Hello, all story time lovers!

We just want to let you know that there will be no more story times at Almaden Branch Library in the month of December.

Story times will be offered again beginning in January, starting on Thursday, January 4, 2012, at 10:15 AM with Toddler Story Time and Stay and Play. This will be followed on Friday, January 5, by Baby Lapsit Story Time and Stay and Play at 10:15 AM and by Preschool Story Time at 11:15 AM.

These story times will be offered every week once they resume.

In the meantime, Almaden Branch Library will still be providing the following programs for children throughout December:
 

• Reading to Children, Wednesdays, 1-2 PM
• Reading Buddies, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM
• Reading to Children, Saturdays, 1-2 PM

Happy Holidays!

The library has many groovy music CD’s for children. Introducing music to children can help them learn about rhyme, math, the alphabet, rhythm, dance, and encourage them to develop a sense of self. Through music kids will learn about animals, fruits, vegetables, body parts & movement, nursery rhymes and many cultures.

Here are some of the most remarkable music CD's I have found for children: Putumayo for Kids Collection (music from cultures all over the world), Smithsonian Folkways children's music collection (some oldies but goodies), The Laurie Berkner Band (all original songs about rocket ships, dinosaurs, and more). Just get silly, dance, sing songs, and have fun!

Browse our complete collection

&

here are some companion books!

The Edenvale Branch Library will present Toddler Time on Thursday, February 3 at 2:00 PM. This delightful program is for children under 3 years old and their parents/caretakers. Have fun enjoying games with your toddler. Learn new educational activities that you and your toddler can do together. A librarian will present a variety of special activities designed to stimulate your child’s senses. You will also learn how to replicate these experiences at home.

The San José Public Library has many books that describe fun activities for toddlers.  Here are a few:

Child's Play: Montessori Games and Activities for Your Baby and Toddler

The Everything Toddler Activities Book: Games and Projects That Entertain and Educate

Toddler Play

Regardless of whether you are a parent-to-be or an experienced parent, choosing the right baby product for your child can be extremely challenging. Specifically, good baby products might be cheaper than you expect or they might be unneeded for a baby. Consumer Reports Best Baby Products will give you a list of brands which will be essential for your baby. They will also list what safety issues need to be addressed and the correct price for a good baby product. Not only do they list brands, but this is a how-to-book which emphasizes the pros and cons of general products. Can’t find this book? There are similar books, such as Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields, which provide similar information.

After buying everything essential for your baby, you wonder what’s next. Questions such as when is the correct age to potty train your baby, how do you get your baby to sleep, and most importantly, how to get through your first year of parenting? Books, such as, Johnsons’ Your Baby’s First Year, Pantley’s The No-cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Christine Gross-Loh’s The Diaper Free Baby, Fisher-Price’s My Very Own Potty!, and MacGregor’s The Everything Get Your Baby to Sleep Book can be extremely helpful for both new and old parents. These books will guide you throughout your first year of parenting and help you tackle the next years.

These books are available at the San José Public Library and can be requested.