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Preschool Programs in English
Preschool Programs
Our preschool programs offer age-appropriate books, finger plays, songs, rhymes, puppets, crafts and other book-related activities. Parents or caregivers are asked to participate in our sessions.
STORYTIME IN THE PARK 
At the Keith M. Boyd Park, 591 Loucks Dr., Russell
Tuesdays from July 2 to August 13 – 10:30 AM
The fun starts at 9 a.m. with games with the Embrun Family Centre followed by stories at 10:30 a.m.
Activity for the whole family. No registration required.
Storytime will take place at the Russell Branch Library if it rains.
TODDLER PLAY
Russell Branch
Wednesdays from July 3 to August 14 – 10:30 AM
For children 2 to 5 years old.
Different activities every week: games, stories, crafts and much more!
No registration required.
Complete list of programs and activities for children in English »
Register for programs and events »
Early Literacy
Learning starts at birth
Research shows that children learn the skills they need to read years before they start school. There are 6
pre-reading skills that children must acquire in order to learn to read successfully.
These skills are as follows:
- Print Awareness
- Phonological Awareness
- Print Motivation
- Vocabulary
- Narrative Skills
- Letter Knowledge
Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children get ready to read. Your children learn best by doing things and they love doing things with you! Early childhood is a magical time for learning and exploration, and there’s so much for you and your young child to discover at the Township of Russell Public Library.
You are the key to your child’s success in reading…
Read. Talk. Play.
There is a direct connection between reading aloud and later reading success. Ask your child questions as you read aloud, and talk about the pictures to involve your child in the story. Children who grow up in conversational homes – with parents who talk to them and encourage them to talk – have an edge over children who hear very little language. Have fun with word games and making up silly songs and rhymes. Children who play with sounds of words before they enter school are better prepared to learn to read.
Kids Programs in English
GET YOUR SUMMER READING ON!
TD SUMMER READING CLUB
Russell and Embrun Branch
Children aged 6 and up.
Join the Summer Reading Club at your library this summer.
You could win weekly prizes (gift certificates) and a GoPro Hero 7 (Grand Prize).
REGISTRATION LAUNCH PARTY
Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come register at the launch party. There will be snacks and lemonade and you can decorate a rock for our Kindness Garden.
Those who register at the launch party will receive a special gift!
Learn more about the club, fun activities to keep you reading and accessibility for children with print disabilities »
TD SUMMER READING CLUB – FINAL DRAW
Russell Branch
Saturday, August 24 – 11:30 AM
Lemonade and snacks for everyone!
GRAND PRIZES: 2 GoPro Hero 7
Prizes donated by the Friends of the Library
Kids Events in English
PROGRAM OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES
“THE NATURAL WORLD”
Russell and Embrun Branch
July 2nd to August 16th
Activities from Monday to Friday.
Calendar and program – Russell Branch (activities in English) »
Calendar and program – Embrun Branch (activities in French) »
REGISTRATION
July activities: until June 28th.
August activities: from July 8th to 26th.
- All activities are FREE.
- Registration is required except for Storytime in the park, Toddler Play,
Board Game Day and Maker Space. - You can register:
* online
* in person by filling out a registration form - Places are limited for some activities.
- All supplies provided by the Library.
Registration forms are available to print or you can get a copy at both branches of the library.
Russell activities: English form / French form
Embrun activities: English form / French form
WORLD MUSIC SHOW
with Sébastien Lemay
Russell Branch
Let’s celebrate the end of the TD Summer Reading Club!
Saturday, August 24 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Sébastien will introduce various instruments and new sounds from around the world, raising awareness of cultural diversity in our community.
Activity for children 5 years old and up.
Bilingual show.
Tickets: $5. Places are limited.
ACTIVITIES WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Russell Branch
July 4th 2 PM– Learn to identify plants
5 years old and up
Valerie Hoag will teach you how to identify the plants and flowers that grow all around you.
July 9th 2 PM – Geocaching
7 years old and up
South Nation Conservation will teach you orienteering and GPS skills with geocaches hidden nearby the library.
July 10th 2 PM – Discover: bees
8 years old and up
Meet Brian Lacey, a bee keeper, and learn about bees by observing them in their hive.
July 18th 2 PM – Discover: constellations
5 years old and up
Learn to identify the stars that make up the different constellations with amateur astronomer William Miles.
July 23rd 2 PM – Discover: electric fish
5 years old and up
Enter the fascinating world of electric fish with auteur Érik Harvey-Girard.
(live electric fish included!)
July 25th 2 PM – Dungeons & Dragons
8 years old and up
Enter a world of adventure and danger with magical weapons and wizards.
No experience needed.
August 13th 2 PM – Martial Arts Demonstration
5 years old and up
Learn basic moves and how to defend yourself with a representative of 100% Martial Arts.
Kids programs and events in French »
Click here to register!Resources for parents
Today’s Parents
A website about pregnancy, baby and toddler advice for Canadian parents.
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers.
Tech Savvy Kids
Early Literacy Workstations
Kids from the ages of 2 to 8 have access to a bilingual early literacy workstation in each library branch. This special computer, which is equipped with a colourful keyboard and LCD screen, offers a full range of English and French educational software programs.
Giant Touch screen Computer + iPads
Also available in the Kids Section of both library branches are a giant touchscreen computer and iPads which are equipped with educational applications in English and French.
Cool Apps for Kids
Get appy with this list of recommended iPad apps for kids!
Animal Sounds
Builds vocabulary and the ability to hear and breakdown the sounds in words. Free
Collins Big Cat: Around the World
Great interactive reading! Kids can also create their own stories. Free
Build It Up
Builds sorting skills and size differentiation (foundation to later math skills). Free for 2 gameboards. Fee for more.
Wonster Words Learning
An app that will help young students develop understanding and internalize common spelling patterns. Free
Monster Hunt
Fun memory game that reinforces the concept of “alike and different.” Free.
Habitat the Game
Your child will learn about caring for the environment by adopting a polar bear and keeping him healthy. Free.
Toonstastic
This app builds narrative skill as kids draw, animate, narrate, and record their own cartoons. Free.
Fish School
Fish School exposes your preschooler to important concepts like letters, numbers, shapes, colors, matching, and more. Free.
