Kids’ Blog
New Story at the StoryWalk! (12/27/2021) - If you’re looking for a nice outdoor winter activity, head over to Sunny Meadow Farm and enjoy the new story at the StoryWalk, The Red Apple by Feridun Oral. “On a cold winter’s day, Rabbit leaves his burrow in search of food, but all he can find is a single red apple hanging far out of … Continue reading New Story at the StoryWalk! 
Staff Picks: Best of 2021 (12/20/2021) - Librarians like to talk about books EVERY day, but it is especially fun to put together our lists of favorite titles at the end of the year. Use the list to buy the perfect gift for the book-lover in your life, or use it to find your next great read. And if you are in … Continue reading Staff Picks: Best of 2021 
Spooky Story Contest! (9/29/2021) - It’s that time of year, friends, and the Children’s Librarians cannot wait to read your Spooky Stories! Our annual spooky story contest is open to everyone in grades K-8! One story per author Stories must be typed or neatly written Stories must have a beginning, middle, and end Stories do not need illustrations Stories should be … Continue reading Spooky Story Contest! 
Children’s Library of Things! (8/16/2021) - If you’ve been in the Children’s Room recently, you may have noticed our new display featuring the Children’s Library of Things! Our Children’s Library of Things features unique items perfect for playing and learning that you can take home and enjoy with your family for 3 weeks. Items include sensory kits, musical instruments, and STEM … Continue reading Children’s Library of Things! 
Summer Reading has begun! (6/8/2021) - We are so excited that Summer Reading is back at the Chelmsford Public Library, and hope you will join us for the 2021 “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Challenge! If you participated in Summer Reading last year, you may already be familiar with our Beanstack tracker app that you can use to log your daily … Continue reading Summer Reading has begun! 
New Story at the Story Walk! (3/10/2021) - Spring is on its way, and that means a new story has been installed at the Story Walk! This season’s story is Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora “Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu … Continue reading New Story at the Story Walk! 
Virtual Family Bingo! Celebrating Black Stories (2/3/2021) - If you’re looking for a fun game day with your family, look no further than the Chelmsford Public Library! On Saturday, February 27th at 3:00 pm we will be hosting a virtual family Bingo game on Zoom, and we hope you will join us! February’s Bingo game will be a celebration of Black stories, and … Continue reading Virtual Family Bingo! Celebrating Black Stories 
New Story at the Story Walk! (11/21/2020) - There is a new story at the Story Walk at Sunny Meadow Farm! Worm Loves Worm is a sweet story about 2 worms who fall in love and decide they want to marry. With a little help from their friends cricket, beetle, spider, and the bees, they find the perfect way to have a wedding that … Continue reading New Story at the Story Walk! Spooky Story Contest! (9/12/2020) - It’s that time again – our Annual Spooky Story Contest begins Saturday, September 12th! We hope all you budding authors in grades K-8 will submit your spookiest, spine-tingling tales to the Children’s Room. One author per story, and authors may submit one story each. Stories may be typed or neatly written, and should be spooky or scary … Continue reading Spooky Story Contest! 
Windows and Mirrors: A special diversity-themed Storytime (8/18/2020) - Please join the Chelmsford Public Library and alumni of the Chelmsford High School class of 2010 on Zoom for a special storytime and discussion on Thursday, August 20th at 11:00 am. A Librarian will read the story Hair Love by Matthew Cherry (also featured in this season’s Story Walk!), and the group will view a short … Continue reading Windows and Mirrors: A special diversity-themed Storytime 
Book Bundles! (6/26/2020) - We are so excited to have curbside pickup up and running again, and have a new service available for families – book bundles! If you know your family needs new books, but aren’t quite sure what to ask for, you can choose daily from our “menu” of book bundles available at curbside pickup. Youth Services … Continue reading Book Bundles! New story at the Story Walk! (6/18/2020) - We are so excited to share that there is a new story at the Story Walk at Sunny Meadow Farm! We hope you will visit soon 🙂 Hair Love by Matthew Cherry is a beautiful story of father-daughter love and empowerment. “Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which … Continue reading New story at the Story Walk! 
Summer Reading 2020! (6/16/2020) - We’re challenging you to read every day this summer–and win rewards for it, too! To participate in our Summer Reading Challenge, sign yourself or your family up for a free account on our new Summer Reading Challenge website, or download the free Beanstack Tracker app (on the Apple App Store or Google Play) to participate by logging … Continue reading Summer Reading 2020! 
Check out Tumblebooks! (5/12/2020) - If you’re looking for a fun e-resource chock full of literacy & learning opportunities, look no further than Tumblebooks! The Chelmsford Public Library’s Tumblebook Library offers a wide variety of entertaining and educational e-books with a highlighted text read-along for kids at all levels. Here are some extra fun features you may want to check … Continue reading Check out Tumblebooks! 
Check out our NEW Virtual Storytime Offerings! (4/28/2020) - We may not be able to gather together inside the library, but we're still gathering virtually--including at two brand new storytimes!
April is Poetry Month! (4/24/2020) - We love poetry here at the library, and our staff have spent the month sharing some of our favorites with you! Here is Sara sharing some of her favorites for kids from The Pet Project, by Lisa Wheeler.
Kids’ Reading Recommendations Available Now! (4/17/2020) - Stuck inside and can't get to the library? We've still got you covered! Check out these new recommendations all available on Hoopla.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (4/10/2020) - Chelmsford residents are displaying bears in their windows all over town! Hunt for them with your family in a car or on foot--and don't forget to give your teddy their moment to shine, too.
Join us on Facebook for Virtual Storytimes! (4/3/2020) - We may not be able to gather together inside the library, but we're still gathering virtually, and we'd love to see you! Join us online from the comfort of your home to read, sing, and move along with a librarian on Facebook Live!
Singalong Storytimes! (3/16/2020) - Summer concert favorite Stacey Peasley is here to help you through the quarantine blues with singalong storytime for the whole family! Check out her Youtube page for more musical fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70UGB9Pd5i4
New Collection – Playaway Launchpads! (1/14/2020) - Exciting news for kids and families – We have a new collection of circulating tablets in the Children’s Room called Playaway Launchpads! Playaway Launchpads are interactive tablets that come pre-loaded with fun and educational games for kids ages 3-5, 5-7, and 8-10. They can be checked out at the front desk for 7 days, 1 … Continue reading New Collection – Playaway Launchpads! 
Byam & Harrington Gingerbread Houses! (12/10/2019) - Hey kids! Be sure to stop by the Children’s Room and check out the amazing Gingerbread Houses on display that were made by students at Byam and Harrington Elementary Schools. They are creative, beautiful, and sure to put you in a wintry mood 🙂 
Learn to Play Chess at the Library! (11/12/2019) - Hi kids! Do you love learning new games? Did you know you can come to the Library to learn how to play chess?! On Saturday, November 16th, we have 2 opportunities for kids ages 6+ to come and learn how to play chess! Registration is open now, so whether you are a brand-new beginner or … Continue reading Learn to Play Chess at the Library! 
Check out Our Board Games! (11/4/2019) - Game On! You can now take home a board game from the Chelmsford Library! We’re starting with 50+ games for all ages, with a mix of classic and modern games. Patrons cane take home a game for three weeks, and renew it twice if no one is waiting. There are no limits on how many … Continue reading Check out Our Board Games! 
Attention Makers! (11/1/2019) - Hi friends! Do you love being creative and learning new skills? Then Chelmsford Public Library is the place for you! We have a lot of fun & creative opportunities coming up for all kids & teens this November. Check them out! Family Make-It at the MacKay Library – Wednesday, November 6th from 4:00 pm – … Continue reading Attention Makers! 
Spooky Story Contest! (10/11/2019) - Hi friends! Don’t forget to submit your spooky stories for our contest – we will be accepting them until October 15th, so if you haven’t written one yet, now is the time! Anyone in grades K – 8 can submit. All stories must have a beginning, middle, and end and be spooky/scary. Feel free to … Continue reading Spooky Story Contest! 
International Dot Day at the Library! (9/13/2019) - Hello friends! We hope you will join us for our special Dads & Dots & Donuts storytime on Saturday September 14th at 10:30 am! We will have our usual Dads & Donuts storytime, open to all kids and their caregivers, with a reading of Chelmsford author Peter Reynolds’ The Dot, donut holes and snacks, coffee … Continue reading International Dot Day at the Library! 
Children’s Room Closed Monday 9/9 – Thursday 9/12 (9/6/2019) - Attention kids, parents, and caregivers! The Children’s Room will be CLOSED Monday September 9th – Thursday September 12th. Children’s staff will still be available to answer your questions, make recommendations, and help you find materials. We hope you will join us to play, read, and do homework in the McCarthy Meeting Room in the interim, … Continue reading Children’s Room Closed Monday 9/9 – Thursday 9/12 
New Storywalk! (4/23/2019) - Spring is here, and with it a fresh new Story Walk! 🙂 We hope you will take a moment to head over to Sunny Meadow Farm and check it out. Our new story is Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson, a beautiful interactive tale about how a seed grows into a flower. At the … Continue reading New Storywalk! 
Make-It Jr.: Shrinky Dinks! (4/3/2019) - Hey friends in 3rd and 4th grade! Register today for Make-It Jr., a fun maker program where you can learn new skills and take home a cool project! On Wednesday, April 10th at 4:15 we’ll be making wearable art using shrinky dink plastic – you’ll get to see your design shrink down to 2/3 its … Continue reading Make-It Jr.: Shrinky Dinks!