Kids Not Reading Enough? Patch Has Tips from Author James Patterson

Bestselling author James Patterson gives tips on making your child an avid reader. Plus, here's a great reading list for the fall to get you started.

  At Patch we're always trying to pull together into one place all of the best local resources on every topic, including books and reading. We have the good fortune to be working with a best-selling author James Patterson in this endeavor, and we'll be continually sharing his reading list selections for every age here on Patch. Plus, we'll showcase reading lists from our local librarians, bookstores, and you—our readers. But here, an open letter to moms and dads of reluctant readers from James Patterson. Dear Moms and Dads, I’ve had the good fortune to meet hundreds of teachers and librarians around the country. They always wow me with their tips and tricks to get kids into reading. I thought it was time to get these great ideas out in the…

• Photos (2)

Traffic Alert: Brush Fires Causing Back-Ups North of Burlington on Route 93

An advisory to any Burlington resident using Route 93 in the Woburn, Stoneham, Wilmington, Medford areas.

Travelers on Route 93 will encounter back-ups due to multiple brush fires that firefighters are battling along the highway. Reports indicate there are currently brush fires in Medford in the Middlesex Fells, in Stoneham along Route 93 and another in Woburn on Route 93 at the Commerce Way exit. Dave Procopio of the Massachusetts State Police Media Relations Unit told Patch police have closed the right lane on Route 93 North to allow Woburn and Reading firefighters access to perform firefighting operations. Procopio said the lane should be re-opened within a half-hour, but said that because rush hour is approaching there will be 'residual back-ups." Travelers should expect delays. Procopio said at this time the source of the brush fires is …

• Photos (1)

Keurig Relocating to Burlington

Green Mountain Coffee announced earlier today that it is moving the Keurig Inc. headquarters to Burlington.

After months of negotiations that included the passage of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement by Town Meeting last month, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the parent company of Keurig, has decided to move its headquarters from Reading to Burlington.  As reported by Patch, Town Meeting members voted 93 to 7 to approve the Tax Increment Financing agreement with the town that would save the company an estimated $3,256,352 over 15 years in an attempt to lure the company to Burlington during the annual May Town Meeting. Town leaders supported the TIF agreement for a variety of reasons. As reported, Keurig representatives have stated, and Town Administrator Robert Mercier confirmed to Town Meeting, the planned relocation of the company …

• Photos (1)

Crib Notes

Raising Little Readers

Turning story time into more than just a bedtime ritual.

As an avid reader and novelist, married to another writer and reader, the topic of books is serious business in our household.  Needless to say, my daughter has quite an impressive collection of books even at her young age. Of all the qualities I wish I could pass on to her, a love of reading is up at the top of that list… but I know that just stocking up on books for her to gnaw on is not exactly the best way to go about this. So how can you turn your toddler’s first curiosity about books into a lifetime hobby? While there’s no way to really brainwash them into believing books are better than TV, you can sure try to get them hooked on books today.  As an article at Baby Center advises, “it’s never too early to steer your child toward …

• Photos (1)

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today, Jan. 19

Snow, ice and freezing rain this morning, a chance to get rid of an old Christmas tree and a meeting of history enthusiasts.

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section. Today is Wednesday, Jan. 19. Here are 5 things you need to know: For more things to do today, check out our Events page.

• Photos (1)

5 Things to do This Weekend, Jan 15-16

A look at what is happening in Burlington this weekend.

The weekend has finally arrived! Here at Patch we looking forward to it, as always. The only question that remains, what to do? Here are some suggestions we've found for things to do in Burlington: For more things to do, check out our events page.

• Photos (1)

10 Things To Do During a Blizzard

Staying home from work or school today? Not sure what to do with your free time? Burlington Patch has 10 great activities for you.

The big blizzard weather forecasters have been predicting all week is finally here, the schools are closed, and you’re at home for the day. Not sure how to spend your time today? Woburn Patch has some ideas for you! No matter how you choose to spend your time today, make sure to keep checking back with Woburn Patch as we update you on closings, cancellations and all the news happening in the city.

• Photos (1)

Toddler Time Inspires Literacy, Fun

A look at the Burlington Public Library's Toddler Time reading program

Upon entering the Burlington Public Library, it's hard to miss the children's section. Almost directly in front of the entrance under a sign reading "Children's Area" is a large desk with a smiling librarian next to another sign that begs "Please interrupt me!" The librarian's name is Joanna Troutt and she's been interrupted at the library for five years. "Good morning!" she says to a mother and son as they walk by and make their way into the play area before Toddler Time begins. Toddler Time is a program that the Burlington Library puts on twice a week for toddlers and their families. Charl Maynard, who runs Toddler Time, has been doing so for over ten years says Troutt. As Maynard picks the books for that morning, she explains a little …

• Photos (2)