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HPL Kids

The Kidzone has programs galore as well as books, movies, and other cool stuff. Read our blog below for more information and check out our upcoming events to get an idea of what's happening at the Kidzone! Our main phone number is 205.444.7830.

Recent Book Reviews

Horten's Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure
Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair
A Mutiny in Time
Starry River of the Sky
Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School
Iron Hearted Violet
Jake and Lily
Paris Pan Takes the Dare
Me and the Pumpkin Queen
Read All About It!
The Boy on Cinnamon Street
Nerd Camp
The Classroom
Smells Like Dog
Mission Unstoppable
On the Road to Mr. Mineo's
The Mark of Athena
A Whole Lot of Lucky
Alien on a Rampage
One for the Murphys

More of our favorite books on GoodReads »

Kidzone Blog

Animal Tales on the Plaza

Our first week of Summer Reading shows is actually taking place on the Library Plaza stage rather than in our Library Theatre.  Why?  Our first show is Animal Tales presents Creatures of the Galaxy.  It will feature a variety of exotic animals from all around the world that can also be found throughout the cosmos in constellations.  This is a live-animal show, and the Plaza will enable the audience to get a much better view of these cosmic critters.   Show days and times will be the same as usual, but seating guidelines will be different from the Library Theatre.  We will try to find space for as many people as possible. The Plaza is located on the walk-on floor of the library. Follow the granite hallway to the left of the check-out desk. When you reach a break in the bookcases, turn right. The Plaza is also home to our East 59 café and the Friends' Bookstore.

Animal Tales presents Creatures of the Galaxy
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 10:30 am, 2 pm & 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 10:30 am & 2 pm
Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 10:30 am & 2 pm 

Story Constellation

This year's summer storytime series is Story Constellation.  Beginning June 3rd, we'll meet Mondays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.  to see what stories we can find in the stars.  Miss Katie Jane (that's me!) will be joined by a different storyteller each week.  We'll get a chance to show off our twinkle skills, stretch to an epic Star Wars soundtrack, and dance under the stars.   You'll receive a special Star Map each week to help you keep learning about space and your space in it.  The storytimes are designed for children under four, but older kids are more than welcome to join us.  Mark your calendars for these dates.

June 3, 2019 = Starring Pig & Cow! (& Miss Anna Beth!)
June 10, 2019 = Starring Bear & Wolf! (& Miss Traci!)
June 17, 2019 = Starring Dad & Grandma! (& Mr Justin!)
June 24, 2019 = Starring Cat & Mouse! (& Miss Alyssa!)
July 1, 2019 = Starring Stars & Stripes! (& Miss Emma!)
July 8, 2019 = Starring Alien & Robot! (& Miss Lindsay!)
July 15, 2019 = Starring Me & You! (& Miss Polly!)

A Whole New World

The original animated classic Aladdin came out in 1992, when I was 12 years old.  Did I become obsessed?  Yes.  Did I drive everyone crazy singing the songs?  No.  But only because EVERYBODY was doing the same thing.  (In fact, my school's choral program performed a very popular medley of tunes from the movie.  There was a pretty stiff competition over who would get to sing the two solos in A Whole New World.)  There were also tons of folks trying to out-quote each other using the genie's lines.  Robin Williams -- what a genius!

Now, the live-action remake Aladdin is hitting the big screen.  I'm excited . . . and also terrified.  When you love something so much, especially if it played a huge role in your youth, it's hard to see it changed in any way.  You may see it before I do.  Summer Reading, as I'm sure you can imagine, is a busy time for me.  Let me know what you think.  That way I'll be One Jump Ahead.

Rocket Science & Laser Tag

Summer Reading programming begins the first week of June.  And registration begins this week for two awesome experiences: one for kids and one for teens.

Summer STEAM: The Science Lady presents Rocket Science
Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 4 pm
Jan Mattingly, our favorite local scientist, is back for demonstrations and hands-on experiments that explore aerospace engineering.  Kids 6-12 years old can register online or by phone (444-7830) beginning 05/23.

Battle Royale Laser Tag
Friday, June 7, 2019 at 7 pm
This after-hours event turns the library into a Fortnite laser tag arena.  And, yes, there will be pizza.  Teens ages 12-18 can register online or by phone (444-7826) beginning 05/24.  All teens must bring a signed waiver to participate.

Take Me to Your Reader

Summer Reading 2019 has officially begun!  To register and keep track of your books online, go to hooverlibrary.beanstack.org.  To register and keep track of your books on paper, stop by a desk in the Kid Zone or Teen Spot.  We're logging pages again this year.  You will receive a prize ticket at 200, 500, 1000, and 1500 pages and every 1000 pages after that (5500 page limit).  Prize room opens June 3, 2019.  This year's theme is A Universe of Stories, so we think lots of folks will want to read books about space.  Find the book that's right for you on one of our summer reading lists.  Click on the blue to access a printable list.  Remember, these are just suggestions.  You can read absolutely any book you want during Summer Reading.

book list for Preschool-Second Grade
book list for Third-Sixth Grade
book list for Seventh-Twelfth Grade
book list for Nonfiction

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) also puts together some quality reading lists.  There are four options: birth-preschool, Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grade 3-5, and Grade 6-8.

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