Lauren Tennyson, Children’s Librarian at Decatur Branch
Thanks to Lauren Tennyson, the Children’s Librarian at the Decatur Library, we have a new StoryWalk at Glenlake Park. The story is posted along the trail on the east side of the park. This month’s book is The World is Not a Rectangle, by Jeannette Winter.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Fergusan of Montpelier, VT. StoryWalks have been installed in 50 states and 12 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea!
We had fun yesterday putting up the signs for the book, Bird Builds a Nest, at Glenlake Park. The book is read as you walk along the wooded trail on the eastern edge of the park. This is the second book, and a third will replace this one in a few weeks.
After you read the book, you can take a photo of the activity sign at the end and do the activity at home.
Thanks to Lauren Tennyson, Children’s Librarian at the Decatur Branch, for making this happen.
The next time you visit Glenlake Park be sure to take a walk on the trail on the eastern edge of the park and experience the new StoryWalk. The children’s librarian at the Decatur Library, Lauren Tennyson, worked with Decatur Active Living to place signs along the trail; each sign is a page of a nature themed children’s book so you can read a book as you walk!
There will be three books featured throughout the summer, rotating every two-three weeks. There will also be an activity guide at the end of the StoryWalk with activities to do at home based on themes from the featured book.
The first book to be featured at Glenlake Park is A Big Mooncake for Little Star. In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.
I miss going to the library! The building may be closed, but they are offering some creative ways to share the library during the pandemic. Their recent newsletter had some things I thought were pretty great…..
Hoopla is a new digital resource that provides online and mobile access to eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies and TV. All you need is a library card. AND there are no wait times. For more information visit www.hoopladigital.com/
Virtual Programming
The library also offers free virtual programs including dance, music, jewelry making, book discussion, and lots more.
Summer Reading
This summer, Georgia Public Library Service is providing online access to Beanstack to all 408 public libraries in Georgia! Beanstack lets you track reading, participate in challenges, and engage with fun literacy activities.
If you do not have a current library card, you can get one here.
The parking deck shared by Decatur Library and the Decatur Recreation Center will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12 through Saturday morning due to construction and repairs. The bottom level is now open.
Please consider walking, biking or riding MARTA on these days. Street parking and parking in one of Decatur’s many parking decks is available and only a short stroll away. Click here to see alternative parking spots in the City.
Parents with children in the After School program will have access to the street between the library and recreation center for picking up children from the after school site at Decatur Recreation Center throughout the week.
The children are out of school and you may be wondering what to do. SO, here are some suggestions for free or inexpensive things to do around Decatur over the holiday break.
Visit Woodlands Garden located at 932 Scott Boulevard. Woodlands is open during daylight hours seven days a week for quiet exploration. Free. Please, no dogs and no smoking anywhere on the property. Limited parking available, carpooling encouraged or consider walking or biking over.
Bring the children over to visit the Wylde Center located at 435 Oakview Road. Check out the chickens and the bee hives then play for a while in the Cobb Adobe House.
Take a bike ride or walk to one of the many City of Decatur neighborhood parks and playgrounds. If the sun is shining, bring a picnic and arrange to meet some friends there.
Visit the Old Courthouse on the Square and check out one of the exhibits in the DeKalb History Center Museum. They are currently offering three exhibits on the main floor of the historic DeKalb County Courthouse.
All exhibits are open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Galleries and offices will be closed December 24, 25, 26, and 31 and January 1.
Visit the Decatur Cemetery, the largest greenspace in Decatur! Pick up a self-guided walking tour guide at the cemetery office, or find one here. The old section of the cemetery dates back to the early 1800’s.
The Decatur Branch of the DeKalb County Library offers a plethora of movies, books and music. Spend some time in the Children’s section lounging on the couches and reading some stories together. Or check out some family movies to take home and watch.
Stop by the Decatur Visitor’s Centerand pick up a copy of Garden Go Seek, a fun way to explore gardens and greenspaces throughout Decatur.
Bundle up for a fun night with Decatur Ghost Tours. Discover Decatur’s spirit community as you walk through the Old Courthouse Square, the Decatur Cemetery and other places where ghosts are known to hang out!
Drive or bike around the city and see all the great holiday decorations. A list of the Decatur Decatur winners can be found here.
Let’s hear your ideas of fun things to do in Decatur over the holidays!