For information about Youth Services at PML, contact Jennifer Benham at jbenham@cumberlandmaine.com and check out our PML Facebook page.
There's a lot happening for kids at PML. Click on the links below for more information or to register for programs.
Links we like:
GMS Library Summer Reading List 2023
Maine Student Book Award: The Maine Student Book Award is designed to expand literary horizons of students in grades 4-8 by encouraging them to read, evaluate, and enjoy a selection of new books and to choose a statewide favorite by written ballot each spring.
cloudLibrary
Use your library card to download audiobooks and ebooks. You may borrow up to three books at a time and place holds on books that are currently checked out. Need a library card? Apply for one at the library.
Local Land Trusts
Get outdoors and explore. Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust and Royal River Conservation Trust preserve local land and water to explore, kayak, hike, picnic, and play. They also offer programs and events for families and individuals.
Science Online
Hang out and do science with Chris Dorman, STEM specialist at the Maine State Library. Fun projects, simple materials. Airing LIVE on Facebook, every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
The Story Seeds Podcast
Kids with intriguing story ideas are paired with notable authors to grow those seeds into stories. Lots of inspiring ideas for budding authors and illustrators.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Fascinating tales of extraordinary women, from Greta Thunberg to Madame C. J. Walker. Most of the podcasts are available through a free app downloadable from the website.
Fascinating and often lesser known stories from history told with a touch of humor.
Early Learning for Preschoolers
Tuesday Storytime
Babies and Toddlers:
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5):
Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
At PML
No registration required.
Wednesday Storytime
North Yarmouth Community Center
Ages 0-5
Wednesdays at 11 a.m. (after Kiddie Gym)
Stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and more with Melissa.
Baby & Toddler Hangout
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
10 a.m.
No registration required.
Kids ages 0-3 and caregivers, come hang out in our activity room and enjoy all it has to offer. We have a play kitchen, dolls, puzzles, duplos, a train table, and an art station. So much to do! This is a low-key time for both kids and caregivers to socialize and connect. No registration required. Just drop in!
Little Makers
2nd and 4th Thursdays
10:30-11 a.m. Ages 0-5
Drop-in format. No registration required.
Let's get messy! Art is about the process, not the product. Let's explore different materials, experiment, and play! Join Melissa on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (holidays excepted) to let loose and create. Please wear clothing appropriate for messy play.
Little Roots Family
11 a.m. (after Kiddie Gym)
Community Room at the North Yarmouth Community Center
Fun for Kids
Spring! at Skyline Farm
Saturday, May 10, 1 to 2 p.m.
At Skyline Farm: 95 The Lane, North Yarmouth
Ages PreK-Gr. 5*, with caregivers
Join us for the second of four seasonal nature walks planned at Skyline Farm in North Yarmouth. We will take a stroll through the fields and woods to observe nature waking up after a long, cold winter. Be sure to dress accordingly. We will meet in the visitor center to start.
This event is geared toward preK - 5th grade, but all ages are welcome. As this is an outdoor event, registration is recommended so we can notify you of any changes due to weather.
Trading Card Meetups
Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
At PML
No meetup on February 20
Bring your Pokemon, Magic, baseball, football, soccer (etc., etc.) cards to show and trade with friends. We can't promise that there will be others with your type of trading card, but you may learn about something new! Drop in format. No registration required.
Read to Nora
Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.: 3/12
Saturdays, 2-3 p.m.: 3/1, 3/29
At PML
MSBA Read Aloud Lunch Bunch at GMS
Grade 4: Tuesdays, lunch & recess in the STEM Lab
Grades 5 & 6: Thursdays, lunch & recess in GMS library
January 14 - March 27
Settle in for a read aloud book group! Sit back and enjoy your lunch while Jennifer and Melissa read one of this year's Maine Student Book Award nominees aloud. Can't come every week? Don't worry! Come when you can. We'll get you caught up on anything you missed.
Featured book: The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg. From the publisher: "It’s 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets…or is he? Drawn in by Mika’s unique ability to notice small details—a skill Mika has always used to survive—the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet…with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity?"
Sign up with your classroom teacher or Ms. Hall-Riddle in the GMS library.
Drop-In Chess with Jay
Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
At PML
No chess on February 18
New to the game of chess, or looking to sharpen your skills? Join us for a fun and relaxed group for kids interested in chess.
No registration required.
Lego Free Build
Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
Grades PreK–5
Drop-in format. No registration required.
Free build with friends using PML's large collection of Legos. We will meet at the long tables near Luna's terrarium. Creations will be displayed at the library for one week.
LEGOs are out all week, during February vacation week, Feb. 18-22
Story Walks Nearby
Story Walk in Cumberland
The Story Walk at Town Forest can be accessed via the Town Hall parking lot at 290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland. This month's story (March 2025):
Story Walk in North Yarmouth
The Story Walk in North Yarmouth can be accessed via the Westcustago Hall/North Yarmouth Community Center parking lot (120 Memorial Highway, No. Yarmouth). This month's story (November 2022): Gobble Gobble by Maine author Cathryn Falwell.