Holy Pumpkins, Batman!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins. 

Before the first leaf hits the ground we know Fall is on the way.  Can you tell by the slight nip in the air on an evening in late August?  Do you prefer to measure the season by how many days you have left before a new school years begins?  Or does your Autumn just roll in to your mind in the shape of a big round pumpkin?

Yes!  Pumpkins are a popular symbol of the Fall.  In recent years pumpkin flavor has invaded everything from the frosting on your donuts to the flavors of coffee the adults in your life sip to warm up.

Pumpkins!  They're not just for pies anymore.


For those who want to carve pumpkins!

Of course, there are many other things people do with pumpkins in the fall.  They carve them!  Of course, this too has become a changing trend.  While traditionally*, Jack O' Lanterns were simply toothy grins carved into our round orange friend, some really talented folk have taken their pumpkin carving skills to an entire new level.

Rise of the Jack O' Lanterns is a great exhibit that hits the Old Westbury Gardens every fall.  This is not your usual romp through the Gardens, but a trail which displays over 5,000 hand carved pumpkins that range from detailed faces to all out sculptures.  This exhibit runs every year and will still be up through this coming weekend.  If you have not gotten tickets, now is the time!



For those who want to grow pumpkins!

For those who are interested in size more than art, Hicks Nurseries in Westbury has been holding a contest for the last 11 years to determine the largest pumpkin on Long Island.

This year, the winning fruit weighed 1,456 lbs.  That's a lot of pie!

While these are great pumpkin themed events that are fun to visit and read about, I thought they might inspire some young readers to carve or grow their own pumpkins.  Be sure to stop by the library were we have several books on this seasonal staple and jump on the pumpkin wagon!

 

*Actually, traditionally a Jack O' Lantern was actually carved from a beet, a turnip and even a potato since pumpkins did not grow in Ireland or Scotland where their lore was born.  However, in the United States, a Jack 'O Lanterns are most definitely always associated with pumpkins. 

-Posted By Miss Jessikah

World Origami Days

Today is the start of World Origami Days, a 2 1/2 week event from October 24th through November 11th.  October 24th is the birthdate of Lillian Oppenheimer, who founded the first origami group in America, and November 11th is Origami Day in Japan where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace.  Let's get the world to fold!

I got into the "spirit" and made these two creations for an upcoming popular holiday:

 

 

And here are just a few of the origami books in the children's room to help get you started on the joys of paperfolding:

Posted by Sue Ann.

Libraries are Important!

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Neil Gaiman, author of  Coraline The Graveyard Book and Chu's Day says libraries are important!  Reading fiction and reading for pleasure are the most important things one can do.  Imagination is key for the developing mind of a child.  Fiction builds empathy (helping people to work together), fiction can show you a different world, and fiction helps us to navigate the world.

Libraries are about freedom - freedom to read, freedom of ideas, and freedom of communication!  Libraries provide entertainment, a safe space and access to information.


Posted by Miss Pam.

Everybody loves a teddy bear!

Bring your best friend, your teddy bear, to school or work on Wednesday October 7th to celebrate:

 

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work and School Day.

Check out the history of the bear and how it got it's name at the National Museum of American History.

Come visit our library and check out some fun books about our fuzzy friend.

 

posted by:  Rosemarie B.

Read for the Record

Thursday, October 3 is "Read for the Record" day.  On this day, millions of adults and children across the country will come together to celebrate literacy and support Jumpstart in its efforts to promote early childhood education and their to work towards the day that every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. 

 

Last year 2.3 million people participated in the event by reading Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad by David Soman and Jacky Davis.

 

This year everyone participating will be reading Otis by Loren Long.

 

Hopefully we can set a new record this year!

 

Happy reading!

 

Posted by Amy