All locations of the ACPL will be closed today and tomorrow (December 31st & January 1st). Please visit the main library on Sunday between 12pm & 5pm for all of your informational needs.
In January 2010, a group of book-loving kids and their grown-ups gathered for our Mock Caldecott for Kids program, and voted for their favorite children's picture books. Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini was their Mock Award winner.
In February 2010, a group of homeschoolers toured the Rare Book Room and were able to see the special treasures that are housed there, like this papyrus from the 9th-10th century.
In March 2010, hundreds of preschoolers enjoyed the silly antics of Children's Services' puppets and puppeteers, who shared the stories of The Lion and the Mouse and The Fox and the Grapes at the annual Preschool Puppet Show.
In April 2010, storyteller Carol Knarr portrayed popular children's book character Junie B. Jones for hundreds of elementary school children.
In May 2010, a Fox Island naturalist visited to introduce kids to turtles, snakes and other reptiles.
In June 2010, we watched as Painted Lady caterpillars changed into beautiful butterflies, which we then released at the end of the month.
In July 2010, we danced and sang along with children's musician Jim Gill, who entertained us at several performances.
In August 2010, children brought their stuffed animals to the library for a special storytime; stuffed friends stayed all night for a special stuffed-animal sleepover!
In September 2010, letterboxes were hidden in the Children's Department; many families and children have since discovered this unique hobby.
In October 2010, school children and families attended a presentation by storyteller Doyne Carson, who portrayed Abe Lincoln's Friend.
In November 2010, we celebrated the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead with decorations, crafts, food, and music.
In December 2010, we explored C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series of books with games and crafts.
While looking for books for the staff favorites display, we found a GREAT book: 2010: Living in the Future by Geoffrey Hoyle. It was written in 1973 and is full of predictions about the year 2010. It is fun to look through to see what did and didn't become reality.
This stand up snowperson was made by a child during last week's table top craft event. There will be a new craft every day this week, stop by to create something awesome!
Stop by the main library today through Thursday to make a wonderful winter craft.
Grown-ups who are teaching or talking with children about art might want to take a look at the Visual Thinking Strategies website. It gives lots of tips on how to help children learn to interpret and enjoy what they see. Look at the website and then make a trip to the Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery downtown at the Main Library! Or go online to view and discuss some Indiana Art.
Happy Winter Solstice!
Families with children ages 6 - 11 are invited to Children's Services in the downtown library to learn about the classic series written by C. S. Lewis...
The 2011 ACPL Mock Sibert Award goes to: 
Teachers and homeschooling parents...check out ArtSmart! Developed by the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and the The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, ArtSmart provides a wealth of information on Indiana artists, complete with lesson plans and activities to encourage the study of the art, history and culture of Indiana. Developed originally to support the Indiana history studies of 4th graders, its many ideas can be adapted for use with a variety of grade levels.
This is a wonderfully unique book, telling simultaneous stories of two families that live thousands of miles apart -- one in Morocco, North Africa, one in Australia.
It's that time of year when many families are baking up some tasty treats for winter holiday celebrations. Involving children in the process can be fun -- and helpful in their literacy development! Encourage writing skills by having your children help write out shopping lists...or read aloud the steps of a recipe with your children as you complete them together.
Two Mock Newbery Elections were held at the Main Library this weekend.
On Sunday, we held our Mock Newbery Election for Kids. Although our group was small, we had a very lively and thoughtful discussion.
We've been seeing a few snowflakes, here in Indiana. To learn more about these amazing crystals, check out
The ACPL Mock Geisel 2011 Award goes to:
I just picked up Antoinette Portis' Not A Box to use in a presentation that I am preparing. I am glad that I did because I had forgotten how wonderful this book is.
Letterboxing is a hobby that will exercise your treasure hunting and artistic abilities. This fun and exciting activity can be enjoyed by the whole family. Letterboxes are hidden all over the world and each one contains a unique stamp. Find letterboxes and collect stamps in your personal journal and leave your personal stamp in the letterbox's visitor book.
Thanks Keyara, for leaving this lovely drawing in the Early Learning Center mailbox for us to find.
Bring them to the Library!
All locations of the Allen County Public Library will be closed today for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Visit the new Art Room in Children's Services to create a piece of art to display on the library refrigerator. Watch the refrigerator change over the next few weeks as we add more and more art to the door.
Homeschoolers, don't forget to come to Science Explorers at the Main Library, Tuesday, November 23, at 2:00 p.m. Explore LIGHT, SIGHT, and CAMERAS with experiments, books and activities. Science Explorers is designed for students at K-5 grade levels. Be curious! Think - Do - Learn!
Just one week ago over 100 people enjoyed playing all sorts of games in Children's Services at the downtown library. We took part in National Game Day @ Your Library. Results of the "What's Your Favorite Game" Poll prove that Monopoly is the number one Fort Wayne favorite. Close behind were Cranium, Chess, Scrabble and Battleship. All of the following received at least one vote each: Candy Land, Sorry, Connect Four, Clue, Boggle, Trouble, The Game of Life, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Trivial Pursuit, Settlers of Catan, Bowling, and Hannah Montana Monopoly. The favorite video game played that day appeared to be Mario Kart.
In Baby Day! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, a baby goes about the normal activities of her day, eating, getting dressed, playing and napping.
Did you know that Federal officials estimate that there are over 200 million firearms in the United States? Studies suggest that guns are kept in approximately half of all U.S. households.
Wow! Is that the REAL Abe Lincoln? It sure seemed that way to area students who visited the Main Library Theater downtown on Wednesday afternoon. Come and find out for yourself -- he will return tonight at 7 p.m. And we all thank the ACPL Friends of the Library for sponsoring this special visit from Abraham Lincoln/Fritz Klein!
Come downtown and play at the Main Library today. Wii will be available in Children's Services from 10-Noon and 2-4 p.m. Board games will be available too. Vote for your favorite board game and check the blog next week for the results.
Join us downtown in Children's Services at the Main Library, as thousands of libraries throughout the country host special game events to celebrate National Game Day@your library. We'll have Wii games from 10-Noon and 2-4 p.m. Board games for all ages will also be available.
Parents and caregivers of young children -- make plans to attend our next early literacy workshop, Movin' to the Music.
Exciting news!
This lovely family is enjoying the new Art Room in Children's Services. You are welcome to stop by any time the library is open to create art, too!
Alex just turned seven! That meant he was (finally!!) old enough to go up to the Reading Tower while his mom and little brother & sister played and learned together in the Early Learning Center.
Visit Children's Services this Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 4pm for the 
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