Blog: Author: Rebecca Smith

Hip Hop Xpressions Dance Class – Tuesday, Nov. 4, 3:00pm

Get ready for high-energy, clean fun for the whole family!

Join Jarell Rochelle, seen on “So You Think You Can Dance, TED, and PBS’s Blackademics,” Tuesday November 4th at 3pm. He’ll be leading: Hip Hop XPression, a lively and inclusive dance class where everyone can move, groove, and express themselves. No experience needed—just bring your energy, your love for music, and your best moves!

Perfect for all ages, this class blends the upbeat rhythms of hip hop with easy-to-follow choreography, making it fun for children of all ages and their family members. Come ready to sweat, smile, and dance like nobody’s watching!

More about Jarell Rochelle: “For those who I have yet to meet – my name is Jarell Howard IV Rochelle, and I’m a movement artist, speaking artist, educator, and performer dedicated to the transformative power of authentic Xpression through hip-hop – street dance, and multidisciplinary art forms. Growing up in the vibrant and diverse community of Alief, Texas, I was immersed in a rich cultural tapestry that shaped my artistic journey and fueled my passion for dance and storytelling. […] At the core of my work is my teaching pedagogy, Xpress VIBE, where we provide performances, workshops, and educational programs that emphasize the power of self-expression through hip-hop culture and street dance styles. Our services are designed to address the need for creative outlets in communities, particularly for young people of color and/or any marginalized audiences who often find their voices stifled or overlooked. We aim to create spaces where individuals can explore and express their emotions through dance, storytelling, and other art forms. Currently- I employ my teaching pedagogy in my courses at Salem State University as a newly appointed associate professor of dance in the Music & Dance Department at Salem State tasked with revitalizing and re-imagining the Hip Hop Concentration and what the focused major constitutes – street dance is a HUGE piece in the academic landscaping puzzle.”

This program is funded by the Friends of the Malden Public Library.

 

Book Squad – Book Club for 4th/5th Graders – Thursday, Nov. 6

Beginning November 6, this book club for 4th and 5th graders will meet monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00pm for about 50 minutes. The program will include an informal book discussion, some snacks, and a book-related activity when appropriate. Sign up online, at the Children’s Room desk, or by calling the Children’s Room at 781.388.0803. Regular attendance is expected. Pick up the book from the Children’s Room desk and read it before the club meeting.

November 6 selection:  Hooky by Miriam Bonastre Tur

Music at the Blissful – Saturday, October 25, 3:00pm

Families with young children are invited to join us for a wonderful  music program on Saturday, October 25, at 3:00pm. Music at the Blissful is Evan Haller, a multi-award-winning and national-touring children’s musician. His popular programs help children grow mentally, physically, emotionally, cognitively while building a sense of community both within families and between families.

This program is funded by the Friends of the Malden Public Library.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration – Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6:30pm

Día de los Muertos
I remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story Bilingual Storytelling Event
Recuerdo a Abuelito: Una historia de día de muertos
 
This 3-part program, presented in both English and Spanish, is designed to be fun, energetic, and interactive, with 1) storytelling, 2) arts and craft activity, and 3) singing, dancing, or a dynamic game. Recommended for ages 5-8.
This program is supported by a grant from the Malden Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
 

This Mexican holiday is a celebration when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. In this story a young girl prepares to honor her beloved grandfather. She misses him very much and is excited for his spirit to visit that night.

The Spanish language is incomparable. Spanish is the official language of 21 countries. Spanish Fun Program was created to help teach the language to children and adults. We do this through songs and music, fun games, visual images, real world field trips, storytelling and much more.

Everyone can learn to speak Spanish, from children to adults, although the best age to learn any second language is before the age of 8 to 10 years old. We don’t just look at speaking the language, we know culture has a great deal to do with how you speak, that’s why we focus on traditions and culture of the Hispanic country.

 

Book Bunch, 3rd Thursday of month – book club for 2nd & 3rd graders

Beginning October 16, this book club for 2nd and 3rd graders will meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00pm for 50 minutes. The program will include an informal book discussion, some snacks, and a book-related activity when appropriate. Sign up online, at the Children’s Room desk or by calling the Children’s Room at 781.388.0803. Regular attendance is expected. Pick up the book from the Children’s Room desk at least 2 weeks in advance and read it before the club meeting.

October 16 selection:  Animal Rescue Friends by Gina Loveless

November 20 selection: Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo

Preschool Storytime – Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime for preschoolers (appropriate for ages 3-5) is offered weekly on a drop-in basis on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. beginning September 19. Each hour-long program will feature several picture books, songs and rhymes, and a simple craft. No need to register! Just come to the Children’s Room on Thursday and arrive by 10:30 a.m.

(Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate preschool groups in the post-storytime craft activity, but groups are welcome to attend the picture book portion at the beginning of the program.)

Song & Rhyme Time, Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

This early literacy program for young children (6 months to 4+ years) features songs, nursery rhymes, and a short picture book and takes place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. The program lasts for about 45 minutes, and no registration is required. Just come on by!

Song & Rhyme Time will be offered on alternating Saturdays at 10 a.m. beginning October 11.