April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

National Library Week Book Nook Contest

Step 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 diorama of anything from your imagination. Need an example? Find one of our book nooks in the Adult display case. Submissions open April 1st through the 8th, with winners announced on April 10th. Need a box? Our Front Circulation desk will have a limited supply. All participants will receive a prize! Get all the details and entry forms at the Circulation Desk or on our website. Remember, your creations are yours to keep after the 10th. If they are not picked up by April 15th, they will be repurposed for Library use. Join the fun and let your creativity shine!

Blockfest 2024!

Let’s celebrate National Library Week! Join Madison Library District and Eastern Idaho Public Health for an afternoon of block building fun at Blockfest 2024! Explore math, science, and literacy skills as we stack, build, create, and topple our blocks! Socks are required. No sign-up needed; just drop in when you’re available. Join us in the Community Room on Wednesday, April 10th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is great for ages 8 months to 8 years old with an accompanying adult. See you there!

Story Time

This month at Story Time, we’re shining a light on Child Abuse Awareness Month with curated books and engaging activities designed to bring families closer together. Join us each week as we focus on working together, walking together, and waiting together.

Toddler Time kicks off Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM, inviting little ones aged 10-23 months and their caregivers to bond over songs, stories, and sensory activities.

For preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their accompanying adults, Story Time awaits on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM, as well as Wednesdays at 10:30 AM, promising imaginative adventures and shared moments.

If your bundle of joy isn’t yet walking, don’t miss Book Babies on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for infants aged 0-9 months and their grown-ups, featuring songs, stories, baby sign language, and sensory fun.

NEW! SPANISH STORY TIME! ¡Estamos encantados de presentarles la Hora del Cuento en Español! Únase a María D. Carvajal Castro, B.S. de Salud Pública del Este de Idaho los lunes a las 10:30 a.m. Para edades de 2 a 5 años y sus mayores.

Please note: There will be no Story Time activities April 8-10 as we welcome you to Blockfest instead! Also, Story Time activities will pause from April 29 until June 10 as we gear up for Summer Reading. Fear not! We’ll resume the 2nd Week of June.

Chess & Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday in April from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.

Tuesdays for Kids & Tweens

Join us every Tuesday at 4 PM for fun-filled activities for kids and tweens ages 6-11! This April, unleash your creativity and curiosity with our exciting lineup:

  • April 2: Dive into the world of architecture and construct famous buildings from around the globe at STEAM.
  • April 9: Let your imagination swim free with LEGO Club for ages 6-18 as we build an ocean teeming with undersea creatures.
  • April 16: Explore chemical reactions and craft secret messages with friends in another engaging STEAM adventure.
  • April 23: Tech-savvy kids and tweens won’t want to miss Tech 4 Kids ‘n Tweens, where we delve into the wonders of technology with Cubelets, Makey Makey, robots, Squishy Circuits, and more! 

Mother Daughter Book Club

Join us for a magical evening at Mother Daughter Book Club! On Thursday, April 4th at 6:30 PM in the Community Room, we’ll discover the enchanting world of Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. Open to girls ages 8-11 and their accompanying adult(s).

Family Friendly Films

Grab the popcorn and join us for Family Friendly Films at the Library! This April, immerse yourself in cinematic magic with our lineup:

  • April 5: Experience the wonder of Wonka (rated PG) in this repeat performance!
  • April 19: Discover the enchantment of Wish (rated PG) for a heartwarming movie experience.

Whether you’re seeking new adventures or classic favorites, join us in the Community Room at 3:30 PM for an afternoon of movie fun on the big screen! See you there!

Books For Boys

Boys 8-11 and their adult sidekicks: prepare for a discussion-packed Books For Boys on Thursday, April 18 by reading Ban This Book by Alan Gratz! Join us in the Community Room at 6:30 PM where you’ll receive your challenge to read another book from a “Banned” list and talk about it as a family.

Open Recital

Calling all aspiring performers! Join us for our Open Recital on April 22nd at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, all ages, all skill levels, and all instruments are welcome! Don’t miss your chance to share your talents with our library community. Simply submit your application through our website to secure your spot. Participants under 18 must also have a parental permission form which is available at the circulation desk. Spread the word to your family and friends so you can perform for an audience! Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We can’t wait to listen to you!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

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...

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...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

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...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

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 to learn.” And his desire was “to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” We hope you and your child have fun with Eric Carle, his books and the accompanying activities. For more information on Eric Carle, go to https://eric-carle.com/ .

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Children like to explore works of art that use a variety of materials and approaches to color, line, shape, texture, pattern, and space. Find a number of different illustrations for a song or a rhyme that your child already knows. Look at the pictures together and help her see and talk about their similarities and differences. Having fun making comparisons is one way to help your child develop an appreciation and love for art. ~ Lambert

Activity

Encourage your child to create a piece of art like Eric Carle. Paint several sheets of paper with watercolors, let them dry, draw a simple pattern on a blank piece of paper, cut out shapes from the dried watercolor paper and paste them on to the canvas like a puzzle. For a video on how Eric Carle creates a collage, go here

Books Presented

Book cover for Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle

Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle

A young boy encounters all sorts of cats while searching for the one he lost.

Book cover for Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a teacher looking at them.

Book cover for Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle

Papa, Pleas Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle

A child asks her father for the moon, but when he reaches it, it is too big to carry home.

Book cover for From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Encourages the reader to exercise by following the movements of various animals; presented in a question and answer format.
Book cover for The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle

The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle

Ducks growing out of bananas? A mouse catching a cat? What’s wrong with this book? Yes, there’s something strange, something funny, and even downright preposterous on every page of this book. But it’s not a mistake–it’s nonsense! And it’s also surrealism.

Book cover for The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

The farm animals try to divert a busy little spider from spinning her web, but she persists and produces a thing of both beauty and usefulness. The pictures may be felt as well as seen.
Book cover for The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Follows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food, until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep.

Book cover for The Greedy Python by Richard Buckley

The Greedy Python by Richard Buckley

A hungry python tries to swallow every animal that he sees in the jungle.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Have You Seen My Cat?

Have you seen my cat?
My furry, tabby cat?
Is he under the ________ hat?

The Color I See

Red, red is the color I see.
If you’ve got red, then show it to me.
Stand up, take a bow, turn around.
Bring up your red and sit back down.

Yellow…
Blue…
Green…
Purple…
Orange…

Source: Verona Storytime

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re looking for the moon.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re looking for the moon.
We think that we will take a look underneath the ________ book.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re looking for the moon. 5,4,3,2,1

Adapted from Jbrary

S-N-A-K-E

Tune: Bingo
I had a snake
he was so green
as green as snakes can be!
S-N-A-K-E, S-N-A-K-E, S-N-A-K-E, 
he is my favorite snake!

Can You Shake Your Egg?

(Tune: Have You Ever Seen?)
Can you shake your egg with me,
egg with me, egg with me?
Can you shake your egg with me
and put it on your (head, knee, belly, etc.)?

Source: Verona Storytime

Spider on the Farm

(Tune: Old MacDonald)
A busy spider lived on a farm,
E-I-E-I-O.
And on that farm she met a _________ *
E-I-E-I-O.
With a _____   _____ here,
And a _____   _____ there.
Here a _____ , there a _____ ,
Everywhere a _____  _____ .
A busy spider lived on a farm,
E-I-E-I-O.
*horse, cow, sheep, goat, pig, dog, cat, duck, rooster…
And she caught a fly in her web… Yum! Yum!

Shake My Sillies Out

I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out.

Source: Hope Harrison

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring all of the animals from the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Brown Bear coloring page

Standing cat craft

Standing Cat Craft

Coloring page featuring a house, the moon, and a cat.

House and Moon coloring page

Moon Phase Viewer craft

Moon Phase Viewer

Coloring page with the Very Hungry Caterpillar being help up by balloons.

Very Hungry Caterpillar on Balloons

Cupcake Liner Caterpillar Craft

Cupcake Liner Caterpillar

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Eric Carle

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 wrote or illustrated more than 70 other children’s books, including favorites such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Quiet Cricket. Carle made these friendly insects and animals by painting on tissue paper, cutting out shapes, and pasting them together. The bold, eye-catching collages pop off the page in vibrant colors and rich textures. Even so, it is the “simple, simple feelings,” Carle believed, that have made his books so popular with young children.” ~ReadingRockets.org

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 0 – 10 months

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Ages 11 – 23 months

 

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

Active use of arms and legs encourages development of gross motor skill, which contributes to school readiness and learning. Activities like, “This is Bill Anderson. This is Tom Trim,” children will do what is called crossing the midline – that is, crossing the center of the body. It helps develop children’s minds as well as their bodies. -Reading Picture Books With Children by Lambert

Activity

While sitting on the floor, lay your toddler on her back on your outstretched legs. Hold one of your child’s legs in each hand and guide her through the movements of, “This is Bill Anderson. This is Tom Trim.” Then, stand up and repeat the motions with her arms.

Books Presented

Book cover for Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a teacher looking at them.

Book cover for The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

The farm animals try to divert a busy little spider from spinning her web, but she persists and produces a thing of both beauty and usefulness. The pictures may be felt as well as seen.
Book cover for From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Encourages the reader to exercise by following the movements of various animals; presented in a question and answer format.

Book cover for The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Follows the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food, until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep.
Book cover for Can You Guess Food with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Can You Guess? Food With the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Use the close-up art to guess which food item will appear on the next page as The Very Hungry Caterpillar eats through this book, giving clues along the way

Book cover for The Greedy Python by Richard Buckley

The Greedy Python by Richard Buckley

 
“The Greedy Python” is quick to gobble up every creature he meets–including to his own great misfortune, himself, when he mistakes the tip of his tail for a lunchtime treat. With drawings by one of the country’s most popular illustrators, this story of a python who is quick to eat everything in sight, including the end of his tail on one sad day, is sure to delight and amuse young readers. Full-color illustrations.
Book cover for Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrations and rhyming text portray a young bear searching for its mother and meeting many North American animals along the way.
Book cover for My First Busy World by Eric Carle

My First Busy World by Eric Carle

What do you see in your busy world? Do you play with blocks, or a ball, or a kite? Is the sun shining, or are there sparkly stars in the sky?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Cha, Cha, Chobogin

Cha, cha, chobogin
Cha, cha, cha BIN
Watch out little baby
You might fall IN!

Cha, cha, chobogin
Cha, cha, cha BOP
Watch out little baby
You might go UP!

Cha, cha, chobogin
Cha, cha, cha TOWN
Watch out little baby
You might fall DOWN!

Cha, cha, chobogin
Cha, cha, cha CHOO
Watch out little baby
I might kiss YOU!

Source: Jbrary

This is Bill Anderson

This is Bill Anderson. (Hold up one leg.)
And this is Tom Trim. (Hold up other leg.)

Bill over Tom, (Cross legs, one over the other.)
Tom over Bill, (Cross legs the other way.)

Bill over Tom, (Cross legs faster.) 
Tom over Bill, (Cross legs faster.) 

Bill over Tom, (Cross legs faster.) 
Tom over Bill, (Cross legs legs the other way and continue, going faster and faster.)

Additional verse:
Repeat using arms instead of legs. 

The Color I See

Red, red is the color I see.
If you’ve got red, then show it to me.
Stand up, take a bow, turn around.
Bring up your red and sit back down.

Yellow…
Blue…
Green…
Purple…
Orange…

Source: Verona Storytime

Red and Green and Yellow and Blue

Red and green and yellow and blue.
These are the colors over you!
Red as an apple and green as a tree.
Yellow as the sun and blue as the sea.
Red and green and yellow and blue.
These are the colors over you!

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

The Duck in the Pond Says…

The duck in the pond says quack, quack, quack!
Quack, quack, quack!
Quack, quack, quack!
The duck in the pond says quack, quack, quack
All day long!

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

The itsy bitsy spider 

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

Source: Twinkle Little Songs – Nursery Rhymes

 

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Horses & Ponies

This is how the ladies ride… clippity-clop, clippity-clop. This is how the gentlemen ride… giddy-up, giddy-up. This is how the cowboys ride… Yee haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!! There are many rhymes and songs about horses which encourage parent and child communication,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Feelings

Ah, emotions… however big or small, can be difficult to manage for everyone, especially children. There are, however, tips and tricks you can use to help your child learn how to recognize and regulate their feelings, and you can start early, even with an infant. The...

JULY Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in the Dark

At the end of the day, it’s a great time to establish a routine to help your child prepare for bed. Some of the activities in your routine could include reading a book, taking a bath, singing a song, picking up toys, or perhaps doing a knee bounce. When you follow the...

JUNE Book Babies + Toddler Time: Adventures in Imagination

Did you know that imaginative or pretend play contains the building blocks of developing critical thinking skills, following directions, expressive language, and even managing emotions? So, grab those sheets, boxes, mud, dishes, and anything you can think of to help...

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...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

Story Time

Join 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 months): Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM.

Book Babies (ages 0-9 months): Wednesdays at 9:30 AM.

We can’t wait to see you and your little ones in the Community Room!

Family Friendly Films

Lights, camera, action! Join us for Family Friendly Films at the library! Whether you’re craving the latest hits or timeless classics, we’ve got you covered! Bring the whole family and enjoy a free afternoon of movie magic on the big screen Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. On March 1st, get ready to groove with Trolls: Band Together, and mark your calendars for March 8th for a magical journey with Wonka! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Chess & Game Club

Learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday in March at 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.

Tuesdays for Kids & Tweens

Calling all kids and tweens ages 6-11! Join us every Tuesday at the Library for an adventure-packed lineup of activities! 

  • March 5: Dive into STEAM as we explore potential gravitational energy and build epic marble runs on the wall! 
  • March 12: It’s LEGO Club time! Ages 6-18, get ready to beat the timer with lucky LEGOs in a thrilling challenge!
  • March 19: Explore the magic of STEAM by creating paper cards with hidden circuits!
  • March 26: Tech 4 Kids ‘n Tweens! Discover the world of technology with Cubelets, Makey Makey, robots, Squishy Circuits, and more!

Don’t miss out on the fun – see you at 4 pm in the Community Room!

Mother Daughter Book Club

Join us this month for a heartwarming session at Mother Daughter Book Club! We’re delving into The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson on Thursday, March 14th at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. This is a perfect opportunity for girls ages 8-11 and their accompanying adults to bond over a beautiful story. Let’s journey together through the pages of this touching tale!

Books For Boys

Hey boys and bookworms! Books For Boys this month is discussing The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Ages 8-11 and their adult sidekicks are invited to join us on Thursday, March 21st at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. Come discover robot Roz’s secrets with us!

Closed For Staff Development

The Library will be closed Friday, March 22 for Staff Development. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

September Adult Events

Take a Break Book ClubTake a Break and join our adult book club on Sept. 21 at 6:30 PM! Ages 18+ will meet in the Community Room to discuss Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Adult MakersFriday, September 15 is Adult Makers! We will be making noodles from...

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...

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...

July Adult Activities

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE The Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. No items will be due but the book drop will remain open. Thank you! "ALL TOGETHER NOW" BLOCK PARTY This is the Block Party everyone will be talking about this...

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...

June Adult Activities

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends! Join the Creative Writing Club for ages 18+. We will share your favorite piece of writing and talk about why writing is our passion. Wednesdays, June 14 & 28 at...

Library Closed for Labor Day

The library will be closed Saturday September 3rd and Monday September 5th for Labor Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open. Thank you!

August Library Activities

TEEN ACTION COUNCILWednesday, August 3rd. 4-5:30pm.  For ages 12-18. Come and have a say in what activities Teens do at the Library and meet new friends. NO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST To reset from Summer Reading and to accomodate our new infrastruture updates, there will be...

Storytime: February Something New Just for You

Storytime: February Something New Just for You

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 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Did you know that dialogic reading is actually shared reading? It’s when the adult helps the child become the teller of the story. The adult becomes the listener, the questioner, and the audience for the child through conversation while reading a book together. For more tips and information on dialogic reading, pick up a free pamphlet at the Children’s Reference desk.

Activity

Try using a dialogic completion prompt. First, choose a book that has repetitive text like “The Princess and the Greedy Pea” or “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Then, when reading with your child, begin a sentence, then leave it open for your child to complete.

Books Presented

Book cover for How To Party Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab

How to Party Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab

Snail is a party animal. Well … kind of. He especially appreciates the quiet things about parties, like confetti, using his indoor voice, and softly blowing out birthday candles. But parties tend to get pretty loud, and that’s when Snail disappears into his shell. But not to worry! Snail still has fun at parties – it’s just that from inside his shell nobody can tell he’s having a good time. And this means he doesn’t get many party invitations … So Snail decides to throw himself his very own quiet party. He plays hide-and-hide, he sways to his favourite lullabies, and enjoys a nice mug of warm milk. But that night, as he tucks himself in a blanket burrito, he starts to feel like something is missing. And that’s when Stump, who’s been there the whole time, chimes in with a suggestion. In the end, Snail realizes that he really does love parties, just not the rowdy ones. He and Stump put on their jammies, turn the lullabies down low, and “celebrate the shush” in their own quiet way.

Book cover for The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks.

The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks

Max’s messes are legendary–paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and toys scattered everywhere. But Max never intended to be messy; there was simply too much to do and too much fun to be had. That is until one day when his mess becomes an uncontrollable monster of its own!

Book cover for The Princess and the Greedy Pea by Leigh Hodgkinson

The Princess and the Greedy Pea by Leigh Hodgkinson

This little pea is hungry! So hungry it swallows a sprout, slurps up some soup, munches the bread, gobbles the cake, noshes the pickle, guzzles the cheese, drinks all the tea, and even chomps down the table it’s all served on. After all that, it needs to sleep. But whose dinner did it steal? And whose mattress is the now-humongous pea resting under?

Book cover for Five Little Chicks by Lily Murray

Five Little Chicks by Lily Murray

Five little chicks went out one day; Over the hills and far away. Mamma Hen said, “Hurry back to me!” Now how many chicks can you see? Join this fluffy little family on a beautiful walk through the countryside. There’s so much to see as Mamma Hen and her brood wind through a flowery meadow, a bluebell wood, a field full of lambs and a busy farmyard. Along the way, they meet all kinds of baby animals and their parents. But wait – the chicks are disappearing one by one. Whatever are they up to? Lift the flaps to find the chicks and discover a fantastic surprise ending

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Fat Peas

Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed (hold up five fingers)
One grew (hold up one finger)
Two grew (hold up two fingers)
And so did the rest (hold up the rest of your fingers)
They grew and they grew and they did not stop (open and shut hands)
Until one day, the pod went pop! (clap hands together on pop)

Source: Jbrary

If You See a Monster

(tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)
If you see a ______ monster, ______ monster,______ monster.
If you see a ______ monster, *wave your hand hello.

*…pat your knees like this.
… cover your eyes and hide.

Slowly, Slowly

Slowly, slowly, very slowly
creeps the garden snail.
Slowly, slowly, very slowly 
up the garden rail.
Quickly, quickly, very quickly 
runs the little mouse.
Quickly, quickly very quickly
into his little house.

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page of a cute snail in flowers and grass.

Something New Just For You

Homemade party hats, all decorated, sitting on a table.

Party Hats

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

Storytime: V is for Violins and Violins play Music

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 them make music through vibrations. The vibrations can be made by air, hitting a drum, through metal, or even the vibrations of vocal chords when you sing. Have fun with your children and make some music. It doesn’t have to be concert worthy, just have fun!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

Ages 2-5

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 wats familiar sounds from a person who means a great deal to him. Singing together can be great fun; it doesn’t require any special equipment or cost any money.

Activity

Sing “The Wheels on the Bus” using motions. Then try “The Band on the Bus” and create motions for the different instruments.

Books Presented

Book cover for A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey by Pilar Winter Hill.

A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey by Pilar Winter Hill

As she walks with her mother to a farmer’s market, Penelope hears the melodies of the city from musicians, bicycle bells, and more until one instrument beckons and fills her with magic. Includes author’s note about her first encounter with the violin.
Book cover for My Family Plays Music by Judy Cox.

My Family Plays Music by Judy Cox

A musical family with talents for playing a variety of instruments enjoys getting together to celebrate.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Band on the Bus

Tune: The Wheels on the Bus
The Saxophone on the bus goes
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
Toot-a-toot-swoosh
The Saxophone on the bus goes
Toot-a-toot-swoosh all through the town.

The Drum on the bus goes
Boom-bam-boom
Boom-bam-boom
Boom-bam-boom
The Drum on the bus goes
Boom-bam-boom all through the town.

The Flute on the bus goes
Flutter-flutter-whiz
Flutter-flutter-whiz
Flutter-flutter-whiz
The Flute on the bus goes
Flutter-flutter-whiz all through the town.

 

The Guitar on the bus goes
Twang-thump-twang
Twang-thump-twang
Twang-thump-twang
The Guitar on the bus goes
Twang-thump-twang all through the town.

The Cello on the bus goes
Pluck-pluck-pluck
Pluck-pluck-pluck
Pluck-pluck-pluck
The Cello on the bus goes
Pluck-pluck-pluck all through the town.

The Violin on the bus goes
Zing-hum-ding
Zing-hum-ding
Zing-hum-ding
The Violin on the bus goes
Zing-hum-ding all through the town.

Source: Pasadena Library

Crafts and Activities

Violin coloring page featuring Grover on the violin.

V is for Violin

A pellet drum made from paper plates, yarn, beads, and a straw.

Pellet Drum Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin by Lloyd Moss.

Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin by Lloyd Moss

Ten instruments take their parts one by one in a musical performance.
Book cover for The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom by Colleen A.F. Venable.

The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom by Colleen A.F. Venable

The band is assembled and the band director is ready to tell you all about the instruments, but an enthusiastic little drummer girl keeps interrupting
Book cover for A Fox Found a Box by Ged Adamson

A Fox Found a Box by Ged Adamson

When a little fox finds a radio, he shares the songs and music with his animal friends, but after it goes quiet, the little fox begins to hear the music found in nature.
Book cover for Tanka Tanka Skunk! by Steve Webb.

Tanka Tanka Skunk! by Steve Webb

Uses animal names to introduce rhythmic language and rhyme, as Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunk play drums to keep the beat.

More Story Times

December 2024 Programs for All Ages

Winter Safe DrivingFirst time driving on snowy winter roads? Madison Library District is partnering with the Idaho Department of Transportation and the Idaho State Police to keep you safe this winter! Learn strategies to stay on the road, deal with slipping and...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

New things can be exciting. New friends, new shoes, or a brand new year. Check out these books that are new to the library. You might find a new favorite. ​ ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5 Sing,...

Storytime: G is for Geese

Mother Goose has introduced timeless rhymes, songs and stories to children across the globe, but have you observed the role of the “goose” in today’s literature? Not only is she silly and inquisitive, but she’s friendly, kind, and smart, not to mention a significant...

Storytime: G is for Go, Go, Go

Join us for Idaho Family Reading Week 2024 and “Rev Up Your Reading” as we go, go, GO! ​Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip Using books and stories to help children...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddler Time: Duck, Duck, Goose

“Play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in important ways.” HealthyChildren.org. When reading books with...

November Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeNovember Story Time is here, and our themes are “Duck, Duck, Goose!” for Book Babies and Toddler Time and the letter “G” for Story Time! Join us in the Community Room for songs, stories, and sensory activities perfect for each age group. Book Babies...

Storytime: Halloween

It’s time to put on a costume and have some Halloween fun! But first, try out some of these books, songs, and rhymes to enhance your spooky family activities!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Ages 2-5Sing,...

Storytime: Hibernation

When reading a book with your child, don’t skip or rush through the complex words. This is a great time to talk with your child about how to pronounce the word and its context within the book or story you are reading together. For example, the word, “hibernation,” can...

Storytime: Hedgehogs

Did you know that attending story time will not only help your children develop early literacy skills, but it also helps them with critical thinking skills and will improve their imagination? As they fall into the adventure of character, like a hedgehog who’s back...

Storytime: Horses & Ponies

Did you know that horses can sleep standing up, they have excellent hearing, can run shortly after being born, have bigger eyes than any other mammal who lives on land, and that a pony is actually just a small horse? Why of course, it’s a horse! For more fun facts...

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