Registering for Events
Please stop in to the Library or call during open library hours to pre-register for events.
Library phone: 413-467-3320Library hours:
T, W, F 10:30am - 5:30pm
Thurs 1-8pm
Sat 10:30am - 1:30pm
Playgroup
Every Wednesday and Friday 10:30am - 12:30pm For ages birth - 5 years
Play, Learn and Connect at Granby Library’s PlaygroupsNo Playgroup on the following dates: February 21st, April 22nd and 24th.
When Granby, Amherst or Belchertown schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather, there will be no playgroup.
Playgroups provide times where moms and dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies can meet in a relaxed and friendly environment. The Granby Library Playgroup meets every Wednesday and Friday at the Granby Library between 10:30am. and 12 noon, is organized and run by the Collaborative for Education. Children have the opportunity to have fun, make new friends and develop many new skills through informal play. Parents and caregivers have a chance to spend quality time with their children while developing relationships with other families. The library’s Playgroup Facilitator, Marti Wiechman, is an excellent resource for parenting skills and techniques.
How it works - Playgroup takes place in the Children’s Program Room at the Granby Library. Families with children from birth to age 5 (and siblings) are welcome to drop in to Playgroup anytime. Playgroup Schedule: Free play time (including a special weekly activity) takes place from 10:30am. to 11:30am, a healthy snack is served at 11:30am, a circle time and story concludes Playgroup at 11:45am. There is no Playgroup when Granby Schools or the library is closed. Join us!
Gimp Lacing
Friday, February 21st - 10:30am to 4pm
Drop in any time within the set hours. Kids will learn to make braided clip-ons with gimp (plastic string). Braiding and weaving gimp stimulates creativity. Carol Pineo will be on hand to teach you!Story & Craft Times
Princess SmartypantsSaturday, March 7th at 11am
Craft: Make & decorate a cardboard crown. You are invited to wear a princess dress or any outfit that makes you feel like a prince or princess.
Pirates! Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs
Saturday, March 28th at 11am
Craft: Decorate your own Treasure Chests
The Lumberjack’s Beard
Saturday, April 4th at 11am
Craft: Paint a small pot and plant some seeds. You are invited to wear flannel today!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30pm and Saturday, April 25th at 11am
Craft: Making pipe-cleaner butterflies to take home.
Laundromat Library
Book Drive through March 20th
We are seeking donations of children's books to make them available for children with little access to books. Books will be placed in inner city laundromats where children and families spend time waiting. Children will be invited to enjoy a book and take it home if they'd like.Take the Granby Library Kid's Spring Challenge!
March 19th - May 15th
Grab a Spring Reading Challenge Bingo Sheet to join in the fun!For readers age 6-12:
Read 5 chapter books in a row based on the subject in each square to complete a bingo and earn a chance to win our Family Game Night Basket!
For younger "read to me" participants (birth - 5):
Read 3 rows - 15 picture books, based on the subject in each square to complete a bingo and earn a chance to win our Family Game Night Basket!
Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs
Friday, March 27th at 3:30pmFriday, April 17th at 3:30pm
Reserve a spot to read to Gwen, the sweetest greyhound. Gwen loves to be read to. Bring a book, or choose one here! Stop into the library or call during open hours to pre-register for a 20 minute time "read to a dog" slot. For grades K and up.
Spring & Easter Crafts!
Thursday, April 2nd from 1-3pm
We will make colorful spring scrap fabric hangers, a mini Easter wreath and tie dyed faux eggs. All materials provided. Pre-register. (This is an early dismissal day for Granby Schools)Young Scientist Parenting Workshop
Friday, April 10th at 10:30am
Learn how to encourage your child's natural inquisitiveness. We will have lots of things for you and your child to explore. Babysitting will be available during the parent portion (during Playgroup) followed by fun parent-child activities.April Vacation Week
Forest Park Zoo on the Go!
Forest Park Zoo on the Go is coming Wednesday, April 22nd in two sessions; 11am and 11:30am.Visit some of the animals that live at the zoo and learn about where they live, what they eat and how they behave. You will have a chance to observe the animals and ask questions.
Pre-registration is required.
This program is funded by a Coordinated Family & Community Engagement grant from the MA Department of Early Education & Care, and the Friends of the Granby Library.
Book Club Bookworms
The first Friday of each month at 3:15pm
A book club for ages 8-12.Fri, Mar 6 - 3:15pm. Thirteen Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths *we will vote for future books at this meeting
Fri, April 3 - 3:15pm. El Deafo by Cece Bell
*Copies of the books are available at the library.
Birthday Bonus - Is it your birthday?
Let us know it's your birthday month and you will get a birthday certificate, sticker & coupon for a free book from our book sale cart. Take a picture with our special birthday hat, too!After School Homework Area
The Program Room within the Children's Room is available for quiet study and homework on weekday afternoons, 2:30pm - 4pm. For ages 8 and up. Homeschoolers - ask, any time the room is not in use.1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Make sure your child is as ready as they can be for one of the biggest moments of their little life - starting school. Read them 1,000 books before kindergarten & keep track with this nation-wide program.The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program in a nutshell:
1. When you enroll your child you will receive a folder that contains your first 100 books chart. For every book read, cross off one circle on your chart.
2. When you have read 100 books to your child, bring the completed chart to the library. Your child will get his or her name on our Wall of Fame (great photo op!), a sticker and a new chart for the next 100 books.
3. After every 100 books, make sure to pick up your sticker and the next chart.
4. When your child reaches 1,000 books, he or she will receive a book and a Certificate of Achievement.
5. Finished all the steps? Congratulations! You did it! You gave your children a priceless gift - the readiness to read!
Every child in your family can participate, from infant to Kindergarten!
Does reading 1,000 books seem totally overwhelming? We promise, it's not as hard as you think! 3 books per day for 1 year = 1,095 books . 1 book per day for 3 years = 1,095 books.
You can:
Read the same book over and over and over
Read in any language
Storytimes count too!
It's simple, fun and we'll help you get there!
Seeking Reach-Out Readers
Would you like to be a guest reader at a Granby Preschool on behalf of the Granby Library? You are invited to volunteer! Reach Out Readers is Granby Library’s early literacy program that arranges for a volunteer reader to provide a story time for children in a Granby Childcare Center. To become a volunteer we require you to complete a volunteer application/volunteer guidelines packet, a CORI background check and volunteer orientation. We put together books for you. Storytimes may include books, songs, a fingerplay or felt board fun. Our readers are usually needed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.If you are interested in becoming a Reach Out Readers please contact: Janice McArdle, Youth Service Librarian, Granby Free Public Library by email janicemcardlegpl@gmail.com or telephone 413- 467-3320 during open library hours.
ABC Mouse at the Library
New!!
Children's Resources
Recommended by Library Staff
Children's Room Wish List
- New toys, games, puzzles, craft sets, etc for use as prizes or for library use.- Children's books (new or used)
- Small toys & trinkets (McDonald's toys, party favors, etc.)
- Wrapped candies and bagged candies
- Craft supplies: markers, white glue, glue sticks, construction paper, feathers, etc.)