10 Things to do With Your Kids at the Library this Winter

It's cold outside, but that doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up in your house with the kids all winter. The two libraries in the Miller Place-Rocky Point area have both fun and educational programs available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and older children all through the winter months. At both the North Shore Public Library and Comsewogue Public Library, registration just started for winter events this week, and library staff said some classes can fill up in days. Check out this guide for fun at the library and find something to occupy you and your kids this winter.

The North Shore Public Library (for Rocky Point School District residents)

1.     This class, for infants ages 6-17 months, stimulates babies through song, dance and visual props. Jam out with your infant for a full 45 minutes of fun starting Monday at 10:15 a.m.

2.     Got a baby, toddler or preschool child with a birthday coming up, but spent all your spare cash on Christmas? Or maybe you just want some tips for next year's big celebration that won't break the bank. Learn how to plan a successful children's party on a budget Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the library.

3.     For shy children or those with difficulty reading, the library offers "Read to Mudge," a class that lets young kids read aloud to Thearapy Dog Mudge. Lori Blend, head of children's services at the library, said this helps kids who are shy about reading develop confidence because they're not worried if they miss a word or two in front of the dog. "It gives them the confidence they can bring to reading more easily to their parents or in the classroom," she said. The class runs Jan. 22 and 29, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

4.     Got a child that's a computer whiz but need some help yourself? At the Volunteer Technology Clinic Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. students in grades six through 12 will give their time to teach adults how to use computers, cell phones, iPods and GPS systems.

5.     Older children read to younger children through the Book Buddies program at the library. Blend said the program benefits both sides as young kids get to hear an entertaining story and older children can get community service credits for participating.

Comsewogue Public Library (for Miller Place School District residents)

1.     The Traveling Science Museum is coming to the Comsewogue library this weekend for kids in grades kindergarten through fifth. The students and their parents will get to learn about electricity, magnetism, animal tracking and more. Registration begins Thursday.

2.     Working this winter? The library offers Saturday Fun with Toddlers only during the winter months specifically for working parents. The class, for kids ages 12-36 months is five sessions from 10:15-11:30 a.m. and features songs, puzzles and free play time. Registration began Jan. 4.

3.     The Little Folks Music program, for infants from birth to 17 months, is a winter-themed music class taught by music educator Lynda Folk. Babies will use various instruments, dance, and listen to and make their own music. The class runs Jan. 7 and 10 at either 10:45 or 11 a.m. Registration began Jan. 3.

4.     Got an older baby that likes to dance and move? The "We Like to Move it, Move it" class gets toddlers ages 18 months all the way to Kindergarten age up and moving with a dance instructor from Marchand's School of Dance. The class runs Jan. 14 and 21 at either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Registration begins Thursday.

5.     Registration begins Thursday for the first annual Comsewogue's Got Talent show for kids in first through fifth grade. Does your child have a talent he or she would love to showcase? Get to tryouts Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. The show will take place Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available to the general public starting Feb. 7.