Autumn Harvest Time

October is just around the corner. Have you noticed that the weather is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to change colors? Check out these books about autumn at the library. Consider going on a nature walk but be sure to take along a paper bag to gather leaves, small twigs, dried flowers or other nature objects. You can create an art project with what you have found!

Autumn by JoAnn Macken
Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
Clifford’s First Autumn by Norman Bridwell
Crafts to Make in the Fall by Kathy Ross
Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Footballs and Falling Leaves : a Fall Counting Book by Rebecca Davis
How Do You Know It’s Fall? by Allan Fowler
How Leaves Change by Sylvia Johnson
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
Leaves by David Stein
Leaves! Leaves! Leaves! by Nancy Wallace
Let’s Look at Fall by Sarah Schuette
Sketching Outdoors in Autumn by Jim Arnoksy
Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro

Apples, Apples, Apples

Johnny Appleseed walked all over the Midwest planting apples trees for everyone to enjoy. Did you know that Johnny Appleseed’s birthday is September 26? Why not celebrate by reading all about apples and making an apple snack today!

An Apple a Day by Jennifer Gillis
Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
Apples by Jacqueline Farmer
Apples by Gail Gibbons
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
How Do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro
Johnny Appleseed : a Tall Tale by Steven Kellogg
Johnny Appleseed : the Story of a Legend by Will Moses
Life on an Apple Orchard by Judy Wolfman
Out and About at the Apple Orchard by Diane Mayr
The Apple Doll by Elisa Kleven
The Apple Pie That Papa Baked by Laruen Thompson
The Life and Times of an Apple by Charles Micucci
We All Fall for Apples by Emmi S. Herman
Who Was Johnny Appleseed? by Joan Holub

Pajama Storytime Begins

This storytime is offered on the third Tuesday of the month. Wear your p.j.'s and bring a stuffed animal friend to experience a variety of stories, flannelboards, songs and other activities. Enjoy milk and cookies, too!

Preschool Storytime Begins

Preschool Storytime is presented every Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10:30 am. Come to the library and listen to stories, flannelboard stories, songs and fingerplays. Each child will receive a storytime sheet listing fingerplays, songs, suggested books, Spanish Word of the Week, Sign Language Word of the Week and an early literacy tip. Each week the stories will center on a letter of the alphabet and an alphabet sheet will be provided to take home. A take-home craft or coloring sheet may be included.

On Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24 the theme is -
D is for Daring Dinosaurs

On Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1 the theme is -
E is for Egg-cellent Eggs

Great Read for Kids

If you’re ready for a fun rollicking read, then try The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick. After their parents death, Homer and his older brother, Harold, are sent to live with Squinton Leach, the meanest man in Maine, who just happens to be their uncle. The turning point comes when Squinton forces Harold into joining the Union Army. Well, there’s no way that Homer P. Figg was going to live alone on the farm with Squinton. Homer, who escapes situations by telling mostly truths but some little lies, decides to leave Pine Swamp and find his brother, Harold. This is where the adventure really begins. Spunky Homer encounters many dangers on the path to locate Harold—from alluding slave catchers with the help of Jedediah Brewster on the Underground Railroad to boarding the steamship Orion with Webster B. Willow, a clergyman who gets swindled by Frank Nibbly to joining a traveling medicine man with shifty Professor Fenton J. Fleabottom. Written in first person, Homer describes his exciting journey during 1863 when finding his brother was his only desire. Does he find Harold? And if so, what is his condition since having spent time as a Union soldier?

Be Creative @ the Library

What an incredible summer Florence Branch Library had! The Summer Reading Program Be Creative @ the Library was a huge success for Youth Services here. With 937 children enrolled in the reading program, the number of registrations increased by 35% from the previous year. That's awesome! The completion rate of 76% was achieved by our dedicated readers and encouraging words from library staff and parents. The summer was filled with storytimes, craft programs, movie days, and amazing programs such as a bubble show, a military band, country animals, a babysitting clinic and more. The finale party attracted 110 children and parents to Florence Branch. Children were entertained with carnival games, popcorn, face painting, and a free book. We're looking forward to next year - Make a Splash @ the Library!

Library Pet Draws a Crowd

Florence Branch Library's pet tarantula, Madame Octa, named for the spider in Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan, continues to draw attention. Children always flock to the aquarium at the Children's Desk to see what she is doing - whether it be spinning a new web, climbing her branch, or eating tasty treats.

What's LibraryThing?

Check out my LibraryThing bookshelf. Library Thing is a “catch or snippet of your life" - a glimpse into what you like to read and how you can use it on a blog, facebook, or just as a personal booklist. LibraryThing allows you to catalog up to 200 books free, tag them, add cover pictures and more. LibraryThing also shows a list of other people who enjoy reading the same titles. Now you can see what I'm reading!

Scamper, Omaha Public Library's mascot

In 1995 the Children’s Librarians suggested that Omaha Public Library should have a mascot. A prairie dog was decided upon and a contest with local elementary schools, librarians, and parents was implemented to select a name. By an overwhelming margin, Scamper was the name selected. Since 1995, Scamper’s image has been used to identify brochures, flyers, and other materials from the Children’s Department.

Costume Characters Visit Florence Branch

Costume characters are scheduled 5 times throughout the year and are usually part of Preschool Storytime. This is Yoko, a costume character from the books by Rosemary Wells. Please join us for stories, songs, and special treats!

Future characters at Florence Branch will include:

Poky Little Puppy on Thursday, December 10 at 10:30 am

Maisy on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10:30 am

Peter Rabbit on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:30 am

Welcome to Storytime...Plus

Welcome to the first Storytime…Plus blog. This blog is being created to share information about the Florence Branch Library and its dedication to quality services to children. I intend to post weekly entries dealing with children’s storytimes and programs, book clubs, new children’s books and reviews, and other items of interest to children, parents, early learning centers, and elementary school educators.