Library Events: Lafayette, Alexandria, Baton Rouge

I heart the library! They offer so much and most of it is FREE! Often times, public libraries have various events scheduled from storytime to learning gardening skills. I browsed the calendar of events for a few public libraries in Louisiana and found some really fun kid activities. I did not include storytime, but click on the library location to get more information.

Lafayette (click for more events)

March 24, 2010

3:30 pm Bunny Craft (Ages 5-12)

4 pm Movie: The Princess and The Frog

March 30, 2010

4 pm Movie: Planet 51

March 31, 2010

4:15 pm Tea for You and Me-- Kids 6-12 years and older are invited to dress up and come to a tea and cookie party. Activities include tissue flower making, napkin folding, and table etiquette. A parent must accompany the child. Call (337) 261-5779 to preregister.

Alexandria (click for more events)

March 31, 2010

9 am and 11 am Eggstravaganza Easter Hat Parade and Egg Hunt-- Visit the Easter Bunny at the Main Branch. Don't forget to wear your Easter Hat (you can make your own if you like) and bring your Easter Basket. They will also have children's musician Judy Caplan Ginsburgh. Reservations are required for each show. Call 318-442-2483 x 204 to reserve your spot.

Baton Rouge (click for more events)

Every Thursday

5 pm- 6 pm Tight Knit Group For Kids-- Kids are invited to knit with other kids. Beginners are welcome.

March 27, 2010

2:30 pm- 3:30 pm Washcloth Bunny Craft-- For ages 6-11. Registration is required. Call 756-1160 to register.

March 29, 2010

2:00 pm- 3:30 pm Disney Dance Dance Revolution-- Ages 5-11

March 31, 2010

5:30 pm- Learn the art of balloon twisting

Library Bag: Victor Vito and Freddie Vasco

Laurie Berkner is a children's musician who has turned one of her songs, Victor Vito, into a well-illustrated book. Children can follow along as Vitor and Freddie journey through the United States eating burritos, collard greens, and SPAGHETTI! This is an energetic song that gets you singing and dancing. Listen here.

Library Bag: The Second Line

Going to the public library is one of our favorite outings. The library not only has books, but they also have DVDs, books on CDs, music CDs, magazines, and newspapers. They are a great resource for the family!

On a recent trip, we checked out the CD The Second Line by Johnette Downing. This toe-tapping children's CD is compiled of songs that promote dancing with scarves. Not only does it get your body moving, but it also teaches listening skills and directional words (up, down, left, right, etc.). The song "Shake Your Scarves" is infectious and leaves you singing it all day. My daughter and I also have fun with "The Sacroilliac," a partner dance with scarves. "Rhythum In the Scarves" is a great song helping kids discover how to count the beat.

To fully participate with the CD, you need a scarf or something that moves like a scarf. We use dancing rings, but a piece of fabric or even a paper towel would work, too. I hope you have as much fun as we did!