Library Programs for Youth
Audiences for Greta’s library programs vary. Greta is prepared for them all: toddlers, tweens, and any combination in between.
All programs contain age-appropriate activities such as singing, hand motions and/or stretching songs for the younger children; a song using American Sign Language; and playing spoons and a wonderful variety of percussion instruments. Instruments may include guitar, mountain dulcimer, and ukulele.
To book a library concert, or to request a new program designed to fit your individual needs, contact Greta!
Summer reading programs
For Summer 2024:
for iRead and Ready to Read Grants:
Don’t Bug Me, I’m Reading!
In this lively and interactive program, audience members contribute their favorite book titles and favorite book characters to include in the title song. The program includes songs in American Sign Language, accompaniment on guitar and ukulele, and a fascinating variety of percussion instruments which selected audiences members will play.
Summer Favorites:
• Crazy Camp Songs (description to the right) and
• The Outdoors Rock! – Songs for Hikes, Picnics & more
Crazy Camp Songs
If you want a traditional summer theme, this lively sing-along is for you! It includes traditional and original songs that are perfect for singing around the camp fire, in the family car … and at the library… with accompaniment on guitar and ukulele.
Customized Programs
Greta will create a music program to complement your individual Summer Reading Program and other special event! Past themes include “Blast Off With Books,” “Musical Clues” and “Teddy Bear Picnic.” Don’t be shy — ask what she can do for you!
Spring programs
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH (APRIL)
Poems & Songs (Ages 5-11)
Bring poetry alive in this fun and interactive program. Greta leads songs and group recitation that are based on poetry found in your library! Geared to the audience at hand, it may include favorites from Shel Silverstein, R.L. Stevenson, A. A. Milne, and Dennis Lee (Alligator Pie), plus limericks and more. With a grade school crowd, we’ll bring out the spoons, washboards and percussion instruments for volunteers to play.
NATIONAL D.E.A.R. DAY (APRIL 12) AND NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK (APRIL 19-25)
Singing Books (Ages 0-6 years)
We’ll celebrate songs transformed into books. Favorites include “Wheels on the Bus,” “Cat Goes Fiddle-I-Fee,” and “Alligator Pie.” Librarians will get an advanced list of recommended books, for display and checkout.
Also available: Get Ready To Read ….With Music!
CINCO DE MAYO/JAPAN CHILDREN’S DAY
Music in a Multicultural World
In May, the “Music in a Multicultural World” program highlights these two holidays celebrated on May 5th. Students “translate” a song from Spanish, learn words of greeting and thanks, and hear about the historical significance and cultural celebrations of these two important holidays.
Also available: La Música Es Mágica/Music is Magic
The Outdoors Rock! – Songs for Hikes, Picnics & Camping
Have a rockin’ good time singing songs that will keep you movin’ & groovin’. Selected audience members play percussion instruments from nature and the picnic basket!
Fall programs
Gathering the Harvest
A great family program, celebrating the harvest season with songs, sign language, and a basketful of harvest-themed percussion instruments, including corn, gourds and bananas!
Celebrate Halloween
Humorous and not-too-spooky songs and chants for your monsters, gypsies and and other creatures, plus sign language and harvest percussion instruments (including pretend-skulls, corn, gourds and bananas).
Winter programs
Songs for the Winter
A non-holiday oriented program
December Holidays
Celebrating the traditions of Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa
Year-round educational programs
FOR READY TO READ FUNDS: Get Ready to Read…. with Music!
This engaging program for ages 0-5 promotes literacy and language skills such as phonemic awareness, rhyming, and word meaning through songs, movement, and sign language. Quick and easy tips for parents and caregivers are also included.
Music Is Magic
If you can’t decide on a theme, choose this one! This wonderful collection of original and traditional songs, plus sign language, changes for each audience – 1s & 2s, toddlers, preschoolers, up through elementary ages — and any combination thereof.
The Science of Sound
Explore the science of sound! Through songs and instruments, we experiment with manipulating sound, and “hear” clashing sound waves as Greta tunes her guitars. Get ideas on how kids can create instruments out of found objects at home. With a grade-school crowd, selected members of the audience will be invited to play sound tubes, buckets, shakers and other assorted “home-made” instruments.
Celebrate American Folk Songs
Explore the rich heritage of the United States and the history behind folk songs such as “Follow The Drinking Gourd,” “Old Joe Clark,” “16 Tons” and “This Land Is Your Land.” Greta plays mountain dulcimer and guitar, teaches a song in Sign Language, and invites selected audience members to play spoons and washboard.
La Música es Mágica/Music is Magic (bilingual)
This spirited, bilingual sing-along program celebrates the magic of music with songs in Spanish, English, and sign language; commentary is in Spanish and English. Actual songs vary according to the make-up of the audience (mostly Spanish speaking; mostly English, or a combination). Greta plays guitar, and brings her wonderful collection percussion instruments for selected members of the audience to play.
Around the World in Song
From Mexico to West Africa, Austria to Japan and beyond, we celebrate similarities and differences among people through their traditional folk music. Greta brings her guitar, and amazing percussion instruments from around the world — including Thai frogs, a Guatemalan bamboo drum, an African gourd shaker, and South American goat toe nails!