“Hatchlings” Program: Helping Parents Become Their Child’s First Teacher
MCPL is inviting all expectant parents, as well as parents and guardians of newborns aged 0-4 months, to participate in the “Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch” program. This Maryland State Library-sponsored initiative, developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose, helps parents and caregivers build the skills to become their child’s first teacher.
The three-part series, filled with music and activities, is designed to stimulate and support early brain development through playful activities. The “Hatchlings” is tailored to help build crucial bonding and developmental skills during the earliest stages of life.
Sessions will take place in April and May at the Potomac, Kensington Park, Quince Orchard and Connie Morella Library branches.
Registration is required, and space is limited to expectant parents and families with babies aged 0-4 months. Only one registration per family is needed for all three sessions at the chosen library branch. Visit the MCPL website to register.
Each interactive session builds upon the previous one, teaching parents how to support their baby’s development using books, songs, rhymes and fun activities. Families will also receive a free tote bag with a reading book, songbook and toys to continue the learning journey at home.
Research shows that the first three years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development. Activities like reading, singing and reciting nursery rhymes promote language development and lay the foundation for future reading skills. By participating in “Hatchlings,” parents will gain the tools to support early brain development and set the stage for their child’s future success.
Animation Workshop for Children Ages 10-15
MCPL is offering a creative opportunity for children ages 10-15 to explore the world of animation through a hands-on workshop led by artist Leila Cabib. The workshop will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at the Rockville Library.
In this engaging session, participants will learn about the history, science and creative possibilities of animation as they create three classic optical toys: a thaumatrope, a zoetrope strip and a flip book.
Registration is required, and space is limited. All necessary art supplies will be provided. For more details or to register, visit the MCPL website or contact the Rockville Library at 240-777-0140.
This workshop is made possible through a partnership with Ms. Cabib and is funded in part by an Arts in Education Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
Teen Career Skills Fair at Twinbrook Library
This spring, the Twinbrook Library is hosting its first-ever “Teen Career Skills Fair” for teens ages 13-18. The event, which will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, is the place to be for teens looking to learn more about job hunting, internships and preparing for the workplace. MCPL has partnered with Montgomery College and WorkSource Montgomery’s Career Advising Program to provide valuable career resources in one convenient location.
The fair will feature information tables, speakers and a special presentation on the “elevator pitch”—how to impress interviewers with a concise, compelling summary of your skills and abilities. Participants also will earn tickets for a raffle at the end of the event.
Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit the MCPL website or contact the Twinbrook Library at 240-777-0240.
Celebrate National Library Workers Week, April 6-12
National Library Week will be celebrated from April 6-12, with National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 8. This annual observance highlights the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
The first National Library Week was celebrated in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” This year marks the 67th anniversary of the event.
Celebrate National Library Week by exploring the stacks, joining a book club or attending an author talk. You also can attend workshops, trace your family’s history using the library’s genealogy resources or outline your business idea at an entrepreneur workshop. Whatever your interests, MCPL has something to offer.
Get involved by volunteering, spreading the word, and most importantly, thanking the library staff who work tirelessly to make your visits enjoyable and meaningful.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
From early learning to career development and everything in between, MCPL has something for everyone this spring. Be sure to mark your calendar for these exciting events and visit your local library to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you.
Don’t have a library card yet? No problem! Visit the MCPL website to learn how to get one today and start enjoying all the benefits of being a library member. For more information on these events and more, explore the MCPL homepage.
