Sunshine State Readers and Battle of the Books!
The 2009-2010 Elementary Sunshine State Readers and 4th Grade Battle of the Books titles are available now. Click here to reserve your copies now!
June 16, 2009
Summer Reading
Be Creative @ your library!
The Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Program offers an opportunity for kids to let their imagination loose by listening to stories, songs, poetry and more! A variety of professional performers- from magicians, to musicians, to dancers- will be featured at the libraries this summer!
The Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative have also teamed up to help you explore your creativity with Summer Reading titles.
Click here for Summer Reading information and reading lists!
June 16, 2009
Father’s Day
Though any time is the right time to let your dad know how special he is to you, there’s no better time than the third Sunday in June—Father’s Day. First celebrated a century ago, Father’s Day was not recognized as an official holiday until President Nixon did so in 1972. And, did you know that roses are the official flower of Father’s Day? Okay, maybe your dad isn’t a flowers type of dad, but there is no doubt he’s the type of dad who will love any gift you give him.
Click here for more info on books and websites about Father’s Day!
June 16, 2009
Earth Day
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and was thanks to the work of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. At the time, the country was facing many serious environmental problems and Senator Nelson thought it was important to have one day when the nation could focus on those issues. Today, Earth Day is celebrated throughout the world. This is more important than ever as our planet is facing such growing threats as global warming and the loss of endangered animals. It is up to each of us to make a difference. What are some of the things you can do?
For more about Earth Day, click here!
April 15, 2009
Celebrate! El día de los niños!
Celebrate!
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Click here for books and web sites about El día de los niños.
Celebremos!
El 30 de abril es una fecha muy significativa para los niños. Se celebra el día de los niños y de los libros. Esta celebración se conoce como El día de los niños/ El día de los libros, y celebra la alegría y las maravillas de la infancia y la importancia de los libros en nuestra vida.
April 13, 2009
29th Annual Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival is a fun time for you and your family to watch kids like you and professionals tell stories. It is an all-day event on April 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at Hillsborough High School. Everyone is welcome and it is a free event.
Visit the Storytelling Festival 2009 website for more information and don’t forget to check out these related books and websites!
April 9, 2009
National Library Week
National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians. Check out these books and websites, with library themes, that you can add to your “must read” list!
April 8, 2009
Passover
Passover, or Pesach, is an eight day festival in the Jewish religion celebrating the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery into freedom. The highlight of the holiday is the Passover Seder, which is part meal and part religious service. The order of the meal, which features the symbolic cracker-like flatbread called matzah, is determined by reading from the Haggadah. Above all, it is a family celebration and a time for parents to teach their children and pass along the time-honored traditions of their faith. Click here for books and websites about Passover.
April 1, 2009
St. Patrick’s Day
Make sure you are wearing green on March 17th, because this is St. Patrick’s Day!
What is St. Patrick’s Day and why do we celebrate it? St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that celebrates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In Ireland, it is a National holiday. All businesses are closed. In the United States, we celebrate with parades and wearing green! Did you know…Children created the tradition of getting pinched if you don’t wear green! Why green? Perhaps because it symbolizes spring, shamrocks or 4-leaf clovers, and reminds people of Ireland.
Check out these fun links to learn more and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:
March 10, 2009
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and friendship that we celebrate on February 14th. You may be wondering how this holiday came to be. Well, a long, long time ago, there was a man named Valentine who was thrown in jail because of what he believed in. While he was in jail, he fell in love with the guard’s daughter. Before he died, he sent her a love letter and signed it “From your Valentine.” This man was later named a saint and the legends and traditions of Valentine’s Day began.
There are many traditions going back hundreds of years that celebrate Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day. Some of the traditions that are observed today include giving Valentine’s cards and treats to our family and friends, decorating with ribbons, hearts, and lace, and having Valentine’s Day parties.
Click here for books on Valentine’s Day. You will also find links to games, crafts, and facts about Valentine’s Day.
February 2, 2009
