Here's your chance to let us know what you think the new library--and especially the Childrens area--should have. What do you want your new space to do? How should it feel? Cozy? Playful? Should we have stroller parking? What about a slide?
Bring your best ideas to Meeting Room A on Wednesday, September 2 at 5:15 p.m. for the first public input session with the library's architect. Can't make that one? Mark your calendars for the next meetings on Wednesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 29.
Kids can get their own library card when they turn 5!
We've gotten a CHALLENGE from the Marion Public Library in Marion, Indiana, to see who can sign up the most new card users in September! If you or your kids don't have a card, come in and get one and help us win!
Once you have a card, each time you come into the library during September you can sign up for our daily drawings to win either a canvas bag or a mug. The registration forms have space only for your library card number -- so make sure your contact information is current in your account so we can reach you if you win!
Toddler Time
Tuesdays & Fridays*
At 10:00 a.m.
(18 months - 3 years)
*Friday, September 18th stay for Babble & Brew
Each session is 20 minutes long and includes stories, music, and activities.
Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
At 10:45 a.m.
(3 - 5 years)
Each session is 30 minutes long and includes stories, music, and activities.
Family Time
Monday Evenings
At 6:30 p.m.
(All Ages)
Start your week off right by coming to Family Time! Each week will feature a different activity appropriate for all ages. We'll have crafts, movies, games, and seasonal fun to get the whole family geared up for the week.
Start Building those early literacy skills from the very beginning with Baby Time!
Each session is 15 minutes of books, bounces, songs, and rhymes followed by 15 minutes of free play.
Learning Safari:
What Can We Do About Teasing and Bullying?
Wednesday, September 9th
at 10:45 a.m.
Learning Safari is a special story time and art class for preschoolers in partnership with the African American Museum.
This month we will discuss how to handle teasing and bullying in a way that is easy for children to understand through a wonderful book,The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Teasing. Afterwards, the children will respond to a set of pictures that demonstrate ways to not tease or protect oneself from a bully.
Doodlebugs: Fantastical Fairy Tale
Tuesday, September 22nd
at 10:45 a.m.
Doodlebugs is a hands-on art appreciation class for preschoolers and their caregivers made possible by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. We share stories, learn about how art is made and about the lives of famous artists, then we make our own masterpieces!
Calling all knights, princesses and dragon-slayers! Join us for a fairy tale fantasy and create an ancient-looking map. Sponsored by McGrath Family of Dealerships.
Lego Club! Thursday, September 10th 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Get Creative with everyone's favorite building blocks! Build with our stash once each month on the second Thursday.
Have Legos that your kids aren't using anymore? Why not donate them to the library and share the Lego love?
Longing for grown-up conversation? Want to reclaim your sanity, but need a place where your little ones will have fun too? Join us for high-quality coffee from Wit's End Coffeehouse for the adults, and lots of exciting and age appropriate toys for the kiddos (newborns-preschoolers).
Create with other Minecrafters on the library's server! Choose from:
Survival Mode, where you have to build shelter and find food before fending off the monsters
Creative Mode, where you can fly, explore, and build anything you want
The Nether, where you fight monsters and hunt for treasure
Spleef, where your goal is to drop your opponents out of the bottom of the world
Hide and Seek, where you blend into the scenery until the seeker finds you!
Hunger Games, where you can show off your battle skills and be the last one standing
The library has a limited number of Minecraft accounts and laptops, so sign up soon! If your family has your own account or laptop, please let us know when you register. The more computers and accounts we have to work with, the more Minecraft fun for everyone!
This all-ages reading program couldn't be easier: just pick up a log and start reading. Check off each state as you read a book that either takes place in that state, is about that state, or is by an author who is from that state. You can read fiction or non-fiction. We've got suggested books for each state, or pick out your own!
As you check off each state, get a dot at the Information Desk to mark your progress on our map. When you've read a book from all 50 states, pick up a special prize! Find more information on the Book a Trip page on our website.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten!
Ongoing
Children ages 0 - Pre-K
This program is designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life's big milestones: kindergarten. Research has proven over and over that children get ready to read years before they begin their formal education. The most effective way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them. We hope to foster a love of reading, an appreciation for the library, and healthy and happy bonding time for children and their caregivers as we encourage you along the way. You can sign up online by clicking here. Then stop by the Children's Desk, and we'll get you started with a log!
