Kids
EVENTS
Contact us
Questions for the Children’s Room can be answered by phone or by email: kids@maplewoodlibrary.org
MAIN LIBRARY:
51 Baker Street
973.762.1688 ext 5001
Jane Folger
Natasha Osborne-Boothe
HILTON BRANCH:
1688 Springfield Ave
973.762.1688 ext 5101
Jennifer Jacoppo
KIDS EVENTS
Click here to see all scheduled events on our Library Events Calendar ...
or look below for a preview of upcoming Children’s Programs!
Programs are designed for individuals and families, and not for groups or classes
CR stand for the Children’s Room at Main Library, 51 Baker Street
HB stands for Hilton Branch Library, 1688 Springfield Ave
Programs may be subject to change, so please check our library events calendar for updates!
THE 2025 KIDS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE HAS ENDED
Congratulations to the 394 children who participated and read this summer!
PREVIEW OF FALL 2025 PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN
PROGRAMS FOR PRE-K CHILDREN
• Baby Lapsit Storytime – at Main Library (CR) and Hilton Branch (HB)
For ages birth to 18 months, with a participating adult
This program is designed for very young children you can hold in your arms or who are learning to crawl. We welcome caregivers/parents to experience a lively storytime with songs and rhymes that foster a love of reading.
CR: Thursdays @ 10:30am - September 11 and 18
HB: Mondays @ 10:30am - September 15 and 22
• Toddler Storytime – at Main Library (CR) and Hilton Branch (HB)
For ages 1-3, with a participating adult.
Early literacy fun with stories, songs, movement and rhymes. This program is designed for toddlers and young preschool children.
CR: Tuesdays @ 10:30 - September 9 and 16
HB: Wednesdays @ 4pm - September 17 and 24
• Wilma and the Wingers – at Main Library (CR)
CR: Saturday Sept 6th @ 11am
An interactive and inclusive storytime with live music by Wilma and friends. Lots of fun for all ages, especially designed for younger children. Come sing & dance with us! Parents are encouraged to participate with their children!
Future dates for Wilma and The Wingers are at 11:00AM on Saturday Oct 4th; Nov 8th; Dec 13th, 2025
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
Unboxed! Adventures in Cardboard! (part of the Worldwide Day of Play) – at Main Library (CR)
CR: Saturday Sept 27th from 11am-3pm
Join us in celebrating the Worldwide Day of Play by unplugging and engaging in playful learning as you use your imagination to build one-of-a-kind forts and castles using cardboard, tape and fabric.
For all ages, but geared for ages 3 and up, with a caregiver. All materials will be provided … just bring your imagination. Perfect for families! Let's Unplug and play together.
Presented by MOMI (Museum of Makers + Innovators) and the Maplewood Library.
• Puzzle Day Afternoon – drop in at Main Library (CR)
CR: Monday Sept 8th and 15th from 3:30-7:30pm. For families with children.
Drop in to the Children’s Room between 3:30-7:30pm on the above days to work on a jigsaw puzzle, try a Rubiks cube, have a friendly game of Jenga, or play a board game with your family and friends. Self-directed fun on the days listed above.
• Coloring Fun – at Main Library (CR)
CR: Drop in on random days from 10-2 (unless another program is scheduled) — check our event calendar for dates & times
Coloring fun for families with children. Unplug, color, and relax.
• Lego Club – at Main Library (CR) and Hilton Branch (HB)
For ages 3 years & up – with a participating adult
Join us for an hour of imagination and building with LEGOs and blocks. LEGO creations will be displayed in the library.
CR: Friday September 19th from 3:30-4:30
HB: Thursday September 11 @ 6-7 pm
• Family Game Night – at Main Library (CR)
CR: Monday September 22nd at 6:30pm-7:30pm — for kids and families of all ages
Enjoy some oversized (and regular-sized) games with family and friends!
Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making this program possible!
• Homeschool Tuesdays – at Main Library (CR)
Tuesday September 9th from 11:30am - 1:30pm
Open to all local homeschooling families or families that want to know more. Kids and teens of all ages are welcome.
This monthly meet up event is designed to support you during your homeschool journey. New and experienced homeschooling families are welcome. Get your questions answered, learn about resources, share tips and experiences with other parents all while your kids and teens learn and play together.
Future dates for Homeschool Meet Ups on Tuesdays from 11:30am-1pm (dates subject to change): Oct 14, 2025; Nov 11, 2025; Dec 9 2025; Jan 13, 2026 ; Feb 10, 2026; Mar 10, 2026; Apr 14, 2026; May 12, 2026; Jun 9 2026
PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN
• Homework Quiet Zone: for kids in grades 2-5 – at Main Library (CR)
CR: Monday - Thursday from 2:30-6:30pm while school is in session (unless another program is scheduled). See library events calendar for dates. For kids in grades 2-5
A quiet space for elementary school kids in grades 2 - 5 to study, read, or do homework.
Please ask library staff for entry. The Library will limit the number of people and the noise level in the room.
• Walter Bolin: Almost Impossible – at Hilton Branch (HB)
HB: Tuesday, September 16 @ 3:45 pm
Prepare to be amazed! MMS 6th grader will perform magic tricks. For ages 5 and up.
• Fact or Fake: Media Literacy for Kids & Families with Stephen Chiger
CR: Thursday October 9th @ 4:30pm – for ages 7-14 (grades 3-8)
Curious about AI trickery? Do you think you can sort what’s true from what’s fake? Test and boost your skills with Maplewood author Stephen Chiger in this interactive event for the whole family
After the games, Chiger will sign copies of Gran and Gram Save Summer – called “the best media literacy book for kids I've ever come across” (Faith Rogow, PhD). This puzzle-packed novel has been compared to The Mysterious Benedict Society, Encyclopedia Brown, and The Phantom Tollbooth.
For kids ages 7-14 (grade 3-8)
Media Literacy is not simply defense against the dark arts!
Maplewood Memorial Library • Children’s Department
Main Library • 51 Baker Street • 973.762.1688 ext 5023
Hilton Branch • 1688 Springfield Ave • 973.762.1688 ext 5101 or 5102
https://www.maplewoodlibrary.org/summer-reading
Thank you to the Friends of the Library!
Please join the Friends for only $20 a year and support programs like these!