Join the Beanstack Reading Challenge!
Need some inspiration to get your family reading? The Nantucket Atheneum and Weezie Library for Children are partnering with Beanstack to offer reading challenges for readers of all ages. Beanstack allows you to easily track your reading, earn incentives, and stay motivated to read more. Log-in, pick a challenge, and start earning virtual badges, tickets […]
Send Us Your Peep Diorama Photos!
Many of you have reached out to ask about our annual Peep Diorama contest. While the Atheneum building is closed, we are still eager to see your creations!
If you would like to submit a Peep creation, you can send photos to lpless@nantucketatheneum.org or text the photos to 508-825-9834. There will be no competition this year, but we will share your photos on our website and on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Please practice social distancing and proper protection when gathering materials, wash your hands, and get creating!
Online Resources for Adults, Parents, and Teachers
With schools closed and many workers and families at home, you may be wondering where to find resources that are educational, reputable, and free. The following is a library-curated collection of online learning tools for adults, parents, and teachers. Don’t forget, the library has lots of digital services available online.
Adult Online Learning
- Lynda.com Online Technology and Design Video Courses
- Harvard Extension School Open Learning
- Alison Online Learning
- NPR Shows and Podcasts
- Internet Archive Digital Library
- Project Gutenberg Free eBooks
- Digital Learn Basic Computer Lessons
- The Concordium: Program Combating Isolation for Seniors
- 15 Card Games for Family Game Night
- National Theatre Free Full-Length Plays (New Program Every Thursday)
- Signature Sounds: Parlor Room Home Sessions Acoustic Performances
Resources for Teachers and Educators
- PBS PreK-12 Resources for Emergency Closings
- PBS Free Lesson Plans and Videos
- Boston Symphony Orchestra HomeSchool
- Learning Keeps Going Webinars
- Jbrary Storytime and Music Videos/Resources
- Nanpuppets “Out to See” Singalongs and Videos
- Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources
- We Are Teachers: Online Read-Alouds and Activities
- Audible Stories: Free Children’s Audiobooks
- Welcome to the Bestiary: Free Animal Coloring Pages
- Star Wars Printables and Activities
- Writing Prompts for Kids
- Family History Activities for Kids
- Candlewick Press Coronavirus for Children eBook
- Boston Children’s Museum Daily Activities
- “I Want My Hat Back” Little Angel Theatre Puppet Show
- Math Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
- Webcomics for Teens and Tweens
- Read Together, Be Together Literacy Movement
- Illustoria: Draw, Write, Play, Make Activities
- Junie B. Jones Printable and Activities
Virtual Field Trips
- National Park Service Virtual Field Trips
- San Diego Zoo Live Cams
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 360 Tour
- Louvre Online Tours
- NASA Langley Research Center Virtual Tour
- Museum of Fine Arts Virtual Exhibits
- Georgia Aquarium Live Cams
- Virtual Viewing of Disney’s Magic Happens Parade
- Live Cam: Bird Library
- Atlas Obscura: Stream the Animal Kingdom from Home
Language Learning
- Mango Languages
- English Language Learning (ELL) and LVA Resources
- Duolingo Language Lessons
- NYPL At Home Storytime Guides
Crafts and DIY Projects
Online Resources for Children and Teens
With schools closed indefinitely and many families and students at home, you may be wondering where to find resources that are educational, reputable, and free. The following is a library-curated collection of online learning tools for children and teens of all ages. Don’t forget, the library has lots of digital services available online.
General Online Learning and Fun
- Audible Stories: Free Children’s Audiobooks
- Storyline Online Stories Read by Actors
- BBC Bitesize Youth Learning Games
- Smithsonian Online Learning Lab
- Wizarding World’s Harry Potter At Home
- Chris Haughton “Stay at Home” Stories and Illustration
- Star Wars Printables and Activities
- NEHGS American Ancestors Family History Activities
- You-Choose-the-Ending “Respect Differences” eBook
- Webcomics for Teens and Tweens
- Library of Congress: Everyday Mysteries
- ReadTogether Printable Activities
- Junie B. Jones Printables and Activities
Math and Science
- National Geographic Science Lab
- NOAA Marine Biology and Ocean Science for Kids
- Scratch Online Coding and Interactive Sharing
- Frontier for Young Minds Teen-Reviewed Science Journal
- Code.org Youth Coding and Computer Science Lessons
- Bill Nye the Science Guy
Art and Music
- Boston Symphony Orchestra HomeSchool Lessons
- Lunch Doodles with Illustrator Mo Willems
- PBS Music Games
- Jbrary Youtube Singalongs for Little Ones
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art METKids
- Welcome to the Bestiary: Free Animal Coloring Pages
- Drawing Nature Indoors
- “I Want My Hat Back” Little Angel Theatre Puppet Show
- #CoronaMaison (CoronaHouse) Public Art Project
- National Theatre Free Full-Length Plays (New Every Thursday)
- Illustoria: Draw, Write, Play, Make Activities
Experience Disney and Imagineering At Home
- Disney How-to-Draw Video Series
- Happily Ever After Fireworks Show Viewing
- Virtual Viewing of Disney’s Magic Happens Parade
- Disney Youth Programs Series
- Virtual Disney Rides From Home
- Disney Magic Moments: Story Time
- Disney Magic Moments: At Home With Olaf
- WDW Magic Kingdom Orlando, FL Walk-Through
- Disney Recipes and Party Tips
- Disney Craft Projects and Ideas
Language Learning
- Mango Languages
- English Language Learning (ELL) and LVA Resources
- Duolingo Language Lessons
- NYPL At Home Storytime Guides
Virtual Field Trips
- National Park Virtual Field Trips
- San Diego Zoo Live Cams
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 360 Tour
- NASA Langley Research Center Virtual Tour
- Museum of Fine Arts Virtual Exhibits
- Georgia Aquarium Live Cams
- Virtual Viewing of Disney’s Magic Happens Parade
- Live Cam: Bird Library
- Atlas Obscura: Stream the Animal Kingdom from Home
- WDW Magic Kingdom Orlando, FL Walkthrough
Kids Crafts and DIY Projects
2019 PEEPs Diorama Contest
The Nantucket Atheneum presents the 8th annual Peeps Diorama Contest, where participants create a scene inside a shoebox depicting their favorite book or literary character using Easter PEEPs. The dioramas can be entered in four categories: Children, Teens, Families and Adults.
There are a couple rules: each diorama must be based on a book or literary theme with the characters portrayed using Peeps, all dioramas must be made using a standard size shoebox, limit your use of food as a material only to PEEPs and all entries must be in good taste.
Once considered an Easter candy, marshmallow PEEPs are now available year round for a variety of holidays. Manufactured in Pennsylvania by the Just Born company, PEEPs are technically a food product, but considered indestructable. As the marshmallow ages and is exposed to air — it dehydrates, becoming “stale” and slightly crunchy. According to Just Born, 25%-30% of their customers prefer eating Peeps stale. In 1999 scientists at Emory University conducted experiments on PEEPs to see what it took to dissolve them.
Recently, PEEP eating contests and diorama contests have become popular around the country.
Join us by creating a PEEPs diorama or coming to the Atheneum between April 16 and 24th to vote on your favorites. Winners will be announced April 25th.
Contest Dates
April 11 – 13 Drop off your completed diorama to the Atheneum during regular library hours.
April 16 – 24 Come in and vote for your favorite diorama in four categories.
April 25 Winners announced.
Toddler Time in the Weezie Library
Join us for a fun and engaging 25-30 minute story time for toddlers ages 18-36 months. Free admission. No reservation required, but program is limited to first 10 toddlers and their caregivers. Tickets available at the Children’s Desk when the library opens.