If you don’t have a Parsippany Library card yet, now is the perfect time to get one because September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Everyone knows libraries are the best place to go for books. But did you know that you can also borrow passes to local museums, games, sewing machines, microscopes, and even an inflatable outdoor movie screen? The library also offers the Kanopy streaming movie service, e-books and audiobooks through Libby, individual and group study rooms, and a wide variety of programs and classes for children, teens and adults.
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is relaunching this Fall. This nationwide initiative promotes reading, literacy and family bonding by encouraging parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books to their child before they enter kindergarten. Families can register to participate at parsippanylibrary.beanstack.org, the same website and app used to track Summer Reading. Children will receive colorful space-themed pins for every 100 books they log and once they have completed all 1,000 titles, they will commemorate their achievement by selecting a library book to put a special name plate in.
The Children’s Department at the Main Library now offers a monthly Sensory Storytime for children who may find traditional storytimes too overwhelming. Sensory Storytimes offer tactile play, softer lighting, and a more calming environment. In addition, sensory items such as water timers, calming boards, liquid floor tiles, and a squishy play mat are available for children to access at all times.
Come to the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library for a variety of fun and unique events for children this fall. Visit the Children’s Room in September to see eggs in an incubator and watch baby chicks hatch, and come in costume to our second annual Halloween bash in October. Later in the Fall you can stop in to meet a penguin from Jenkinson’s Aquarium!
For Teens, the library is introducing Teen To-Go Driving kits. Each kit includes a student driver car magnet, NJ DMV manual, pop-up traffic cones, road sign flash cards, dry erase car scenario board, and a hand position practice wheel and other learning materials. Borrow one at the Main Library!
And finally, this fall the library is hosting its second annual Community Read. This year’s featured title is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This heartwarming novel explores themes of family, friendship, grief, and loss, with the help of a very charming octopus named Marcellus. The Community Read program will include events for all ages including children’s crafts, an adult Paint-and-Sip and more, and will culminate with a virtual visit with the author in November.
Visit the Parsippany Library at any of our three branches:
Main Library: 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany
Lake Hiawatha Branch Library: 67 Nokomis Avenue, Lake Hiawatha
Mt Tabor Branch Library: 26 Simpson Avenue, Tabor
