Kids Programs
Advanced registration is required to reserve your spot for these family-friendly activities.
STEM Play Group
Fridays: March 2, April 6, May 4
10–11am
We’ll have a blast in this science, technology, engineering and math-based playgroup where they will explore the world around children. Ages PreK-5.
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party
Saturday, March 3
3-4pm
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish…celebrate Read Across America Day (the nation’s largest reading event occurring each year on or around Dr. Seuss’ birthday!) with a reading of a Dr. Seuss book, free goody bag, fun activities, and much more! Grades PreK-5.
Financial Literacy for Kids
Saturdays, March 3-24
12:30-1:30pm
It’s never too early to teach kids how to manage their money. Certified Financial Education Instructor, Ola Aremu will teach kids the tools to be financially responsible. During this 4 week session, children will learn to create budgeting and spending plans, make buying decisions and incorporate charitable giving in their financial plan. Ages 5-7 and 8-10.
Popcorn Party
Thursday, March 8
6-7pm
The smells of a buttery, crunchy treat will fill the air in the Library as we observe Popcorn Lover’s Day– at the library! We’ll have a popcorn feast with a variety of toppings and mix-ins. Since no popcorn party is complete without a movie, we’ll be screening a book-based movie and making a popcorn craft to enhance your snack experience! Grades PreK-5.
Storyboard Network Presents: Read & Feed
Saturdays: March 10, April 7, May 5
11am-12pm
Students from PreK-12th grade will learn creative & fun techniques that will encourage students to read more. Free books and care packages will be given to each child in attendance.
Books and Bubbles
Wednesdays: Mar. 14, Apr. 11 & May 9
11–11:20am
A 20-minute baby and toddler program featuring nursery rhymes, songs and bounces, followed by bubble-popping.
Keep on Writing
Wednesdays, March 14-May 16
5-6pm
Many students have difficulty developing writing skills, signing their names, and reading materials written in cursive. Taught by retired teachers, this 10 week program will enable students to have fun improving their cursive writing skills. The first session on Wednesday, March 14 will explain the program to parents and students. Grades 3-5.
Greeneggstravanza
Saturday, March 17
10-11am
The Leprechaun and Easter Bunny have teamed up to make our egg hunt green and gold this year! Together we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Easter by hunting for green and gold eggs. Don’t forget your basket or sack to collect eggs! After the Hunt join us for an outdoor scavenger hunt, light refreshments, a craft and the U of I Extension’s insect petting zoo! Grades PreK-5.
Paint by Sticker
Wednesday, March 21
6-7pm
Come and create a masterpiece using pre-cut stickers and template pages. Grades K-8.
Bunny Bookmarks
Wednesday, March 28
6-7pm
With Easter quickly approaching, what better way to save your place in your Easter book than with a bunny bookmark! Grades K-12.
Sensory Programming
Check out the extra-special programming we’ve planned for our special needs children and their parents.
Sensory Bottles
Saturday, March 17
3-4pm
Sensory bottles are a useful and much-needed tool for anxious children with sensory needs and sensitivities. They also provide a way to engage in safe sensory play without the mess. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Limit 20.
The Goo is Blue
Saturday, April 28
3-4pm
In honor of Autism Awareness month, we will be going blue with our crafts. Individuals with special needs are encouraged to come out and get messy! We will be making slime and for those with tactile sensitivities, we will be painting as an alternative. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Limit 20.
Spring Fling : A Sensory Friendly Event
Saturday, May 19
5-7pm
Come to the library and enjoy a fun-filled evening for those with special needs. Enjoy games, crafts and more!
Books and Hoops
Thursday, April 19
6-7pm
We’ll meet at the Southland Center to learn basic basketball skills and to create your own basketball book. Ages 5-10.
Earth Day Celebration
April 21
2-4pm
While your parents shred their unwanted documents, join us at the library for some fun activities in celebration of Earth Day, which will include composting with worms, crafting and more! Grades PreK-8.
May the 4th Be With You Day!
Friday, May 4
4-5pm
Celebrate Star Wars Day with crafting! Come participate in: make your own light saber, recycled Droid making, and make your own edible tie fighters and more. Grades K-5.
Roses for Mom
Saturday, May 5
1-2pm
We will celebrate our Mothers with love and red roses. Our participants will honor their Mom with a special gift. Grades PreK-5.
Bloxels Game Design
Thursday, May 17
6-7pm
Bloxels is a hands-on platform that enables you to create, design, play, and share your own video games, all from scratch! No programming experience is required. You can customize your game by animating your characters, villains, creating game maps, and including special power-ups. Grades 2-6. Limit 10.
Nerf Wars
Friday, May 25
5:30-7:30pm
After the library closes we will use the library as our arena to battle our friends! For Nerf Wars at night we will have Nerf Games, Target Shooting, dinner and lots more. Grades 1-6. Limit 30.
Kinetic Sandmaking
Wednesday, May 30
6-7pm
It’s more fun when it’s Wacky! Kinetic Sand is the squeezable sand where you can FEEL the fun! It’s kinetic – meaning it sticks to itself and not to you! Let us show you how to make your own…Sign up today! Grades 1-8. Limit 15.
