Gather a team of friends and families (all ages welcome!) and sign up for a 40-minute time slot between 11:00 and 5:00 to participate.
Registration is required and opens on
Monday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m.
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Cardboard Creations
Thursday, April 16
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Grades K-5
What can you make from a cardboard box? We’ll have a variety of boxes and child-safe cardboard cutters,
scorers, and screws and screwdrivers available to help you make your vision come true. No registration required; drop in anytime between 1:00-3:00 to participate.
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Downtown Portland
Bird Buddies Scavenger Hunt
Monday April 13 - Friday, April 17
Join us for a downtown scavenger hunt in Portland and a chance to win a bird nesting ball! Stop by the library anytime between April 13-17 during open hours to pick up your instructions and punch card. Let the adventures begin!
**Bird nesting balls are one per family while supplies last. Nesting balls were generously donated by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
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:
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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!