Thorndyke Thoughts: Boogie Wonderland

July 30, 2016 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke with Maracas

Hey Kids,

Today is National Dance Day! Celebrate with a dance story or stop by our CD collection in the Children's Department for some boogie-worthy tunes. I've included a few suggestions for books about dance below, but you can always find more under the subject headings for fiction and nonfiction dance books. If you're feeling especially groovy today, come show me your best dance moves. 

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

 

Waddle! Waddle! by James Proimos

A penguin waddles along, searching for the dancing friend he met yesterday, while encountering other penguins, and a hungry seal on the way.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Summer Progress

July 26, 2016 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke and Little Bear

Hey Kids,

I’ve been working on my Connect Your Summer badges. This is a lot of work! I’m lucky I’m On-the-Scene all the time, so finding good books and going to programs isn’t too hard for me. I’d love to hear about what you’re doing to earn your Connect Your Summer badges. If you have any good books or movies to suggest, you can leave them in the comments. I think my favorite book so far has been Finding Winnie, and my favorite movie was DisneyNature’s Bears. I need to work a little harder on my eLectrified badges, too.

Don't forget your last day to earn and claim badges is Wednesday, August 17 before the library closes at 9:00 PM. Then come to our final party on Saturday, August 20 for a fantastic wrap-up to the summer.

Bear hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Thoughts: Voting

July 12, 2016 | Thorndyke
Election Thorndyke

Hey Kids,

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Independence Day. Did you know that it’s an election year? That means that citizens of voting age have the chance to make their voices heard. Some voters will also choose their governors, or vote on laws. Not everyone has always been able to vote, however. There are many stories of people who fought to have the right to vote. I’ve included a few below. During the summer you can make your voice heard at our Decision 2016 station in the Connect Your Summer command center. You can also see who currently represents you.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

A history of voting rights by Tamra Orr

Looks at the history of voting rights in the United States, examining the struggles of African Americans, Native Americans, and women to have the right to vote.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Connect Your Summer

June 20, 2016 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke as Leia

Hey Kids,

Did you know it’s one of my favorite times of the year? Connect Your Summer is kicking off today! If you haven’t already started earning badges, check out our Connect Your Summer webpage to find out everything you need to know to have a great summer at your library. Encourage your whole family to participate and you can read, listen, and come to the library together. You can even follow what I’ve been doing to earn badges if you need more inspiration.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Thoughts: Flag Day

June 14, 2016 | Thorndyke

Hey Kids,

It’s Flag Day today, just in time to get everyone in a patriotic mood for Independence Day. On this day in 1777 the Second Continental Congress picked a flag for the brand-new country. I’ve included some helpful resources below in honor of Flag Day. Use them to earn a badge for Connect Your Summer, perhaps the Keep It Real badge for nonfiction, or Explore History, or even Be Creative if you read about Betsy Ross or Francis Scott Key. Listen to patriotic music to earn an eLectrified badge. If you have any questions about our Connect Your Summer program, please see any of our wonderful library staff members.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Books

Flag day by Robert Walker

Describes the holiday of Flag Day that occurs on June 14th every year to celebrate the creation of the United States flag.

Thorndyke Thoughts: Say Something Nice

May 31, 2016 | Thorndyke
Miss Ruth Hugging Thorndyke

Hey Kids,

Did you know that June 1 is National Say Something Nice Day? Maybe you could find a way to say something nice today. I’ve been thinking of nice things I could say if you visit:

     “I’m so happy to see you.”

     “You’re very kind.”

     “I like your hat.”

     “Maybe we could play together.”

     “Would you read me a story?”

I decided in honor of the day that I would read books about friendship and manners. A few of the ones I found are listed below.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

#SaySomethingNiceDay 

The nice book by David Ezra Stein

Monkeys, mice, snakes, cats, and many other animals demonstrate how to act towards others.

Thorndyke Thoughts: New Home

May 20, 2016 | Thorndyke
Thorndyke the Bear

 

Hey Kids!

I've been settling into a new home over the last month. Many of you have already visited, but if you haven't seen my new digs, please drop by. All the old, fun things are still here - the tunnels, the fish, the tree, the books - and some great new resources to check out! I've even had my first houseguests: Mama Duck and her flock of ducklings will be staying until the little ones get big enough to fend for themselves in the great wide world. 

So please stop on by. Find a new reading spot, fill your water bottle at our new water fountain, and investigate the new layout. Can't wait to see you here!

Bear Hugs, 

Thorndyke

​

P.S. I've been reading a lot about ducks since the arrival of the ducklings. Check out some of the titles below.

 

Thorndyke Thoughts: Where's The Aquarium?

March 30, 2016 | Thorndyke

Hey Kids!

During the big renovation of the Children's Library, we moved the fish tank out to the East Wing near the Study Rooms. But guess what? Today, our fish moved back to the Children's Library to get ready for the re-opening! I think they'll be happy there! I sent LB in to give you a sneak peek of the new tank and the awesome new benches surrounding it. Now, kids will be able to sit right next to the fish and watch them swim around.  They can't wait to see you again in a few more days after the renovations are complete.

Bear Hugs!

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Thoughts: New Carpet

February 20, 2016 | Thorndyke

Hey Kids!

My Little Buddy, also known as LB, put on his hard hat again and visited the Children's Library. He wanted to share a sneak peek of the brand-new, colorful carpet with you all. Isn't it great? So bright and cheerful with all those stripes! The construction crew worked really hard to get the carpet pattern laid out perfectly - and they did a fantastic job! We can't wait for all of you to see it in person, too. 

Stay tuned to my blog for more updates, and don't forget, you can take a look at the Patron Service Improvement Project page for a full list of all the new things coming to the Children's Library.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Thorndyke Thoughts: Construction Zone

February 6, 2016 | Thorndyke

Hey Kids!

My Little Buddy, also known as LB, took a special trip today. He went into the Children’s Library! As you all know, that whole area has been under construction since the beginning of January. Since LB is much smaller than I am, it was easy for him to venture in safely. He even put on a hard hat, just like a real construction worker!

On the right you can see the library tree, all covered up in plastic to protect it while the crew is working. You can also see new green paint on the walls, and lots of construction materials. Our crew sure has been working hard! Don’t forget, you can take a look at all the exciting new things that are coming by going to the Patron Service Improvement Project Page.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

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