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Noted children's authors Kevin Henkes and Lynne Rae Perkins will be at Centennial Hall this Monday, April 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Kevin Henkes won the 2005 Caldecott Medal with the book Kitten's First Full Moon. Lynne Rae Perkins won the Newbery Medal for her book Criss Cross.

Kevin and Lynne will be discussing their books and will be available to sign them. Books will also be available for sale.

Celebrate Children's Book Week with the Milwaukee Public Library! Since 1919, Children's Book Week has promoted connections between children and a love of reading. All over the country, schools, libraries, bookstores, and families take part in events honoring children's literature. Here is a list of fun activities at the Milwaukee Public Library.

Story Times
Sing along with the story “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” and then make your own version to take home.
Atkinson, Tuesday, May 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Center Street, Wednesday, May 14, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Make Your Own Bookmark
Central, May 12-17. Materials will be available all week in the Children’s Room to make your own bookmark.
Martin Luther King, Wednesday, May 14, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Book Bingo
Fun for the whole family! Listen to a story, play book bingo, and enjoy a snack.
Capitol, Tuesday, May 13, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Bay View, Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Washington Park Library will be hosting the 2008 Money Camp for Kids! Sponsored by Upsilon Mu Omega, this weeklong camp for students entering grades 6-8 will take place June 16th-20th from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students will learn how to open a bank account, listen to presentations on finance, banking, and the stock market, and take fun field trips.

In order to register for this free program, fill out an application and Emergency Contact Form and mail them to:

Upsilon Mu Omega
c/o Money Camp
P.O. Box 510426
Milwaukee, WI 53203

Please register by May 30. Questions? Contact: Tammi Summers (414) 313-5907

Zablocki Family Story Times
Introduce preschoolers to books and reading at our interactive story times featuring stories, crafts, songs, and fun for children ages 2 -5 and their parents or caregiver. Call 286-3055 to register. Special story times for child care centers; call to schedule.

Tuesdays, June 3 – July 29 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Bilingual English/Spanish Preschool Story Time
Preschoolers are invited to 45 minutes of stories, songs, finger plays, and crafts. There are no story times the week of June 30 – July 4th. Child care centers are welcome.

Forest Home
Thursdays, June 5 – July 31, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Zablocki
Wednesdays, June 4 – August 27, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Horas de cuentos bilingües para niños preescolares
Los niños preescolares están bienvenidos a 45 minutos de cuentos, canciones, juegos con los deditos y manualidades. No hay horas de cuentos durante la semana del 30 de junio hasta el 4 de julio. Se extiende también la invitación a las guarderías.

Forest Home
Los jueves, el 5 de junio al 31 de julio 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Zablocki
Los miercoles, el 4 de junio al 27 de agosto 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

The Amazing Acro-Cats will be at Centennial Hall at the Central Library Saturday, July 26th for three engagements.

Come and be amazed by the acrobatic feats that these cats perform.

Tickets are $4.00 a person and will go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on July 26th. Children who have reached Level 5 is the Super Reader summer reading program can earn coupons good for two free tickets to the Acro-Cats. Be sure to sign up for the Super Reader summer reading program to find out more on how to earn your free tickets.

The first show starts at 10:30 a.m., the second at 1:00 p.m., and the third at 3: 30 p.m.

Homework Help is offered at the Central library and four neighborhood libraries for children in elementary school. Volunteers listen, guide and advise children with their homework needs. Hours are generally weeknights from 4 to 7 p.m. Please call the library for specific days and times. Adult volunteer mentors are needed October through May. If you have two hours per week to help, call one of these libraries and ask for details:

Atkinson 286-3068
Center Street 286-3090
Central 286-3091
Forest Home 286-3083
Martin Luther King 286-3098

BJ Pinchbeck started his homework help site when he was eight years old. He's now 21 and his homework help site continues to flourish. Divided into categories, BJ picked his favorite sites for English, Math, Science and many more. So if you're looking for information to assist you with homework, or if you're interested in learning new things, think of BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper.
For other websites to consult for homework help, check out the Kids' Homework Help category on the MPL homepage in the Recommended Links section.

Finger knitting is a simple form of knitting using only your hands.
It’s an easy and fun activity for young children. This workshop is for
children ages 5 and up and is presented by Shirley Grotti from
the Yarn House.

Capitol Library
Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
Space is limited; call 286-3006 to register.

Betty Brinn Central Children’s Room
Monday, December 29, 11a.m.-12 noon
Space is limited; call 286-3091 to register.

Facts are Fun!, the next Ready to Read free continuing education workshop for childcare providers, will be held on January 20, 2009 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Washington Park Library.

Non-fiction or factual books are not just for school-aged children, but for any child who needs a question answered, an idea explained, or an interest expanded. Informational books also introduce children to important concepts and vocabulary. During this session, explore great non-fiction books and how those books can be used to add fun and interest to the classroom.

Attendees will receive 1.5 hours of continuing education for participating in this workshop.

Registration began December 20; call 286-8423 to sign-up.

Are you looking for Science Project ideas? How about categories of jokes and riddles? This section of the Internet Public Library is geared towards children and provides many categories of interest. From Homework to Games, the Kidspace @ IPL will provide alll kinds of information and fun for kids of all ages!

For other sites geared to kids, check out the Kids' Internet Search Tools in the Reference Resources Category on the MPL Homepage.

MPL and the Wisconsin Humane Society are teaming up to offer the Read to Rover program!

First through fifth graders can read to a certified therapy dog for 25 minutes each week for four weeks. They can bring in their own reading material or a librarian will help them select books at the library. Those who finish the program will receive a certificate of accomplishment, a book and a toy dog.

Free Read to Rover programs will be offered at the Bay View and Tippecanoe libraries on February 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Students who register need to attend all four sessions.

Please call Bay View at (414) 286-3019 or Tippecanoe at (414) 286-3085 to register.

Join MPL as we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Seuss!

The free kick-off celebration will be held at Central Library on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., where you will be able to:

* Create your own feathery-fun craft of Gertrude McFuzz.
* Enjoy exciting and interesting stories in our story nook.
* Decorate a Seuss cookie to eat or take home.
* Get your face painted like the Cat in the Hat.
* Hop and bop, sing and swing to the music of the Chickadees.
* Make an ocean-themed craft with the Milwaukee Public Museum.
* Have a “reeling” good time with a Seuss-inspired fishing pond.

Be sure to say hello to Browser, the Library Lion and the Cat in the Hat as they “check out” the festivities!

Dr. Seuss celebrations continue throughout the month of March at our neighborhood libraries.

For those who are interested in fostering a love of reading in your kids, finding tips on reading with your kids, or what's going on with and for kids at the Milwaukee Public Library, you will want to check out the blog Read All About It!, written by MPL's own Victoria Sanchez.

Victoria Sanchez is an Education Specialist at the Milwaukee Public Library, and with two kids of her own is uniquely qualified to dispense advice on reading, children and the library's role in fostering a love of reading in children.

Her first post lists some of the 2009 award-winning books as recently announced by the American Library Association.

So check out Milwaukeemoms.com, and make sure to read up on Read All About It!, and other interesting blogs on parenting.

Have fun, make a new friend, and improve your reading! Students in first through fifth grades read to a certified therapy dog for 25 minutes each week for four weeks. They can bring in their own reading materials or a librarian will help select materials at the library.

Attendance at all four sessions is required:

Atkinson (286-3068) April 11, 18, 25, May 2 10 a.m.-12 noon
Forest Home (286-3083) Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 10 a.m.-12 noon

Readers who finish this free program will receive a certificate of accomplishment, a book and a toy dog.

Print out this online version and return to any Milwaukee Public Library. Please also print out and complete a consent form from the Wisconsin Humane Society and return with your registration form. Registration is limited.

READ to Rover
Provided in cooperation with the Wisconsin Humane Society.
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Visit any Milwaukee Public Library to sign up beginning May 18. Receive a FREE 5” mini sub coupon from Cousins Subs just for signing up. Receive a reading log to track your reading and visits to the library. Keep reading to earn a Super Reader backback or Super Reader penguin Beanie Baby, a Super Reader yard sign, a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut and free apple fries from Burger King. Plus coupons for free admission to fun places around town.

Enter our Grand Prize drawings for an on-field recognition ceremony at a Milwaukee Brewers game, a family fourpack to a Milwaukee Brewers game, a Bucks VIP package, a family four-pack to the Bristol Renaissance Faire and a family membership to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Visit any Milwaukee Public Library or log on to www.mpl.org/SummerReading for full details.

Are you looking for quality children's literature to share with the young people in your life? The Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature was designed for teachers, parents and librarians to search and create customized lists of award-winning children's literature. Founded and maintained by a California librarian, you can search the database by fields such as age of reader, setting, format, genre, publication year and whether it won in any of the 84 different award categories.

For other sites about newspapers and magazines, check out the Parent & Teacher Category on the MPL Homepage under Recommended Links.

This year, ComedySportz Milwaukee is hosting the world Comedy League 2009 ComedySportz World Championship. The tournament runs from July 9th through July 11th, but you can see ComedySportz players from around the world at the Celebration Show on July 7th at the Central Library's Centennial Hall.

Join these players for the ultimate interactive, improvised, family-friendly funny experience. You'll get to laugh, shout out suggestions, and perhaps even join in the fun onstage!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Centennial Hall

"Pride and Passion: The African American Experience in Baseball"
Traveling Exhibit July 24-Sept.4
Washington Park Library
2121 N. Sherman Blvd.

Come and experience this national traveling exhibit which chronicles the remarkable history of baseball's Negro leagues and the challenges and successes of African-American baseball players. The multi-panel exhibit is free and features photographs, team rosters, scorecards and other baseball memorabilia. The exhibition is based upon a permanent exhibition of the same name on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y.

All related events listed below are free and open to the public. For more information about the programs, call Washington Park Library at 286-3066 or Center Street Library at 286-3090.

Opening Day Event
Washington Park Library
Friday, July 24 - 1p.m.
Join Mayor Barrett, enjoy the exhibit, and have some light refreshments.

Saturday, July 25--all day
Washington Park Library
Kids--make your own pennant!

Tuesday, July 28 - 1-2pm
Center Street Library
2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Make a baseball pennant while waiting your turn to play Wii Sports.

Milwaukee Public Library's famous Harvest Fest celebrations kick off at Central Library on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the season with music, crafts, and educational entertainment.

Children will be able to visit the Havenswood National Forest learning station, sip some apple cider, decorate a pumpkin cookie, and pick a pumpkin to decorate at the library and take home. Families are invited to sing and dance to the music of Fox and Branch, join in the rhythms of Uncle Mike and his snappy polka beat, and see the Kids Play Bug Show.

Fall harvest fun continues at neighborhood libraries with activities for the whole family:

Villard
Tuesday, October 6, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Featuring music with Fox and Branch

Atkinson
Wednesday, October 14, 6 - 7 p.m.
Featuring music with Ken Baron

Capitol
Tuesday, October 20, 6 - 7 p.m.
Featuring music with Ken Baron

Tippecanoe
Saturday, October 24, 2 - 3 p.m.
Featuring music with Fox and Branch

Mill Road
Saturday, October 31, 2 - 4 p.m.
Featuring music with Ken Baron

Center Street
Saturday, November 21, 2 - 3 p.m.

Washington Park
Tuesday, November 24, 5 - 6 p.m.
Featuring music with Ken Baron

Check the fall/winter children's calendar for other free programs available to you this fall at your Milwaukee Public Library.

Can't figure out that math problem? Baffled about how to help your child do homework? Our volunteers can help!

MPL is offering Homework Help sessions at six locations from October through May. Volunteers provide FREE help with reading, math, writing, spelling and science. Hours are generally weeknights, 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Atkinson Library, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave. 414.286.3068

Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave. 414.286.3090

Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. 414.286.3091

Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home 414.286.3083

Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust 414.286. 3098

Villard Avenue Library, 3310 W. Villard 414.286.3079

Adult volunteers are needed at libraries to mentor and work with students in grades 1-6. If you have at least two hours per week to help a student, please contact one of the libraries above and ask for details and a volunteer application, or go to www.mpl.org/file/volunteer.htm.

Think about art and what comes to your mind? Finger-painting? Going to the
Milwaukee Art Museum? Sketching and doodling? Art can be fun, creative, and relaxing. It's also a good way to help you build a better brain. Come to the Villard Library to explore various styles of art, from abstraction to realism, with artist Jeanette Wright-Claus on Saturdays through November 6 from 10:30 - 12:30. Learn about famous artists and discover the artist in you. For ages 6-12. Call 286-3079 to register.

The Standard Songbook program introduces children to music and musical theatre concepts through an interactive performance with Skylight Opera Theatre Artists. Children hear various songs from musicals and learn about concepts such as rhythm, tempo and melody by becoming "musical detectives." Recommended for children in grades 1-3. Child care groups with early elementary children welcome.

Friday, October 30, 2009
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Location: Central
Event Type: Special Events
Age Group: Children
Contact: Central Library Betty Brinn Children's Room
Contact phone: 414-286-3091

Remember the story of Hansel and Gretel in the forest? Recall that house of gingerbread belonging to the child-devouring witch? Create a miniature gingerbread house with your own children and then display it--or eat it!

(Witches not included.)

Martin Luther King Library
Wednesday, December 2, 5:30-6:30pm

Central Library
Saturday, December 5, 10:30-11:30am
Call 286-3091 to register.

Artist and Villard Library patron Jeanette Wright-Claus was inspired by an episode of the "Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2000 during which Oprah encouraged viewers to follow spirit by pursuing their passion. Ms. Wright-Claus began to create portraits, floral and abstract drawings and paintings. Soon Jeanette was exhibiting her art in many Milwaukee galleries.

With "Creative Dreams" workshops as her vehicle, Wright-Claus now aims to share positive creative change with children.

If you visit soon you'll be able to see the incredible paintings and pastels the Villard neighborhood children (ages 6-12) produced at their "Creative Dreams" art workshop this fall. They're on display at the library until Thanksgiving.

King Library's "Build Your Own Gingerbread House" program on Wednesday, December 2 was a great success: 56 kids and 10 adults attended. Some made gingerbread houses, and some ate them (pre-construction) instead.

More terrific Milwaukee Public Library programs can be found by clicking on the Library Events category on the MPL website.