New BLOG Site!

We are thrilled to announce that we have completely updated the Library website and have moved to a new location. This means my BLOG address has changed. Please look for I READ TO KIDS at www.bettendorflibrary.com/youth-services/miss-tamis-blog

Take a look at all the library has to offer once you have made your way through my BLOG. It is still a work in progress, so check often!

FROM PAGE TO STAGE IN 2010

2010 will be a great year to see children's theatre in Bettendorf! Our FROM PAGE TO STAGE programming brings national theatre productions of children's literature to families FREE of charge. We are very fortunate this year to have the opportunity to host two productions.

Saturday, February 27 - 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
THE PIGEON PARTY! Based on three books by Mo Willems about a notorius pigeon, this musical offering is brought to us by Big Wooden Horse Theatre. Children will delight in the story that combines components from Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late and Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. This production is sponsored by ALCOA and the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.

Saturday, March 20 - 10 a.m and 1 p.m.
JIGSAW JONES AND THE CASE OF THE CLASS CLOWN another musical production this one based on the book of the same name by James Preller. The National Touring Theatre, ArtsPower will be performing this selection. Jigsaw Jones is a self-proclaimed detective - the best in his school. When a class clown starts pulling pranks, Jigsaw and his friend are determined to discover the trickster's identity. Sponsored by the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.

Both shows will be held at the Bettendorf High School Auditorium. No tickets or reservations are required. Make plans to bring the whole family for a FREE top-notch program. For more information contact the Youth Services Desk at 344-4175.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Toddler/Preschooler Reading Program: Discover the Treasures in Reading

We are always looking for ways to connect our youngest readers and their families to literacy. We have discovered that providing a reading program just for them has been a big hit the past few years and we are pleased to announce the theme for our 2009 program. Discover the Treasures in Reading will give us the opportunity to share some "gems" with our young patrons throughout the month of October. Registration begins on October 5 and the program will conclude on October 31. Stop by to pick up a reading log (beginning on the 5th) to keep track of the books you read aloud to your child. Be sure to return with your completed log by October 31 to be guaranteed a reading award - a new book! Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Upcoming Programs

Hey kids! Martha the talking dog is coming to the Library! Join us for our "Martha Speaks" program on Tuesday, September 15 from 4-5 p.m. For those of you unfamiliar with Martha, she is the star of the books by Susan Meddaugh and also of her own PBS show (4 p.m. on WQPT). Staff from WQPT will join us in presenting this event. Participants will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Martha (don't forget your cameras!), listen to one of her tales, make a simple craft and try a few activities. No registration is required but the program is geared toward kids ages 4-7. 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Toot! Toot! Fun with Thomas the Tank Engine

It seems like we get multiple requests for the Thomas the Tank Engine books every day. I know we have tons of fans out there, so when I came across this site I definitely wanted to share the information. The website is actually Random House Publishers, but they have many games and activities for children - Thomas is just one of them!

Plan to spend some time with Thomas and Friends at
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/thomas/activities.html.