August is here, and with it the arrival of even higher temperatures.  Stay cool and help us celebrate the last month of summer by joining the library for some of our August programming - this month, we're offering puppet shows, pirate adventures, tarot readings, and more!  Our full programming calendar can be found below - we look forward to seeing you!
In-Person Events:
In the interest of social distancing, space is limited and registration is required for ALL children’s events.  Registration links for our programs are located on the library's Events Calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/) .

Masks are no longer required in the library. However, masks are encouraged in the Children's Room, especially for those who are unvaccinated, have a weakened immune system, or live with a highly vulnerable person.
General Announcements
Camp iRead badge showing book opening onto a campsite scene with trees and tent. Text reads "Read Beyond the Beaten Path."

Summer Reading Ends August 13th!

The WPL's summer reading program ("Read Beyond the Beaten Path") runs from June 25th to August 13th.  If you would like to register your child for the summer reading program, you can do so through our website.  Information for infants through grade 5 can be found here (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/kids/summer-reading/) , whereas grades 6 and up can be found at the Teen Summer Reading page here (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/teens-overview/2022-summer-reading/) .

“Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” iRead, and the Massachusetts Statewide Summer Library Program is funded by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

'5 in 5: Words and Pictures' promotional image. Displays link: wpl.pub/5in5Words

Looking For Your Next Read?
The WPL's new Youtube channel is up and running, now featuring an ongoing series of book recommendations!  If you're looking for your next read, check out our video series "5 in 5," where we recommend 5 books on a common theme in 5 minutes.  Videos alternate between adult, teen, and children's recommendations - our video playlist can be found here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNkhpnLCxPePBBQXC0sbvBy_eiH5MhtD) !

Children's Room Events
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Spanish Fun Program
Tuesday August 2nd
5:30 - 6:00 pm

Whether you're interested in learning Spanish or you're already fluent, you will enjoy this fun, bilingual program!  Miss Esther will lead you through vocabulary-building activities, music, and games. Best for ages 5 and under.  Siblings are welcome.

Si ya hablas español o si quieres aprender una lengua nueva, puedes participar en esta hora de cuentos bilingüe con Señorita Esther!  Para niños de 3 a 5 años.

Parent and child playing with tambourine.

Sing, Move, and a Story with Family ACCESS
Tuesdays (August 2nd and 9th)
3:30 - 4:00 pm

Join Community Connections for singing, movement and a shared story!  Let's get your little one's fine motor, gross motor, language, and early literacy skills going.  For children 0-5 with a parent/caregiver.  Siblings are always welcome.

Please register for this event with Family ACCESS here (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9tLaOHHGdki8ubtOlAVcA8NC46CiC5lLs-_QuGoy-KpUM0RCWjA3U0ZFN09STElXRkdCWjZGTEhXVy4u) .

Multicolored craft supplies on bright piles of paper.

Creativity Corner
Wednesday August 3rd
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Stop by the Craft Room and get creative with our craft supplies!  This event will be first come, first served, as space allows.  For grades 5 and under.

Two human outlines dancing against multicolored musical note background. Text reads: Moving to the Music.

Moving to the Music
Wednesday August 3rd
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Bring your imaginations to the library for an afternoon of dance and dramatic play, and join us for creative movement and music led by Miss Kat.  Best for ages 3-7.

Yellow ducky and three pastel building blocks on green background. Purple texts reads: Baby Lapsit

Baby Lapsit
Thursdays (August 4th and 11th)
11:00 am - 11:30 am

Sing, play and bounce with your baby to gentle rhymes and stories with Miss Kristine.

Best for 12 months and under.

Two Australian Labradoodles sitting beside each other and looking into the camera. The one on the left is light brown, and the one on the right is white. They are both wearing red and blue bandanas around their necks.

Read to a Therapy Dog
Thursday August 4th
Friday August 12th
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Young readers are invited to spend 10 minutes reading aloud to dogs from the Therapy Dogs International Program.  Registration is not required for this event - 10 minute time-slots with a dog will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  We will try to accommodate as many children as we can without overwhelming the dogs.  Siblings and parents are welcome to join.

Information on the benefits of reading to a therapy dog can be found here (http://sites.tufts.edu/vetmag/fall-2017/the-benefits-of-reading-to-dogs/) .  For more details about each participating dog and their handlers, please see the individual event pages on our calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/) .

Toddler playing with multicolored bead-maze.

Playtime for Toddlers
Friday August 5th
11:00 am - 11:45 am

Bring your toddlers to the library to play, read books, color, and socialize with other families. No registration required. Drop in and hang out with us!

Movie clapperboard with popcorn.

Friday Flicks
Fridays (August 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th)
2:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Enjoy Friday movie screenings with popcorn and snacks!  For descriptions of the films that will be screened on each day, please visit our Events Calendar (https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/events-calendar/) .

Puppeteer Anna Sobel operating large whale puppet behind ocean-themed backdrop.

Talking Hands Theatre Presents "Whale Tales"
Saturday August 6th
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

It's the aquarium that comes to you!  As part of this musical puppet show, you'll meet lots of creatures that live in the sea, including a walrus, a seahorse, a giant beluga whale, and many more.  The show brings to life Massachusetts science standards for Pre-K through 2nd grade, featuring whimsical songs by acclaimed children’s musician Brent Holmes.  Performed by Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre (http://www.talkinghandstheatre.com/) .

This program is supported by a grant from the Woburn Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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Portuguese Fun Program
Monday August 8th
11:00 am - 11:30 pm

Join Miss Esther as we dance and sing with the music from the highest-selling Brazilian female singer Xuxa!  We will also have fun playing games with the parachute while you learn and practice Portuguese.

Best for ages 2-5.

Musician James Lepler sitting on carpeted floor playing guitar for children.

Singalong with James Lepler
Monday August 8th
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Musician James Lepler (http://www.kidsnharmony.com/biography.html)  is joining us for a special singalong!  Best for ages 5 and under.  Siblings are welcome.

Lego bricks in multiple colors. Text reads 'Lego Build Time.'

Lego Build Time
Wednesday August 10th
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Stop by the Craft Room and see what you can create with our Legos. If you like, your amazing creation can be displayed in the library until the next Lego Build time!

No registration required.  For grades 5 and under.

Green bunny slippers and yellow crescent moon against dark purple starry background. Green and purple text reads: PJ Storytime.

PJ Storytime
Wednesday August 10th
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Get a jump start on bedtime!  Join Miss Kristine for songs, movement activities, and stories.

Best for ages 5 and under. Siblings are welcome.

Children playing with large blocks on rug.

Circle Time with Creative Start
Friday August 12th
11:00 am - 11:30 am

Join teachers from Creative Start Woburn (https://www.communitiesunitedinc.org/woburn)  for movement, music, and stories!  Best for ages 0-5.  Siblings are welcome.

May be held outdoors if weather allows.  Please check your email the morning of the program to confirm the location.  If outdoors, please bring something to sit on.

Presenter on tropical-themed stage in front of large audience of children, all raising their hands.

Talewise Presents "Pirates: Lost at Sea!"
Saturday August 13th
3:00 - 4:00 pm

Set sail with us on a thrilling, action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island.  With mutiny and high tide looming, they must rescue their salty captain and find a way to repair their ship before all hope is lost…at sea!

Throughout the story, we’ll explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more!  Volunteers from the audience will help us conduct several hands-on science experiments that ‘ARRR’ sure to amaze you!  Don’t miss your chance to experience this interactive nautical tale — with a refreshing splash of science!

Teaching artists from Talewise use storytelling to teach science to kids. Learn more here (https://www.talewise.com/about) .

Oasis Organizing Solutions logo

Organization for Kids!
Saturday August 20th
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Get to know local home organizer and former early educator Danielle Nicholas of Oasis Organizing Solutions (https://www.myorganizedoasis.com/) .  She’ll share tips & tricks to help kiddos learn the importance of taking care of their belongings and maintaining their living/play spaces!

Intended for kids age 4+ and parents to attend together.

Cover image for King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth. Kayla, a Black girl with natural hair pulled back into a ponytail, points to her missing tooth while smiling at King, her tan-colored dog.

Rookie Book Club
Monday August 15th
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Join Miss Janice for our beginners' book club for children who are reading at a K to 2nd grade level.  This month's book is King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Library Book written by Dori Hillestad Butler and illustrated by Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winner Nancy Meyers.  Copies of the book will be available at the Children’s Room desk.  Children (age 5 +) who are not reading independently yet can have the book read to them . We will talk about the story and do some related early reading activities.

Cover image for The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. A robot stands at the top of a pile of rocks rising from the water, behind which are masses of trees.

BeTween the Lines Book Club
Wednesday August 10th
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Join our book club for tweens (approximately grades 3-5). This month we'll chat about The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and decorate bookmarks.  You can get a copy of the book at the Children's Desk.

To minimize crowding and encourage social distancing, registration is required.  If you would prefer to attend this meeting remotely, please email Christine at [email protected].

Teen Room Events
Assorted tarot cards.

Tarot Reading for Teens
Monday August 1st
3:00 - 5:00 pm

Join Laura Campagna--astrologist, tarot reader, & energy healer-- for a personal tarot reading!  Tarot is a mirror to the soul.  The cards depict our emotional and spiritual landscape and provide insight into our innermost selves, validate our intuitive knowledge, help us gain confidence, and open us up to greater awareness.  Whether you have a specific question or a general curiosity, tarot readings can assist you in navigating the path of your destiny.

Yellow and red ukuleles

Teen Ukulele Club: New Player Workshop
Tuesdays (August 2nd & 16th)
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

New to the ukulele or just would love a brush up?  This half-hour workshop will get you started with the proper techniques to hold, strum, and play chords on the uke, as well as tips for practicing and building new skills and techniques.  Then, stay for Ukulele Club and try out your new knowledge!

Have your own instrument?  Bring it!  If not, you can borrow one from the library's Library of Things.

For players ages 12+.

Wooden ukulele standing next to a pile of books.

"By the Books" Teen Ukulele Club
Tuesdays (August 2nd & 16th)
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The ukulele is a fun, easy, & social instrument!  Whether you've been playing for years or just picked it up today, join the library's Ukulele Club to learn new songs and play with others.  Each meeting we will learn new songs, add new techniques to our playing, and enjoy making music as a group.  Drop-ins always welcome!

(New to the ukulele or just want to brush up?  Stop by the new player workshop beforehand to get started with the proper techniques to hold, strum, and play chords.  Then stay to practice your skills at Ukulele Club!)

If you have your own ukulele, you're welcome to use it.  If not, borrow one from the library's Library of Things.

Ukulele Club is for students ages 12+.

Hunger Games logo.

Hunger Games Survival Course
Wednesday August 3rd
1:00 - 3:00 pm

Welcome to the 74th annual Hunger Games!  The time has come for you to say goodbye to loved ones and journey to the capitol to begin your training.  In this 2-hour basic wilderness survival workshop, you will do the following:
-Learn to create life-saving shelter anywhere.
-Discover how to locate and purify water.
-Learn to build a quick fire that can be lit using only one match.
-Practice Katniss's famous twitch-up snare.
-Learn about four edible/medicinal wild plants that are abundant throughout North America year-round.
-Try your hand at Peeta's camouflage techniques.
-Learn archery basics and get to shoot a replica or Katniss's bow from the arena!

Happy Hunger Games!  And may the odds ever be in your favor!

For ages 11-18.  This program will be held rain or shine.

Bag of roleplaying dice.

Teen D&D New Player Workshop
Thursdays (August 4th and 11th)
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

New to Dungeons & Dragons?  Need to create a character?  Want to improve your character?  Just need a refresh of the rules?  Stop by the Makerspace between 2:00-2:30 to prepare for our D&D campaign!

Multicolored roleplaying dice.

Teen D&D Summer Sessions
Thursdays (August 4th, 11th, 18th)
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

The Teen Dungeons & Dragons Summer Sessions are back!  Join our weekly D&D campaign open to incoming 6-12th graders of all experience levels.  New to D&D?  That's ok; whether you have only played a few times or have never rolled a 20-sided dice before, this is a supportive environment to learn the rules and have fun.

The D&D Summer Sessions will be running every Thursday starting July 7 and ending August 18 - we hope you are able to make the majority of the meetings.  Dice and premade character sheets provided if needed, though you are welcome to bring your own.

If you need help creating a character, stop by our New Player Workshop in the Makerspace at 2pm to work on one together!

Cover image for "Following Atticus" by Tom Ryan. On a white background of snow, a grey and white schnauzer wearing red and grey booties looks up at the viewer.

Book Talk: Adult and Teen Crossover Edition
Monday August 8th
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Looking for a great book to read as a family?  Join us as we discuss the book Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship (https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/search/C__Sfollowing%20atticus__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=cobalt&fromMain=yes)  by Tom Ryan.  Books are available for pick up and check out at Circulation Desk at the library.  The Book Talk is free and open to everyone.

Catapult made out of popsicle sticks and elastics.

Teen Crafternoon: Popsicle Stick Catapults
Tuesday August 9th
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Let's get medieval by designing making popsicle stick catapults!  Try out different designs to see which one is the most powerful.  We will then test our catapults in a variety of chuckin' challenges.

This craft is for tweens & teens, ages 11-18.

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Teen Movie Night: Pirates of the Caribbean
Wednesday August 10th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.  No registration required.

This movie was chosen by the Teen Advisory Board. To join TAB and have a say in the movies watched, please see Teen Librarian Erin.

Author Nandini Bajpai.

Author Visit: Nandini Bajpai
Saturday August 13th
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Come celebrate the end of summer reading at our Wrap-Up Event!  Young adult author Nandini Bajpai will discuss her books, A Match Made in Mehendi (https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/search/C__Smatch%20made%20in%20mehendi__Orightresult__U__X0?lang=eng&suite=cobalt)  and Sister of the Bollywood Bride (https://find.minlib.net/iii/encore/search/C__SSister%20of%20the%20Bollywood%20Bride__Orightresult__U__X0?lang=eng&suite=cobalt) , as well as the importance of "reading off the beaten path."

Participation in the summer reading program is not required to attend this event.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Monday August 22nd
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Help decide what happens at YOUR library!  Do you have concerns, comments, or ideas for teen events and programming?  Join the monthly Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting to have your voice heard.  Snacks will be provided, and you can earn volunteer hours for your participation.

TAB is for students entering 7-12 grade.

Teen Movie Night: Mamma Mia!
Wednesday August 24th
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for a screening of Mamma Mia!  No registration required.

This movie was chosen by the Teen Advisory Board.  To join TAB and have a say in the movies watched, please see Teen Librarian Erin.

Cover image for "Wilder Girls" by Rory Power. The cover is taken up by a head and shoulders illustration of a young woman wearing a plain white garment. She has light skin and chin-length brown hair, but the illustration is segmented from the neck up, as if her neck and face are formed out of a single spiralling ribbon. A plant with red and white flowers is growing up from her neck in the gaps of the "ribbon". Small text in the bottom left reads "They told us to wait and stay alive."

Iris Book Club
Monday August 29th
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Are you part of or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community?  Are you trying to find more inclusive novels?  Do you wish you had more queer friends?  If so, join the Iris Book Club, an LGBTQ+ book club for teens!  Our June book is Wilder Girls by Rory Power; pick up your copy at the circulation desk.