April 2023 Library News

April 1, 2023   Community, Education, Parenting

Parent Information Series

April 18-May 16, Cedar Mill Library and online, see website for details

Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries’ annual Parent Information Series for adults features experts presenting on topics important to parents and educators. All sessions are free. No registration for in-person events is required, but space is limited. Adults only, as content is appropriate for parents and adults caring for kids/teens.

The Impact of Technology on the Child/Teen Brain

Tuesday, April 18, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library

This presentation looks at the current mental health of our children/teenagers in connection with the influence of technology. We explore how video games impact the brain and discuss simple rules and tips that parents can implement to help offset the challenges of technology.  Presented by Shawn Marshall.

Anxious Children, Confident Parenting

Wednesday, April 26, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Worry and parenting seem to go hand-in-hand. It’s not uncommon for parents of children who struggle with anxiety to feel stressed, uncertain, and anxious. In this presentation, we’ll strengthen your understanding of anxiety and guide you toward greater confidence in being the strong and steady guide your children need. Presented by Allan Cordova.

Turning Your Teen’s Stress into Growth: 5 Effective Ways to Help Your Teen Manage their Negative Experiences and Build More Resilience

Wednesday May 3, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Today’s teens and tweens are experiencing unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. While it’s hard to see our kids struggle, it’s also important to remember that their difficulties are the seeds of resilience and maturity. In this dynamic and empowering presentation, Yshai Boussi will share five ways to help your teen develop more confidence in managing complicated feelings and experiences. Learn practical and relevant strategies in a safe and judgment-free environment.

Supporting Your Child’s Literacy in Kindergarten-3rd grade

Thursday, May 11,  6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Find out more about your child’s literacy development and progress towards becoming independent readers. Learn how the Science of Reading can help you support your child’s literacy development in kindergarten through 3rd grade. In addition, free resources available through the National Center on Improving Literacy will be provided. Presented by Rachell Keys.

Virtual Toddler Talk

Tuesday, May 16, 6:30-7:30 pm, online

Join this fun workshop to understand your toddler’s world and transform tantrums, hitting, biting, and screaming.  Registration required. Let’s laugh together and back one another in raising a toddler to support children who thrive.  Presented by Megan Barella.

Events and Programs

Find event calendars, storytime schedules, and more on our event website.

All Ages

Crosshatch Reading Challenge

Through May 6, all ages

Read comics and manga during our comics reading challenge. Comics come in all shapes and formats these days, and you can complete activities and earn badges related to reading manga, nonfiction, memoirs, and graphic novels. Sign up at our beanstack website, or pick up a book from the library.

Kids

Grab & Go Crafts

Friday, April 7, Cedar Mill & Bethany Libraries

Pick up craft bags to take home from both locations while supplies last!

LEGO Free Play

Thursday, April 13, 1-2:30 pm, Bethany Library Annex

Drop in to build and play with LEGOs. Open to ages 5+.

Saturday Play & Learn

Saturdays, April 1-29, 10-12, Cedar Mill Library, ages 2-6

Play and discover with your child.

Collaborative Coloring

Friday, April 14, all day, Bethany Library, ages 5+

Color to your heart’s content!

Super Smash Bros. Party

Saturday, April 15, 10:30-12, Cedar Mill Library, ages 6-11

Join us for a craft, Super Smash Bros. video game on the Switch, and more!

Preschool Clothespin Puppet Craft

Wednesday, April 26, 10:30-11:30 am, Bethany Library Annex, ages 3-6

Create a finger puppet using a clothespin!

Find more fun for kids at our kid’s event website.

Storytimes

Spring Storytime Session: April 3-May 26. Learn more at our storytime website.

Family Storytime

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, April 4-May 24, 10:30-11 am, Cedar Mill Library, ages 2+

Saturday, April 8, 11:15-11:45 am, Bethany Library Annex, ages 2+

Join us for stories, rhymes, songs, and movement! Space is limited; we appreciate families choosing only one storytime per week. 

Twos Together 

Tuesdays, April 4-May 23, 10:30-11 am, Bethany Library Annex

Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories perfect for active toddlers. Learn and move with your child.

Fun for Ones

Thursdays, April 6-May 25, 10:30-11 am, Cedar Mill Library

Mondays, April 3-May 22, 10:30-11 am, Bethany Library Annex

Join us for songs, rhymes, stories, and movement while making new friends!

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, April 6-May 25, 10:30-11 am, Bethany Library Annex, ages 3-6

An interactive storytime filled with books, music, and rhymes that focus on developing skills needed to get ready to read. Grownups are encouraged to participate alongside the kids.

Babytime

Fridays, April 7 & April 14-May 26, 11:30-12, Cedar Mill Library, ages 0-12 months

Share songs, rhymes, stories, and playtime while learning about early literacy skills and socializing in a supportive environment.

Teens & Tweens 

Teen Graphic Novel and Manga Book Club: Witch Hat Atelier

Saturday, April 1, 2-3:30 pm, Bethany Library Annex, ages 11-18

Join us for a discussion of Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1 by Kamome Shirahama. Limited copies of the book will be available to pick up at both libraries starting March 1 for those who can commit to attending. Registration Required. Learn more at our website.

Chaotic Crusaders Club: Dungeons & Dragons for Teens

Saturday, April 8, 1-3 pm, Teens 11-18, Cedar Mill Library 

Calling all adventurers! Do you want to save the day from terrifying monsters, cast powerful, reality-bending spells, and solve puzzles and traps using your wits, all while making new friends? Then grab your dice and join us for a game of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. New and experienced players are welcome! Registration is required. Learn more at our website.

Visit our teen event website to find resources for teens and tweens.

Programs for Adults 

Make your own Mossarium!

Thursday, April 6, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library, ages 11+

Craft your very own green wonderland in a jar. All materials will be provided, however, please feel free to bring your own material for decorative touches. Participants will work with clay, soil, water, and live moss to create a mossarium of their design. Be prepared to get a little dirty.

Spanish Conversation Hour

Wednesdays, April 12, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library, ages 11+

Want to practice your Spanish with other language learners? Join us for a Spanish language conversation hour every second Wednesday of the month starting August 10 in-person at the Cedar Mill Library. The conversation hour is not an instructional course but rather an excellent opportunity to chat and improve your Spanish language skills through facilitated conversation. Learn more at our website.

Technology Open Lab

Tuesdays, April 11 & 25, 1-3 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Get started with basic computer skills and practice with devices like laptops, tablets and cellphones.

Avid Adventurers Alliance: Dungeons & Dragons for Adults

Saturday, April 8, 1-3 pm, Cedar Mill Library, ages 19+

Grab your dice and join us for a game of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. New and experienced players are welcome! Registration Required. Learn more at our website.

Medicare 101

Thursday, April 20, 6:30-7:30 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Join Michelle Hernandez from Health Plans in Oregon as she goes over the basics of Medicare, what parts are right for you, and how to enroll. There will be plenty of time for questions at the end. Learn more at our website.

Repair Fair

Saturday, April 22, 1-4 pm, Cedar Mill Library

Bring an item to repair and work with local volunteers to keep items in use and out of the landfill.

Learn more about library groups and events for adults at our adult events website. Questions? Write askuscml@wccls.org.

Monthly Groups for Adults

Virtual Voices in Verse

Saturday, April 22, 10:30-12, Zoom

Share your own poetry or listen to others read their favorites. Registration is required.

Owl Book Group

Friday, April 28, 10:30-12, Zoom

Join us to discuss a recent or popular book. April: Fascism: A Warning, by Madeleine Albright.

Writers’ Mill

Sunday, April 16, 1-3 pm, Cedar Mill Library & online via Zoom

Join fellow writing enthusiasts for inspiration and fun. Virtual and in-person option.

Save year-round through Second Edition Resale!

Store and donation hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4

Visit Second Edition Resale for year-round savings! Look for colored dots to save 50%-75% off already low prices. All proceeds from your Second Edition Resale purchases and item donations support Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries.

Upcoming Themes

  • April 1-8: Easter/Spring
  • April 11-22: Garden
  • April 25-May 13: Mother’s Day/Garden

Learn more at our website, and see the store’s latest treasures on Instagram and Facebook (@SecondEditionResale).  

Find your next read at the CMBCL Library Book Sale!

The CMBCL Book Sale has over 2,000 titles at great prices waiting to be yours! Shop great prices on books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and games at Cedar Mill Library and in the libraries’ Amazon store. As an ongoing fundraiser for Cedar Mill and Bethany Community libraries, All Book Sale proceeds benefit library operations. Questions about donating? Call (503) 644-0043 x116 to make an appointment. Learn more at our book sale website.