Vote for your favorite movies and the winners will be spotlighted during our summer teen movie nights!
Vote often to improve your movie’s chance of winning!
Live Homework Help is a free tutoring service for all Luzerne County Library System card holders. Live Homework Help offers help for students 4th grade through college introduction level in subjects such as math, english, science, and social studies. Log on between 3 and 10 p.m. Make sure you have your library card handy!
Try it out by clicking on the logo below: 
Preschoolers!, Toddlers!, Infants!, Oh My!
Come meet new friends at the Osterhout Free Library's Me & My Grownup social hour on Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. We'll have lots of fun toys and a craft to make!
To register call 570-823-0156 ext 217 or email- yservices@osterhout.lib.pa.us
Hope to see you there!
While the calendar says spring but the temperature still says winter, enjoy a little spring fun on the internet.
Check out the following links on spring actvities:
Flower Garden to grow a wealth of bright colorful flowers.
Spring Games to pass the time till the weather gets warmer.
Spring Crafts and Games to decorate your house.
If you come across some more let us know to share with others.
Don't miss out on these great activities in the month of March. To keep up to date on the latest happenings join our mailing list!
LAPTOTTS ( Learning Assisted by Parents and Teachers on Technology for Tots) for children ages 2-5 and their parents/caregivers. Register by calling 823-0156 ext. 217.
Thursday, March 8, 2007 @ 2:00– 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 22, 2007 @ 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Monday, March 26, 2007 @ 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Teen Computer Workshop- Urban Legends
You just got an e-mail that made you think, “Whoah! I had no idea! I have to forward this to all my friends, right now!” No, don’t do it! It just might be an urban legend. Believe it or not, there’s no lead in your sister’s lipstick, you won’t earn cash just for forwarding a Microsoft or AOL test message, and 13-year-old Ashley Flores never went missing from Philadelphia or anywhere else. Come learn how to check the facts on these fascinating e-mail messages, find out where urban legends get their start, and talk about why they just keep going even when they’re false. March 24, 2007, 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Call (570) 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register.
Teen Book Club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Register by calling 823-0156 ext. 217 or emailing edavis@osterhout.lib.pa.us
Teen Poetry Club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. to share original poetry. New members always welcome! Call (570) 823-0156 Ext. 217 for more information or to register.
Suzanne Bloom- author of A Splendid Friend, Indeed will be visiting the library on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 1:30-2:30 p.m. Come meet this award winning children’s author. Call to register (570) 823-0156 Ext. 217
Design a Library Card Program- Come design your dream library card to be entered in Luzerne County Library System Children’s Library Card Design Competition.
Entry blanks are available at any Luzerne County Library System library and are due by Friday, March 23rd by 5:00 p.m. Click Here for an entry blank to print at home!
Come help celebrate the Cat in the Hat’s 50th birthday! We’ll read the classic, make hats and enjoy some birthday snacks! For all Cat in the Hat Fans!
Call the libary at 570-823-0156 ext. 217 to register. Can't wait to see you there!
Teen Book Club starts this Wednesday, February 21st at 6:00 p.m. There's still time to sign up or just stop by to say hi! Don't miss your chance to talk about your favorite books and have some snacks. We'll talk about the opportunity to write reviews for the library's blog!
Email Elizabeth at edavis@osterhout.lib.pa.us for more information or to register!
Don't miss your chance to share your favorite book or complain about that book you're reading for class!
The Teen Book Club will begin on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
We will meet weekly and have snacks! Come meet new friends and share your love of reading.
The Osterhout Free Library will be opening at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2007 and close at the regular 5:00 p.m. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Stop by the Youth Services Department to make your own Flat Traveler!! Join us as we send our Flat Travelers off on their international library adventure!! Return your traveler by February 1, 2007 for departure. In March, join us to celebrate their exciting return at our Welcome Back Party. Date to be announced.
"Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), American clergyman and Nobel Prize winner, one of the principal leaders of the American civil rights movement and a prominent advocate of nonviolent protest. King’s challenges to segregation and racial discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s helped convince many white Americans to support the cause of civil rights in the United States. After his assassination in 1968, King became a symbol of protest in the struggle for racial justice." (click here to continue reading this MSN Encarta article)
For more information on this imporant American citizen take a look at these links:
Fact Monster: Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/mlkjrday1.html
Time for Kids:
http://www.timeforkids.com/
The Seattle Times: Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/mlk/king/speeches.html
National Historic Site: Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.nps.gov/malu/
Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Search
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/word-finds/martin-luther-king-jr-wordfind.html
PBS American Experience: Citizen King
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/mlk/
Nobel Peace Prize 1964: Martin Luther King, Jr
http://www.nobel.se/peace/laureates/1964/
Timeline of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/taverna/98/king.htm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Via the History Channel
http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=213854
Don't miss out on all the fun at the library this month!
To Register for any of these programs please call 823-0156 Ext. 217
Story time At Home- Attend our one hour literacy workshop on how to re-create library story time at home. We will review early literacy skills and tricks to make reading to your child fun and
educational. Parents/Grandparents/Caregivers/ Child Care providers are welcome. Children
welcome to attend.
Birth-2 Year Olds– Wednesday, January 17 @
Saturday, January 20 @
2-3 Year Olds– Wednesday, January 24 @
LAPTOTTS-The Osterhout Free Library is pleased to announce the new Winter Schedule for the Verizon Reads LAPTOTTS ( Learning Assisted by Parents and Teachers on Technology for Tots) for children ages 2-5 and their parents/caregivers.
Verizon Reads Computer Workshops for Kids- The Osterhout Free Library is providing computer workshops for children ages 6-11. We will have playful computer activities including the internet.
Preschool Storytime– Children participate in songs, stories, fingerplays, a craft project, and see a film! Kindergarten readiness skills are introduced at each session for four weeks.
Registration begins January 29, 2007 at 8:30 a.m.
Schedule:
Wednesdays, February 7-28 from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, February 7-28 from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Saturdays, February 10-March 3 from 10:00- 10:45 a.m.
Otaku Anime Group Meeting: Come join us to discuss your favorite Anime. Bring Anime books and talk about why you like Anime. Light refreshments will be served. Meets monthly,
Teen Poetry Workshop: Come share your writing with Jim Warner of
Not Your Grandma’s Term Paper: Cut your homework time in half by learning how to use your computer efficiently to write a research paper. Find citable sources from your desktop, paste with keystrokes, organize electronically, add your own ideas, toss it all in your own custom template and violá! Research paper! You can even make Word do some of your typing for you! Note: You will NOT need 3x5 index cards, pencils or papers for this activity.
Teen Babysitting Course: Earn your American Red Cross certification and get ready to earn some money! Two-part course for babysitters ages 11-18. Tuition of $40, payable to the American Red Cross, is due at the library by January 26. Classes will be held on February 3 and 10, 2007 at
Here is the Storytime Schedule for Winter 2007:
Preschool Storytime (ages 3½-5)
Wednesdays, February 7-28 from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, February 7-28 from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Saturdays, February 10-March 3 from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
Register beginning Monday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m.
Infant Storytime (ages birth-2)
Wednesdays, March 7-28 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, March 7-28 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Register beginning Monday, February 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Books & Babies (ages 1-3)
Tuesdays, March 13-April 3 from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Register beginning Monday, February 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3½)
Wednesdays, April 11-May 2 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, April 11-May 2 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Saturdays, April 14-May 5 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Register beginning Monday, March 26 at 8:30 a.m.
Please call the Youth Services Desk at 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register.
All programs will be held at the
Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
www.osterhout.lib.pa.us
Greetings!
We have the pleasure of introducing the newest member of the Youth Services Department team! Flat Isaac Osterhout is our international flat traveler. In February, Flat Isaac will depart for foreign lands to explore the exciting libraries and meet interesting people.
Below are photos of Flat Isaac around his home at the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Here is Flatt Isaac getting his very own library card!
The Youth Services of the Osterhout Free Library has a wide arrange of books on parenting topics. Great titles for during pregnancy, those first important years as well has health issues such as ADHD and Diabetes.
Take a look at our Parenting Collection on your next visit. It is located in the Youth Services Department on the outside wall. Look for the books with the bright green stickers. Try out online catalog at www.lucasatyourservice.org.
Here are some popular Parenting titles:
In anticipation of the first snow fall here are some cool games to get you prepared for the white stuff.
Make a Flake is a great online game that helps make awesome personalized snowflakes.
http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/
Create A Snowman is sponsored by the Orange County Library System of Florida. You can build your own snowman as traditional or as crazy as you wish.
http://www.ocls.info/virtual/galleries/holidays/winterholidays.asp?bhcp=1
Have fun when the real stuff falls!
Teen Babysitting Course- A two part course will be offered on December 2nd & 9th at 9:00-12:30 p.m for ages 11-18th. Participants will be certified by the American Red Cross. The cost of the class is $40. Call 823-0156 EXT. 217 to register for this program.
Princess Tea Party- Come be a princess for a day on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. We'll be making princess crowns, read princess stories and enjoy refreshments. Call 823-0156 EXT. 217 to register for this program.
Mercy Watson Read-Aloud- Wednesday, December 6 at 6:00-7:00 p.m. for students in grades 1-2. Come hear the zany adventures of the crime fighting pig, Mercy Watson and make a craft. Call 823-0156 EXT. 217 to register for this program.
Holiday Pop-Ups! Saturday, December 16 at 2-4 p.m. Make your own pop-up greeting cards for the holidays! No need to register just stop by anytime between 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Call the Osterhout Free Library's Youth Services' Department at 823-0156 ext. 217 to register for any of these activities.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Everyone in the Youth Services Department would like to wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween.
Stop by to get some scary and spooky books to help celebrate or to make your costume. Check out the online catalog before you come in.
Check out some history on the holiday at the History Channel.com
Check out the Youth Services new fall activities!
Creepy, Crawly Bugs!
Learn all about 'em!
When: Thursday, October 19, 2006
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Youth Services Department
Osterhout Free Library
71 S. Franklin St
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
Who: Kathy Kelchner, Outreach Educator for Frances Slocum State Park will present this educational program for children up to 6th grade and their families
Please call the Youth Services Department to register for this free program- 823-0156 Ext. 217
Story Bites
When: Monday-Thursday @ 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Where: Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library
Who: Children ages 6-10 years old
What: Stop by and hear the lastest section of our selected book. Librarians will read while you can snack and relax. Listeners will vote on the books selected.
For more information on any of these programs or additional ones please contact the Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library at 823-0156 EXT 217.
The good people at the Barnes and Noble at 421 Arena Hub Plaza Wilkes-Barre will be holding book fair to benefit the Osterhout Free Library.
A percentage of net sales made during the week of September 24-30th will be donated to the library.
Stop by the store to say hello to our staff or during one of our special storytimes. Storytimes will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 10 a.m. & Thursday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be visiting our storytimes on Saturday, September 30 at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. For more information about the book fair please contact the Osterhout Free Library at 823-0156
LAPTOTTS (Learning Assisted by Parents and Teachers on Technology for Tots)
For Parents/Caregivers and Children ages 2-5. The classes will include: Safe Internet sites for kids, Using Library Computer Resources, Other fun Computer-based activities.
Wednesday, September 13 at 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 11 at 1:00-1:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 25 at 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, November 8 at 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6 at 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Computer Workshops for Kids- ages 6-11. Classes include playful computer activities including the internet.
Saturday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Please call the Youth Services Deparment at 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register for this workshops.
Books & Babies (ages 1-3)
Back by popular demand! Parents and their children can spend time together, play, create a craft, hear stories, songs and fingerplays, and talk with community resource professionals on a different child development issue each week.
Tuesdays, September 19-October 10 from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
*Registration starts Monday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3 1/2- 5)
Children participate in stories, songs, fingerplays, a craft project, and see a film!
Kindergarten readiness skills will be introduced at each session.
Wednesdays, October 18- November 8 from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, October 18- November 8 from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Saturdays, October 21- November 11 from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
*Registration begins Monday, October 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Toddler Storyime (ages 2-3)
Children participate in stories, songs, fingerplays, and a craft project!
Wednesdays, November 15-December 6 from 10-10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, November 15- December 6 from 11-11:30 a.m.
Saturdays, November 18-December 9 from 10-10:30 a.m.
*Registration begins on Monday, November 6 at 8:30 a.m.
All programs are held at the Osterhout Free Library at 71 South Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre PA
To Register for any of these great programs please call the Youth Services Department at 823-0156 Ext. 217
Bring the while family to our series of art workshops. Spend quality time with your loved ones and walk away with an orginial piece of amily artwork! Each Saturdays, an artist from ARTS YOUNIVERSE will guide you through a different art beginning on...
Saturday, September 16 from 10-11:30 a.m.
PAINTING FUN AT THE LIBRARY with Erin Miele
Erin will offer instruction in painting techniques. Following the class, those who wish can take a guided tour of the Arts YOUniverse mansion, located on the next block at 156 South Franklin Street.
Saturday, September 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.
WORD PAINTING from Jennifer Hill-Kaucher
Give an old page from a book a new life! Alter it, and make it into a work of art!
Saturday, September 30 from 10-11:30 a.m.
*CREATING IN CLAY with Bob Schmitz
Your hands may get a little dirty, but you'll create something beautiful!
*This class will meet at the Arts YOUniverse building at 156 S. Franklin St.
Saturday, October 7 from 10-11:30 a.m.
CREATING MONOLOGUES with Jennifer Hill-Kaucher
Discover the hidden actor in you, as Jennifer helps you create your own monologue!
ALL CLASSES ARE FREE, BUT PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY CALLING THE YOUTH SERVICES DESK AT 823-0156 EXT. 217.
Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa
in conjuction with The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and The Scranton Area Foundation.
Come Meet Conductor of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Larry Loh!
At a special breakfast in the Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 9:30 a.m.
Find out about the upcoming Concert for Children ages 3-12 titled Crescendo!
For more information contact the Youth Services Department at 823-0156 Ext. 217
For more informantion on the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic at http://www.nepaphil.org/
Starting kindergarten this fall? Come to our Welcome to Kindergarten party! Children will hear stories about kindergarten and create a 'back to school' craft, while parents talk with Kindergarten teacher Sharon Hinchey. Mrs. Hinchey will talk about what to expect on that first day, and now to better prepare yourself and your child for a more pleasant school experience. There is no charge for this program but please make a reservation as space is limited.
The welcome party is on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Services Department at the Osterhout Free Library.
Call the Youth Services Desk at 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register for the fun!
Leanne Grace, Director of the Rainbow Hill School and Liz Jordan, Director of the Wyoming Valley United Way's Success by 6 Initative will introduce parents to the parent activity guide developed by the Department of Education and the Department of Welfare. Each participant will recieve a copy of the guide that is filled with fun activities to give your child the foundation for positive and happy future school experiences. Children will be treated to a storytime session that will focus on early learning skills.
Join us Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The program is free of charge, but registration is necessary. This program is designed for children who will be starting kindergarten in 2007 and their parents. Please call the Youth Services Desk at 823-0156 Ext. 217 if you would like to attend.
The Osterhout Free Library is pleased to announce a new opportunity for Child Care Providors for gain 2 hours of TQAS/PQAS credits at our newest early literacy training course. We will cover various storytelling techniques and how to apply for three key literacy levels. We will highlight new books and help in planning your curriculum.
Storytelling For Early Literacy takes place on Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Please call the Youth Services Department at 823-0156 Ext. 217. Please register by Thursday, August 24, 2006.
Ever wonder what it takes to be a guide dog? Did you know that only special breeds of dogs can qualify as guide dogs? Did you know that you could take care of a puppy who will grow up to be a guide dog?
Come meet some guide dog puppies and their owners on Monday August 7, 2006 at 10-11:00 a.m. to find out more exciting information. Kaitlyn Makara and members of the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club will be here to talk about guide dogs and display their talents.
Please contact the Youth Services Department at 823-0156 Ext. 217 for more information and to sign up.
Come meet Rick Mikula, The Butterfly Guy, on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Osterhout Free Library. All are welcome to this exciting and fascinating program on the beautiful butterfly.
Please call 823-0156 Ext. 217 to reserve your spot. This activity will take place in the Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin St, Wilkes-Barre PA. 
Wednesday Nights are Family Fun Nights!
* Wednesday, July 12- 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Make & Take A Snake!
Just bring in an old necktie (or we'll supply one for you). We'll also share some funny snake stories and have a slithery snack!
* Wednesday, July 19- 6:30-7:30 p.m.- Silly Animal Movies
Bring the whole family to see these short, funny movies about some amazing animals. We'll supply the popcorn and punch!
* Wednesday, July 26- 6:30-7:30 p.m.- Family Game Night
We'll have a large collection of board games & puzzles to keep you busy, and some snacks to munch on. We'll also have prizes!
All Family Fun Nights require registration. Please call 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register.
Read-To-A-Dog!
Meet the thearpy dos and share a favorite story. Saturday, July 15 at 10:00-11:00 a.m. Please call to register at 823-0156 Ext. 217
Reptiles, Rats, and Cats, OH MY!
Join us Monday, July 17 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. when we have live reptiles in the library, as well as some other small animals that you can meet and learn about. Kat Knorrston of TK's Safari Reptile Resue will be here to introduce you her furry and scaly friends. Please call to register for this exciting and interesting event at 823-0156 Ext. 217.
Bookin' With Ronald!
Ronald McDonal will be bring his own library to our Library on Thursday July, 27 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. He'll have some magic tricks, puppets for you to meet and fun for all. Don't miss Ronald! Please call 823-0156 Ext 217 to reserve your spot.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM- Join today to earn weekly prizes for your reading accomplishments! All ages are welcome!
READ-TO-A-DOG - Saturdays, June 10, July 15, and August 5 from 10-11 a.m.
Meet the Therapy Dogs, and read a favorite story to them. Please call 823-0156 Ext.217 to register.
LIVE PET SHOW on the Library Lawn (weather permitting) – Sat., June 17 from 2-3 p.m.
Kids in grades K-6 can enter a pet in our show! All pets must be pre-registered.
Please call 823-0156 Ext. 217 for contest rules and to register.
STUFFED PET SHOW - Saturday, June 17 from 10:30-11:30
Preschool children can enter a favorite stuffed toy pet. All stuffed pets must be pre-registered.
Please call 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register.
MEET THE PIONEERS & CROCKET – Tuesday, June 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Crocket and some of the players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers arena football team will be here to meet and greet you, answer your questions, sign autographs, and read a story or two.
Please call 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register if you would like to “meet the Pioneers!”
“ONCE UPON A TOON” - Friday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m.
at the Sheehy Farmer Student Center of King’s College
Professional Cartoonist and Storyteller, Joe Wos, will entertain the whole family with fun & fascinating stories that he will draw as he tells them. Please call the Youth Services Desk at 823-0156 Ext. 217 to register.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 3 ½-5)
Stories, crafts, songs & films for preschool children.
Wednesdays, June 21-July 12 from 10:45-11:30 a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m.
Or Thursdays, June 22-July 13 from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Register beginning June 12.
TODDLER STORYTIME (ages 2-3 ½)
Stories, songs & crafts for toddlers & their parent/caregiver.
Wednesdays, July 19-August 9 from 10-10:30 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m.
Or Thursdays, July 20-August 10 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Register beginning July 10.
Many more activities will be offered throughout the summer. Please call the Youth Services desk at 823-0156 Ext. 217 for a complete schedule.
YA Poetry Workshop Group
Ages 12-18 Meets weekly on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
New members are welcome. Poetry can be submitted and reviewed. Learn how to capture your inspiration and manage your time to write. Understand the value of
revision to complete and polish your work. Light refreshments are served.
Call for more information at 823-0156 ext 217.
Otaku Anime Group Meeting
For Ages 11-18 Meets monthly.
Come join us to discuss your favorite Anime. Bring books and talk about why you like
it. Art work and origami demonstrations are available. Light refreshments will be served. Call 823-0156 ext 217 for dates and times.
Teen Babysitting Course
For ages 11-18 Two part course offered July 8th and 15th 9:00 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
Back by popular demand, the Red Cross will be offering a two-part course in babysitting techniques in the Gates Meeting Room of the Osterhout Free Library. Fee for the
course is $40.00. Please make a check out to the American Red Cross. Your check
insures your registration. This course is taught by a Red Cross instructor and participants
will receive a manual and wallet size card to certify completion. Call 823-0156 ext 217
to register.
2006 Teen Summer Reading Program 
Starting June 1st, fill out a coupon with your name & title of a book you have read and place it in the box in the YA Area for a drawing at the end of the summer – no limit!
In honor of Memorial Day, The Osterhout Free Library will be closed on Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May May 29th.
Please take this time to remember our armed forces and their service to our country.
For more information on Memorial Day or the armed forces please check out the library catalog at http://www.lucasatyourservice.org or
The History Channel's article on it at http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/memorial.html
Look for your favorite Youth Services Librarians at Fine Arts Fiesta in downtown Wilkes-Barre May 18-21st. We'll be reading stories each day! Join the all the fun of this great cultural festival!
For more information on The Fine Arts Fiesta take a look at their website at http://www.fineartsfiesta.org/.
For the first time ever, Pennsylvania has selected "Once Book for Every Young Child" to highlight the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers.
This year's book selection is Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse a picture book by Pennsylvania author Lindsay Barrett George.
In celebration of this book join as for a fun evening of crafts, puppets and songs. Each family attending will recieve a copy of the book Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse to keep and enjoy.
The story time is Monday, April 17, 2006 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
This is a free event but please call the Youth Services Department at 823-0156 ext. 217 to register.
For more information and resources on the "One Book Every Young Child" please visit their website at http://paonebook.com/.
With our friends from the Wilkes University History Club come take a visual tour through history from a child's perspective.
April 22- Meet a Civil War solider
April 29- Learn about the local Native American Tribes
May 6- Celebrate Rosa Parks
All events are from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library.
Space is limited so please call to register at 823-0156 ext. 217.
The Osterhout Free Library will be open 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2006.
The Library's Branches will be closed on this day.
Happy Holidays from the Staff of the Youth Services Department.
Check out our OPAC your Easter or Passover books!
Ever wonder if dogs really listen when you talk to them? The Osterhout Free Library Youth Services Department proudly presents the beloved Read-to-a-Dog Program. Sign up today to read to a certified therapy dog on Saturday April 1, 2006 at 10:00-11:00 a.m. This is a very popular program so please register at 823-0156 ext. 217.
Sign ups are coming! The time is near to sign up for the next set of story times for toddlers ages 2-3 1/2 years old. Please call the Youth Services Department on Monday, March 27, 2006 starting at 8:30 a.m. to register.
There are three different times to choose from:
-Tuesdays, April 4-25 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
-Tuesdays, April 4-25 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
-Saturdays, April 8-29 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Come celebrate the new season by making a Spring Craft on Saturday, March 18, 2006 @ 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Youth Services Department.
There is no charge for this activity and no sign ups needed! It is open to all children ages 5-12 in age.
Come join the fun in downtown Wilkes-Barre this weekend as the St. Patrick's Day Parade marches through town! The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday March 12th.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the Osterhout Free Library float to get your golden ticket redeemable for prizes! Don't forget to wear your green!
For more information on St. Patrick check out these books:
Patrick : patron saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola.
St. Patrick's Day by Janet Riehecky
St. Patrick's Day by Joyce K. Kessel
Or for some Irish Folklore check out:
Jamie O'Rourke and the big potato : an Irish folktale retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.
Jamie O'Rourke and the pooka by Tomie dePaola
A pot o' gold : a treasury of Irish stories, poetry, folklore, and (of course) blarney selected and adapted by Kathleen Krull ;
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Celebrate the life of the beloved children's author, Theodor Seuss Geisel on Thursday, March 2, 2006 by reading one of his many books.
Take a look at the catalog online to check out your favorite, whether it be The Cat and The Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham or one of the many others!
For a complete history of his phenomenal career take a peek any of the following books:
The boy on Fairfield Street : how Ted Geisel grew up to become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull
Dr. Seuss by Mae Woods
The Seuss, the whole Seuss, and nothing but the Seuss : a visual biography of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Charles D. Cohen.
Also take a visit to the website dedicated to the man himself at http://www.seussville.com/
Infant Story Time for children birth to two years old will start Wednesday March 8, 2006 and will run every Wednesday till March 29, 2006. There will be two time sessions to choose from: 10:00- 10:30 a.m. OR 11:00- 11:30 a.m.
Call to register on Monday, February 27, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. This is a very popular program and fills up fast!
Come check out our new books that arrived just in time for Valentine's Day:
Happy Valentine's Day, Dolores by Barbara Samuels.
Dolores has agreed to stop "borrowing" things from her older sister Faye's dresser, but then she discovers a special Valentine's Day necklace there.
Marly's ghost : a remix of Charles Dickens's A Christmas carol by David Levithan
The spirit of Ben's girlfriend Marly returns with three other ghosts to haunt him with a painful journey though Valentine's Days past, present, and future.
The Unsigned Valentine by Johanna Hurwitz
In early twentieth-century Vermont, sixteen-year-old Emma confides in her diary both her hopes of becoming a farmer's wife one day and her frustrations with her parents' belief that she is too young to be courted by the handsome Cole Berry.
Is cabin fever setting in? Looking for something to do during the long cold winter months? Look no further!
Preschool Storytime (ages 3½-5)
Wednesdays, February 1-22 from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, February 1-22 from 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Saturdays, February 4-25 from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
*Register beginning Monday, January 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Infant Storytime (ages birth-2)
Wednesdays, March 8-29 from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, March 8-29 from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
*Register beginning Monday, February 27 at 8:30 a.m.
Hey Everyone!
The Osterhout Free Library is providing computer workshops for children ages 6-11 and teens ages 11-18 this Spring. We will have computer activities including internet.
The Classes are as follows:
Ages 6-11:
January 14th, February 18th, and March 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ages 11-18:
January 28th, February 25th, and March 18th from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m.
Please call 823-0156 ex. 217 to sign-up for any of these activities or to suggest some of your own.
The Computer Workshops are funded by Verizon Reads Grant and the Rotary Reads Grant.
Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. 
