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Forest Hills Library Boosts Kids Programs for Growing Family Population

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | January 6, 2014 2:04pm
 The library offers a growing number of programs for children and their parents.
Forest Hills Library
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QUEENS — The Forest Hills Library continues to expand its programs for parents and children trying to meet the demand in a neighborhood where the number of young families with kids is growing.

The library already offers a variety of programs for kids on a daily basis. But parents have asked for additional options and this winter the library is adding a couple of new programs, library reps said.

In February, the library for the first time will offer workshops for expectant parents.

“We’ve never done that kind of thing before,” said Carol Goldman, a librarian who oversees most of the children’s programs at the branch on 71st Avenue. “We have a lot of expectant parents in the community and I thought it would be very valuable for them.”

During a three-part series, childbirth educator Riki Phillips, will discuss issues related to labor and delivery, including birth options. She will also talk about coping strategies and dealing with problems in labor.

Goldman is also starting Mother Goose this week. The program, introduced at the branch about two years ago, was discontinued last September after a librarian teaching it transferred to another branch.

Goldman said parents kept requesting it so she decided to relaunch the program on Jan. 6.

Sessions, meant for children ages 3- to 18-months-old, will include singing songs, playing movement games, dancing and jumping on their guardians' laps.

After each session is over, Goldman said, the library also decided to add a less formal component, during which parents and children will be able to socialize. “They can get to know each other, share parenting tips and kids can play,” Goldman said.

The library branch also offers programs like Toddler Story Time twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, for kids 18- to 35-months old, during which children listen to stories and songs and participate in movement games.

On Thursday afternoons, the branch is hosting Picture Book for Preschoolers for children 3- to 5-years old and every other week, it also offers Tuesday “crafternoons” for children 5-years old and up.

To get more information about programs offered at the Forest Hills Library, go here.