Check the library’s online calendar for details on special events, kids programs, and story times.   All the libraries have a children’s area with couches, chairs and a small rug for snuggling up to read books together.   Some branches also feature educational computer games.

www.aclib.us

Baby Boppers is a weekly class that enhances interaction between parents/caregivers and children.   Our class promotes early physical activity in babies/toddlers through music and dance. Parents/caregivers will have lots of fun with their children, singing and dancing to well know nursery rhymes and also learn lots of new movement songs.   We bring lots of exciting props to capture babies/toddlers imaginations.   Silk scarves, bean bags, musical instruments, bubbles and parachutes are all items used throughout each session.   We also have bi-weekly visitors such as Dora, Spongebob, Mickie/Minnie Mouse, Pirates and Princesses.   Occasionally we'll get a bit messy and introduce crafts.

*Just north of Alachua County in Lake City


fiestacreations@live.com

Baby Signs®, the ORIGINAL sign language program for hearing babies, has been bringing powerful, research-proven benefits to babies and their families around the world for over 25 years.  The Baby Signs® Program is the world's leading program for hearing infants and toddlers because it is the only program that:


-Developed by child development experts specifically for hearing babies.
-Scientifically tested and proven to provide positive benefits for babies and their families.
-Based on American Sign Language with added flexibility to meet the needs of all families.
-Full range of signing classes and products for babies, parents and child development centers.

Janice Anderson

babysignsbyjanice@bellsouth.net
www.babysignsprogram.com/byjanice

Third Thursday of the month 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Ages baby to 12 years old
Ages 4-12 are $5 | Kids under 4 are FREE

Join Gainesville Ecotours as part of Children and Nature Network and Get Outdoors Florida to get kids in nature and provide exercise! Gainesville Ecotours will plan an environmental education program for kids. The program will provide for some guidance for parents as they guide their child through hiking trails, with most time allotted for free play and hiking in nature. Examples of educational programs include nature scavenger hunts, nature photography, using the five senses to discover nature, examining plants, insects, and wildlife, and more. Adults must accompany their children. The club will meet at different City of Gainesville Parks, Alachua County conservation land, or water management district conservation areas each month.

Terri@GainesvilleEcoTours.com
www.GainesvilleEcoTours.com

FREE CLASS:
First Saturday of the month at Headquarters Branch library All ages

Musikgarten is the leader in early childhood music education - for children and teachers. In addition to the free class at the library, we offer a semester long complete multi-year educational program that helps infants, toddlers, and children develop a deep love of music and the ability to express it. We have wonderful CDs of the songs sung in class, age-appropriate instruments, and parent guidebooks. These home materials reinforce lessons and involve the whole family in the fun.

Another option to consider is starting your own playgroup at your home.   Playgroups can be tailored to kids BIRTH THRU AGE FIVE (give or take)!   Have three, four or more of your friends join you for some musical fun on your turf, and get your classes for free! Each playgroup can decide the length of their session.

Instructor: Susan Moss  /  (352) 256-8894
sdmoss5@hotmail.com
Click here for library class schedule www.musikgarten.org/gainesville

Brighter Babies (ages 0-18 months) is structured to introduce young ones to a new social setting.  While the children play with developmentally appropriate toys, the parents share thoughts about their child’s development, cute pictures from the holidays or anything else they wish to discuss.  The children participate in a warm-up stretch session, then they have the opportunity to play parachute games, use the slide and play in the ball pool.  Our room is visually stimulating with vibrant colors and has more than enough toys to keep the tiny tots active.


www.O2BKids.com

FREE CLASSES:
Selected Wednesdays at Millhopper and Tower Road Branch libraries All ages

Tonewood Family Music: Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them.  Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical.  All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

Semester long weekly classes are offered at multiple locations. Please check the website for details.


Director@TonewoodFamilyMusic.com
Click here for library class schedule www.tonewoodfamilymusic.com