Long winter nights are the perfect time to cozy up as

a family and share stories. Reading with your children is a key family activity that pays dividends in school.

While bonding as a family, you will help your child expand vocabulary and language skills. Sharing stories also stimulates imagination and helps to develop empathy.

Snuggle up and read with us! Join in the Library’s Snuggle up and read program from Jan. 25 to Feb. 28. Younger children can track their reading by colouring in a square on the library quilt, and older kids are invited to share their favourite sport on our He Shoots! He Scores! activity sheet.

See page 4 for information about the Snuggle up and read Meet Geronimo Stilton event (part of the Ajax Reading Circle).

WHAT’S ON January/February 2014

KidS & FAmilieSFollow Us

SNuggle up ANd reAdEnjoy cozy reads as a family this winter

February is Black History month

Each February, we take time to celebrate the achievements of black Canadians and other black history makers around the world.

Visit your local branch to find books, DVDs and more for all ages.

Kids pancake BreakfastSaturday, Feb. 22 10:30 a.m. Main Branch

Join the Ajax Reading Circle as we read There was a Tree, the story of an umbrella acacia tree and the animals that depend upon it, during this Black History Month family event. Make your own pancake to be enjoyed with fruit salad, then create African animal crafts!

This is a free drop-in family celebration. Space is limited by room capacity.

Snowy literacy daySaturday, Feb. 81 – 2:30 p.m. - McLean BranchMeet Stella Partheniou Grasso, author of Over at the Rink, create your own winter rhyme, enjoy crafts and literacy games. Register online at www.ajaxlibrary.ca/events or 905-428-8489.For ages five and up. Presented in partnership with the Tamil Cultural and

Academic Society of Durham Region.

AdHd parent Support groupJan. 13 & Feb. 10 7 – 9 p.m.Main Branch

Do you have a child identified with ADHD or a learning disability?

Are you looking for support and the ability to share and learn from other parents and guardians who face similar challenges?

Join the Durham ADHD Parent Support Group for an evening of sharing and learning. Free refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to register, contact Sandria at ADHD.each1teach1@gmail.com.

Please note: Our movie titles may change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ajaxlibrary.ca or call any of our branches.

Register online at www.ajaxlibrary.ca/eventsor by phone 905-683-4000 ext. 8813.

Cloudy with a Chance of meatballs 2Friday, Jan. 31 10:30 a.m.Rated G

pA dAYmOVieS

gamers ClubJan. 4 & Feb. 1 1:30 – 3 p.m.Main Branch

Calling young gamers! It’s time to get connected.

Meet other kids your age and compete in multiplayer tournaments of hit games such as Skylanders Giants, Mario Kart Wii and Mario Party 9, followed by free play of any games the group would like.

Game on!

Ages 10-14.

Register online at www.ajaxlibrary.ca/events or 905-683-4000, ext. 8811.

Space is limited to 100.

After the movie, enjoy a slice of pizza courtesy of Boston Pizza.

Construction Zone: Building with Books Thursdays from Feb. 6 to 27 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. McLean Branch Explore strategies that promote children’s learning with blocks, buildings and books. Letter Construction, Building Block Blueprints, Duplo Speller Bricks and Block Graphs, to name just a few, will spark your child’s imagination and creative problem-solving abilities. Suitable for children ages two to six. Space is limited to 20 adults and their children. Register at www.ajaxlibrary.ca/events or 905-428-8489. Presented by Joan Gajadharsingh, Early Literacy Specialist,

YMCA Ontario Early Years.

Holiday movie mornings

Smurfs 2 Thursday, Jan. 2 10:30 a.m. Rated G

planes Friday, Jan. 3 10:30 a.m. Rated G

STOrYTimeSunday, Jan. 12 Saturday, Feb. 15 3 p.m.Main Branch

Share some family friendly stories and songs in French. Suitable for children ages three and up. This is a free program, but space is limited. Register: In person in any of our branches or 905-683-4000, ext. 8811 or libraryinfo@ajaxlibrary.ca. Presented in partnership with Conseil d’école: l’école élémentaire catholique Notre-Dame-de-la-Jeunesse.

Heure du CONTe FrANÇAiS

BOOKS FOr BABieS - BirTH TO 2 YeArS OldTuesday 10:30 a.m. Main Branch

Songs, poems and finger plays and simple books to enjoy with your baby. Moms and Dads are welcome to stay and chat at the end of storytime.

TAleS FOr TWOS - 2 TO 3 YeArS Oldmonday 10:30 a.m. Main Branch

Toddlers will enjoy simple stories, felt boards and action rhymes. We can also help you choose books to take home and share with your little one.

preSCHOOl STOrYTime - 3 TO 5 YeArS Oldmonday 1:30 p.m. McLean Branch

Share a story and complete a simple craft or activity as we focus on pre-reading skills.

Early literacy begins with you. Help your child get ready to read with simple activities every day. Winter Storytime runs from Jan. 6 to Feb. 27.

FAmilY STOrYTime - All AgeSTuesday & Thursday 1:30 p.m. Audley Rec Centre

Enjoy a fun-filled session of family friendly stories, songs and activities.

STOrYTime

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. McLean Branch

Tuesday 10:30 a.m. McLean Branch

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Main Branch

TALKING SINGING READINGWRITING PLAYING

SpArK! A juried art show for kids

Explore your creative side and enter your artwork in Spark!

Selected works will be displayed in the Rotary Room during the month of March.

For kids from Grades 1 to 8. important dates Art drop off: Saturday, Feb. 22 Winners Reception: Saturday, March 22 Visit www.ajaxlibrary.ca or visit your local branch for

complete contest rules and regulations.

read to SucceedSaturdays – Jan 11 to march 1 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.Main Branch

Readers from age four to 12 read with high school volunteers on Saturday mornings. Share stories and improve your reading skills with your big buddy. French assistance is available.

Tech day Jan. 11 Bring your iPad, iPod, Kobo or eReader and learn how to borrow eBooks. You can also try out the Library’s devices.

make a House mobile Jan. 18 meet geronimo Stilton Jan. 25 Celebrate Family Literacy Day and the beginning of our Snuggle up and read program. Meet everyone’s favourite journalist mouse, coming all the way from New Mouse City! Get his autograph, pose for a picture and enjoy a reading from the first chapter of the newest book, Flight of the Red Bandit. Play games and do crafts too!

groundhog day Feb. 1

Valentine’s day party Feb. 8

Cancelled for Family day Weekend Feb. 15

pancake Breakfast Feb. 22See page 1 for info. Registration not required.

last day of the Winter Session! march 1

Register online at www.ajaxlibrary.ca/events or by phone 905-683-4000 ext. 8811.

The Ajax Reading Circle is supported by the Ajax Public Library and Frontier College.

Hours & locationsmclean Branch (905) 428-848995 Magill Drive

Mon & Fri 1 – 9 p.m.Tue –Thu 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun 1 – 5 p.m.

Village Branch (905) 683-114058 Church St. North

Mon –Thu 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.Fri –Sat 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Sun Closed

main Branch (905) 683-400055 Harwood Ave. South

Mon – Thu 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.Fri – Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sun 1 – 5 p.m.

AJAx reAdiNg CirCle

Follow Us AjaxPublicLibrary @ajax_library Ajax Public Library Ajax Library www.ajaxlibrary.ca

eArlY YeArS prOgrAmSBouncing Babies - 0 to 12 monthsSession 1 – Wednesdays - Jan. 8 - 29 Session 2 – Wednesdays - Feb. 5 - 262 – 3 p.m. or 3:30–4:30 p.m. Main Branch

Learn how to incorporate music and musical instruments into baby’s everyday play experiences.

mother goose - 0 to12 monthsFridays – Jan. 10 - march 21 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.Main Branch

Based on the oral tradition of storytelling, this program focuses on learning songs, rhymes and stories.

infant massage - 0 to12 monthsSession 1 – Thursdays – Jan. 9 - 30 Session 2 – Thursdays – Feb. 6 - 27 1:30 – 3 p.m.Main Branch

Experience the benefits of infant massage and relaxation techniques while spending quality time with your baby.

Priority Registration: in person at Ajax Ontario early Years Centre, 75 Centennial rd. South (ACC) Regular Registration: Call 905-619-4565, ext. 310 Register now for January programs.Registration begins Jan. 27 for February programs.

Textnet (800) 460-4489

WiNTerFeSTSunday, Feb. 2 1 - 4 p.m.McLean Branch Warm-up in the Library, read a story in our igloo tent and complete an Olympic craft in celebration of Sochi 2014. Bring the whole family for this free drop-in program.

All branches are closed Feb. 16 & 17