Let's Read: William Jeannes Memorial Library

It is a bit farther up the road that some other libraries, but I think the drive to William Jeannes Memorial Library is completely worth it.  (And I usually head up Stenton Avenue to Joshua Road for the scenic route through farm land).  

Jeannes' story times are nothing short of amazing. They are down in the basement, but it is a very large room and you can enter it directly from a door at the back of the library.  Add your kids' names to the list on the table and there will be a name tag for them the next time you visit, a circle they can wear proudly around their neck.

 

The librarians do a wonderful job and even include a little craft at the end of each reading. The stories are usually themed and include songs and visuals, such as a felt board.  There is even a puppet named Lucy who participates in the activities!  The librarian is very animated and understanding of the kids, really someone straight out of Mr. Roger's neighborhood (and I mean that in the best of ways).

This is obviously not an activity that is thrown together at the last minute.  These story times are very well planned and carried out.  Yesterday's theme was leaves and fall.  Lucy (the puppet) started with a conversation with the librarian (Miss Linda) about who had found the biggest leaf, as they went through some different leaves found outside.  Three leaf-related books were read, between songs like "The Leaves Are Falling Down."  The kids then went to some tables to decorate trees with different colored paper leaves.

If you have little ones who are not in school yet, this is great preparation for future school days and is just plain fun.  It really is like a school lesson; it's amazing we get to bring our kids for free!

After the story time, head upstairs to the children's section of the library.  It is nice, large space with three circle tables and kid-sized chairs for children to sit at.  They have stacks of great puzzles and a few toys for kids to play with.  There is even a rocking chair for those tired moms and babies.

There is also a great section of cloth activity bags available for checkout.  Each bag contains a book, a related stuffed animal, and a tape, all with the same theme (such as whales).  You can check these out for two weeks.   

The grounds around this library are also great. We even suggest making a day of this trip and bringing a picnic lunch to eat outside afterwards, under one of their beautiful cherry trees. There is also a nice grove of pine trees that kids love to play in, a fun "hideaway" for them.

So, if you want to check out a new library, I highly recommend Jeannes.  Tomorrow (Fri. Oct. 24th) is the perfect time to try it out; there will be a special event, Puppets Pizazz, at 4:00pm.  There will be non-scary Halloween puppets.  Or, go on Saturday for Makin' Music at 11:00am.  

If you can't make it this week, check out Jeannes next week for some special days:  Wed. Oct 29th and Thurs. Oct. 30th -- all story times will be Halloween-themed.  Children are encouraged to come in costume and treats will be handed out.  (You may also bring some treats if you like).

Jeannes Library is not part of the Philadelphia Free Library system; it is part of Whitemarsh Township.  You can, however, use your free library card there.  You will need to fill out a new form, but you won't need to be issued a different card.    

4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.828.0441
map

Full Calendar of Events

Fall Story Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am: "Mother Goose on the Loose"(1-30 mo.)
Tuesdays at 11:15am and Thursdays at 1:30pm -- 3-5 yr olds
Wednesdays at 10:15am and Thursdays at 11:15am -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 yr olds (Miss Linda and "Lucy")
NEW:  Wednesdays at 4:00pm -- 3-6 yr olds
Bedtime Story times: 3rd Tuesday of each mo. at 7pm for 3-7 yr olds

Let's Play: Smith Playground

A Philadelphia treasure for over one hundred years, the Smith Playground and Playhouse is undergoing yet another addition to its list of attractions. The "tot lot" will be dedicated to outdoor play for children under five and will be located directly behind the playhouse. At the same time, repairs continue to Smith's beautiful terra cotta roof. So don't let the scaffolding or the construction vehicles in front of the building fool you, however. Smith is open for business.

Built in 1899 through the generosity of Richard and Sarah Smith, the playhouse was built in memory of their son Stanfield in East Fairmount Park. A directions link is below but suffice it to say it's probably ten minutes from all of us. As opposed to many of the mansions in Fairmount Park, the home was never lived in by the family but built instead specifically for the children of Philadelphia. The design encourages open spaces with plenty of room to run. In the last ten years, the entire facility has undergone a rejuvenation like no other that continues with the new construction.

The first floor features a reading room with books of all shapes and sizes. There is also a miniature wooden kitchen, a train and a small wooden house. We've spent hours on this floor alone.

The basement is where Smith keeps all its riding toys for young children. It features working stop lights. On the second floor, there are literally hundreds of toys in a large space that encourages interaction but also a puppet show or two. The actually playhouse is open all year but is restricted to children under five. A great kitchen and seating area to host a birthday party shares the first floor.

The big difference in the property in the last ten years is the outdoor playground. It is the home of the world famous wooden slide. Built in 1905, there are many scary moments waited to be had with a potato sack on the way down this slide. Beautifully restored in 2005, there is nothing like the first trip down for a youngster (and for you for that matter). The outdoor playground is open to children under ten from April through October. Behind the slide (in the area of the new Tot Lot) are new swings, an updated witches' hat and plenty of interactive balance beams.

"It is," as my six year old nephew described it, "the biggest playground in town."

Oh, one more thing about Smith that's good to know. It's free. The employees will politely ask for a donation but this hidden gem in Fairmount Park is completely free. Now if they just passed out free cheesesteaks and had a TV for sports, it might just be the best place in the world. They will not be doing that in the near future, however, because no food or drink is allowed in either the playhouse or out in the playground. Remember to keep this in mind. I let my kids snack up in the car after our visit.

Don't be scared by the scaffolding or the digging, it all means an even better Smith next year. Cabin fever on a Saturday or Sunday before the cold sets in? Even after? Smith Playground has been the answer for over one hundred years.

Let's Play (and Shop): O'Doodles Toy Store

If you're looking for a birthday gift for a neighbor's child or a Christmas present for your little one, or just a fun place to pass some time with your kids, stop by Chestnut Hill and visit O'Doodles to find a refreshing selection of toys to choose from, for babies to teens.  

 

You can tell as soon as you approach O'Doodles' colorful door:  This is not your ordinary toy store.  Unlike many large chain stores, O'Doodles is not overrun by electronic toys that will leave you searching for a hammer.  O'Doodles has a large selection of wooden toys, arts and crafts supplies, and all kinds of items that lend to a child's imagination.  They carry such brands as Alex, Creativity for Kids, and Melissa and Doug.  These are the kinds of toys that will make you say, "Man!  I would have loved that when I was a kid!"

And even if you're not looking to buy something, stop by O'Doodles simply to enjoy the space. Your kids will love watching the train racing around on the track hung from the ceiling and putting together puzzles at the table in the back of the store while you shop or find a spot on the floor to relax for a minute.  And who can resist a full train table filled with bridges, hills, and trains?  You know they always love toys more at someone else's house!  And this "house" has awesome toys!

If your visit leaves you wanting more, stop by O'Doodles website to purchase what you saw in the store and more and also to get a sneak peak at their new gift guide for 2008.  And, while you're there, make sure to sign up for O'Doodles' Email Club so you can find out about upcoming promotions and events.

O'Doodles is located at 8335 Germantown Avenue (19118) and is 

open Mon.-Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 10-8, Sat. 9-6, and Sun. 11-6.

215.247.7405

*The entrance to the store is large, so even double strollers can make it in, but try to leave large strollers near the front of the store and let the kids out to roam.  It gets a bit tight between toy displays.

Classes for Kids: Run Away With the Circus!

While the new schedule isn't up on their website yet, I received the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts' newsletter today and registration for the November/December session is open.
The school, founded by local mom and aerialist Shana Kennedy, offers classes for kids and adults of all ages. The kids' classes, with names like Tots Circus (age 3-5) and Kids Juggling and Equilibristics (age 8-15), offer kids a fun way to build strength, flexibility, and coordination. And really, how cool is it to see your three year old climb an aerial silk to the (very high) ceiling??!!
The huge variety of adult classes provide amazingly unique opportunities for fitness and conditioning, as well as skill building and performance.

The school also offers private lessons for kids and adults and birthday parties for kids age 3 and up.

The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is located at 5900A Greene Street in Germantown.

Classes fill quickly. For more information, e-mail info@phillycircus.com or call 215-849-1991.

The newsletter is now up for everyone to see - check it out here.

Let's Play: The Plymouth Meeting Mall

Some of the following post is a re-posting of one of our earliest entries, entitled "Rainy Day Solutions," but there is a lot of new information and news about amazing features coming soon to the mall, so don't skip it!

Are you running out of ideas for places to take the kids?  Especially on those dreary, rainy days?And we all know it will be to cold soon to frequent area play grounds and parks, so we need to start preparing to visit some indoor attractions too.

So, here is an idea for you:  Plymouth Meeting Mall.  Yes, it's a mall. But, more importantly, it is a mall with a beautiful carousel, an enchanting fountain, a free futuristic kids' game and much more to come! Just the kind of distractions you need for your little ones. Start out at the food court entrance to eat or enjoy a ride (or 10) on the carousel and then head down to your left to the other end of the mall where you will find a huge, lit fountain.

The carousel is an amazing, two-story structure complete with rocking benches for moms with babies and spinning teacups for your older, adventurous kids.  (Take my word for it; don't eat your cheese steak and immediately afterwards agree to join your child in the tea cup.  Not a good idea.) At $2.00 a ride, it's a great deal for the smiles it will put on your kids' faces.  We just wish you good luck getting them off of it.

And the light and water show of the fountain will entertain your little ones and give you a break for a while. They love to watch the water slowly rising up,up, almost to the ceiling! And they'll want to make a wish, of course, so bring your pennies!

If you're looking for another free way to entertain young and older kids, head over to the Starbucks kiosk and you will see an amazing treat on the floor behind it.  There is a large rectangle projected onto the floor that rotates through different video-like games.  And it is interactive!  And totally free!  Stand on it and use your feet to play the games.  The games range from kicking balls around to racing cars on a track.  You might even enjoy it; it is pretty cool!

And, if that isn't enough fun for you, there is the new Dave and Buster's across from the fountain, a huge arcade, bar, and restaurant with ride-on games that make you feel like you are really racing a car, skiing down a mountain, or kayaking through river rapids.  (Their food is yummy too.)  Minors must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 25.  This is a great place to plan events also.  Visit Dave and Buster's on Halloween to play for 1/2 price!

And you won't believe what is about to park itself near the food court (some time in "fall/holiday 2008"):  Krazy City.  I have never personally been to one, but I have to say after viewing the website, it looks pretty crazy.  It will be a two-level indoor theme park for children age 3-14.  

Krazy City will contain an arcade, lit bowling alley, a black light miniature golf course with an underwater theme, a prehistoric dig area, an interactive soft ball maze where kids can shoot these balls out of guns and cannons, and mining for gemstones in a stream.  Can you believe this place?  There will even be some of the smaller amusement park-type rides!  And, of course, a restaurant, in case your kids have time to remember that they are hungry.

Make sure to stop by the Customer Service Center in the mall during October for "Think Pink," which includes free give-aways of shopping bags and shower cards to educate women on breast health.  Also, stop by  Boscov's in the mall tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 7th) for "Friends Helping Friends."  This is an event that will be held from 9am-9pm and the proceeds will go to non-profit organizations.  These local organizations will be selling 25% tickets for just $5!  Boscov's will provide food demos, special sale prices on clothing and appliances, and prizes.  "School of Rock" will be providing the entertainment!

Don't have a great place to trick or treat on Halloween?  Visit the mall for their annual Mall O Ween Trick or Treat event, from 5:30-7:30pm on Halloween.

Some other additions to Plymouth Meeting Mall to look for: 

 

A new Borders Express on the lower level to open mid-October. 

The largest Whole Foods in the area, with roof-top cafe, to open spring 2009.

Underground parking with more than 350 spaces to be finished in spring 2009. 

The mall's site even has an interactive map so that you can get a visual of where these places are before you leave the house.

The mall is located at:  500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.  

It is open Monday through Saturday 10am – 9:30pm Sunday 11am – 6pm
610.825.9351
map

Your Turn:  Click the "comment" link below and let us know what you think of these new mall additions.  A good idea?  Too much?  Are you annoyed by all the construction?  What do you think about the idea of Krazy City?  Exciting or crazy?  We want to hear from you!  And come back by here to respond to other readers' opinions!

Treat Yourself: The Hill Tea Bar

Just east of Germantown Avenue, on Hartwell Lane in Chestnut Hill, you will find the cutest little tea bar. The Hill Tea Bar opened this year and features more than fifty varieties of tea, which can be served hot or cold. They also sell irresistible goodies such as cupcakes, cakes, scones (not the rock-hard kind!), and pastries.  If you are hungry for lunch, there are also sandwiches available.  And if you have a picky little one with you, you can even grab a bag of the ever-popular Pirate's Booty.

Make sure to visit the tea bar before the weather gets very cold, so that you can take advantage of their beautiful and serene garden. The garden is spacious and filled with tables and chairs. There is plenty of room for little ones to roam around on the grass while you eat, drink, and chat. Just beware that adventurous ones will be close to the road and that the garden is not fenced in, so you will have to keep a close watch on them, but there should be enough to entertain most. (My son was busy examining bugs and fallen berries on our last visit.)

If you are walking to the tea bar, plan to park any strollers out front while you place your order inside. The space is a bit snug, so be prepared to hold onto little hands because there are fragile items in the store that might be tempting. It is a good idea to come in pairs, so parents can take turns watching the kids outside!

There is indoor seating, so you can still enjoy your tea at the bar during the winter.  But, instead of trying to keep your eye on an energetic little one in the front of the bar, head to the back and you will find a door leading to a more private room with more space.  There is a toy chest full of things to keep your kids entertained.  The owner is even willing to put on a children's video if you would like.  And if you are able to get out without kids, take advantage of the free wi-fi in the tea bar.

The tea bar also hosts great events, including story times and wine tastings. For example, call now to fill one of the last spots for a Tour of Italy Wine Class to be held on October 17th, 7:30-9:30pm - cost, $40 per person. You will be tasting eight different wines paired with cheese samples provided by The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop.

Or, if you don't have plans for yourself for Halloween just yet, adults can visit the tea bar from 7:30-9:30 on Halloween night for "A Night of a Thousand Wishes" storytelling event and "Mini Magical Tea Party" cost, $25 per person (adults only). To keep up with events at The Hill Tea Bar, check out their blog.

The tea bar is located at 6 East Hartwell Lane and is open on Tuesdays 10-6, Wednesday-Saturdays 10-7, and Sundays 10-3. For more information or to reserve a spot for an event, call the Hill Tea Bar at 215.381.2226.