News From Your Library

August 2024

From the Executive Director

Greetings!

Summer begins to wane and we find ourselves reflecting on another fantastic season of reading, learning, and community engagement here at CTLS. The Summer Reading Challenge has been a tremendous success, with participants of all ages diving into books and immersing themselves in countless adventures.

As we approach the end of the challenge, I want to remind everyone to record their books and minutes read. By doing so, you'll ensure that you're entered into our exciting prize drawings. Whether you've read a handful of books or devoured a whole series, every minute counts!

But summer isn’t just about reading—it's about connecting with others and experiencing new things. We’ve loved seeing so many of you at our events, from the captivating performances by Mlanjeni's Magical Theater to the relaxing sessions of our virtual Tai Chi classes. Our book discussion groups have grown, providing a wonderful space for reflection and shared enjoyment of literature.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to continue offering a diverse range of programs. We are especially excited about our collaborations with community partners. This month, join us for a fishing tutorial with the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, where you can learn about local aquatic life and sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, don't miss the chance to meet historic re-enactor Michael Carver, who will bring the noted surveyor David Rittenhouse to life at the Richard Wall House. This program is presented together with the Cheltenham Township Historical Commission.

Mark your calendars for August 14, when we will host a live stream event with multi-award winning teen author Dhonielle Clayton. To complement this special event, we have planned a teen fantasy writing workshop and an after-hours party for tweens, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for our young patrons.

Our STEM programs are still in full swing, inspiring young minds with hands-on activities and explorations. Our children's book clubs will continue to foster a love of reading and critical thinking in our youngest patrons.

Thank you for making this summer so special. Your enthusiasm and participation are what make our library a vibrant and welcoming place for all. Let’s finish the Summer Reading Challenge strong and look forward to the exciting opportunities (and hopefully cooler weather) the fall will bring.

I hope to see you at the library,

Mary Kay Moran

Executive Director

215-885-0457

Support Your Library

Please consider making a donation to the library.

Your gift supports our collections, programs, and activities, and strengthens our literacy, STEM, outreach, and diversity initiatives.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

What I am Reading/Listening To

The Rom-Commers

by Katherine Center

The Hidden Palace

by Helene Wecker

Read by George Guidall

Reading Lists

LibraryReads August 2024 The top 10 books that library staff love!

Announcements

Last Call for the CTLS Summer Reading Challenge!

It's time to log your final minutes for the CTLS Summer Reading Challenge!

The Challenge ends on August 10, so you've still a few days to squeeze in more reading. Finish logging your 1,000 minutes on Beanstack before the end of the day on Saturday, August 10 to be entered into the grand prize drawing for your age group.

Log your minutes at: https://cheltenhamlibraries.org/beanstack/

Youth and Family Programs

Family Storytimes

Family Storytime

at the East Cheltenham Library

Tuesdays & Fridays

10:30 - 11:00 AM

Join Ms. Laila and Ms. Amy on Tuesdays and Fridays respectively to read fun stories with fingerplays, rhymes, and songs! Afterward, we can play with toys or draw on an art table. Ages 0 to 5 with a caregiver. Registration required.

Family Storytime at the Glenside Library

Monday, August 12 & Saturday, August 17

10:30 AM

This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. For ages 6 months to 5 years.

Family Storytime at the Elkins Park Library

Wednesdays, August 7, 14 & 21

10:30 AM

This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. Simple art or sensory activity offered on most dates. For ages 5 and under.

Evening Storytime at the Glenside Library

Tuesday, August 13

6:30 PM

Come and meet Ms. Allison for Storytime at the Glenside Library. This interactive class helps children develop early literacy skills with stories, rhymes, fingerplays, music, and movement. For ages 6 months to 5 years. Pajamas and cozy clothes welcome!

Busy Builders at the East Cheltenham Library

Busy Builders

Thursdays

4:00 - 5:00 PM

East Cheltenham

Develop math, language, and social-emotional skills while building with soft foam blocks, Mega Blocks, Duplos, wooden blocks, Lego-style bricks, K'nex, and more! For ages 2 to 10.

Discovery Dinosaurs

Discovering Dinosaurs

Thursday, August 1

4:30 PM

Elkins Park

An educator from the Academy of Natural Sciences will share touchable museum specimens, fun props, and activities to help us learn how dinosaurs lived, ate, and protected themselves. For ages 5 to 10. Registration required.

Make Your Own Body Scrubs

STEM Saturdays: Make Your Own Body Scrubs

Saturday, August 3

2:00 - 3:00 PM

East Cheltenham

Learn about the chemistry and biochemistry concepts needed to make a body scrub with Tamykah Anthony and then create your own to take home. In addition, learn about top, heart, and base notes in the science of fragrance to create a custom essential oil scent for your body scrub. Ages 6 to 12. Registration required.

Going on an Adventure Family Concert

Monday, August 5

7:00 PM

Elkins Park Library

Join us for an interactive musical performance for families featuring songs about adventure, imagination, reading, and books with puppets, props, and more! Performed by Two of a Kind. For families with children of all ages. Registration required.

Kid Tuesdays: Cookie Critters @ EC

Kid Tuesdays: Cookie Critters!

Tuesday, August 6

1:00 - 2:00 PM

East Cheltenham

Make fun, wacky, and kooky critters out of cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and more! Ages 5 to 10. Registration required.

Drop-In & Play at the Glenside Library

Wednesdays, August 7 & 21

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Families and caregivers with children up to age 5 are invited to drop in and play together! Your children will enjoy blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, and more while you enjoy conversation with other parents. No registration necessary.

Squishy Circuits

Friday, August 9

2:00 PM

Elkins Park

Use conductive and insulating dough to create a circuit that will light up your creative squishy sculpture. For ages 8 to 12. Registration required.

Lemons & Watercolor Art

Thursday, August 15

2:00 PM

Elkins Park

Create a simple yet amazing piece of art using lemons and watercolor! Observe how the colors change, mix, blend, and transform as the lemon juice interacts with the watercolors. For ages 5 to 10. Registration required.

Summer STEM

Thursday, August 15

3:00 PM

Glenside

Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy! Try out coding robots, experiment with messy science, and more this summer. Ages 6 to 12. Registration required.

Toddler Sensory Play

Friday, August 16

11:00 AM

Elkins Park

Engage with interactive sensory stations together and explore finger painting, shaving cream, bubble wrap, scooping and pouring rice, sticky contact paper with various textures, and more! For ages 1 to 3. Registration required.

Crafternoons at the Glenside Library

Friday, August 16

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Drop into the Glenside Library to get crafty. Try out a mystery supply bag, origami, or even make your own mini-book! Ages 6+. No registration required.

STEM Saturdays: K'Nex & Keva Blocks

Saturday, August 17

2:00 - 3:00 PM

East Cheltenham

Build wild structures to your heart's content with two popular building toys. Drop in! Ages 5 to 10. No registration required.

Summer Book Club for Kids

Wednesday, August 21

4:30 PM

Glenside

Each month we discuss the chosen book and do a fun activity! This month's title is TBA. Books can be placed on hold through the library. A light snack will be offered. Please bring a refillable water bottle. For ages 8 to 12 years. Registration required.

Drop-In & Play at the Elkins Park Library

Friday, August 23

10:30 AM

Families and caregivers with children ages 1 to 3 are invited to drop in and play together! The community room will have blocks, puzzles, gross motor toys, books, manipulatives, instruments, transportation toys, and a dramatic play area. Infant siblings and siblings up to age 5 welcome. No registration necessary.

Talkin' Bout Books

Talkin’ Bout Books

Wednesday, August 28

4:30 PM

Glenside

A book club for younger readers! We will read the chosen book aloud together, talk about it, and then do an activity. Books can be placed on hold through the library. A light snack will be offered. August title is TBA. For ages 6 to 8 years. Registration required.

18th Century Surveyor at the Richard Wall House

Sunday, August 25

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Brought to you by Cheltenham Township, the Cheltenham Township Historical Commission, and CTLS

The Richard Wall House is hosting Michael Carver in his impression of the noted surveyor David Rittenhouse to teach 18th-century surveying to children and families. In this hands-on history program, participants will learn to use the tools and techniques common in the 18th century to measure, map, and deed a small plot of land. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the common units of measurement that they use in their day-to-day life, as well as insight into the fundamentals of basic plane geometry and trigonometry. Registration required.

Tween/Teen Programs

Tween & Teen Thursdays

Tween & Teen Thursdays at the Glenside Library

August 1 @ 3:00 - 7:00 PM: Murder Mysteries. Try your hand at a Murder Mystery challenge! We have several to choose from, including an Escape-the-Room challenge, so grab your friends and get to sleuthing! Ages 13 to 18. Registration required.
August 8 @ 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Edible Terrariums. Learn and build a mini ecosystem straight from your outdoor garden, and then eat it afterwards! We will “soil” a mini glass with edible dirt (jello/cake crumbs) and “plant” candy mushrooms, grass, flowers, and rocks to make a mini biome! Ages 10 to 16. Registration required.

Tween After Hours Party

Monday, August 5

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Glenside

Read the first chapter of Dhonielle Clayton’s hit fantasy book The Marvellers while making potions and decorating cookies! Participants will get a free copy of the book in anticipation of her visit. Ages 9 to 12. Registration required.

STEAM Teens: Mario Party!

Wednesday, August 7

4:00 - 5:30 PM

Elkins Park

Join our party based on the #1 video game character! There will be Mario Party (obviously), Mario Kart, Smash Brothers, board & card games, costumes, food, and more! Ages 12 to 17. Registration required.

Teen Fantasy Writing Workshop

Friday, August 9

4:30 - 5:30 PM

Elkins Park

Join a chill writing workshop to learn fun fantasy world-building and writing techniques, watch a video essay, and eat spice cookies. Attendees will get free copies of The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton in anticipation of her visit. Ages 13 to 18. Registration required.

Teen Author Visit: Dhonielle Clayton

Teen Author Visit: Dhonielle Clayton!

Wednesday, August 14 @ Virtual

Watch a livestream of a renowned tween & teen author Dhonielle Clayton talk about writing tween fantasy like The Marvellers and teen novels like The Belles. See her live at Abington Library at 4:30 pm or Indian Valley Public Library at 7:30 pm, or watch a live stream at home! Ages 8 to 18. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS online.

Teen Advisory Board

3rd Saturday of the Month: August 17

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

East Cheltenham

Join Cheltenham’s Teen Advisory Board, a group of students who make decisions about the library’s programs, services, and outreach for teens. Design fun programs for others, learn leadership skills, and have your voice heard in the community. Meetings will count for volunteer hours. Ages 12 to 17. Please email ctlsyouth@mclinc.org to register. Registration required.

Application Essay Bootcamp

Monday, August 19

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Elkins Park

This power program will boost your college application personal essay and resume writing skills. Learn proven tips that sharpen your written presentation to the college admissions officers. Taught by Linda George, professional writing coach. For high school juniors and seniors. Registration required.

D&D Mini Adventures

Tuesday, August 20

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Glenside

Join us for short and exciting mini-adventures that last just one day! Bring your own character or try out one of ours. For ages 11 to 18. Registration required.

Adult Programs

Canasta at the Elkins Park Library

Friday, August 2

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

By popular demand, Canasta games are now happening monthly in the community room! For experienced players. Registration required.

B.Y.O.C (Bring Your Own Craft)

B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Craft) at the Glenside Library

Every Thursday @ 3:00 PM

Knitting? Crochet? Jewelry-making? Coloring? Bring your own projects to join other crafters for a productive and inspiring session. A kettle and craft materials will be provided for crafters in need of a project.

No registration is required. Drop-in!

Mahjong

Tuesdays

12:30 - 2:30 PM

Elkins Park

Bring your own group and set of tiles, or come and join other players in the library's community room. Right now, this program is for experienced Mahjong players but may evolve to include beginners, as well. Registration required.

Virtual Tai Chi with Donna Price

Virtual Tai Chi with Donna Price (Zoom)

Fridays, August 9 & 23

10:30 AM

Tai Chi is a Chinese form of exercise that is low-impact and good for relieving stress. This class will be held via Zoom. Login information will be sent by email 2 days prior to the program. Registration required.

Laughter Yoga

Saturdays, August 10 & 17 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Elkins Park

Join Deepak Shah in exploring the joyful world of Laughter Yoga. Laughter is a unique gift to humans that has tremendous health benefits. Also, laughter is a great stress-buster and anti-aging. No jokes or humor required – just laughter for the pure joy of it! This program is not recommended for children under the age of 10.

Sit & Stitch

Elkins Park Library

Wednesday, August 14

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Drop in with your needlework project and join other crafters for a productive and inspiring session. Light refreshments will be provided. All skill levels are welcome! For adults and teens. No registration required.

Fishing 101 with TFF

Fishing 101 at the Library

Glenside: Monday, August 19 @ 3:00 PM

Elkins Park: Thursday, August 22 @ 11:00 AM

It’s Fishing 101 with Ryan from Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed! We'll talk about what you need to get started, where you can fish, and basic skills such as knot tying, fish identification, and bait selection. We will even have time outside to practice our casting skills. Adults and families are welcome to attend (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult). Registration required.

The Poetry Collective

Wednesday, August 21

7:00 - 8:30 PM

Elkins Park Library

David P. Kozinski’s poems have appeared in 40 literary publications. He has two full-length books of poems – I Hear It the Way I Want It to Be, which was a finalist for the Inlandia Institute’s Hillary Gravendyke Prize, and Tripping Over Memorial Day (both Kelsay Books). His chapbook, Loopholes (Broadkill Press) won the Dogfish Head Poetry Prize. Open mic following the featured poet.

Silent Book Club

Thursday, August 22

7:00 - 8:30 PM

Glenside

Join us for a quiet, social time to read whatever you'd like! Bring your own reading material or peruse our shelves for a biography, graphic novel, magazine, or whatever suits you. We will provide tea, cookies, and comfy furniture; you bring a relaxed mindset.

Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, August 27

7:00 PM

Glenside (Zoom/in-person)

This month we will discuss the 2021 memoir Poet Warrior by Joy Harjo. New members are always welcome! Please email glref@mclinc.org to register and receive the link. The group will meet in person and online via Zoom. Registration required.

Technology @ the Library

Tech Time

Elkins Park: Sara

Mondays, 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Glenside: Connor

Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Glenside: John

Thursdays, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Registration required. Call Elkins Park (215-635-5000) or Glenside (215-885-0455) to schedule.

Visit the Digital Media Lab!

You can also use our equipment to convert VHS, cassettes, 8 mm film, and vinyl records to digital files. Call the library at 215-635-5000 for more information and to make an appointment to use the lab.

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