Libraries' Calendars Full of Kid-Friendly Programs

On Friday, Makenna Hakim, 8, of Pikesville transplanted tomato and pansy plants during the Pikesville Branch Library's Gardening for Kids Program.

"Kids got hands-on training in how to transplant flowers, how to grow veggies in crazy containers, when to fertilize and when to water, and when to harvest," said Bob Hughes, spokesman.

The gardening class is among the numerous children's classes and programs offered at the Pikesville and Randallstown branch libraries. Here are some others:

On Monday, April 25, a patrons' favorite returns to Pikesville: "."

It gives shy or reluctant readers the chance to read with a trained Karma Dog—a sweet dog who is trained to hang out with children, and, of course, not judge their reading skills.

The program begins at 6 p.m., and another session is set for 6 p.m. May 16.

"" for children ages 2-5 will be held at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Pikesville Branch. "Wear your PJs and bring your Teddy bear for an evening of songs, fingerplays and stories," the library calendar states.

"," for infants and babies ages birth to 23 months, is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, and Wednesday, May 11 at the Pikesville Branch. It's also held at 10:30 a.m. on May 21 and 25.

School-age children can take part in "Children's Book Week with Squidfire's Kevin Sherry" at 7 p.m. May 3. Sherry will talk about his inspiration and career, according to the library calendar.

Visit the Pikesville Branch calendar for more choices.

Randallstown

At 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday at Randallstown Branch Library, kids ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult, can attend "Preschool Story Time."

And on Thursday, May 5, also at Randallstown, is "Baby Boosters Story Time," a class in which an adult shares stories and music with their infant or baby, ages birth through 23 months.

The popular meets at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Randallstown Branch, where they will discuss Not Exactly Normal by Devin Brown.

And teens ages 13 and older shouldn't miss "," set for 9 a.m. May 7. Verizon Helping Hands teaches this class on basic computer skills.

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 can participate in "" to learn about entrepreneurship, get ready for college and give back to the community. The program meets from 3:30-5 p.m. May 10 at the Randallstown Branch, located at 8604 Liberty Road.

Visit the Randallstown Branch calendar for more choices.