CFLoquence: News from Your Library

Roald Dahl Day

            Are you superstitious? Avoid the cracks on the sidewalk this Friday the 13th by celebrating author Roald Dahl’s birthday in your local library. During his life, Dahl gave us classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and many more familiar titles we’re displaying in the children’s room downstairs. We have print and audio versions of several of his stories, as well as some film adaptations. Expect giants, Oompa Loompas, crocodiles and more! Even if you don’t believe in bad luck on the 13th, you’ll have so much fun with Dahl’s magical heroes and tricksters.

            In The BFG, orphaned Sophia encounters a Big Friendly Giant who is not a Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, luckily for her. The BFG collects dreams and destroys nightmares, surviving on a diet of snozzcumbers and frobscottles instead of “human beans.” With Sophia, he attempts to enlist the help of the Queen of England to capture the man-eating giants in their land and save the children.

            Meet an amazing five year old girl in Matilda. This precocious genius reads Dickens and multiplies double digits with ease. As if she wasn’t awesome enough, she discovers she has telekinetic powers. And even though she’s the queen of nerds, Matilda is popular with her classmates as well as being teacher’s pet. Matilda’s life isn’t all fun and games, however. She has to endure her selfish swindling parents and her evil headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Find out if her wit, determination and skills are powerful enough to change her life for the better.

            For a unique and entertaining film adaptation of Dahl’s work, pick up Fantastic Mr. Fox, featuring the voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep. Mr. Fox battles three greedy farmers Walter Boggis, Nathaniel Bunce, and Franklin Bean, becoming a furry Robin Hood to animals whose homes have been destroyed. Meanwhile, Fox’s son Ash deals with jealousy toward his charming and talented cousin Kristofferson. Grownups will laugh too. (Well, I did.)

As you go about your day, remember Roald Dahl’s words of wisdom: “Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”  For more information about Roald Dahl Day, visit www.roalddahlday.info.

2014 Battle of the Books

Local students in grades 4 through 6 are encouraged to stop by the Children’s Room to pick up the book list for the Battle of the Books competition which will take place in the spring. The Battle of the Books is an exciting reading competition that has become a much-anticipated tradition.  Students form teams of up to 4 members and choose an adult as a coach.  Teams may be of mixed grades (as long as they are 4-6th grades) and may be made up of students who attend different Canton area schools or are homeschooled. Children have the next nine months to read a chosen list of 20 books. During the Battle of the Books in May, the teams will be asked questions about the books on the list, and will give the book’s title and author as their answer.  The winning team from the CFL competition will go on to a regional competition to face winning teams from other North Country Library System libraries. More information about the competition available in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Books and Beyond

Children in grades K-2 are invited to join Ms. Val on Tuesday, September 17th from 3-4 pm for a program titled "Good Things Come in Threes!" Three is a common number in many children's books; the three pigs, three billy goats gruff and the three little kittens are just a few of these famous examples! Join us to hear about a few of the lesser known "Threes" and do related activities. We'll meet in the Paige Room at the library for this free, hour-long event. Call 386-3712x 4 or email vwhite@ncls.org to register by the 16th.

Tween Time 

On Tuesday, September 24th from 3-4 pm kids in grades 3-6 will bake and eat cookies and have a brainstorming session. Ms. Val wants to hear what tweens want from their library. What books should we focus on? What crafts would kids like to do? What games shall we play? Now is the time to speak up, share your ideas, and shape future programming! Call Valerie at 386-3712 ext 4 to register by the 23rd.

Second Saturday Storytime

Busy during the week? Stop by on Saturday the 14th at 1pm. Miss Christine will be storytelling in a program designed for children and their caregivers. Registration is helpful, but drop-ins are welcome. Register with Miss Christine at 714-2510 or email ckschrauth@gmail.com.

CFL Anime Club

            Otakus, unite! The CFL Anime Club meets on Wednesdays from 3-5pm to watch and discuss anime adventures. Teens unfamiliar with anime are also invited. We’ll teach you all about it!

Downton Library

            On September 11th at 6pm, you are cordially invited to an evening of tea, crumpets and British drama on the big screen. Watch the pilot episode of the popular series featuring the Crawley family and their servants set on a gorgeous English estate. This program is free and open to the public, ages 16 and up. For more information, contact Krista at kbriggs@ncls.org or call 386-3712.

We are now open on Saturdays from 10am-3pm. For a list of our hours of service and new additions to the collection, visit cantonfreelibrary.org and “like” us on Facebook. Happy reading!