Summer 2023 Children & Teen Programs at the Cumberland County Library
*Programs are subject to change without notice. Contact the Youth Services Department at 856-453-2210 x. 26105 or terrica@cclnj.org for information.
Programs for Children
Summer Reading Program Begins!
June 26-August 4
The Cumberland County Library is inviting readers of all ages to discover new ideas "All Together Now" as the library presents its 2023 Summer Reading Program! The program runs June 26 through August 4 and features a wide variety of special events for infants through adults. Activities include story times, S.T.E.A.M. programs, family nights, and much more! In addition to attending programs, participants can log their readings for chances to win weekly incentives and prize drawings. Registration for "All Together Now" beings on June 19 and patrons can register in person at the library or online at cclnj.org.
Story Time
Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
10:30 a.m.
Children ages 5 and younger and a caregiver can join us as we share stories, songs, movement activities and a craft! Library story times are a fun way to help your child develop skills they will need to be ready to read. Registration is required. Registration link: Story Time -- Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 a.m. (google.com)
Lunch & Learn at the Library!
Monday through Friday, June 26-August 4, 12-1 p.m.
Children and teens ages 18 and younger are invited to join us for a fun activity and a FREE nutritious meal! Each day we'll feature a different activity - coloring, games, stories and movies - as well as a free meal provided by the USDA's Summer Food Programs. Please note: meals are only available for those ages 18 and younger. Children ages 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Registration is required. Registration link: Lunch & Learn at the Library! -- Monday through Friday, June 26 - August 4, 12-1 p.m. ***Currently Registering for Week of June 26*** (google.com). For more information, please call (856) 453-2210 x26105.
Experimental Arts Lab with Appel Farm for grades K-4
Mondays, June 26, July 3, 17, 24 & 31
2 p.m.
Join us for a transformative arts and learning experience! Students immerse themselves in games and techniques exploring various forms of creative enrichment including dance and movement, music and sound, and visual arts. Arts Lab kids develop their artistic skills, learn to express themselves, and have fun! Registration is required. Registration link: Experiential Arts Lab for Grades K-4! -- Mondays, June 26 and July 3, 17, 24 & 31 at 2 p.m. (google.com)
S.T.E.A.M. Wednesdays for Ages 9 & up
Wednesdays, June 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26, August 2
2-3:30 p.m.
Kids ages 9 and up are invited to join us as we blend science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with books! Each week we'll feature stories, fumn experiments and activities having to do with our summer reading theme "All Together Now."
At the July 19 session, the American Littoral Society will present "Critters, Creeks and Coasts," a hands-on program about bus that live in our freshwater streams, oysters and other creatures from the bay, where our drinking water comes from, and what we can do to protect and conserve water for animals and people.
Registration is required. Registration link: S. T. E. A. M. Wednesdays -- June 29, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 and August 3, 2-3:30 p.m. (google.com)
Together Time with Appel Farm
Thursdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20 & 27, August 3
10:30 a.m.
Children ages 12 months through Kindergarten and their caregivers are invited to play, explore, discover, and create together! Our journey each week begins with a shared picture book to spark excitement and engagement around a new theme. Participants discover hands-on ways to learn, create, and have fun through music, movement, sensory, and art activities. Play clothes are recommended for kids and adults! Registration is required. Registration link: Together Time with Appel Farm! -- Thursdays, June 29, July 6, 13, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 a.m. (google.com)
Family Night - Conservation Heroes: Traveling Turtles with the Wetlands Institute!
Thursday, June 29, 6 p.m.
Families are invited to learn the incredible things that make turtles special, what the Wetlands Institute and scientists around the globe are doing to help conserve turtles, and what you can do to give turtles of all kinds a bright future - all together now! Don't miss this opportunity to meet and learn how to help some terrific turtles! Registration is required. Registration link: Family Night – “Conservation Heroes: Traveling Turtles!” presented by the Wetlands Institute -- Thursday, June , 6 p.m. (google.com)
Family Night - Meet the Author: Ty "Bright Flower" of the Nanticoke Lenape Nation!
Thursday, July 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Families are invited to meet Ty "Bright Flower" of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Nation and author of He Talks to Birds: a Cohanzick Lenape Legend. The story tells of a young Lenape boy who discovers a new use for gourds and comes to the aid of his friends, the purple martins. Following the reading, Ty will teach participants to make their own baby gourd necklace to take home. Registration is required. Registration link: Family Night – Meet the Author: Ty “Bright Flower”! -- Thursday, July 6, 6-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Story & Author Visit! - Meet the Author of Zoe the Clam!
Monday, July 10, 2 p.m.
Kids in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to a special visit with Carthornia Kouroupos, author of Zoe the Clam! Zoe is a shy clam who is bullied for being unlike the other fish of the sea. One day when the meanest and mightiest fish taunt and tease Zoe for being different, Zoe shows them how extraordinary she really is. Registration required. Registration link: Story & Author Visit! – Meet the Author of Zoe the Clam! -- Monday, July 10, 2 p.m. (google.com)
Family Night - FURever As Friends
Thursday, July 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kids and teens of all ages are invited to come read to a fabulous friend! FURever As Friends therapy pet teams will be available to help kids practice their reading. Participants will receive a "Doggy Bag" containing supplies to make their own dog craft at home. Registration is required. Registration link: Family Night –“FURever As Friends -- Thursday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. (google.com)
Dungeons and Dragons for Ages 10-12
Saturday, July 15, 2-4 p.m.
Come learn the basics of character creation, role playing, combat skills, and more of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Players of all experience levels are welcome but the program is geared towards beginner players. Registration is required. Registration link: Dungeons & Dragons Program for Ages 10-12, Saturday, July 15, 2-4 p.m. (google.com)
Family Night - Yoga for Families!
Thursday, July 20, 6 p.m.
Kids (and their grownups!) are invited to learn gentle yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques with certified Yoga teach Ceci Brandt.
Yoga has many benefits for children including enhancing their flexibility, strength, and coordination. It helps develop a sense of calm and present moment awareness while nurturing self-esteem and focus.
Families are encouraged to bring their own mats, although there will be some available to borrow. Registration is required. Registration link: Family Night -- Yoga for Families! -- Thursday, July 20, 6 p.m. (google.com)
Family Night - Andrew's Big Show!
Thursday, July 27, 6 p.m.
Families and kids of all ages are invited to Andrew's Big Show featuring comedy, juggling, circus tricks, yo-yos and more! This program is recommended for all ages. Registration is required. Registration link: Family Night –Andrew's Big Show! -- Thursday, July 27, 6 p.m. (google.com)
Family Night - Family Movie & Craft (Super Mario Bros)
Thursday, August 3, 5:30 p.m.
Families are invited to watch a movie on our big screen! In this 2023 computer animated film, plumbers Mario and Luigi find themselves transported down a mysterious pipe to a magical world. This Rate PG movie is shown in compliance with a movie license through Movie Licensing, USA. Registration is required. Registration link: Family Movie & Craft -- Thursday, August 4, 5:30 p.m. (google.com)
Book Discussion for Ages 10 and up - Two Degrees by Alan Gratz
Tuesday, August 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Tweens and teens ages 10 and up are invited to receive a free copy of the book Two Degrees by Alan Gratz and then join us for a discussion and activity!
"Fire. Ice. Flood. Three climate disasters. Four middle schoolers fighting for their lives.
Akira is riding her horse in the California woods when a wildfire sparks--and grows scarily fast. How can she make it to safety when there are flames everywhere?
Owen and his best friend, George, are used to seeing polar bears on the snowy Canadian tundra. But when one bear gets way too close for comfort, do the boys have any chance of surviving?
Natalie hunkers down at home as a massive hurricane barrels toward Miami. When the floodwaters crash into her house, Natalie is dragged out into the storm--with nowhere to hide.
Akira, Owen, George, and Natalie are all swept up in the devastating effects of climate change. They are also connected in ways that will shock them--and could
alter their destinies forever"
Registration is required. Upon registration, participants will receive a free copy of the book wile supplies last. Registrants must attend the book discussion if they pick up a book. Registration link: Book Discussion for Ages 10 and up -- Two Degrees by Alan Gratz -- Tuesday, August 8, 6-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Dungeons and Dragons for Ages 10-12
Saturday, August 12, 2-4 p.m.
Come learn the basics of character creation, role playing, combat skills, and more of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Players of all experience levels are welcome but the program is geared towards beginner players. Registration is required. Registration link: Dungeons & Dragons Program for Ages 10-12, Saturday, August 12, 2-4 p.m. (google.com)
PROGRAMS FOR TEENS
Teen Mental Health First Aid Program - "It's Real: Teens and Mental Health"
Tuesday, July 11, 6-7 p.m.
For teens ages 13-18, this program raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help. Attendees will learn:
- What mental health is and how it's both similar to and different from, physical health
- How to notice signs of someone needing help
- Tips an strategies for having a caring conversation with someone they might be worried about
- Methods of self-care for mind, body, soul, and surroundings
- Example of trustworthy resources
- How reaching out to trusted adults can help teens manage their mental health
This class will be taught by Jaime Angelini, the Statewide Director of suicide Prevention, Crisis Response and Special Projects at the Mental Health Association in NJ(MHANJ). Jaime is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Adult, Youth and Teen), Suicide Prevention Trainer, Stress First Aid Trainer, Parent Educator, Disaster Response Crisis Counselor and a certified National trainer in Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR).
Registration is required. Registration link: Teen Mental Health First Aid Program – “It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health” -- Tuesday, July 11 6-7 p.m. (google.com)
Teen Coffeehouse
Tuesday, July 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens are invited to perform at our Teen Coffeehouse! Read a poem, sing a song, play and instrument, or show off any talent you have! Or, just come for the show and some delicious snacks! Registration is required. Registration link: Teen Coffeehouse & Open Mic Night -- Tuesday, July 18, 6-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Teen "All Together Now" Game Night!
Tuesday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join us as we play some fun collaborative games including Jackbox and Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes! Please bring a phone or tablet to play on. If you don't have one, the library has a limited number you can borrow. Registration required. Registration link: Teen “All Together Now” Game Night! -- Tuesday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Teen Movie & Pizza
Tuesday, August 1, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to enjoy some pizza while watching a new movie on our big screen! In this 2023 film, a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic. But things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Based on the popular Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, this movie is rated PG-13 and shown in compliance with a license through Move Licensing, USA. Registration is required. Registration link: Teen Movie & Pizza -- Tuesday, August 1, 5:00-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Book Discussion for Ages 10 and up
Tuesday, August 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Tweens and teens ages 10 and up are invited to receive a free copy of the book Twon Degrees by Alan Gratz and then join us for a discussion and activity!
Fire. Ice. Flood. Three climate disasters. Four middle schoolers fighting for their lives.
Akira is riding her horse in the California woods when a wildfire sparks--an grows scarily fast. How can she make it to safety when there are flames everywhere?
Owen and his best friend, George, are used to seeing polar bears on the snowy Canadian tundra. But when one bear gets way too close for comfort, do the boys have any chance of surviving?
Natalie hunkers down at home as a massive hurricane barrels toward Miami. When the floodwaters crash into her house, Natalie is dragged our into the storm--with nowhere to hide.
Akira, Owen, George, and Natalie are all swept up in the devastating effects of climate change. They are also connected in ways that will shock them--and could alter their destinies forever."
Registration is required. Upon registration, participants will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last. Registrants must attend the book discussion of they pick up a book. Registration link: Book Discussion for Ages 10 and up -- Two Degrees by Alan Gratz -- Tuesday, August 8, 6-7:30 p.m. (google.com)
Teen "Libraries & Lizards" Lock-In
Friday, August 11, 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Teens ages 13-18 are invited to participate in a Dungeons and Dragons themed after-hours event at the Cumberland County Library! Attendees will test their skills while participating in D&D themed challenges and games. Pizza & dessert will be provided!
Registration is required for this program, as is a permission slip signed by the teen's parent or guardian. Permission slips are available in the Children's Department or online when registering.
Anyone not registered for the event will not be able to attend. The library will be closed to the public during this event. Registration link: Teen Lock-In Registration Form -- Friday, August 11, 6-9:30 p.m. (google.com)
For more information, please call the Children's Department at (856) 453-2210 x26105 or email terrica@cclnj.org