Cranford Public Library has much to offer the community

The Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, is hosting a variety of programs for children and families.

• “Paws” for Reading: Dogs are a perfect, nonjudgmental audience for children learning to read independently. Young readers are invited to hone their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs; each child gets a 10-minute spot with a pup on Tuesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required, though space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Winter Reading Challenge: Celebrate reading and earn free books in the library’s winter reading challenge. Enroll online to get started: https://cranfordlibrary.beanstack.org/. Everyone who registers will receive a free book — donated by the Friends of the Library — and can pick up a new book or small incentive each week. This program runs from now to Friday, March 31, and is open to all children with a valid Cranford library card.

• Around Again: This group is about taking a look at trends that were popular, faded from obscurity, and then came back into style. On Wednesday, March 22, it’s a groovy, ’70s party. This program meets at 7 p.m. and is intended for children ages 8 and older with an adult caregiver.

• School-Age Storytime: Children in kindergarten to grade five are invited for an afternoon storytime, where they’ll share some exceptional books and create art, on Tuesdays, Feb. 28, and March 8 and 15, at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required.

• Turtle Dance Music: Join the Cranford Public Library for a high-energy, inclusive-for-all music and comedy show on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10:30 a.m. Attend virtually from home or watch a stream in the Cranford Community Center. There will be songs, comedy, bubbles and music technology. Registration is required and can be done online: eventbrite.com/e/turtle-dance-ages-2tickets-510980525507.

• Pajama Storytime: Relax, listen to a story, and make some crafts on Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Registration is required and can be done online at cranfordlibrary.org/calendar.

• Who Was/Is … Club: Read about favorite African American icons, such as the Obamas, Coretta Scott King and Michael Jordan. Children in grades two to five should stop by the Children’s Desk to select their book pick. Reserve a spot online: eventbrite.com/e/who-wasisbook-club-tickets-433579496947.

• Graphic Novel Book Club: Fans of graphic novels and comics in grades three to five are invited to a new book club at the library on Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m. The first book is “Max Meow: Cat Crusader,” by John Gallagher. Registration is required: eventbrite.com/e/graphic-novel-bookclub-tickets-511006693777.

• Open Play: Drop in for free play. This program is for babies and toddlers with a caregiver, no registration is required. Tuesdays in March at 10:15 a.m.

• Family Art/Craft: Families with children of all ages are invited to create spring art on Tuesday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required.

• New Jersey Makers Day: New Jersey Maker’s Day is a statewide celebration of creativity. Children in grades two and three can sign up for a Dot and Dash Robot Workshop at 11 a.m.: eventbrite.com/e/dot-and-dash-workshop-new-jersey-makers-day-tickets508034323337. Children ages 6 and older are invited to drop in for Lego Hour at noon, and toddlers can dive into making at Tinker Tots from 2 to 3 p.m.

• Storytime Yoga: Children ages 2 to 5 will use props — such as balls, scarves, pinwheels and pompoms — to build strength, flexibility and self-confidence through play. The program mixes poses, games, storytelling, art and music to teach children to release the sillies and find the calm. Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m., from March 2 to April 20. Registration is required: eventbrite.com/e/storytimeyoga-tickets-508030913137. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

• Breadcrumbs Book Club: Friends in grades three to five are invited to a discussion of the book Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu on Thursday, March 30, at 5:30 p.m. This is an in-person program with a maximum of 10 participants. The first seven readers to enroll will receive a free copy of the book; reserve a spot online at eventbrite.com/e/breadcrumbs-bookclub-tickets-399609281117.

The Cranford Public Library can be reached at 908-709-7272, library@cranfordnj.org or cranfordlibrary.org.

Cranford library board meets monthly in 2023

The 2023 monthly meetings of the Cranford Public Library board of trustees will be at the Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, at 7 p.m. on the following dates. Thursday, Feb. 23; Thursday, March 23; Thursday, April 27; Thursday, May 25; Thursday, June 22; Thursday, July 27; Thursday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Sept. 28; Thursday, Oct. 26; Wednesday, Nov. 15; and Thursday, Dec. 28. All are welcome to attend.