PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2014, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it is also possible that it may contain some outdated information. Please check their website for the most current information, especially about things like hours, schedules and pricing. Currently (winter 2017), the Windsor Library is offering a drop in playgroup called “Talk & Toys” for kids ages 0-4 and their caregivers. It meets Mondays from 10:30am-11:30am until May 29, 2017.
2014 POST
UPDATE 11/12/15: Please check the Windsor Library’s website for the most up to date information about their weekly and monthly drop-in programs.
Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
I don’t know if we were inspired by our recent post about working mom friendly activities or if we were both just desperate for a warm place to take the kids on a Saturday morning, but Shawna and I were recently on the same wavelength when it came to our weekend destination.
Last week she told you all about the First Saturday event at the Russell Library in Middletown and today I have the details on the Second Saturday Playgroup at the Windsor Public Library.
This visit was my second time at the Windsor Public Library and we had so much fun the first time, I wanted to go back and get pictures for a post.
Not only does the library have a wonderful children’s section (called Kidspace), it also offers a Saturday morning drop-in program on the second Saturday of each month (through May 10th for this session). You just can’t beat a FREE Saturday morning, drop-in, kids activity. Love it!
Finding the town’s main library was no problem at all using GPS, but it is located off Broad Street, in the center of town. Directions are available on their site and they provide the following additional details:
The Library is a big beige colored building on Route 159 and is across the street from Geissler’s Supermarket and Dom’s Broad Street Eatery.
If you are somewhat familiar with the area, that may help.
Parking was located in the rear of the building and it was an easy walk from the car to the main entrance on the building’s side.
Right outside the building’s entrance, I noticed a little picnic area. Since food is not allowed inside, this might be a great place for a snack or some lunch (when there isn’t so much snow around, of course!)
Let’s head inside — Oh and if you have a stroller, this trip is easy. Heading from the parking area to the library’s kid’s section doesn’t require the use of any special ramps or elevators.
As we entered the building, to the left were the main restrooms (no baby changing area) and to the right was the main circulation desk and the entrance to the kid’s area, Kidspace.
Like most wonderful libraries in our state, the Windsor Public Library’s Kidspace has a full range of programs available.
Once inside, my kids found a variety of activities to enjoy. From train tables, to toys, to books, and computers, they were well entertained.
There was even a dance floor and crawl space that Sweetheart was obsessed with. Check out the pig tails on this cutie!
There was also a family restroom located right in the kids play area. This was the spot to got to if you need a baby changing station.
We arrived at the library around 10:00 am that Saturday morning and the kids had a great time playing for the 45 minutes until the Saturday morning program began. As I mentioned before, on the second Saturday of every month (through May 10th for this session) a drop-in playgroup program is offered. No registration required, just show up!
The program is designed for children ages birth to 4 years old and includes playtime, a short storytime and craft.
When 10:45 rolled around, we heard an announcement that the program was beginning and we headed toward the back of the Kidspace area.
As we entered the room, each family was asked to sign in and we were greeted by a large space with a variety of toys.
The kids played for about 20 minutes before it was time to clean up and move onto storytime.
The story for that day’s program was “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, a favorite in our house. Maybe the teacher knew about my recent visit to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, but more than likely this story was selected because March 2014 marks the 45th anniversary of this wonderful book!
The children found a spot on the floor and the instructor passed around mini stuffed bears for them to hold.
Then, before the reading began, it was time for some singing and dancing (a favorite activity for most kids 4 and under).
Next up was reading time (and my kids actually sat still for the whole story)!
Reading time was followed by arts and crafts. Each kid created their own hungry caterpillar design to take home.
The program ended at 11:30 which left just enough time for a little more fun before heading home.
Now, my kids are all still napping, so heading home was really the only option for us, but if you have non-napping kiddos or just want to extend the morning, you could head 5 miles down the road to Northwest Park. There you will find a beautiful property, playground, picnic areas, and an animal barn.
So go ahead and mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12th, the next drop-in playgroup at the Windor Public Library!
The Momsense
Windsor Public Library (Main Library)
323 Broad Street, Windsor, Connecticut
Main Phone: (860) 285-1910
Children’s Department Phone: 860-285-1914
Find them on Facebook and Twitter!
Hours
Library hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Please check the library’s website for the most up-to-date hours and special holiday hours and closings.
Drop-in Programs*:
- Talk & Toys (birth to 4 years): Mondays from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Sunnyside Up Storytime (2 to 6 years): Tuesdays from 10:30 am – 11:15 am
- Saturday Craft (4 years and up): Saturdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Second Saturdays Playgroup (birth to 4 years): The second Saturday of each month (through May 10th for this session) from 10:45 am – 11:30 am
*ALL DROP IN PROGRAMS REQUIRE A CAREGIVER TO PARTICIPATE WITH THEIR CHILD. No drop-offs.
Visit the library’s website for information about these and other children’s programs.
View the children’s event calendar for Winter 2014 here.
Pricing
- Library/Storytime FREE!
- Parking FREE!
Details
- Stroller Friendly: YES. There are ramps and plenty of space to navigate with a stroller.
- Coffee Mug Friendly: YES. Drinks are allowed in the building as long as they are in a cup with a lid (a sippy cup for the kiddos and travel mug for mom)
- Baby Changing Station: YES. A family restroom with a changing station is located in the Kidspace area.
- Parking: FREE parking is available behind the building.
- Food for Sale: NO
- Outside Food Allowed: No. Food is not allowed in the library building. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy a snack or lunch at the picnic table located near the entrance or you might even want to head down the road to Northwest Park.
- Cash Required: NO.
- Dress Code: Nothing special, although remember that there will be a craft project that might involve things like markers and glue.
- Evening/Weekend Hours: YES. The library is open weekday evenings as well as Saturdays & Sundays with drop-in programs on the second Saturday of the month (through May 10th).
Tips & Things to Bring
- Bring your library card! Even if you aren’t a resident of Windsor, you most likely can use your Connecticut based library card to check out materials.
- This library, like most in Connecticut, offers a museum pass program that is open to both residents and non-residents. This program offers free or discounted access to many popular destinations.
Meet Our Sponsors!
- 4D Vision Gym – A vision training center located in Cromwell, CT where Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD and her staff show members how to utilize Vision Therapy to correct visual issues and make leaning and playing easier and more fun.
- The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT this private pre-school, elementary and middle school, serves families from over 20 communities.
- Kathryn Deane Photography – A natural light photographer located in West Hartford, CT and specializing in maternity, newborn, child, family, and senior portrait photography.
Are you interested in becoming an Out and About Mom sponsor? Click here for more info.
Want to keep up with all our Out and About Mom adventures?
Check back every Tuesday and Thursday as we dish up more Momsense for getting out and about with your little ones. Don’t have time to check back in? Let us send you an automatic notification of new posts straight to your email inbox by signing up here. Also, you can like us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest posts and get some extra tidbits we share only through those sites.
