June 6
We're Going on a Bear Hunt

A happy bunch of children gathered around as Jean MacDonald led them on an imaginary bear hunt - packing their knapsacks, strapping on their hiking boots, walking through the tall grasses, crossing streams, fighting off black flies and mosquitoes, and finally climbing a mountain in the successful pursuit of a big black bear. The tired hunters were rewarded with snacks including "ants on logs" and trail mix.  More bear stories and then a special bear scavenger hunt, organized by Kaileigh White, Kim Sobeck and Morgan Goodrich were other fun treats.

May 2
Special Pre-Mothers Day Activity

Lorna Garrow led a group of enthusiastic kids in making special polymer clay jewelry for their mothers.  Each child got to design and decorate a special piece and then watch it being baked in the oven.  Then each item was lovingly wrapped to be put aside for Mothers Day.  An informal survey showed that the average time from when the items were wrapped and when they were actually given to Mom was about a half hour.  Many thanks to Lorna for leading this activity.

March 7
Irish Fun

A grand time was had by several youngsters enjoying warm weather and a preview of Spring - and St. Patrick's Day.  There were Irish stories and music, making leprechaun boot decorations, planting seeds in eggshells, and it was topped off with delicious Irish soda bread.

February 7
Never Too Little to Love

The February activity featured the book Never Too Little to Love by Jeanne Willis and Jan Fearnley, followed by making Valentines cards and other Valentine-related crafts, and eating strawberries and yogurt. 

January 3
Fun With Snow

There were stories about snow, making snowflake crafts with meringue snowmen for snacks.
 

December 6
Christmas Crafts

About fifteen youngsters enjoyed a wide range of Christmas crafts.  They made Christmas lanterns, greeting cards, gingerbread cookies and assorted items with beads and pipe cleaners.  Many thanks to organizer Lynn Roy and helpers Andrea Herrington, Anna Sykas, Courtney Covey and Courtney Goodrich.
 

November 15
Special Event from VINS -
Raptor Encounter

About 40 children and parents tucked themselves into the library to hear and see environmental educator Hannah Putnam present the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Raptor Encounter program.  Hannah had a live red-tail hawk, an American Kestrel and a great horned owl for everyone to see. This was a first-hand encounter with these live raptors and focused on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Hannah explained what adaptations make a bird a raptor.

The presentation was followed by snacks in the cafe.
 

November 1 - Storyteller Simon Brooks

Orford resident Simon Brooks paid a return visit to library and captivated the kids and adults attending with his tales.  They learned not to chew black bubble gum wrapped with a skull and cross bones that they might have received while trick or treating, how to trick a big hairy beast, and other valuable lessons.