Lights, Camera, Action

Loudoun County Public Library Sponsors Teen Film Competition

Any parent of a teenager has probably seen their share of crazy – or scary, or funny, or [insert adjective here] – You Tube videos of their child and his or her best friend. Now comes the opportunity to take advantage of any experience they gained while testing parental nerves. Loudoun residents, ages 12 to 18, who are serious about filmmaking, are invited to enter the Loudoun County Public Library’s 6th annual Teen Film Competition through July 31. Films must be original and no longer than 5 minutes. Once completed, participants should upload the film to YouTube and submit an entry form [see PDF on this page] at a local library branch. Whether filming a comedy, documentary, science experiment or musical performance, there are chances to …

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The Teddy Bears Had Their Picnic at Ashburn Library

And some cute kids from around the community did, too.

Thursday evening, in celebration of Children's Book Week, Ashburn Library hosted its First Teddy Bear Picnic. Dozens of wee ones gathered, teddy bears in hand, to take part in the festivities.  Each child received his own set of teddy bear ears, which most of them donned during story time. The kids enjoyed a reading of the classic "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," acting out "Going on a Bear Hunt" and singing "TEDDY" set to the "BINGO" tune.  After story time the children were invited to play a beanbag toss game, make a teddy bear craft, measure out bowlfuls of porridge (oatmeal) and enjoy animal crackers and juice. The library staff had also handpicked an array of bear-themed books that they displayed and allowed children to borrow. With …

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Grab & Go Kids Planner

Spring Break Fun!

Here’s this week’s list of fun-filled events for the family.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • 21ST ANNUAL LEESBURG FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Where/When: Children’s area on Wirt Street in Leesburg on Saturday, April 16, and Sunday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Why Go: Both days will be filled with live music, reptile exhibits, crafts, face-painting and other child-oriented activities. Pricing: $3 per person, free for children under 6. • FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE Where/When: Ashburn Public Library on Saturday, April 16, at 3 p.m. Why Go: Bring your pillows, blankets and snacks to enjoy Despicable Me on the big screen. Pricing: Free • SPRING BREAK - EXTENDED OPEN BOUNCE! Where/When: Sport Bounce of Loudoun in Ashburn during Spring Break week: Monday, April 18, through Friday, April 22, various times. Why …

Grab & Go Kids Planner

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

Here’s this week’s list of fun-filled events for the family.

Take this week to dance in your pajamas and learn about various cultures. FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK • PUBLIC SKATE Where/When: Ashburn Ice House on Friday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Why Go: The temperature is dropping again. Why not take head inside for ice skating?  Pricing: Children 13 and younger are $6; Adults $7; Seniors $5. • KITE FUN DAY AT THE FARM Where/When: Frying Pan Park in Herndon on Saturday, March 26, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Why Go: Take your kids aged 10 and younger to make, decorate and watch a kite soar. Pre-register online. Pricing: Free • KATHA: TALES FROM INDIA PRESENTED BY THE SPILLING INK PROJECT Where/When: Ashburn Public Library on Saturday, March 26, at 3 p.m. Why Go: Experience …

Getting Out of the House

The Library Isn’t Just For Kids

A look at upcoming events for grownups at the Ashburn Library

As an avid reader who is always looking for a good deal, I feel the Ashburn Library is one of the most commonly overlooked places for cheap entertainment. In addition to checking out books, movies and magazines for free, the library hosts various events each week from book clubs to foreign language classes that aren't just for kids. The best part? Most of the events are free or extremely reasonable. As I perused the Loudoun County Public Library website, I was thrilled to discover the One-on-One Foreign Language Boot Camp, where you are partnered with a volunteer for a one-hour session each week for two months. I minored in French in college but I would say my French is far from fluent now. I often say if only I could find someone who …

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Ashburn Library Gears Up for Annual Book Sale

Work is underway sorting thousands of donations, which can me made through Jan. 26.

In the dead of winter activities in Ashburn are few and far between—one of the reasons so many people enthusiastically mark their calendars for Ashburn Library’s annual book sale. “Our's is one of the only book sales that take place in the winter, and because it is after the holidays it is a great time for people to clean out their houses and donate,” said Jessica West, the library's branch manager. "We are very fortunate that we are not competing with other libraries, although the weather can always surprise us.” As many as 200 people line up outside before the doors open for the highly anticipated event. For avid readers, the selection is wide and the price is right.  Who could turn down the price tag: $2 for hardcovers and $1 paperbacks…

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Tam Willenbrock

9:49 am on Thursday, January 20, 2011

Looking forward to it! Much to my husband's chagrin, I have a "wanted" paperback list!   more ›

Getting Out of the House

Storytelling Extraordinaires: Reading Activities in Ashburn

This week the library system hosts storytellers that entertain adults and children alike, starting Tuesday afternoon.

For children, reading is a win-win: They love to be read to and there is also a direct correlation between reading and success in school. The Ashburn Library offers ample opprotunities for parents and children to participate together in reading activities. According to research conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 45 percent of children ages 3 to 5 are not read to daily. Studies show that how often a child is read to is one indicator of how well a child will do in school. You know about the importance of reading, but keeping the stories fresh and entertaining to your children can be a whole new challenge. Luckily, the Loudoun County Public Library has eight locations around the county, each with a vibrant children’s …

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