August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Jul 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 comments

August 2026 Events

AO3 at the Library: Fanfiction Short Story Contest

Calling all storytellers! Do you have a favorite book, movie, show, video game, or fictional world you just can’t let go of? Now’s your chance to give it the spin it deserves.

Write an original fan fiction story for our “AO3 at the Library” Short Story Contest — alternate endings, missing scenes, “what if” twists, all welcome!

Ages 18+
Entries open August 1–24
2,500 word limit
Submit as a PDF or Word doc to programs@madisonlib.org

Full contest rules are available on the Adult Arena of our website — be sure to check eligibility requirements before submitting. Most importantly: have fun and happy writing!

Your Library is Getting an Upgrade!

The Library will be closed August 7 – September 7 to install new shelving.

Help us by stocking up on library books and keeping them for the whole month! No items will be due before September 11 – no late fees as long as the Library is closed!

Armchair Traveler Challenge

Reading is the perfect way to unearth information, entertainment, and understanding, and we are ready to delve into some great books! This year’s challenge has us grabbing our shovels and burrowing into the pages! Field Techs will read one book for each challenge, earning stickers and opportunities to win prizes in our grand prize drawing.

Any reader who fulfills even a portion of their Artifact Journal will earn small prizes along the way, but readers who complete all 10 Inventory Logs will earn the 2026 Armchair Traveler Field Tech Prize.

August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 Comments

AO3 at the Library: Fanfiction Short Story ContestCalling all storytellers! Do you have a favorite book, movie, show, video game, or fictional world you just can't let go of? Now's your chance to give it the spin it deserves. Write an original fan fiction story for...

July 2026 Events for Adults

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 29, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a StorySummer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we’re Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us. From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes. Sign-ups start June 8th — online with Beanstack...

June 2026 Events for Adults

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Flood 50We’re honored to be part of the city-wide Flood 50 commemoration — remembering the Teton Dam Flood 50 years later. Stop by to explore photo displays and Flood memorabilia, pick up a “Where Did I Put…” emergency preparedness folder (one per family), and grab a...

May 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | April 30, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Teen Zone | 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, May 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an...

Adult Programs April 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | March 27, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Creative Writing ClubCalling all storytelling enthusiasts ages 18+! Meet us in the Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays, April 1, 15, & 29. Share your writing, make new friends, and discuss your favorite work and the passion behind your craft. Let's inspire...

Adult Activities March 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 27, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Dungeons & DragonsTuesdays at 5:30 PM · March 3, 17 & 31 · Community Room · Ages 18+ Calling all adventurers! Whether you're a battle-hardened bard or brand-new to the game, join our Dungeons & Dragons party for adults (18+) and step into a world of...

Adult Activities February 2026

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 30, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Dungeons & DragonsTuesdays at 5:30 PM · February 3 & 17 · Community Room · Ages 18+ Calling all adventurers! Whether you're a battle-hardened bard or brand-new to the game, join our Dungeons & Dragons party for adults (18+) and step into a world of...

January 2026 Programs for Adults

by Mary Kirkpatrick | December 29, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Dungeons & DragonsTuesdays at 5:30 PM · January 6 & 20 · Community Room · Ages 18+ Calling all adventurers! Whether you're a battle-hardened bard or brand-new to the game, join our Dungeons & Dragons party for adults (18+) and step into a world of...

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 Adult Programs

by Mary Kirkpatrick | October 31, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Dungeons & DragonsTuesdays, Nov. 4 & 18 at 5:30 PM in the Community Room Calling all adventurers! Whether you're battle-hardened or brand-new to the game, join our Dungeons & Dragons adventures for adults (18+) and step into a world of imagination,...

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Jun 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 comments

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story

Summer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we’re Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us.

From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes.

Sign-ups start June 8th — online with Beanstack or in person in the Library Community Room. Track your reading your way: grab a traditional paper log or log online with Beanstack. Same great program, your choice of how to play. Just keep in mind that each person can only participate once, so pick your favorite and start digging!

Find all the details and prize schedule at madisonlib.org/summer-reading. We can’t wait to see what stories you unearth this summer!

Access Beanstack

Story Time and Early Literacy

Storytime is back this summer — and we’re going prehistoric!

We have something for every little one this summer. Book Babies (for infants not yet walking, with a caregiver) meets Wednesdays at 9:30 AM, and Toddler Time (for walking toddlers, with a caregiver) meets Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM. Storytime is every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM, with an After Dinner Storytime option Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM.

This summer we’ll explore the world of fossils, dinosaurs, and America 250 through stories, songs, and hands-on fun. Here’s what’s coming up:

June 29–July 1 – America 250 with the Yellowstone Brass

July 6–8 – Dino Play

July 13–15 – Dino Detectives

July 22 – Playmill Cast of Disney’s Frozen (ONE DAY ONLY – Wed. at 10:30 AM or 12 PM)

July 27–29 – Something New Just For You… Dinosaurs!

We can’t wait to see your little ones this summer.

Chess and Game Club

Unplug and connect at Chess and Game Club! It’s the perfect place to hang out, meet new people, and play some awesome games.

Join us Mondays at 4:00 PM in the Community Room, June 15 through July 27. We’ll have chess sets ready for players of all abilities, plus a rotating selection of board games and card games. No experience needed—just come ready to have fun. Open to ages 9–18.

We’re also excited to welcome Joseph from Binary Cocoa as our gaming mentor, bringing his expertise and helping players learn new games along the way.

Come when you can, bring a friend, and make Mondays something to look forward to.

Summer STEM from Your Library

Summer STEM from Your Library is here! Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM in the Community Room, children ages 6–11 and their accompanying adults are welcome to join us for a summer full of hands-on STEM adventures. Here’s what’s coming up:

July 7 – Archaeology and Cookie Excavation

July 14 – IPTV & PBS Kids with Cheryl Kimber: Fossil Imprints

July 21 – IPTV & PBS Kids with Cheryl Kimber: Amber Fossils

July 28 – LEGO Jurassic Jungle with DINObots!

Drop in for one or come to all of them — every week is a brand-new adventure.

Family Friendly Films

Grab the family and pull up a seat — Free Family Friendly Films are back!

Every Thursday at 1:00 PM in the Community Room, we’re screening films hand-picked to match our Summer Reading theme, Unearth a Story — think dinosaurs, ancient worlds, and epic adventures. Here’s the lineup:

July 2 – We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (G)

July 9 – Dinosaur (PG)

July 16 – Ice Age (PG)

July 23 – The Prince of Egypt (PG)

July 30 – Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)

Free, fun, and on the big screen. We’ll see you Thursdays at 1!

Celebrate America 250 with the Magic of Matt Seraydarian!

Get ready for a night of wonder! Join us Thursday, July 2 from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Community Room to celebrate America 250 with an unforgettable evening of magic, music, and inspiring stories. Magician Matt Seraydarian brings a one-of-a-kind show for all ages — the perfect patriotic after-dinner experience. Seats are limited, so please sign up for FREE tickets at the Circulation Desk!

Watch The Magic of Matt Seraydarian on YouTube to get a sneak peek before the show!

Visit Matt Seraydarian on YouTube

Armchair Traveler Challenge: Unearth a Story

Reading is the perfect way to unearth information, entertainment, and understanding, and we are ready to delve into some great books! This year’s challenge has us grabbing our shovels and burrowing into the pages! Field Interns will read one book for each challenge, earning stickers and opportunities to win prizes in our grand prize drawing.

Learn More Here

August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 Comments

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a StorySummer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we're Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us. From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes. Sign-ups start June 8th — online with Beanstack...

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Flood 50 STEM Take Home KitsStop by the Circulation Desk June 1–6 to pick up a free guided activity booklet and STEM supplies kit designed for kids ages 6-11 and their families (limit one per family). Activities explore the science and history of the Teton Dam Flood...

Story Time: Favorites

by Marybeth Isle | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Let’s have some fun with a few of the librarian’s favorite classic picture books! Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Ages 3-5 Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play Tip The concept of loud and...

Story Time: Something NEW in March

by Marybeth Isle | March 31, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this April 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 Fun with...

Story Time: F is for Flowers

by Marybeth Isle | March 24, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

It’s spring! The sun is out, the birds are singing, and we can all be on the lookout for flowers. Spring can seem like a magical time for kids and a big part of that magic is flowers. Looking for the green leaves and stems poking out of the dirt, finding the buds...

Story Time: F is for Fairy Tale

by Marybeth Isle | March 19, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Once upon a time, in a castle far away… Fairy tales might seem like old stories, but reading them has many benefits for children. They can spark imagination and creativity. Magical descriptions can expand a child’s vocabulary. And many fairy tales are a fun way to...

Story Time: F is for Food

by Marybeth Isle | March 11, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Food brings people together. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday party, dinner time, or even a snack at the park, sharing food enhances cooperation, communication, and caring. So, the next time you read a book with food in it, talk with your child about the role...

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...

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 comments

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Flood 50 STEM Take Home Kits

Stop by the Circulation Desk June 1–6 to pick up a free guided activity booklet and STEM supplies kit designed for kids ages 6-11 and their families (limit one per family). Activities explore the science and history of the Teton Dam Flood as part of our Flood 50 commemoration. Complete the booklet and return it to the library to claim a bag of Muddy Buddies!

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story

Summer Reading 2026 is here! This summer, we’re Unearthing a Story, and we want you to dig in with us.

From Monday, June 8 through Saturday, August 1, read your way to awesome prizes.

Find all the details and prize schedule at madisonlib.org/summer-reading. We can’t wait to see what stories you unearth this summer!

Access Beanstack

Story Time and Early Literacy

Storytime is back this summer — and we’re going prehistoric!

This summer we’ll explore the world of fossils, dinosaurs, and America 250 through stories, songs, and hands-on fun. Here’s what’s coming up:

June 15–17 – Dino Teeth with Tooth Time Dentistry

June 22–24 – Dino Roar & Stomp with Let’s Play Music

June 29–July 1 – America 250 with the Yellowstone Brass

Please note: No Early Literacy programs June 1–10, but Summer Reading sign-ups start June 8 — stop by!

We can’t wait to see your little ones this summer.

Chess and Game Club

Unplug and connect at Chess and Game Club! It’s the perfect place to hang out, meet new people, and play some awesome games.

We’re also excited to welcome Joseph from Binary Cocoa as our gaming mentor, bringing his expertise and helping players learn new games along the way.

June 22: We’re switching things up with Water Mancala—a fun, hands-on game perfect for summer.

Come when you can, bring a friend, and make Mondays something to look forward to.

Summer STEM from Your Library

June 16 – Fossil Fest Kick-off with Madison Health

June 23 – LEGO DINOrama: Build dinosaur dioramas with your friends

June 30 – America 250 in Idaho with the Revolutionary Spuds

Drop in for one or come to all of them — every week is a brand-new adventure.

Family Friendly Films

Grab the family and pull up a seat — Free Family Friendly Films are back!

June 18 – The Good Dinosaur (PG)

June 25 – The Land Before Time (G)

Free, fun, and on the big screen. We’ll see you Thursdays at 1!

Celebrate America 250 with the Magic of Matt Seraydarian!

Watch The Magic of Matt Seraydarian on YouTube to get a sneak peek before the show!

Visit Matt Seraydarian on YouTube

Armchair Traveler Challenge: Unearth a Story

Reading is the perfect way to unearth information, entertainment, and understanding, and we are ready to delve into some great books! This year’s challenge has us grabbing our shovels and burrowing into the pages! Field Interns will read one book for each challenge, earning stickers and opportunities to win prizes in our grand prize drawing.

Learn More Here

August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 Comments

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time: Favorites

by Marybeth Isle | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: Something NEW in March

by Marybeth Isle | March 31, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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

Story Time: F is for Flowers

by Marybeth Isle | March 24, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Fairy Tale

by Marybeth Isle | March 19, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Food

by Marybeth Isle | March 11, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Food

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

Story Time: Favorites

by Marybeth Isle | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Story Time: Favorites

Let’s have some fun with a few of the librarian’s favorite classic picture books!

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

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

The concept of loud and soft plays an important role in music and throughout life. Children need to know when a loud voice is OK and when a soft voice is required. Through music, they can have fun learning the difference between loud and soft. – “Reading Picture Books With Children” by Lambert

Activity

When you sing, “Two Little Blackbirds,” with your child, sing the word, “soft,” softly and the word, “loud,” loudly.

Books Presented



An Extraordinary Egg by Leo Lionni

A little frog discovers an extraordinary egg on Pebble Island.

Find it in Our Catalog



I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

A bear almost gives up his search for his missing hat until he remembers something important.

Find it in Our Catalog

Book cover for Over in the Meadow by John M. Langstaff



Over in the Meadow by John Langstaff

A retelling of an old rhyme about meadow animals and their activities.

Find it in Our Catalog

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Where Has My Hat Gone?

(Tune of “Where Has My Little Dog Gone?”)
Oh where, oh where has my (Red) hat gone?
Oh where, oh where can it be?
I’ve looked up high and I’ve looked down low.
Did someone hide it from me?

Chicken in the Egg

Chicken in the egg
Sits so still
Will she come out?
Yes! She will!
*Gator, frog, penguin, owl, turtle, lobster, snake (Oviparous animals are those that reproduce by laying eggs.)

Adapted from Jbrary

Two Little Blackbirds

Two little blackbirds sitting on a hill.
One named Jack and one named Jill.
Fly away Jack, fly away Jill.
Come back Jack, come back Jill.

Two little blackbirds flying in the sky.
One named Low and one named High…

Two little blackbirds sitting on a pole.
One named Fast and one named Slow…

Two little blackbirds sitting on a gate…
One named Early and one named Late…

Two little blackbirds sitting on a cloud…
One named Quiet and one named Loud…

Source: Jbrary

Here is the Beehive

Here is the beehive
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Buzz up high. Buzz down low.
Buzzing fast. Buzzing slow.
Buzz to the left. Buzz to the right.
Buzz all day but sleep at night.

Here is the beehive.
But where are all the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
Here they come flying out of their hive.
One, two, three, four, five!

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a hedgehog reading a book.



Hedgehog Reading Coloring Page

Click Here for Coloring Page

Make a colorful bookmark with tissue paper.



Tissue Paper Bookmark Craft

Click Here for craft

More Story Times

August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 Comments

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time: Favorites

by Marybeth Isle | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: Something NEW in March

by Marybeth Isle | March 31, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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

Story Time: F is for Flowers

by Marybeth Isle | March 24, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Fairy Tale

by Marybeth Isle | March 19, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Food

by Marybeth Isle | March 11, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Food

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

Story Time: Something NEW in March

by Marybeth Isle | Mar 31, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Story Time: Something NEW in March

Reading a ”new” book with your child can be an enchanting and exciting experience! After your child selects a new book, perhaps about a favorite topic like dinosaurs, trains, or animals, take a “picture walk,” and flip through pages. Look at the illustrations and try to guess what the story will be about. This helps your child activate prior knowledge, encourages predictive thinking, and improves narrative understanding.

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

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

When you give your child positive reinforcement by clapping or telling them that they did a great job, you are encouraging them to act both independently and cooperatively. To encourage this at home, use activities that your child can do easily, and don’t forget to give a lot of positive encouragement. — Lambert

Activity

Pick some simple activities your child can do that will fill an entire day. After they do the activity, even if they fail, encourage them with clapping, hugs, and positive reinforcement. Then, at bedtime, talk about the things they accomplished that day.

Books Presented



Spectacular Spots by Susan Stockdale

Susan Stockdale brings to life a patterned parade of animals, showing young readers some of the many reasons spots are found so often in nature. Bouncy, alliterative rhyme and simple phrases keep readers entertained, while back matter provides more in-depth information on each featured animal.

Find it in Our Catalog



If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall

Two children navigate their friendship as they imagine what it would be like to be dogs

Find it in Our Catalog



Giraffe's Book is Missing a Story by DK Ryland

When faced with a blank page, Giraffe and friends invite the reader to help them craft a story using teamwork and creativity in this interactive follow-up to the bestselling Giraffe is Too Tall for This Book. Furry, feathered, and scaled-our favorite animal friends are back and finally ready to read… If they can figure out what story to tell. Fresh off of their first adventure, the six friendly animals face a new puzzling predicament-a blank page! (Which can be a little scary, but it can be fun, too.) With colorful speech bubbles, each of the animals-Giraffe, quiet Mouse, problem solving Snake, anxious Elephant, grumpy Cheetah, and Flamingo, who just wants everyone to get along-join in telling an increasingly wild story. As the animals navigate the tale’s many twists and turns, it’s up to the reader to help keep things moving through playful actions, like tap-tap-tapping on a magic wand, tilting the book to help Elephant swim faster, and more. Promoting engagement and creativity, this interactive adventure is ready to bring fun to story times everywhere. Giraffe, friends, and the reader work together to weave a hilarious adventure with new surprises at every turn, proving that all it takes to tell a story is a little imagination-and lots of teamwork!

Find it in Our Catalog



Goat is the G.O.A.T. by Bea Birdsong

When Goat overhears that he is the greatest of all time, he tries to figure out what quality makes him so great.

Find it in Our Catalog

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Camouflage Rhyme

Oh where oh where can my little frog be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his big, buggy eyes
And his smooth, brown skin
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my tiger be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his stripey fur
And his big, sharp teeth
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my owl be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his amber eyes
And his short, curved beak
Oh where oh where can he be?

Oh where oh where can my gecko be?
Oh where oh where can he be?
With his leaf shaped tail
And his sticky toes
Oh where oh where can he be?

Source: Library Bonanza

This is Big, Big, Big

This is big big big (Hold arms out to side)
This is small small small (Cup hands together)
This is short short short (Hold hands with palms facing each other)
This is tall tall tall (Reach one hand above head)
This is fast fast fast (Circle fists quickly)
This is slow slow slow (Circle fists slowly)
This is yes yes yes (Nod)
This is no no no (Shake head)

Source: Mel’s Desk

Little Dog, Little Dog

Little dog, little dog; come out and play!
What color house are you in today?
Are you in the _(color)_ house?

The Goats Came Marching

The goats came marching one by one, hurrah! Hurrah!
The goats came marching one by one, hurrah! Hurrah!
The goats came marching one by one,
The little one stopped…to bask in the sun.
Then they all came marching, over the rickety bridge.

The goats came marching two by two…,
The little one stopped…to look at the view.
Then they all came marching, over the rickety bridge.

The goats came marching three by three…
The little one stopped…to sit by a tree.
Then they all came marching, over the rickety bridge…
Rickety bridge!

Source: BBC

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with a turtle carrying a stack of books.



Turtle and Books Coloring Page

Click Here for Coloring Page

Paint an animal out of dots in this cute craft.



Animal Dot Painting Craft

Click Here for craft

More Story Times

August 2026 Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 18, 2026 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone | 0 Comments

July 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

June 2026 Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | May 29, 2026 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time: Favorites

by Marybeth Isle | May 1, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: Something NEW in March

by Marybeth Isle | March 31, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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

Story Time: F is for Flowers

by Marybeth Isle | March 24, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Fairy Tale

by Marybeth Isle | March 19, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: F is for Food

by Marybeth Isle | March 11, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Food

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

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

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

Kid ‘n’ Tween Programs April 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy

Join us this April 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 Fun with Favorites!

Book Babies (Ages 0–12 months, pre-walkers & grown-ups) Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room.* Explore songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities with our Fun with Favorites theme!

Story Time (Ages 3–5) Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 AM in the Community Room, Tuesdays at 6:30 PM in the Activity Room.

- Apr. 1: Something New!
- Apr. 6–8: No Story Time — come for BLOCKFEST instead!*
- Apr. 13–15: Fun with Favorites
- Apr. 20–22: Fire Station
- Apr. 27–29: No Story Time — Summer Reading School Visits*

Spanish Story Time (Hora Del Cuento) ¡Los lunes a las 10:30 a. m. en el salón comunitario!* ¡Con temas divertidos durante todo el mes!

*Please note: There will be NO Early Literacy Programs the weeks of April 6–8 (BLOCKFEST) and April 27–29 (Summer Reading School Visits). We look forward to seeing you the other weeks!

Come learn, play, and grow with us!

Blockfest!

Join us on Wednesday, April 8 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in honor of National Library Week for a drop-in block building extravaganza! In partnership with Eastern Idaho Public Health, this free event is designed for ages 8 months–8 years and their accompanying adults.

Stop by any time and explore math, science, and literacy skills as you stack, build, create, and topple your way through the day. No registration required — just show up and see what you can build!

Socks required.

Chess and Game Club

Unplug and connect at Chess and Game Club! It’s the perfect place to hang out, meet new people, and play some awesome games. Every Monday at 4:00 PM in the Community Room, we’ll have chess sets ready for players of all abilities, plus a rotating selection of board games and card games. No experience needed—just a desire to have fun. Open to everyone ages 9-18.

Kid ‘n’ Tween Tuesday STEAM

Get ready for three Tuesdays of hands-on STEAM fun for Kids ‘n’ Tweens in the Community Room from 4:00–5:00 PM!

- April 7 – Learn all about bees and beekeeping with special guests Steve and Shannon Spencer from Bee Box Honey!
- April 14 – Think you can build the tallest tower? Put your engineering skills to the test with our LEGO Build the Tallest Tower Challenge!
- April 21 – Team up with Cheryl Kimber from IPTV/PBS Kids for an exciting Bridge Engineering challenge!

Each week brings a brand-new adventure — come for one or come for all three! Perfect for kids and tweens ages 6-11 who love to explore, build, and discover.

Combined Tween Book Club

Books for Boys and Great Reads for Girls are joining forces this month to discuss The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen!

This gripping tale of deception, ambition, and survival follows an orphan boy swept up in a dangerous scheme to fill a kingdom’s empty throne — a story full of twists you won’t see coming.

Join us on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30–7:30 PM in the Community Room for a lively discussion, themed activities, and delicious treats! Perfect for readers ages 8–11 and accompanying adults.

See you there, future rulers!

Family Friendly Films

Grab your popcorn and join us for Free Family Films on Thursday, April 17 at 3:30 PM in the Community Room!

This month we’re heading to Zootopia for Zootopia 2 as we catch up with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the rest of the gang for another wild adventure in the city where anyone can be anything. All ages welcome!

See you at the movies!

Combined Tween Book Club

Books for Boys and Great Reads for Girls are joining forces again to discuss Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls!

This beloved adventure follows 14-year-old Jay Berry Lee, who stumbles upon a troop of escaped circus monkeys in the Oklahoma wilderness — and hatches a plan to catch them and claim the reward money. Packed with humor, heart, and a few unexpected lessons along the way, it’s a story about family, dreams, and growing up.

Join us on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30–7:30 PM in the Community Room for a fun discussion, themed activities, and delicious treats! Perfect for readers ages 8–11 and accompanying adults.

See you there!

National Library Week – Rubber Ducky Diorama Contest

Celebrate National Library Week 2026 (April 19–25) with us by creating an original rubber ducky diorama inspired by this year’s theme, “Find Your Joy at the Library!” Imagine your favorite library moment — a beloved book, a cozy storytime, a lively book club — and bring it to life in miniature with rubber duckies as the stars.

Submit your entry at the Library by April 15 — winners will be announced April 20! Pick up the full rules and an entry form at the Circulation Desk, or find everything you need on our website. We can’t wait to see your creativity come to life!

Armchair Traveler Challenge: Unearth a Story

Reading is the perfect way to unearth information, entertainment, and understanding, and we are ready to delve into some great books! This year’s challenge has us grabbing our shovels and burrowing into the pages! Field Interns will read one book for each challenge, earning stickers and opportunities to win prizes in our grand prize drawing.

Learn More Here