Do you have a favorite book? Who’s your favorite character in that book? Share that character with the libraries! During the week of November 30th through December 6th, download the character cut out and draw in your favorite character! Bring it to your local library branch and it will be sent and displayed at the Bensalem branch during the month!
Early Learning
Raring to Read

Know a brand-new reader who’s raring to go? Reading a book with a story or topic they love is a great way for beginning readers to build confidence in their reading skills and develop a love of reading – crucial for motivating them to keep at it if the going gets tough.
Short sentences, repetitive text, a small number of words on each page, and common sight words make these terrific titles suitable for the most beginner of readers. What kind of book will your new reader love?
[Read more…] about Raring to ReadHelp Your Child Achieve Reading Success with Bob Books

Check out a Bob Books set and begin your child’s journey to reading books independently!
What are Bob Books?
Bob Books is a true first reader series, designed to make helping your child learn to read simple and straightforward. Bob Books foster success, confidence, and a love of books in children that are learning to read. Each Bob Books set is packaged with 12 books. Parents and teachers keep coming back to this series because the clean layout, short words, and simple phonics make learning to read a fun and natural step for children.
How Does it Work?
[Read more…] about Help Your Child Achieve Reading Success with Bob BooksOnline Storytime Round-up: Celebrity Edition
Missing storytime? We are too!

Although there is absolutely no substitute for gathering together to read each week with our library friends, we have been excited to see some of our favorite celebrities and authors stepping up to share stories and activities while the world is hunkered down at home. Stories can provide comfort and can help us find joy — or even just a little distraction — when times are rough and scary. Here’s a rundown of some of the best of what’s out there!
[Read more…] about Online Storytime Round-up: Celebrity EditionLet’s Play School: Spotlight on “How I Feel”

By completing three of these activities, children can earn the How I Feel badge from Let’s Play School. Stop by your branch once the library reopens, so that your child can pick up their patch!
[Read more…] about Let’s Play School: Spotlight on “How I Feel”Let’s Play School: Spotlight on Explore My World

Children completing three of these activities can earn the Explore My World badge from Let’s Play School. When the library reopens, stop by your branch so that your child can pick up their patch!
- Go on a Color Hunt! Make a list of all the colors of the rainbow, then have your child find as many things of a certain color as they can. Help your child find different textures within these colors: a soft blue pillow or the bumpy skin of an orange, for example. See which color they find the most.
- Go on a virtual walk through a museum. Try the Boston Children’s Museum — it’s brand new.
- Have your child look outside and see what kinds of animals they can see or think about animals that might live in your neighborhood. Using Hoopla, find some books on that animal and learn more about them.
- Do a sink or float challenge. Have your child choose several items from the house and guess if they will sink or float in water. Ask them if they can guess why.
- Do shape building! Using familiar items from around your house, such as toilet paper and paper towel tubes, books, shoes, and string, have your child create the shapes they know.
Missing Library Storytime? Here’s How You Can Have Storytime at Home!

We know it’s hard to be stuck at home with little ones who have become used to a daily routine. We thought providing resources for doing an “at-home” storytime might help any families or little ones missing their weekly storytime routine at the library!
Below are some songs, rhymes, and stories you can access from the comfort of your home! All you need is a library card! We recommend breaking up stories with 2-3 songs or rhymes in between; however, you know your little ones best!
[Read more…] about Missing Library Storytime? Here’s How You Can Have Storytime at Home!Boredom Busters Bitez: Daily Fun for When You’re Stuck Inside

Say hello to Boredom Busters Bitez, an extension of our Boredom Busters publication.
Starting today, we will release three different Boredom Buster activities per day – each with a different theme. Visit our Boredom Busters’ page daily, download the activity files, and have fun! The themes for this week are: In the Garden, Mindfulness, Make-Believe, Pond-Life, and Jam Out!
Resources for Families and Kids: Have Fun and Learn While Social Distancing

Here you are a few days into COVID-19 restrictions, maybe working from home, and helping your children adjust to a life that includes remote learning, homeschooling, and social distancing. Maybe you could use a little inspiration and help with adjusting to your new normal. We’ve put together this great list of free resources that includes ways to get your kids learning, having fun, moving, listening, and exploring.
Earn Badges
Explore the Earth
Fun & Games
Have Storytime at Home
- Our favorite songs, rhymes, and stories help you have library storytime at home
Arts and Crafts at Home

There are many ways to promote and encourage your child’s creativity at home. The good news is, you don’t need to call in HGTV to redesign your home to create an arts and crafts studio! Here are some ideas that can be done on a budget at the kitchen table or outside on the driveway or picnic table. Of course, if you do have the space and resources to create an art space at home go for it! Here are some aspects of learning and development that you may want to consider when gathering your art materials.
[Read more…] about Arts and Crafts at Home