Merriam-Gilbert
Public Library
3 West Main Street
W. Brookfield, MA 01585
Phone: 508-867-1410





For Kids


   Home

   Our New Blog

About the Library

Manage Your Patron Account

   Card Catalog

   Our Newsletter

New Books

   New Audiobooks

   Reference Databases

   For Adults

   Friends of the Library

Summer Reading Program

About Charles Merriam

April Vacation: Explore the Rhythm of April Showers

MGPL Creative Performance Series presents:
Drumming About You

Tuesday, April 22, 2008, From 6:30-7:30 PM

All ages, families, teens, adults, seniors...swing and sway as you get your hands on BOB BLOOM's beautiful array drums and percussion trinkets. Everyone, kids to grandparents, accompanies BB as he launches the most engaging songs you will ever hear.

Pre-registration Required. Call (508) 867-1410 or visit the Library to register.

Rainy Day Stories & Crafts

Wednesday, April 23, 2008,From 10:30-11:30 AM drop-in program

Kids grades K-4 April showers bring rain stories, activities and crafts.

Water Experiments

Thursday, April 24, 2008, From 3:30-4:30 PM drop-in program

Kids grades 3-6 join us for hands-on experiments exploring the properties of water!

Year Round Children's Programming

Toddler Play Group: Mondays 10:00-11:00 (October-May), infants to 3 years.

Begins, Monday, October 15, 2007 from 10:00-11:00

The first half hour is free-play; the second half hour the Librarian conducts a structured time, which includes a story, and a variety of games, songs, crafts and other activities!

Drop-in program; NO pre-registration necessary.

Story Hour: Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 (October-May). Ages 3-6.

Pre-registration required.

Registration: Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from 10:00-11:00

Story Hour Begins: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 from 10:00-11:00

Children ages 3+ are invited to register for our Story Hour.

(Children must be 3 years old, before September 1, 2007.)

Each week, we read a variety of stories, sing songs, play games and do a craft/activity.


Book Clubs @ the Merriam-Gilbert Public Library

Star Book Review Club for GRADES 1-3

Meets on the FIRST Tuesday of each month from 3:30-4:30PM.

At the club meeting, read and discuss a book together, followed by an activity that relates to the book's theme. Free snacks are provided. New Members are always welcome. Pre-registration required. Call or visit the Library at 508-867-1410 to register.


Two Talk Book Review Club Review Club for kids in grades 4 and 5 with an Adult Buddy.

Meets the FIRST Tuesday of each month.

Discussion from 6:30-7:30 PM

Parents, have a date night with your 4th and 5th graders! Read the book beforehand, either individually or together. Free munchies are provided.

Copies of each month's book can be picked up at the Library. Remember to bring your Library Card! Pre-registration required. Call or visit the Lbrary at 508-867-1410 to register.


Young Adult Stars Book Review Club

Students in grades 6 get a free homework pass.

Students in grades 7 and 8 get extra credit for participating.

Meets the FOURTH Tuesday of each month.

Discussion from 6:30-7:30 PM

Free munchies are provided.

Copies of each month's book can be picked up at the Library. Remember to bring your Library Card! Pre-registration required. Call or visit the Lbrary at 508-867-1410 to register.

Home School Library Visits

Home school students in grades 2 – 7 are invited to gain skills using the card catalog to help find resources within our Children’s Room collection and more. Various workshops can be setup that pertain to your curriculum. See the Children’s Librarian to set up an informative, creative workshop!

School vacations: Programs to be announced.

A Statewide Summer Reading Program is held each year in July and August. Please refer to Summer Reading Web Page for more information.

Unattended Child Policy



In order to provide for the general safety of children using the Merriam-Gilbert Public Library, as well as all persons using the Library, and also to prevent undue disruption of normal library activities, the following rules and regulations are a matter of policy at the Merriam-Gilbert Public Library:

1. Children 8 years or younger shall at all times be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person (an adult or adolescent age 14+), and not by library personnel.

2. Children 9-13 years of age may visit the Library unattended for a maximum of 2 hours, with consideration to each child’s ability to use the Library in a constructive and appropriate manner. Disruptive children will be given direction and a warning, and if these attempts fail, those children will be asked to leave the Library.

3. The Merriam-Gilbert Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the Library. Parents assume all liability for damage done by their children to any library property.

Approved 01/03