Every April, we celebrate National Library Week, a nationally recognized celebration of libraries sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). It’s a great time to think about how important libraries are to our families. National Library Week reminds us about the free research materials, community gathering space, educational and entertaining programs, and vast collections of great books, movies, music, and more to explore at your library. I believe the celebration should continue all year long! To join the fun, visit your local libraries and see what they have to offer.
Let's check out the Tewksbury Public Library.
The Children’s Department of the Tewksbury Public Library is a large, welcoming space for families. When you first walk in, you’ll see one of the fabulous bulletin board displays that Miss Noelle, Children’s Librarian, and her team have created. Also on the left is a restroom and one of the program meeting rooms. The staff desk is on the right with friendly staff ready to help you.
On the left side of the room is a large area of stacks for DVDs, games, books, and audio books. In the center you’ll find the children’s computers. Two new self-checkout stations let families borrow materials conveniently from the children’s room.
In the back, overlooking the garden area, is a great space for younger children. Low shelves of picture books are easily available near the play space, which includes a toy kitchen, costumes, toy cars, and building toys. There are some small tables and chairs for reading with your little ones.
Programs
The Tewksbury Public Library shines when it comes to programs for children! Some of the favorites include stuffed animal sleepovers, in which the animals spend the night at the library when all sorts of shenanigans ensue.
Miss Noelle is legendary for her Wiggles dance parties. Kids not only get to shake to the beat, they learn actual dance moves to follow in these energetic and fun parties.
The library offers a variety of story times for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Craft programs are always a big hit at the library. The SMArts Club for 7-12 year olds was so popular that the library started a 3-6 year old STEM series, Little Einsteins. These fun programs feature different math, science, and engineering activities.
The library’s Barks & Books program encourages kids, grades K-6, to read one-on-one with a service dog. This program helps kids build their reading confidence in a caring and non-judgmental way.
Due to the request by a local family, the library now offers a writing club, the Wacky Words Writer’s Workshop. This unique monthly writing program for grades 3-5 offers creative writing activities and word play for budding authors.
Check out some of the library’s videos on YouTube to see how much fun they have at the Tewksbury Public Library!
Most programs are drop in, but some require advance registration or special tickets. Check the event calendar for all of the details. Most events and details are also listed on the Lowell Macaroni Kid event calendar.
Library Cards
Children under 14 years of age will need a parent/guardian with them to apply for a library card. Anyone with a Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) library card can borrow materials from the Tewksbury Public Library. Note that even if your own local library does not charge fines, Tewksbury Library does. If Tewksbury materials are returned late, the fines will be added to your MVLC account and are payable at your local library.
Don't miss:
- The library has added a new video game collection!
- The community garden is co-managed by the library and the community, and produce is donated to a local food pantry. The library has a lot of great outdoor summer programs near the garden including bubble parties, STEAM observations, and building fairy houses.
- Do you have a budding scientist at home? The library offers some exciting science kits for use at the library. Learn about magnets, patterns, circuits, and more!
Technology
The Children’s Department offers an AWE Learning Early Literacy Station™ computer with many educational games on topics including phonics and reading, math and science, art, and more. They also offer six computers for children with various activities including Magic School Bus, ABCMouse.com, Microsoft Office, and Internet access.
If you’re looking for Playaway audio books, they’re interfiled with the books.
Library cardholders can access TumbleBookLibrary for talking picture books including early readers, chapter books, classics, graphic novels, nonfiction, and more. The library subscribes to World Book Online, a handy encyclopedia that also includes eBooks and nonfiction titles that will read to you. If your child is looking to learn another language, check out Muzzy Online. For a full list of databases for students, visit here.
Our Picks
My daughter loves the toy area in back and always plays with the kitchen, costumes, and building toys. It’s a sunny, welcoming area that encourages play and enjoyment of the library.
I love the large collection of DVDs offered in the Children’s Department as well as the great rack of book/audio kits for enjoying in the car or for early readers. The Children’s staff is exceptional, and the programs are always excellent. I may be biased since I love libraries, but the book-themed bench is a big hit too!
Librarian Fun Facts
If the librarian could visit any book...
Miss Noelle said she would like to visit Narnia to experience the “magicalness” of talking animals, unicorns, and other cool creatures.
Tewksbury Public Library
300 Chandler St
Tewksbury MA 01876
(978) 640-4490
Website: http://www.tewksburypl.org/
Next time, we’ll visit the Billerica Public Library!
Thank you to reader Emily Classon for submitting this article! If you would like to submit a paid article or review, please email barbarae@macaronikid.com for advance approval and guidelines. All images courtesy Emily Classon.
