SUMMER STEM: Food Web Puzzle Game
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!
Storytime: Deep Down Underground
Storytime: Deep Down Underground
A lot of children love to play in the dirt and mud, but do they know what lives underground? Explore the earth beneath their feet with these books, activities and videos. Then talk about what they have discovered and the new words that they have learned such as soil, burrow, and fossils.
Join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Ages 2-5
Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play
Tip
Reading to your child with excitement and enthusiasm helps make reading a special time for you and your little one.
Activity
Try reading a story with your child using funny voices. Practice with a high, low, fast, or slow voice, and try using funny expressions on your face.
Books Presented
Underground by Denise Fleming
Pulp paintings and rhyming text spotlight the underground world of burrowing, tunneling, and digging animals. Includes “Creature Identification” page.
A Dog Named Doug by Karma Wilson
Egged on by a ground squirrel, a dog named Doug digs miles underground–taking a detour through the White House–until he returns home, goes to bed, and dreams of digging some more.
Hedgehog Needs a Hug by Jen Betton
Hedgehog wakes up needing a hug, but has trouble finding a friend who will get so close to his prickles.
Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays
Herman the Worm
Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
weeooo weeooo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along came Herman the Worm
And he was thiiiiis big / fingers a few inches apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my sister
Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands about six inches apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my mother
Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands about two feet apart
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my father
Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / hands as far apart as possible
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I ate my grandpa
Sitting on a fencepost, chewin’ my bubblegum
chomp chomp chomp chomp
Playin’ with my yo yo
Weeoo weeoo / pretend to use a yo yo
When along cam Herman the worm
And he was thiiiiis big / fingers close together again
So I said, Herman, what happened? / put arms out and shrug
And he said, I burped
Let’s Dig a Hole
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
A… Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper Hole!
A… Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper, Deeper Hole!
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
Let’s … Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a, Dig-a Hole!
Five Hungry Ants
Five hungry ants, marching in a line,
Came upon a picnicwhere they could dine.
They marched into the salad,they marched into the cake,
They marched into the pepper….uh oh, that was a mistake!
AHHHH-CHOOO!
Crafts and Activities
Coloring Page
Print out this cute coloring page – click below!
Create an adorable hedgehog by weaving paper strips
Additional Books
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.
Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar by Steve Wilson
Horace and Hattie watch a caterpillar become a butterfly … and are inspired to attempt a transformation of their own!
The Ants Go Marching
One by one the ants march to get to shelter from the rain in this illustrated version of the classic children’s song.
Hop by Jorey HUrley
A day in the life of a rabbit family, from sleeping to grazing to hiding from danger
More Story Times
July 1st – July 15th TEEN Activities
July 1st – July 15th TEEN Activities
Young League of Writers
Monday, July 12th, at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Connect with fellow writers to learn how to create characters who grow, transform, and have greater depth.
Our Discord Server is another place to chat and discuss writing. Click below to join!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, July 28th at 4 – 6 p.m. in the Community Room
Join in on an epic adventure! Create your own character, let the dice choose your fate, and interact with others to see where the quest takes you.
Sign up or RSVP for this upcoming session of Dungeons & Dragons. Join our Discord server to connect with fellow adventurers and to learn more.
For teens 12 – 18 years of age.
Summer Teen Crafts
Every Thursday during Summer Reading, a new take ‘n go Teen Craft will be available at the front Circulation Desk.
While supplies last. For ages 12 – 18.
Instructions and material lists can also be found on our website, under “Teen Zone,” and on our YouTube channel.
June 17: Wall Hanging Button Holder
June 24: Hedgehog Earbud Holder
July 1: Pokémon Terrarium
July 8: Monkey Fist Knot
July 15: Cut-Paper Fox Tin Art
July 22: Paper Firebirds
July 29: Shadow Art
Summer Reading, June 7th – July 31st
Sign-ups are now in the front lobby area at the booth, available until July 24th. Program ends July 31st.
Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties.
The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!
Teen Short Story Writing Contest
- Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
- Open to Madison Library District residents only
- 2,000 word maximum
- Limit 1 short story per person
- Must include an animal as part of the main story
- No photos or illustrations
- Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
- Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
- Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
- Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
- Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.
DEADLINE:
All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.
PRIZES:
First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.
All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.
For more information please email Gina Miller.
JULY Kid and Tween Activities
JULY Kid and Tween Activities
Summer Reading
Final month of Summer Reading – last day to sign-up is July 24th and program ends July 31st.
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!
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.
July 6: Food Web Puzzle Game
July 13: Exploding Soap
July 20: UV Sensitive Animal Building Challenge
July 27: Animal Coding Game
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.
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!
Meghan Casey and Rocky Mountain Puppets presents:
Tall Tales of the Lost Temple
Monday, July 12 at Porter Park in the Beehive Pavilion.
Two performances at 10:30a.m. and 6:30p.m.
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs for a special presentation and puppet show by Rocky Mountain Puppets! Meghan Casey is an award winning ventriloquist who entertains audiences all over the country. Join us as she presents a unique program based on the Summer Reading 2021 theme, “Tails and Tales.”
This event is sponsored by the Madison Library Foundation.
JULY Adult Activities
JULY Adult Activities
Adult Summer Reading
Explore Tails and Tales at the Library this summer by researching animals in all their habitats. Each time you complete a “Research Area” by reading 1000 pages of your choice, bring your log into the Library for a small reward.
If you successfully complete all Research by reading 3000 pages before Saturday, July 31st, you’ll be entered into our final drawings and receive five $1 coupons to use towards any unfortunate future fine incidents that may occur.
Last day to signup is July 24th.
SUMMER READING Cat Scavenger Hunt
Some slinky felines have come to hang out in the library during Summer Reading. But just how many are there?
Take a look around the General Section of the library to see how many curious cats you can find. Pick up a form at the Reference Desk; to increase your chances of winning, be sure to count the other creatures who are lurking about. If you want to change your count, we will consider your best guess.
Only PAPER cats count – displays, books, etc. are not included in the final count.
For ages 18+
Adult prize: $15 gift card to Fresco Grill. A certificate will be awarded to the closest underage guess.
Contest ends July 12th.
EXPLORATION KITS
The Adult Exploration Kits are back on the shelves!
Each kit is built to take you on a journey of learning. There are a myriad of subjects to choose from, including US Beginnings, Shakespeare, Cake, Bob Ross, National Parks, and more.
Exploration kits may be checked out for three weeks.
To make it even easier on yourself, search our catalogue to put one on hold! Simply use the catalogue search function and type in “Adult exploration kits” to view our many options.
PUZZLE + CHESS
The puzzle table is open to the public! Sit down and relax with our community puzzle. Contribute what you want and come back another day.
CHESS is located in the glass enclosure. Request a set from the Reference Desk.
The Library Book Club will next meet on Thursday, September 16th, at 6:30pm.
The book will be The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin:
A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, one thing’s for sure: Sam Westing may be dead… but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!
Reading copies will be available to check out at the Front Circulation Desk mid-August.
Teen Craft: Hedgehog Earbud + Cord Holder
Teen Craft: Hedgehog Earbud + Cord Holder
Story Time: Big and Tall
Story Time: Big and Tall
Stories and activities about large animals.
Join us Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Ages 2-5
Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play
Tip
Practicing fine motor skills, such as making small finger motions while singing a song, helps develop your child’s coordination. Four-year old children have greater control of their fingers and hands than younger children do. Songs such as “Open Them, Shut Them” are easier for three-, four-, and five-year olds than for younger children because children develop greater coordination and control of small movements as they age.
Activity
Encourage children to use their hands and fingers to follow the directions to the song, “Open Them, Shut Them.”
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them,
Give a little clap.
Open them, shut them, open them, shut them,
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them, creep them, creep them
Right up to your chin.
Open up your little mouth… (pause)
But do not let them in! (shake finger)
Books Presented
Hiccupotamus by Steve Smallman
The jungle animals are having a musical celebration! Mouse squeaks, Bird tweets, and Centipede taps his feet. Then more animals hear the music and want to join in, as Monkey, Warthog, and Crocodile bring their own music-making talents to the group. But what is that silly Hippo doing?
Who Eats Orange? by Dianne White
Who eats orange—a chicken? A bunny? A bear? Find out in this unique exploration of colors and animals’ favorite foods.
Animals eat a rainbow of different foods. Gorillas in the mountains eat green, octopi in the ocean eat red, and toucans in the canopy eat purple. Young animal enthusiasts will love digging into this lively journey around the world to explore the colorful diets of many animals, from the familiar to the exotic.
Giraffe Problems by Jory John
Can you guess what’s making this giraffe self-conscious? Could it be . . . HIS ENORMOUS NECK?? Yes, it’s exactly that–how on earth did you figure it out?
Edward the giraffe can’t understand why his neck is as long and bendy and, well, ridiculous as it is. No other animal has a neck this absurd. He’s tried disguising it, dressing it up, strategically hiding it behind bushes–honestly, anything you can think of, he’s tried.
Just when he has exhausted his neck-hiding options and is about to throw in the towel, a turtle swoops in (well, ambles in, very slowly) and helps him understand that his neck has a purpose, and looks excellent in a bow tie.
Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? by Jory John
Persnickety Elephant has an itch–a big one–and he can’t reach it! While he isn’t above asking for a little help, no one is up to the task. Turtle is too lazy, Snail is too slimy, and Alligator… well, Elephant isn’t sure he wants his assistance. Does Elephant have to do everything himself?
Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays
Five Elephants in the Bathtub
One elephant in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock (clap twice)
Splash, splash (slap knees twice)
Come on in! (motion with both hands to come in)
(count up from 1-5)
Five elephants in the bathtub
Going for a swim
Knock, knock (clap twice)
Splash, splash (slap knees twice)
It all fell in! (knock the felt pieces down)
The Jungle Song
Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.
When he growls, sharp teeth I see.
He’s as scary as can be!
Tiger, tiger, orange and black,
He’s got stripes upon his back.
Elephant, elephant, large and grey
Swings his trunk along the way.
His ears are big, his tusks are white,
Don’t be scared, he doesn’t bite!
Elephant, elephant, large and grey,
Swings his trunk along the way.
Crocodile, crocodile, long and green,
The sharpest teeth you’ve ever seen.
His legs are short, his mouth is wide,
Get too close and you’ll be inside!
Crocodile, crocodile, long and green,
The sharpest teeth you’ve ever seen.
Giraffe, giraffe, so very tall,
He spreads out his legs so he won’t fall.
He eats leaves from the tops of the trees,
His long neck helps him reach them with ease!
Giraffe, giraffe, so very tall,
He spreads out his legs so he won’t fall.
Hippopotamus, wallows and lies,
In the mud right up to his eyes.
Wallowing in the muddy pool,
Keeps his skin so very cool.
Hippopotamus, wallows and lies,
In the mud right up to his eyes.
Lion, lion mighty and strong.
With a very loud roar and a mane so long.
A lioness has no mane,
Acub is a baby lion’s name.
Lion, lion mighty and strong.
With a very loud roar and a mane so long.
If You’re an Elephant and You Know It!
To the tune “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
And you really want to show it,
If you’re an elephant and you know it,
Stomp your feet!
Other options:
Monkey – jump up and down
Crocodile – snap your jaws
Lion – give a roar!
I Know a Giraffe
To the tune “On Top of Old Smokey”
I know a giraffe.
With a neck that’s real high.
She stretches and stretches
Til it reaches the sky.
She lives on the plains
With the elephants too
You might also see her when you go to the zoo.
Crafts and Activities
Elephant Nose Craft
Have fun making this silly elephant trunk craft!
Additional Books
Abigail by Catherine Rayner
Abigail the giraffe wants to count the spots on her animal friends, Ladybug, Zebra, and Cheetah, but when they move too fast for counting, Abigail comes up with a new plan.
A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems
Piggie is upset because a whale took the ball she found, but Gerald finds a solution that pleases all of them.
Boa's Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis
It was Boa’s birthday.
It was going to be the best one ever.
Or so he hoped.
It was going to be the best one ever.
Or so he hoped.
He invited his friends round.
They would all bring him wonderful presents.
Or would they?
The Short Giraffe by Neil Flory
Geri is the shortest giraffe in the herd, which causes all kinds of problems when Boba the baboon tries to take a photo. Can Geri stretch up tall enough to be in the picture? Or are the other giraffes looking at things from the wrong perspective? A very sweet story for preschoolers about difference and acceptance.
Jangles: A BIG Fish Story by Davin Shannon
Breathtaking oil paintings bursting with energy pull readers along into Big Lake, the home of Jangles, the biggest fish anyone has seen. Fishing alone at dusk, a boy feels a tug on his line and comes face-to-face with the gigantic trout–whose enormous jaw is covered with so many lures and fish hooks that he jingles and jangles when he swims. Terrified by the sight, the boy is shocked when Jangles befriends him and takes him on an adventure to the bottom of the lake. A surprise ending will leave readers laughing and shaking their heads. Here is Shannon at his very best-in a wild and witty story that begs repeated reading.
More Story Times
June 13th – 30th Teen Activities
June 13th – 30th Teen Activities
Teen Anime Club
Monday, June 21st at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
Teens ages 12-18 gather together to watch anime favorites, chat about manga, and play games. No need to apply — just show up!
This month we will have a Pokémon the First Movie Popcorn Party!
Email Gina @ gina.m@madisonlib.org for more information.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons
Wednesday, June 23 at 4 – 6 p.m. in the Community Room
Join in on an epic adventure! Create your own character, let the dice choose your fate, and interact with others to see where the quest takes you.
Sign up or RSVP for this upcoming session of Dungeons & Dragons. Join our Discord server to connect with fellow adventurers and to learn more.
For teens 12 – 18 years of age.
Madison Bibliomaniacs Teen Book Chat
Monday, June 28th at 4 p.m. in the Community Room.
Who loves to read?? This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and discuss the love of books with others who appreciate the written word as much as you.
June’s Bibliomaniac book will be The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base. Bring your detective skills to solve the who-dunnit mystery of the book by decoding the puzzles on each illustrated page. And of course we will have treats!
Summer Teen Crafts
Every Thursday during Summer Reading, a new take ‘n go Teen Craft will be available at the front Circulation Desk.
While supplies last. For ages 12 – 18.
Instructions and material lists can also be found on our website, under “Teen Zone,” and on our YouTube channel.
June 17: Wall Hanging Button Holder
June 24: Hedgehog Earbud Holder
July 1: Pokémon Terrarium
July 8: Monkey Fist Knot
July 15: Cut-Paper Fox Tin Art
July 22: Paper Firebirds
July 29: Shadow Art
Summer Reading has STARTED
Sign-ups are now in the front lobby area at the booth.
Each year, from June through July, we host Summer Reading. Our program for teens has lots of events and parties.
The 2021 Summer Reading Theme is “Tails and Tales.” The possibilities are endless!
Teen Short Story Writing Contest
- Participants must be ages 12 – 18 to enter
- Open to Madison Library District residents only
- 2,000 word maximum
- Limit 1 short story per person
- Must include an animal as part of the main story
- No photos or illustrations
- Work must be original, not previously published, and titled
- Submissions that are deemed inappropriate, culturally inaccurate or possess negative stereotypical characterization will be disqualified
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- Email your original work to Gina Miller or bring a hard copy into the library.
- Subject line must say: “Tail”ish Tales Contest.
- Please include your name, age, and phone number in the email.
- Paste or type your short story in the email itself. Attachments will not be opened.
DEADLINE:
All entries must be received by Monday, July 26th, 2021.
Winners will be announced on Friday, July 31st, 2020 via Facebook, Instagram and email.
PRIZES:
First prize- Scrivener writing software ($50 value).
Second prize- Fat Cat’s movie date pack.
Third prize- Florence’s Candy box of chocolates.
All three winners will receive publication online at www.madisonlib.org and an award certificate.
For more information please email Gina Miller.
June Kid and Tween Activities
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!
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
June 22: Outdoor Art Kit
June 29: Toothbrush critters
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.
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.
