Group Visit Guidelines

Central Library: 434.979.7151 ext 3 | childrens@jmrl.org

Our storytimes are designed for families. Please call to schedule a personalized storytime for your group.

Storytime Stew

Wednesdays 11:00 am

For ages 5 and under with an accompanying adult.
No registration required.
Join us for a generous serving of stories, rhymes, songs, and fun especially designed for mixed ages. Our soup changes with the age of the ingredients (you) - come add your flavor to the pot.
Winter: Jan 13 - Mar 10

Toddler Time

Thursdays 10:00 am

For 2 year olds with an accompanying adult.
No registration required.
A fun-filled program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Winter: Jan 14 - Mar 11

Preschool Power

Thursdays 11:30 am

For ages 3-5 ONLY without adults or younger siblings please.
No registration required.
A 30 minute program of stories, songs, and fun.
Winter: Jan 14 - Mar 11

Mother Goose Time (Walkers)

Mondays 10:00 am

For children under 2 who are walking.
No registration required.
A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs for young children with an accompanying caregiver.
Winter: Jan 11 - Mar 8

Mother Goose Time (Prewalkers)

Mondays 11:00 am

For children under 2 who are NOT walking.
No registration required.
A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs for young children with an accompanying caregiver.
Winter Jan 11 - Mar 8

Mother Goose Time (Walkers)

Mondays 10:00 am

For children under 2 who are walking.
No registration required.
A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs for young children with an accompanying caregiver.
Spring: Mar 22 - Apr 26

Mother Goose Time (Prewalkers)

Mondays 11:00 am

Storytime Stew

Wednesdays 11:00 am

Toddler Time

Thursdays 10:00 am

For 2 year olds with an accompanying adult.
No registration required.
A fun-filled program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Spring: Mar 25 - Apr 29

Preschool Power

Thursdays 11:30 am

For ages 3-5 ONLY without adults or younger siblings please.
No registration required.
A 30 minute program of stories, songs, and fun.
Spring: Mar 25 - Apr 29

Drum Call and Friends

February 21, 2010
2:00 pm

All ages.
Groove to the beat of African drumming with drummer extraordinaire Whit Whitten and friends.

Wacky Wednesday

March 03, 2010

For all ages.
Visit the Central Library anytime on Wed, Mar 3, find some wacky changes in the library (or library staff), and take home a wacky prize! Join us for this fun event in honor of the wonderful wackiness of Dr. Seuss.

Our Third Annual Spring Bonnets

April 08, 2010
3:00 pm

For all ages.
Drop-in to make a frilly and fabulous spring bonnet. You're sure to be the grandest kid in any parade.

Pizza Party and Book Swap

April 17, 2010
12:00 pm

For ages 7 - 11.
Registration is required and begins Sat, Mar 14.
Join us for this third annual event. Bring an appetite for pizza, and some gently used reads that you are willing to swap with others.

Turn Off the TV, Turn on Life! Participate in National TV Turn-Off Week

April 19, 2010

For all ages.
April 19 - 25
Fill out a nifty TV Turn-Off Pledge Sheet, pledging to reduce your normal amount of TV viewing. Pledge sheets will be available beginning Mon, Apr 5. Bring your completed pledge sheet in by Sat, May 8 and receive a free gift book.

Crozet Library: 434.823.4050 | crozet@jmrl.org

Tales for Twos

Thursdays 9:30 am

For 2 year olds & young 3 year olds with their parents.
Registration, limited to 20, is requested and begins on Mon, Jan 4.
This is a fun program of nursery rhymes, songs, stories, and fingerplays.
Winter: Jan 21 - Mar 11
Spring: Mar 18 - May 6

Alphabet Soup: A Preschool Storytime

Thursdays 10:30 am

For older 3 year olds up to 5 year olds.
Registration, limited to 20, is requested and begins on Jan 4.
Enjoy a fun half-hour of stories, songs, flannel board stories, finger plays, and more. Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the stories with your child, or use the library to choose books or chat quietly with other parents.
Winter: Jan 21 - Mar 11
Spring: Mar 18 - May 6

Gathering for Games

February 16, 2010
2:00 pm

For grades 3 - 5.
Registration is requested and begins on Mon, Jan 25. Drop-ins are also welcome.
Meet up with your friends at the Crozet Library for some school's out fun. WE'LL provide the Wii set-up with some games and a few board games – YOU bring your friends. If you have a favorite game, bring it along to share.

A Stitches: A Handcraft Group for Ages 8 to 108

February 23, 2010
4:30 pm

Ages 8 to 108.
Registration requested and is ongoing. Drop-ins are also welcome.
Knitters, beaders, stitchers - come one, come all. Bring any project you're working on and join a fun group of fellow crafters. As you work on your own handwork, we'll highlight a variety of craft techniques, allowing you to explore and expand your interests and creativity.
Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25

Tales from Balladhoon

February 27, 2010
1:00 pm

For ages 6 and up.
Registration is requested and begins on Mon, Feb 8. Drop-ins are also welcome.
Journey with us to the Emerald Isle for an afternoon, as we explore all things Irish. Local author Helen Williamson, will bring the Irish countryside alive as we hear her original tales of Johnny McGlory and all his leprechaun and fairy friends.

Pages: A Young Writer's Group

March 04, 2010
3:30 pm

For writers ages 9 – 12.
Registration requested and is ongoing. Drop-ins are also welcome.
Love to write? Love to read? Meet other kids who enjoy writing, get inspired with some fun writing ideas and bring your stories to share, if you wish. Based on the ideas in the book 'Writing Magic' by Gail Carson Levine. Snacks provided.
Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May 6

Fancy Nancy: I Just Love That Book

March 20, 2010
10:00 am

For ages 4 to 6.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Mar 1.
Does putting on a crown make you feel like a real princess? When you put on that pirate hat, can you taste the salt spray of the ocean? If so, join us for an afternoon of dress up and make-believe fun, as we kick off the first of our new program series, "I Just Love That Book!" this time, celebrating Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'Connor.

Playing with Poetry

April 10, 2010
1:00 pm

For ages 6 and up.
Registration is requested and begins on Mon, Mar 22. Drop-ins are also welcome.
In honor of National Poetry Month, we'll share some favorite poems, write a few of our own and just have fun with words. If you like, bring along a favorite poem or two (your own or someone else's) to share.

Turn Off the TV, Turn on Life! Participate in National TV Turn-Off Week

April 19, 2010

For all ages.
April 19 - 25
Fill out a nifty TV Turnoff Pledge Sheet, pledging to reduce your normal amount of TV viewing. Pledge sheets will be available beginning Mon, Apr 5. Bring your completed pledge sheet in by Sat May 8 and receive a free gift book. Show us that you turned off the television for the entire week, and you’ll be entered in a drawing for an extra-special prize.

Help Make a Splash at Your Library

June 12, 2010
1:00 pm

For ages 7 to 12.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, May 24.
Come help us get the library decked out for our Summer Reading Club, which will start on Mon, Jun 14. Bring along your creativity and artistic skills to help us decorate the library, dressing it up and getting it ready for a summer full of
book-loving fun.

Gordon Avenue Library: 434.296.5544 | gordon@jmrl.org

2's and 3's Together

Tuesdays 10:30 am

For ages 2-3 with an accompanying adult. No younger siblings, please.
Registration is required & begins on Mon, Jan 11.
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, fingerplays, and simple crafts.
Feb 2 - Mar 23

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays 10:30 am

For 3-5 year olds who are ready to enjoy storytime on their own.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Jan 11.
Feb 4 - Mar 25

Drop-In Storytime

Saturdays 11:00 am

Designed for ages 3 - 5, but all ages are welcome.
No registration is required.
Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and fun.
Jan 2 - Apr 3 and Apr 24 - Jun 12

Mother Goose Time (10am)

Mondays 10:00 am

For ages 6-24 months with an accompanying caregiver.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Jan 11.
Two Sessions - Mondays at 10:00am and 11:00am
Please come to the session that best suits you and your baby's schedule. A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs.
Feb 1 - Mar 22
Please note: Library closed Mon, Feb 15

Mother Goose Time (11am)

Mondays 11:00 am

For ages 6 - 24 months with an accompanying caregiver.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Jan 11.
Two Sessions - Mondays at 10:00am and 11:00am
Please come to the session that best suits you and your baby's schedule. A special program of simple stories, rhymes, and songs.
Feb 1 - Mar 22
Please note: Library closed Mon, Feb 15

Beat the Winter Blues

February 10, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 5 and up.
No registration required.
February is Black History Month, so let's celebrate African culture with drummer Will Whitten. Drums will be provided, but bring along your favorite percussion instrument if you have one. Here's your chance to make lots of noise at the library.

Meet the Monacans

February 17, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 5 and up.
No registration required.
Nancy Newman, from the Virginia Museum of Natural History, will be here to tell us about the Monacan Indians, who have lived in this area for over 10,000 years. By looking at reproductions and artifacts, we'll learn how these ancient people met their daily needs for food, shelter, clothing, and protection.

All Aboard

February 24, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 5 and up.
No registration required.
All you train lovers, chug on down to the Gordon Avenue Station where members of the Augusta County Model Railroad Association will show you trains from their own private collections. You'll learn about the world of model trains and be thrilled as you watch those pufferbellies zooming along the tracks.

Feathers and Fur

March 03, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 6 and up.
No registration required.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Nathou Attinger, whose lifelong dedication to animals led to the creation of Rockfish Sanctuary, will share with us her love and concern for wildlife. Accompanied by her friends Maggie the opossum and Neimy the kestrel, Ms. Attinger will point out the similarities and differences between mammals and birds.

Visit the Middle Ages

March 10, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 5 and up.
No registration required.
Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an organization dedicated to the study and re-enactment of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, possess an incredible knowledge of and passion for this rich period of history. Appearing in full costume, they will offer hands-on lessons about medieval music, dancing, games, and archery. We'll even be treated to a live demonstration of historical combat. Be all welcome!

Blue Ridge Irish Music School

March 17, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 5 and up.
No registration required.
Come join the Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) at the library for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. BRIMS Scoil (Irish for school) and the BRIMS Traditional Performance Ensemble will perform Irish music, song and dance and teach a jig step or two, while talking a wee bit about the musical instruments being played.

Happy Birthday, Dear Vincent….

March 24, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 6 and up.
Registration is required and begins on Wed, Mar 3.
We are happy to welcome back local artist Susan Northington to help us celebrate the March birthday of artistic genius Vincent van Gogh. You'll learn a little about his life and then create your own masterpiece in his distinctive style.

Turn Off the TV, Turn on Life! Participate in National TV Turn-Off Week

April 19, 2010

For all ages.
April 19 - 25
Fill out a nifty TV Turn-Off Pledge Sheet, pledging to reduce your normal amount of TV viewing. Pledge sheets will be available beginning Mon, Apr 5. Bring in your completed pledge sheet by Sat, May 8 and receive a free gift book.

Greene Library: 434.985.5227 | greene@jmrl.org

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays 10:30 am

For ages 2-5, but siblings are welcome.
No registration required.
Join us for songs, finger plays, books, and flannel board stories. Each week's storytime concludes with a simple craft that your child can make and take home.
Jan 7 - Apr 22

Jan: Start the New Year with some wonderful winter stories. We will make snowmen and winter collages.
Feb: Join us for books about friends, love, and pets. Help your child create a Valentine for someone they love. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. On Feb 25 a special guest will visit.
Mar: Spring is almost here. Warm up with some spring stories and crafts.
Apr: Hop on down to the library for some great bunny stories. Apr 1 - there will be an Egg Hunt.

Join The Rapunzels

February 18, 2010
3:30 pm

For ages 9 - 13.
This Book Group for Girls meets the 3rd Thursday each month during the school year: 3:30-5pm. Girls can join at any time. Sign up at the Library or call for more information.

Jan 21: Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech
Feb 18: A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Mar 18: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Apr 15: The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
May 20: Strawberry Girl by Lois Lensky

Louisa Library: 540.894.5853 | louisa@jmrl.org

Baby-Time

Thursdays 10:20 am

For babies under 2 years old.
Ten minutes of fun with baby. Learn new things to do with your baby and join other mothers and fathers.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays 10:30 am

For ages 3 - 5.
Join us for a fun time of stories, songs and learning.

F is for Family

February 17, 2010
4:00 pm

For all ages.
Celebrate a very special relationship using a variety of stories and activities.

Catch the Luck of the Irish

March 17, 2010
4:00 pm

For all ages.
Bring your wee ones for a wee bit of Irish shenanigans with stories and crafts.

Spring is in the Air

April 20, 2010
4:00 pm

For all ages.
Put a spring in you step with stories and crafts that celebrate the season.

A Whale of a Time

May 19, 2010
4:00 pm

For all ages.
Take me out to the ocean - I might get lucky and see a whale.

Nelson Memorial Library: 434.263.5904 | nelson@jmrl.org

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays 10:30 am

For ages 3 - 5.
No registration required.
Join us for 30 minutes of storytime fun.
Jan 6 - May 26
Melissa Hutchinson, from the Wintergreen Nature Foundation, will bring us special stories and crafts on: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 12

Book Swap Party

February 22, 2010
6:00 pm

For ages 7-12.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Feb 8.
Tired of those stacks of books you’ve read 10 times? Swap them for new ones at our party. Simply bring along any book(s) that you would like to pass on to others your age and take home some new used reads. Stick around afterwards for games and refreshments.

Northside Library: 434.973.7893 | northside@jmrl.org

Check out the Northside Kids Blog

Two's and Three's Together: Wednesday session

Wednesdays 10:15 am

For ages 2-3 with an accompanying adult.
Registration is required and will begin on Wed Dec 9.
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Jan 20 - Apr 28

Preschool Storytime: Wednesday session

Wednesdays 11:00 am

For ages 3-5 who are ready to enjoy storytime on their own.
Registration is required and will begin on Wed, Dec 9.
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Jan 20 - Apr 28

Preschool Storytime: Thursday session

Thursdays 10:15 am

For ages 3-5 who are ready to enjoy storytime on their own.
Registration is required and will begin on Wed, Dec 9.
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Jan 21 - Apr 29

Two's and Three's Together: Thursday session

Thursdays 11:00 am

For ages 2-3 with an accompanying adult.
Registration is required and will begin on Wed, Dec 9
A 30-minute program of stories, songs, and fingerplays.
Jan 21 - Apr 29

Babies and Books

Thursdays 1:30 pm

For babies up to 24 months with accompanying adult.
Registration is not required
A 15 minute program of fingerplays, rhymes, and songs followed by 10 minutes of playtime.
Jan 21 - Apr 29

Blankets & Books

Tuesdays 6:30 pm

For children of all ages with an accompanying adult.
Registration not required.
Come in your pajamas and snuggle down with your favorite blanket or stuffed animal
for 30 minutes of sleepytime stories.
Feb 2 - Apr 6

I-Spy with Pictureka

February 11, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 6-11.
Registration is required and begins on Thurs, Jan 21.
Spot what is out of place at the library for an I-Spy challenge! Play Pictureka
and create an I-Spy collage with the librarians.

Drum Call and Friends

February 18, 2010
4:00 pm

For all ages.
Registration is not required.
Groove to the beat of African drumming with drummer extraordinaire Whit Whitten and friends.

Family Fun

February 20, 2010
10:30 am

For children of all ages with an accompanying adult.
Join us for 45 minutes of stories, songs, and crafts your whole family will enjoy.

Wild West Fun – Sat, Feb 20
Registration is required and begins on Thurs, Feb 4.
Dr. Seuss Fun – Sat, Mar 13
Registration is required and begins on Thurs, Feb 25.
Farm Family Fun – Sat, Apr 24
Registration is required and begins on Thurs, Apr 8.

Book Bugs Book Group

February 25, 2010
4:00 pm

For bookworms reading at an older elementary level.
Registration is required and is ongoing.
A 45 minute session of chatting about books, as well as snacks and a trivia game to test your knowledge of the featured book. Books will be provided.

The Dragonfly Pool - Thurs, Jan 14
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos - Thurs, Feb 25
The Mysterious Benedict Society - Thurs, Mar 25
The Name of this Book is Secret - Thurs, Apr 29

Celebrate Youth Art Month

March 01, 2010

All ages.
Visit our display of original artwork by area children throughout the month of March.

No Sew Pillow

March 11, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 8-11.
Registration is required and begins on Thur, Feb 18.
Make a fun, no sew pillow using fleece! Materials will be provided.

Northside's Poet Palooza

April 01, 2010
4:00 pm

For poets ages 8-11.
Registration is required and begins on Thurs, Mar 11.
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Northside. You’ll act out some poems, share your own, and decorate the library's Poet Tree.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover Party

April 06, 2010
6:30 pm

For children of all ages with an accompanying adult.
Registration not required
Celebrate the last Blankets and Books of the season by bringing your stuffed animal friend for storytime and a stuffed animal sleepover. Don't worry…the librarians will take good care of your friends and they will be ready to return the next day.

Time Travel: 1970's

April 15, 2010
4:00 pm

For ages 8-11.
Registration is required and begins on Thur, Mar 25.
Northside will travel back to the 70s. Make tie dye shirts and learn to dance The Hustle. Please bring your own prewashed white t-shirt. The library will provide everything else.

Turn off the TV, Turn on Life: Participate in National TV Turn-Off Week!

April 19, 2010

MORNING STORYTIMES - SUMMER SESSION
Registration for following storytimes: 2's and 3's Together and Preschool Storytime. Registration will be accepted at the Northside Information Desk or over the phone from Wed, May 5 – Sat, May 22. Watch for our Summer Brochure for details.

Scottsville Library: 434.286.3541 | scottsville@jmrl.org

Toddler Time

Wednesdays 10:00 am

For toddlers with an accompanying adult.
An active program that encourages growth of motor and cognitive skills through participation in songs, fingerplays, books, and movement activities.
Jan 13 - May 19

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays 10:30 am

For 3 - 5 year olds.
A child centered program that encourages growth of motor and cognitive skills through individual participation in songs, fingerplays, books, and movement activities for the older preschooler ready to enjoy these activities on their own.
Jan 13 - May 19

A Sweetheart of a Bookmark

February 13, 2010
11:00 am

For kids ages 4 & up.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Jan 25. Limit: 12 participants.
Join us the day before Valentine's day to make a sweetheart of a bookmark to mark your place in your favorite book, or any book you choose. A sweet project for a book lover.

Catch the Wind

March 27, 2010
11:00 am

For kids ages 4 & up.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Mar 1. Limit: 12 participants.
March is known for its wind. Come catch it with us. We'll be making a windsock to catch the spring breezes.

Earth Day Celebration

April 17, 2010
11:00 am

For all ages.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Library. We'll plant colorful flowers and some mystery seeds in our children's garden. Every time you visit the library check on our mystery seeds to see what they've become.

Turn Off the TV, Turn on Life: Participate in National TV Turn-Off Week

April 19, 2010

For all ages.
April 19 - 25
Fill out a nifty TV Turn-Off Pledge Sheet, pledging to reduce your normal amount of TV viewing. Pledge sheets will be available beginning Mon, Apr 12. Bring your completed pledge sheet in by Sat, May 8 and receive a free gift book.

Free Comic Book Day

May 01, 2010

For all ages.
Stop in any time today and pick up your free comic book. Limit: 3 comic books per child.

Capture the Sun

May 15, 2010
11:00 am

For kids ages 4 & up.
Registration is required and begins on Mon, Apr 26. Limit: 12 participants.
Join us to create sunny spring sun-catchers and capture the first rays of summer.

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