Kid and Tween STEAM: Hot Air Balloon Art

Kid and Tween STEAM: Hot Air Balloon Art

Try your hand at cut paper art and play with perspective with this hot air balloon art craft!

Things you will need include:

  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Something round to trace a circle from (such as a cup)
  • Markers
  • Paper for the sky, grass/trees, balloon basket, and clouds
  • 6 thin strips of colorful paper for the balloon

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

November Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin us this November for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! The theme for Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5) is The Letter U! Explore the magical world of "Uni"-horns, Umbrellas, Under the…, and something NEW, just for U... or should we say...

October 2023 Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For October, we will have fun with the letter O and opposites!  Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM and Wednesdays at...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

July Kid & Tween Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Every Monday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. in the Community Room For ages 9-184TH OF JULY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday,...

June Kids and Tween Activities

SPECIAL STORY TIME Join us for a special story time with local author Ruth Nielson! She is the author and illustrator of I Am Remarkable: A Journey of Self-Discovery. Ruth will lead our little ones in a yoga session, so please bring a towel or mat for your child to...

Kid + Tween JUNE Activities

SUMMER READING 2022- OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES School is out and the sun is (mostly) shining... that means it is now SUMMER READING! Sign up at the booth in the front foyer. You can also sign up through the app Beanstack. 1st prizes: starts June 21st2nd prizes: starts...

Book Babies: Fun with Scarves and New Board Books!

Book Babies: Fun with Scarves and New Board Books!

Book Babies: Fun with Scarves and New Board Books!

Today we decided to have fun with scarf songs (always a favorite!) and with some of our brand new board books! Click the links below to check them out for you and your baby – you’ll love them!

Join us live Wednesdays at 10:00 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Singing to and with your child is very important, and it doesn’t matter if you sing in English or another language. In one scientific study, babies as young as one week could distinguish their mother’s voice from a group of other female voices. Children love being sung to by their parents, and such singing helps to trigger their speech development. So, sing aloud to your children at home in any language you like.

- Lambert

Activity

Make a bedtime routine where songs and books play an important role. Sing favorites over and over again. And add a new one every now and then perhaps connected to a new book that you just read.

Books Presented

Bubbles by Ben Clanton

Narwhal accidentally bursts a saddened Jelly’s bubble before offering comfort by showing his friend how the ocean has oodles of bubbles in all sizes and colors.

Hello, Baby Shark by John Bajet

Say hello to Baby Shark and all his friends!

Waddle! by Rufus Butler Seder

In the same way that kids can’t read Gallop! without wanting to gallop around the room, Waddle!, an animals-in-motion Scanimation book, will inspire prancing, hopping, stomping, and scampering.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Robot Beep by Jeffrey Burton

In a twist on the classic nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, take a trip to the stars with this little robot.

Move! by Liesbet Slegers

Six animals demonstrate their preferred methods of locomotion with help from rectangular flaps that lift up or to the side.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Zoom Zoom Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
If you want to take a trip
climb aboard my rocket ship.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Blast off!
Additional verses:
Fun, fun, fun
We’re going to the sun…
Far, far, far
We’re going to the stars…

Herrickdl.org

Popcorn, Popcorn

Sizzling in the pan.
Shake it up, shake it up,
Bam, bam, bam!
Popcorn, popcorn,
Now it’s getting hot,
Shake it up, shake it up,
Pop, pop, pop!
(lift baby up with each “pop”)

Sayrshirelib.files.wordpress.com

 

The Fish in the Sea

(Tune: Wheels on the Bus)

The fish in the sea
Go swish, swish, swish, (wave scarf side to side)
Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish,
The fish in the sea,
Go swish, swish, swish,
All Day Long…
Dolphins in the sea
Swim round and round (paint circle in front of you with scarf)
Round and round
Round and round
The dolphins in the sea
Swim round and round
All day long.
The sand in the sea
Drifts down, down, down (slowly lower scarf or throw scarf and watch it drift to the floor)
Down, down, down,
Down, down, down
The sand in the sea
Drifts down, down, down
All day long.
The waves on the sea
Go up and down, (wave scarf up and down)
Up and down,
Up and down.
The waves on the sea
Go up and down,
All Day Long….

Kcls.org

We Wave Our Scarves Together

Tune: The Bear Went Over the Mountain

We wave our scarves together.
We wave our scarves together.
We wave our scarves together,
At music class today!
We wave them way up high!
We wave them way down low!
We wave our scarves together,
At music class today!

Other verses:
We shake our scarves together.
We spin our scarves together.
We wear our scarves together.

– Weegroove.com

Helicopter, Helicopter Way Up High

Tune: Frère Jacques
Helicopter. Helicopter.
Way up high. Way up high.
See the blades are spinning. See the blades are spinning.
In the sky. In the sky.

Little songbird, little songbird
Way up high. Way up high.
See their wings flapping.
See their wings flapping.
In the sky. In the sky.

Butterfly, butterfly.
Way up high. Way up high.
See them flutter, flutter.
See them flutter, flutter.
In the sky. In the sky.

– Adapted from Weegroove.com

Bubbles All Around

Sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”

Bubbles floating all around (pretend to catch bubbles)
Bubbles fat and bubbles round (make a circle with arms)
Bubbles on my toes and nose (point to toes and then to nose)
Blow a bubble, up it goes! (pretend to blow bubble and point up)
Bubbles floating all around. (pretend to catch bubbles)
B..u..b. .b..l..e..s f..a..l..l. .i..n..g to…the…ground. (sing slowly while sinking to ground)

-Cde.state.co.us

More Book Babies

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

Pom Pom Bunnies Craft

Pom Pom Bunnies Craft

Pom Pom Bunnies Craft

Learn how to make these adorable pom pom bunnies! You will need the following supplies:

  • yarn (about 30 yards for the big pom pom and 25 for the small)
  • felt scraps of the same color
  • pom pom of the same color
  • 3×3″ square of pink felt
  • a pony bead
  • googly eyes
  • 1 foot of fishing line
  • two 3.5″ cardboard circles
  • two 2.25″ cardboard circles
  • scissors
  • pen
  • a quarter
  • glue gun

Teen Activities February 2024

On the Same Page is back and this year we're reading "Holes" by Louis Sachar! Join our big community read and pick up your free-to-keep kick-off kit from the circulation desk today!  Please, limit 1 book per household. Teen Crafts Teens 12-18! Bring your friends and...

January Teen Activities

Idaho Teen Reading ChallengeAre you a bookworm between the ages of 12-18 looking for an exciting reading challenge? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an adventure from October 2023 to April 2024 with the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, designed to engage readers...

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it's a feeling! It's the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas...

November Teen Activities

Idaho Teen Reading ChallengeAre you a bookworm between the ages of 12-18 looking for an exciting reading challenge? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an adventure from October 2023 to April 2024 with the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, designed to engage readers...

October 2023 Teen Activities

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual Convention Teens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

September Teen Events

Hauntings - Library Teen Virtual ConventionTeens are invited to join the annual Library Teen Virtual Convention! Inspired by all our favorite ghost stories, spooky folklore, and mysterious cryptids, this year's theme is HAUNTINGS! The Convention is hosted on Discord...

July Teen Activities

CHESS AND GAME CLUB Learn the art of chess and other games from the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Game supplies will be provided. Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. For Ages 9-18TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans...

Teen Activities June 2023

TEEN ACTION COUNCIL Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the library to help teens. Have a say in what happens at your library! June 7, 2023 at 4 P.M. in the Community Room. For ages 12-18. TEEN SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY Trivia,...

APRIL Teen Activities

TEEN ANIME CLUB  Come and watch Ouran High School Host Club. There will also be a fun TEA PARTY! Wednesday April 13th. 4:30pm, Community Room. For ages 12-18. YOUNG LEAGUE OF WRITERS How can you incorporate HUMOR and COMEDY into your writing? Discuss with others at...

TEEN CRAFT: Art Deco Duct Tape Art

Art Deco is a term used for a specific style of design that was popular in the 1920's. Create your own work of art using Art Deco as inspiration. Materials needed: Mat board Template Two tones of duct tape (to create contrast) Clear tape (to tape on template) Exacto...

Story Time: Loving Our Library

Story Time: Loving Our Library

Story Time: Loving Our Library

It’s National Library Week! We love our library and everyone who comes to visit. Try doing a scavenger hunt at the library to find all the different items you can check out such as movies, easy CD picture books, graphic novels, magazines, informational books, and so much more.

Join us live Tuesdays at 10:30 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

When your children have happy experiences, they want to repeat them. Starting kindergarten can be seen as an extension of informal library “classes.” Children who have joyful experiences in the public library often approach school with a positive attitude, ready and excited to learn.

- Lambert

Activity

Sing “If You’re a Reader and You Know It!” with your child. Don’t forget to “do all three” at the end!

Books Presented

Dinosaur Vs. the Library by Bob Shea

Dinosaur is going to one of his favorite places: the library! On the way, he invites his friends—a lonesome turtle, a sad owl and more—to ROAR along with him. But how will his roaring go over at the library? Has Dinosaur finally met his match in Storytime?

The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli

The Book Hog loves books – the way they look, the way they feel, the way they smell – and he’ll grab whatever he can find. There’s only one problem: he can’t read! But when a kind librarian invites him to join for storytime, this literature-loving pig discovers the treasure that books really are.

I Am a Book by Linda Hayward

Describes how a book is created, manufactured, and distributed.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Flannel Board: Five Little Books

(Sung to the tune of Farmer and the Dell)
Chorus:
Come and take a look
In my storybook.
There are friends galore
And so much more
In my storybook.

Verse 1:
You might find three little pigs,
And a wolf who’s bad and big.
A tortoise, a hare,
A family of bears
In my storybook.

Verse 2:
You might find three billy goats
A girl with a red-hooded coat,
A gingerbread man,
Or Peter Pan
In my storybook.

Flannel Board: Five Little Books

Five little books at the library,

Five little books as great as can be.

Along comes (name) with her library card

To take one home and read.

Continue to zero.

 

If You’re a Reader and You Know It

If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re a reader and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re a reader and you know it, clap your hands
(shoot hooray, read a book)

 

The Library Boogie

– Tom Knight
 

The Library Song

 

 – Sesame Street

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page!

Cut and fold this template to make your own story book!

Additional Books

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn

Learn about the library, checking out books, and story time with Lola.

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do.

Biblioburro: A True Story From Colombia by Jeanette Winter

After amassing piles of books, Luis, a voracious reader, dreams up a way to share his collection with ‘faraway villages.’ He starts with two burros–one for himself, one for books–and heads off.

Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience and Fortitude by Josh Funk

Patience, one of the New York Public Library lions, is missing and Fortitude, the other lion, searches the building from top to bottom seeking him.

More Story Times

Storytime: W is for Waiting

In this era of instant gratification, waiting or patience can be a difficult concept for anyone to learn, especially children. But we can assist them in developing this essential skill by giving them experiences, talking about why and how to wait, and the benefits of...

Storytime: W is for Walking Together

Going on a walk with your child not only develops his gross motor skills, but also creates a break from the techno-bombardments we experience every day. It heightens senses and allows for exploration. So, put on those walking shoes and head out the door for an...

Storytime: W is for Working Together

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let’s work together to create a happy, healthy, carefree childhood for every child. Raising children isn’t easy, but doing it as a team is good for you and your child. When both parents or caregivers involve the child in...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

Eric Carle is one of the most celebrated authors/illustrators in the world. His picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. He believes “that children are naturally creative and eager...

Storytime: February Something New Just for You

For the last storytime of each month, we will present books that are “new” to our library, and perhaps new to you! Here are four of our favorites with an activity to go with each one of them. Enjoy!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30...

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

V is for Violins! The violin is a string instrument. It has a wooden body and four tight strings, the musical sounds come from the vibrations of those strings. Vibrations can be made by plucking the strings or using a bow. Not all instruments have strings but all of...

Storytime: V is for Valentine’s

V is for Valentine’s! Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, but that doesn’t mean it is all mushy stuff. It is just as important to celebrate the love shown to children from caring adults and between friends. You don’t have to celebrate with gifts, kind words...

Storytime: V is for Veggies

Is it a vegetable or a fruit? Either way, vegetables are delicious, healthy, and fun to talk about with your child. Try asking open-ended questions with her about her favorite vegetables, where they come from, and their differences and similarities in taste. Or...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

Teen Activities for April 1-17

Teen Activities for April 1-17

Teen Activities for April 1-17

Our first teen craft take n’ go kit for April will be pom pom bunnies, available starting Thursday, April 1st. Instructions will be available on our website and our YouTube channel.
Monday, April 5th at 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
 
Have a say in what goes on at the library for teens.
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Exploring Writing Software

Monday, April 12th at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room

This month we’re exploring writing software and programs available to make your writing better!

Join our teen Discord server to chat about writing and more with other teens throughout the month.

Create a book face photo and share it on Discord  Email it to madisonlib.org@gmail.com if you'd like it to be considered for our social media  Each book face photo you do wins you a coupon of your choice from Gina's drawer
Contests on Discord

We’ve got a Book Face photo challenge and an Easter egg hunt going on this month on our Discord server. Come and join the fun!

For every message you send  (with a 1 minute cooldown time) you'll find a number of Easter eggs  Check how many Easter eggs you've collected by typing t!points in the Easter egg channel  For every 500 Easter eggs, you can come in to the library and get a tasty prize

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

Holiday Closures 2023

The Library will be closed Saturday - Tuesday, Dec. 23 - 26 for Christmas & Saturday - Monday, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 for the New Year   No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank You! Have a safe and happy holidays!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it's a feeling! It's the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas...

November Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin us this November for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! The theme for Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5) is The Letter U! Explore the magical world of "Uni"-horns, Umbrellas, Under the…, and something NEW, just for U... or should we say...

October 2023 Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For October, we will have fun with the letter O and opposites!  Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM and Wednesdays at...

April Adult Activities

April Adult Activities

April Adult Activities

Come join your fellow community members on Thursday, April 15th at 6:30 p.m. for a lively discussion of both classic works and modern masterpieces. 

 

Our book for April is The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim:

A recipe for happiness: four women, one medieval Italian castle, plenty of wisteria, and solitude as needed.

The women at the center of The Enchanted April are alike only in their dissatisfaction with their everyday lives. They find each other—and the castle of their dreams—through a classified ad in a London newspaper one rainy February afternoon. The ladies expect a pleasant holiday, but they don’t anticipate that the month they spend in Portofino will reintroduce them to their true natures and reacquaint them with joy. Now, if the same transformation can be worked on their husbands and lovers, the enchantment will be complete.

Reading copies are available to check out at the Circulation Desk.

Adult Makers: Macrame Earrings
 
Create wearable art. Kits will be available at the circulation desk beginning April 12th with an instructional video Friday, April 16th through our website and/or YouTube channel.

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

April 2024 Adult Activities

Creative Writing ClubJoin our Creative Writers Club (Ages 18+) on Wednesdays, April 3 & 17 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room! Share your literary gems with fellow storytelling enthusiasts and bond over love for the written word.Family Friendly FilmsGrab the popcorn...

Adult Activities March 2024

Creative Writing ClubJoin our Creative Writers Club (Ages 18+) on Wednesdays, March 6 & 20 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room! Share your literary gems with fellow storytelling enthusiasts and bond over love for the written word.Adult MakersAdult Makers! Join us on...

Adult Activities February 2024

On The Same PageOn the Same Page is back and this year we're reading "Holes" by Louis Sachar! Join our big community read and pick up your free-to-keep kick-off kit from the circulation desk today!    Please, limit 1 book per household.Sploosh! Join us for an activity...

January Adult Activities

Creative Writing ClubJoin our Creative Writers Club (Ages 18+) on Wednesdays, January 3 & 17 at 6:00 PM in the Community Room! Share your literary gems with fellow storytelling enthusiasts and bond over love for the written word.Closed for Martin Luther King Jr....

Holiday Closures 2023

The Library will be closed Saturday - Tuesday, Dec. 23 - 26 for Christmas & Saturday - Monday, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 for the New Year   No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank You! Have a safe and happy holidays!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it's a feeling! It's the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas...

November Adult Activities

Creative Writing ClubShare your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts and make new friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share our favorite piece and talk about why writing is our passion. This month we are meeting in the Community Room...

October 2023 Adult Activities

Creative Writing ClubShare your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts and make new friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share our favorite piece and talk about why writing is our passion. Meetings are every second and fourth Wednesday of...

Book Babies: Tickle, Tickle!

Book Babies: Tickle, Tickle!

Book Babies: Tickle, Tickle!

I tickle you here, I tickle you there, I tickle you, tickle you everywhere! Gentle tickles and massages can be a fun bonding experience between caregiver and baby. Be careful not to tickle if baby is uncomfortable. Simply place your hand on baby’s head, back, tummy, etc. as you sing the rhymes below. And of course, don’t forget to read with baby every day!

Join us live Wednesdays at 10:00 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

According to developmental experts, manual dexterity is directly tied to cognitive development. ‘It’s through her hands that your baby demonstrates the link between thought and action,’ says Rhoda Erhardt, a pediatric occupational therapist in St. Paul who specializes in hand function.

- www.parents.com/baby/development/physical/encouraging-fine-motor-skill-development/

Activity

Wax Paper Fun! Show baby how to crumple a piece of waxed paper into a ball. It provides both sound and grip for an instant toy. While it’s non-toxic, you still want to monitor baby’s inclinations to eat it. As baby’s finger dexterity increases, cut off one strip of waxed paper, place a safe snack like Cheerios every couple of inches along the length, and then fold and twist the wax paper between each piece. The game for baby is to open and find each snack!

- "Games Babies Play" by Vicki Lansky

Books Presented

Tickle Time! by Sandra Boynton

Based on the wildly popular song from Boynton’s wildly popular Rhinoceros Tap CD, Tickle Time! is pure irrepressible Boynton, lively in tempo, nimble in rhyme, and filled with irresistible fuzzy cats that cavort from page to page.

Tickle the Duck! by Ethan Long

In this hilarious touch-and-feel book, a cranky duck dares children to tickle his soft stomach, his hairy armpit, his rubbery foot-and reacts uproariously each time.

Ten Tiny Tickles by Karen Katz

Family members awaken a baby with tickles, from one little tickle on a lovely sleepy head to ten tiny tickles on the toes.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Eyes

Tune: Five Little Ducks
Two little eyes to look around,
Two little ears to hear each sound,
One little nose to smell what’s sweet,
One little mouth that likes to eat.

Variation:
Two little eyes to see all around,
(gently stroke around baby’s eyes in a circle)
Two little ears to hear each sound,
(stroke around ears)
One little nose that smells what’s sweet, (softly pat nose with finger)
And one little mouth that likes to eat!
(circle around mouth, then bounce near it with finger)

-The Baby’s Game Book by Isabel Wilner

The Wheels on the Bus (Tickle Version!)

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All over town

The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep…
The babies on the bus go bounce bounce bounce…
The parents on the bus go tickle tickle tickle…
The babies on the bus go hee hee hee …

Melissa.depperfamily.net

I Bounce You Here

I bounce you here
I bounce you there
I bounce you, bounce you everywhere!

I tickle you here
I tickle you there
I tickle you, tickle you everywhere!

I hug you here
I hug you there
I hug you, hug you everywhere!

Melissa.depperfamily.net

On My Toe There is a Flea

On my toe there is a flea.
Now he’s climbing on my knee.
Past my tummy, Past my nose,
On my head where my hair grows.
On my head there is a flea,
Now he’s climbing down on me.
Past my tummy, past my knee,
On my toe. Take that you flea!

– Kathyreidnaiman.com

Additional Books

Grandmas Are for Giving Tickles by Harriet Ziefert

 

Lift the flaps to see all the fun things a grandma does.

Tickle by Leslie Patricelli

Watch out! Here comes Tickle Monster! Good thing this baby is NOT ticklish. Well, maybe just the feet, hee hee! And the tummy. And, oh no, not the armpits!

The Lost Laugh by Michelle Preen

Hyena has lost his laugh and can’t find it anywhere. Luckily there’s still a tickly monkey friend to help him find it!

More Book Babies

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler Time: Walking Together

As you look forward to the first steps of your infant, don’t forget the benefit of walking outside with your child. Not only is it a great self-care activity for you as a caregiver, but it opens up the world to your child as they develop and find themselves in a...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Music & Movement

Music and movement can improve a child’s mood and help to reduce stress all while stimulating the formation of important brain connections. So, sing those lullabies, dance in the kitchen, play an instrument, and sing a book with your baby each and every day! ​ ​ Book...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, we love you! We love the way you stomp! We love the way you chomp! We love the way you soar! And, we especially love the way you, ROAR! There are so many things to do with your budding dinosaur. ​Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Under the Sea

Glub! Glub! Glub! went the slippery little fish! Children love “diving” under the sea and meeting all the different creatures who reside in the deep blue ocean. In addition to the activities listed below, try filling a large container with water, possibly tinting it...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Opposites

Children love learning about the world around them, and using concept words with compare/contrast are a great way to help them see things differently. So, try talking about movement, textures, feelings, etc. with its conceptual opposite such as, “Look at the car...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Farm Animals

Let’s go to the farm! Some of the first sounds a child will make are the sounds of an animal like a cow. You can help him make a sound/image association with a DIY flip-the-flap picture book. Using a small spiral notebook, paste pictures of animals on every other page...

September Kids & Tween Events

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For September, we will have fun with the letter F and farm animals! Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM or Wednesdays at...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Friends Forever

Let’s make friends! Toddlers and infants, despite their stage of individual play, can begin the process of making friends. Babies observe facial expressions. Toddlers begin learning how to share. All of these stages lead to social and emotional growth, so have fun...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Let’s Watch the Weather Together!

Watching the weather change with the seasons can be fun for baby and you! When getting ready in the morning, talk about the weather and why baby is wearing warm pants and boots or a cool sun shirt, shorts and sandals. You can also associate the seasons to colors such...

Story Time: Eew! That’s Gross!

Story Time: Eew! That’s Gross!

Story Time: Eew! That’s Gross!

Children love to explore the world, especially when something is a little bit unusual. Use these books and activities to help them see the world through all of their senses, even if they say, “Ew! That’s gross!” Because gross things can be fun!

Join us live Tuesdays at 10:30 AM  – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them and often use their senses to explore and learn. By taking advantage of this eagerness to learn, you can help build their scientific knowledge.

Activity

Play this Mix ‘n Match game in your kitchen with your child. Wear a blindfold and try to guess what something is by its smell, taste, or touch. Show your child how to describe something with words before taking off the blindfold. You can also make crazy concoctions together and practice describing your creations using all five senses.

Books Presented

Splat! by Jon Burgerman

Encourages the reader to predict what will happen and keep turning pages as a face is splattered with a pie, a sandwich, and more.

Big Smelly Bear by Britta Teckentrup

Big Fluffy Bear insists that Big Smelly Bear visit the pond for a bath before she will scratch the itch he cannot reach.

On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex

Improbable, ridiculous remedies accumulate when there is gum stuck in your hair.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Pairs of Smelly Socks

Five pairs of smelly socks
On my bedroom floor
Mom washed the BLUE pair
And then there were four

Four pairs of smelly socks
They belong to me
Dad washed the PINK pair
And then there were three

Three pairs of smelly socks
What’s a kids to do?
Brother washed the PURPLE pair
And then there were two

Two pairs of smelly socks
I wear them when I run
Sister washed the GREEN pair
And then there was one

One pair of smelly socks
One and only one
I guess I’ll wash the ORANGE pair
And then there will be none.

No more pairs of smelly socks
We washed them all today, But wait until tomorrow
More are on the way!

 

Icky, Sticky Bubble Gum

Icky, sticky, sticky, sticky bubble gum, bubble gum, bubble gum.
Sticky, sticky, sticky, sticky bubble gum, bubble gum.
Makes your hands stick to your knees.
And you pull ’em,
and you pull ’em,
and you pull’ em away.

(Head… Belly… Mouth… Nose… Elbows)

 – David Landau

Crafts and Activities

Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page!

We hope you enjoyed this slime craft! Just pour the clear activator liquid from the tube into your cup with the lid and stir! The less activator you use, the stretchier the slime will be.

Additional Books

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont

In the rhythm of a familiar folk song, a child cannot resist adding one more dab of paint in surprising places.

Stinkiest! 20 Smelly Animals by Steve Jenkins

Describes the odors that some animals have developed to stay safe and thrive in their environments, including the striped skunk, the bombardier beetle, and the honey badger.

Once Upon a Slime by Andy Maxwell

Beginning with Goldilocks, various fairy tale characters are drenched in slime and join forces to discover who is responsible.

Crazy Concoctions: A Mad Scientist's Guide to Messy Mixtures by Jordan D. Brown

Presents simple chemical reaction science experiments and recipes for mixtures of varying viscosity.

More Story Times

Storytime: W is for Waiting

In this era of instant gratification, waiting or patience can be a difficult concept for anyone to learn, especially children. But we can assist them in developing this essential skill by giving them experiences, talking about why and how to wait, and the benefits of...

Storytime: W is for Walking Together

Going on a walk with your child not only develops his gross motor skills, but also creates a break from the techno-bombardments we experience every day. It heightens senses and allows for exploration. So, put on those walking shoes and head out the door for an...

Storytime: W is for Working Together

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Let’s work together to create a happy, healthy, carefree childhood for every child. Raising children isn’t easy, but doing it as a team is good for you and your child. When both parents or caregivers involve the child in...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

Eric Carle is one of the most celebrated authors/illustrators in the world. His picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. He believes “that children are naturally creative and eager...

Storytime: February Something New Just for You

For the last storytime of each month, we will present books that are “new” to our library, and perhaps new to you! Here are four of our favorites with an activity to go with each one of them. Enjoy!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30...

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

V is for Violins! The violin is a string instrument. It has a wooden body and four tight strings, the musical sounds come from the vibrations of those strings. Vibrations can be made by plucking the strings or using a bow. Not all instruments have strings but all of...

Storytime: V is for Valentine’s

V is for Valentine’s! Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, but that doesn’t mean it is all mushy stuff. It is just as important to celebrate the love shown to children from caring adults and between friends. You don’t have to celebrate with gifts, kind words...

Storytime: V is for Veggies

Is it a vegetable or a fruit? Either way, vegetables are delicious, healthy, and fun to talk about with your child. Try asking open-ended questions with her about her favorite vegetables, where they come from, and their differences and similarities in taste. Or...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

April Kid and Tween Activities

April Kid and Tween Activities

April Kid and Tween Activities

Come to our Mother Daughter Book Club meeting on Thursday, April 1st at 6:30- 7:30 p.m.! This month we’re talking about Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George.
This month for Books for Boys we’re reading and discussing Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
Join us on Thursday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room!
You won’t want to miss our April Kid and Tween STEAM activities! Starting Tuesday, April 13th, you can come pick up our hot air balloon art kits at the Front Circulation Desk. Our flying machines kits will be available a couple weeks later on the 27th.
Craft instructions will be available on our website and on our YouTube Channel.

May Programs for All Ages

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook ContestStep into a world of tiny wonders during National Library Week! Our Book Nook Contest invites you to explore Small Adventures to Amazing Places! From fantastical realms to cozy real-world corners, you may create a miniature...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

Kid & Tween Activities February 2024

Story TimeJoin us in February for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time!  Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter V! Explore Veggies, Valentine’s Day, Violins, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and...

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You! Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM  Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with...

Holiday Closures 2023

The Library will be closed Saturday - Tuesday, Dec. 23 - 26 for Christmas & Saturday - Monday, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 for the New Year   No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank You! Have a safe and happy holidays!

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it's a feeling! It's the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas...

November Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin us this November for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! The theme for Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5) is The Letter U! Explore the magical world of "Uni"-horns, Umbrellas, Under the…, and something NEW, just for U... or should we say...

October 2023 Kid and Tween Activities

Story TimeJoin Miss Gina, Grace, and Marybeth for Preschool Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies! For October, we will have fun with the letter O and opposites!  Preschool Story Time is for ages 2-5 and meets Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM and Wednesdays at...

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