Attention!

The American Red Cross Babysitting Class scheduled for Decembers 2nd & 9th has been rescheduled for January 6th & 13th 2007. Please contact the Youth Services Department if you are interested in joining the course. 570-823-0156 Ext. 217

December Activities at the Library

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.

The Youth Services Department of the Osterhout Free Library would like to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Interested in what the first Thanksgiving was like? Check out Scholastic's The First Thanksgiving via their website.

Or find out how the pilgrims lived at Plimoth Plantationor the History of Thanksgiving at the History Channel.

Don't eat too much turkey and don't forget to draw your very own hand turkey!

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

New FAll Activities

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

Children's Computer Classes

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.

Fall Storytimes

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

Family Art Fun!

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.

Crescendo

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/

Teen Poetry Workshop

You are invited to come and share your writing with

Jim Warner of Wilkes University and other poets.

New members are always welcome.

Every Tuesday Evening

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Osterhout Free Library

71 South Franklin Street

For more information please contact the Youth Services Department at
823-0156 ext. 217

Welcome to Kindergarten!

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!

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

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.

Butterfly Guy

Hope you didn't miss the great night of fun on Wednesday August 2nd! The Butterfly Guy, Rick Mikula provided a very interesting and fun filled presentation on butterflies. Here is he dressed as one!

Attention Child Care Providors

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.

The Butterfly Guy

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.

HOT July Events!

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.

Join us for a fun filled summer!

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.

Summer Activities for Teens!

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!