Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies Now Live

by Lauren Abbott | May 27, 2021 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Upcoming Events | 0 comments

Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies Now Live

Story Time Now Live

Story Time, Toddler Time, and Book Babies are now LIVE in our Community Room starting June 15th!

Story Time

Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

NEW After Dinner Story Time Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (This is the same program as the other two, but now offered in the evening!)

Each week’s Story Time Take n’ Go kit will be available during our live Story Times, and any extras will be at the Children’s Reference Desk at the end of the week.

Toddler Time

Ages 11-23 months

(for walking toddlers)

Tuesdays at 9:45 a.m.

Book Babies

Ages 1-10 months

(for babies not yet walking)

Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m.

As always, we will post all our books, crafts, songs, and literacy tips on our blog at madisonlib.org/kids-corner.

We’re so excited to be able to offer these programs live! A big thank you to those who have joined in our online Story Times – we’ll see you at the library!

Kids ‘n’ Tween Activities March 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 27, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this March for Early Literacy Programs! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and tactile activities as we explore FOOD! Book...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 30, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | December 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

December 2025 Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | November 26, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Select participants ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, December 3 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner,...

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

by Mary Kirkpatrick | October 31, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | August 25, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 30, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 30, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Summer Reading is Here! You can sign up now for Summer Reading: Color Our World! With Beanstack you can sign up online, or you can visit us at the Library and track your reading on paper. Check out our Summer Reading page for our prize schedule and more details.Story...

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 2, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

June Kid and Tween Activities

by Lauren Abbott | May 25, 2021 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 comments

June Kid and Tween Activities

Summer Reading

Saturday, June 26 from 12-4 PM in the Community Room

Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. We have programs for all ages.

The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!

Learn more about Summer Reading

You won’t want to miss our Summer STEM program for ages 6-11! Unlike the rest of the year, starting June 15th we have a new activity every single week through the end of July! Pick them up at the Front Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Craft instructions will be available on our website and on our YouTube Channel.

June 15: Binary Code Animals
June 22: Outdoor Art Kit
June 29: Toothbrush critters

Learn more about Kid and Tween STEAM

Visit our YouTube channel

Earn a gorilla!

Fill out the online form below and upload a photo of your child doing one of our STEM activities. Then come to the Children’s Reference Desk and talk to a librarian to take one of the gorillas in the children’s area home!

1 per child while gorillas last; for ages 6-11.

Fill out the form

Our Summer STEM from Your Library program is made possible by our sponsors: the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho STEM Action Center. A big thank you to them for their support!

Pokémon Game Day

Saturday, June 26 from 12-4 PM in the Community Room

All games, all ages! Bring your Switch, DS, cards, and/or Pokémon Go on your phone. Come and play, or learn the trading card game, how to build a winning team in the video games, and even do some Pokémon Go battles.

Kids ‘n’ Tween Activities March 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 27, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 30, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | December 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

December 2025 Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | November 26, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

November 2025 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

by Mary Kirkpatrick | October 31, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | August 25, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

August Programs for All Ages

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 30, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 30, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 2, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Book Babies: If You’re Happy and You Know It

by Lauren Abbott | Apr 28, 2021 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner | 0 comments

Book Babies: If You’re Happy and You Know It

Singing a book with your child can be a lot of fun, especially when it’s, “If You’re Happy and You Know It!” Try doing the ASL sign for “happy” as you sing with your child. You can also add other emotions such as “sad”, “hungry”, or “thirsty.”

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

Even if you can’t sing on key, be sure to sing to your child! Your child is not looking for a concert-quality song; he wants familiar sounds from a person who means a great deal to him. Singing together can be great fun; it doesn’t require and special equipment or cost any money.

- Lambert

Activity

Find a book you can “sing” such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” After you read the book, sing the song and do the hand motions with your child.

Books Presented



If You're Happy and You Know It! by Anna McQuinn

In this multicultural version of the traditional song, children from cultures all over the world clap their hands, stomp their feet, pat their heads, and much more. The accompanying animated singalong CD continues the interactive fun!

Find it in Our Catalog

Find it Online



If You're Hoppy and You Know It by April Pulley Sayre

In rhyming text reminiscent of the traditional song, “If you’re happy and you know it,” presents various animals that are hoppy, sloppy, growly, flappy, or slimy, scaly and mean.

Find it in Our Catalog

Find it Online



If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley

Monsters sing their own version of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.

Find it in Our Catalog

Find it Online

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bounce: So Early in the Morning

(bounce child on knees – with each new verse
The baby rides, the baby rides. bounce child faster)

This is the way the baby rides,
This is the way the baby rides,
So early in the morning.

This is the way the farmer rides…
This is the way the jockey rides…

– Piercecountylibrary.org

Watch Our Example

Bounce: I’m Bouncing

I’m bouncing, bouncing everywhere, (bounce child on knees)
I bounce and bounce into the air.
I’m bouncing, bouncing like a ball,
I bounce and bounce, then down I fall. (let child slip through knees)

– Piercecountrylibrary.org

Action Rhyme: Open, Shut Them

Open, shut them, (using hands, suit actions to rhyme)
Open, shut them,
Give a little clap!
Open, shut them,
Open, shut them,
Hide behind your back!
Creep them, creep them,
Slowly upward, right up to your cheek.
Open wide your shiny eyes,
And through your fingers peek.
Open, shut them,
Open, shut them,
Give a little clap!
Open, shut them,
Open, shut them,
Lay them in your lap.

– Piercecountrylibrary.org

Watch Our Example

If You’re Happy and You Know It

– Little Baby Bum

Activities



Muffin Tin Play

Pompom Sorting & Patterning — For this activity, grab some pompoms and a mini muffin tray. A regular muffin tray will work, but giant pom poms work great in the mini muffin trays. Create a pattern and encourage your child to copy the pattern in the following row.

• For babies, try ball pit balls and regular muffin tins to work on one-to-one correspondence. Or practice putting small toys in and out of the cups.

• Use a regular muffin tin and sort the pom poms by color into the different cups.

• Add measuring spoons, tablespoons, or tongs to target fine motor skills.

Learn More

Sign Language

“Happy”

“Thirsty”

“Hungry”

“Sad”

Additional Books



If You're Groovy and You Know It, Hug a Friend! by Eric Litwin

Set to the rhythm of the classic children’s song, Groovy Joe invites the reader to laugh, sing, explore, and best of all, hug a friend.

Find it in Our Catalog



If You're Happy and You Know It! by Jane Cabrera.jpg

An elephant, a monkey, and a giraffe join other animals to sing different verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their happiness through voice and movement.

Find it in Our Catalog

More Book Babies

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Food

by Marybeth Isle | March 10, 2026 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

It may not surprise you that many toddlers are picky eaters, preferring foods like macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and fruit snacks. This is actually normal, but you can help them develop their palate and move toward healthier eating—though you might have to be...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

by Marybeth Isle | February 5, 2026 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

by Marybeth Isle | January 9, 2026 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

by Marybeth Isle | November 6, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

by Marybeth Isle | October 14, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

by Marybeth Isle | September 4, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

by Marybeth Isle | April 2, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

by Marybeth Isle | March 4, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

by Marybeth Isle | February 5, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid's Corner, Toddler Time | 0 Comments

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

Story Time: Love to Laugh!

by Lauren Abbott | Apr 27, 2021 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Story Time: Love to Laugh!

We love to laugh! Ha, ha, ha, ha! Laughing begins with the letter “L”. It’s good for the spirit, and it’s just plain fun! So have a little fun with these books, songs, and activities. And perhaps, you might yourself laughing out loud, too.