Northeast Regional Library Blog

Suggested Family Activity 🎆 A Capitol Fourth

Each year for the Fourth of July, PBS hosts “A Capitol Fourth”, a concert featuring live musical performances.  This year’s concert will be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and will contain a lineup of performers from pop, country, R&B, classical, and Broadway.  Expect to see Fantasia, Smokey Robinson, Fitz and Noelle from Fitz and the Tantrums, Chloe Flower, Sheila E., Darren Criss, and more!  The National Symphony Orchestra will accompany many of the artists.  The United Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity 🧨 Painted Fireworks

Can’t wait for July 4 to see fireworks?  Make your own painted version with just a few supplies.  You’ll need scissors, paper, paint, a plate (a disposable paper plate works great!), and several inner carboard tubes from a roll of toilet paper.  You can also use the inner cardboard roll from paper towels or even wrapping paper, but you will probably want to cut it in half to make the size more manageable.  Use scissors Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity 🧊 Frozen Toys

For just a little taste of water fun, try this fun activity that can be adapted for children of all ages.  For toddlers and young children, grab some small plastic toys (sea animals like whales, sharks, and fish) and put one in each compartment of an ice tray.  Fill the tray with water and then put the tray in the freezer until it is solid.  Once it’s frozen, let kids figure out ways to release Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity 🛟 Water Safety

Before you hit the water this year, make sure your family knows everything they can about water safety.  The American Red Cross website offers lots of information, such as the skills of water competency, what to do in a water emergency, and general water safety tips.  The information is presented in a variety of formats, such as videos and handouts.  They also offer a free online course (available in both English and Spanish) for parents Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity ☀️🌄 Sun Print

Make a sun print today for the summer solstice.  Construction paper works best as it fades easily.  Have your family collect several different kinds of objects to experiment with – natural objects, such as leaves or flowers but also consider using some of their toys, such as plastic dinosaurs and other animals.  Set the objects on the paper and leave it outside in full sun.  Check on your papers often to see how they are Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity ⚽ Beach Ball

You can do a lot of fun things with a beach ball, even if you can’t get to an actual beach.  And since beach balls can be found at most dollar stores, it doesn’t take much money to buy several for your family’s enjoyment.  One thing you can do is take masking tape and write down silly ways to throw a ball.  Put one piece of tape on each ball and use enough balls for Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activity 🌊 Ocean Sensory Bottle

To make an ocean sensory bottle today, just grab an empty water bottle or plastic sandwich bag, make sure it is well sealed, and fill it with a mixture of sand, rice, and small items such as beads, seashells, or plastic coins.  Children (and adults) will be mesmerized for hours as they turn the bottle to see what is revealed along the sides.  Another alternative is to use water to fill your bottle.  You can Read more…

By Library Staff, ago

Suggested Family Activities 🌎 World Environment Day

Celebrate World Environment Day Join us in celebrating World Environment Day by engaging in eco-friendly activities that help our planet! Here are some ideas to get you and your family involved: Eco-Adventure: Take a nature walk or hike in your local park. Observe the wildlife and plant life, and discuss the importance of preserving our natural habitats. Recycling Crafts: Use recyclable materials to create art. Think plastic bottle bird feeders, cardboard castles, or tin can Read more…

By Library Staff, ago