January Kid & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Dec 29, 2023 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 comments

January Kid & Tween Activities

Story Time

Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): It’s all about the Letter D! Explore Dance, Dinosaurs, Dirt, Disguises, and Something NEW, Just For You!

Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

Toddler Time (ages 10-23 months): Dive into the exciting world of dinosaurs with your little ones.

Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM

Book Babies (ages 0-9 months): Enjoy songs, stories, movement, and sensory activities together while we learn all about dinosaurs!

Wednesdays at 9:30 AM

Please note, there will be NO After Dinner Story Time (6:30 PM) in January and NO Toddler Time Monday, Jan. 1 or 15.

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

Chess & Game Club + Pirate Dice Tournament

Join the Chess & Game Club for ages 9-18 Mondays at 4:30 PM in the Community Room! On January 8 and 22, engage in strategic battles and game adventures. But mark your calendars for January 29 – it’s time to set sail for a Pirate Dice Tournament! Dress like a pirate, talk like a pirate, and feast on pirate snacks as you compete for the ultimate booty in a swashbuckling afternoon of fun!

Kid & Tween Tuesdays

Kids and Tweens ages 6-11! Join us for exciting Tuesdays at the Library in January!

January 9 – Let’s get creative with STEAM making Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle suncatchers.

January 16 – LEGO Club brings ages 6-18 together to craft a Jurassic masterpiece with LEGO dinos.

January 23 – We’ll explore the wonders of simple machines for STEAM.

January 30 – Dive into the world of technology with Tech 4 Kids ‘n Tweens – featuring Cubelets, Makey Makey, robots, 3D printing pens, and more!

Don’t miss out on the fun in the Community Room, every Tuesday at 4:00 PM!

Mother Daughter Book Club

Mother-Daughter Book Club is Thursday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. Girls ages 8-11 and their accompanying adults are invited to dive into Tara Dairman’s All Four Stars. Let the pages spark conversations and indulge your sweet tooth with a creative treat! Don’t miss the chance to make literary memories together!

Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Library will be closed Monday, January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank you!

Books for Boys Book Club

Join us for Books for Boys on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. Boys ages 8-11 and their accompanying adults, gear up for an epic discussion on Guts & Glory: The American Revolution by Ben Thompson. Let’s decode secrets like true patriots and embark on a literary journey together!

September Adult Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Gaming Days, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Tech Week, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Abby Reeser | August 13, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Abby Reeser | August 1, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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...

Holiday Closures 2023

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Dec 18, 2023 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 comments

Holiday Closures 2023

The Library will be closed

Saturday – Tuesday, Dec. 23 – 26 for Christmas

& Saturday – Monday, Dec. 30 – Jan. 1 for the New Year

No items are due when the Library is closed. Thank You! Have a safe and happy holidays!

September Adult Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

September Kids & Tween Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

September Teen Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Teen Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Gaming Days, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Tech Week, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Adult Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Kid & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

June Kids and Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

June Adult Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

Library Closed for Labor Day

by Abby Reeser | August 13, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Abby Reeser | August 1, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

by Marybeth Isle | Nov 28, 2023 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in November

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

Pretending fosters your child’s imagination. If you sing “I’m a Little Teapot” at home and you have a teapot, show it to your child and ask, “Where is the handle?” “Where is the spout?” Pretend to drink a cup of tea together and discuss what it tastes like.

Activity

If you have a teapot, show it to your child and describe how it looks. Then sing the song.
I’m a little teapot short and stout. (Stand up and bend knees.)
Here is my handle, here is my spout. (Hand on one hip; hold other hand out to side.)
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout, (Wiggle.)
“Just tip me over and pour me out.” (Lean in the direction of your spout.)

Books Presented



The Runaway Pea by Kjartan Poskitt

The Runaway Pea wants an amazing adventure. But will he survive the dangers of the dog bowl, the mousetrap, and the toaster’s fiery depths? Or will he meet his unhaPEA end?

Find it in Our Catalog



Molly, Olive and Dexter Play Hide-and-Seek by Catherine Rayner

Meet Molly the hare, Olive the owl, and Dexter the fox, three friends who live near the oak tree at the edge of the meadow. Hide-and-seek is Molly’s favorite game, but things aren’t going her way. For starters, Olive and Dexter don’t seem to know the rules. And when Molly shows her friends how to play properly, they hide a little too well. Set in a delicately rendered pastoral world of soft color and shimmering line, here is a picture book that tackles outsize toddler emotions with sensitivity and whimsy. Make way for the singular Molly, Olive, and Dexter–ready or not, here they come!

Find it in Our Catalog

A Creature Was Stirring by Heather S. Pierzynski

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A Creature Was Stirring by Heather S. Pierczynski

A young mouse refuses to go to sleep. “Go to bed,” whispers the cat. “It’s the night before Christmas.” But, despite the unseen narrator’s assertion that “not a creature was stirring,” wide-eyed, big-eared Mouse is far too exuberant to snooze. He proceeds to ride a tricycle around the tree, crack nuts, and nibble cookies. Tiny vignettes depicting his Yuletide antics are followed by a full-page spread in which Mouse rushes out onto a snow-filled street with a full marching band. As he makes merry, everyone–from the house to the city to the whole world–exhorts him to “GO TO BED.” So he does…but not for long. He just can’t sleep! Hopping aboard the Christmas train, he crashes into Santa himself! Can Santa convince our hero to finally head to bed? In this irresistible holiday tale inspired by The Night Before Christmas, the author and illustrator reveal why only a mouse is singled out within the original holiday poem by Clement Clarke Moore.

Find it in Our Catalog



If You Laugh, I'm Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris

Readers are challenged not to laugh in a series of increasingly hilarious prompts and jokes that lead to a serious message about the pleasures of laughter

Find it in Our Catalog

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Green Peas

Two little green peas sleeping in a pod,
One named Tess and the other named Todd.
Fall asleep Tess, fall asleep Todd
Wake up Tess, wake up Todd!

Two little green peas sitting in a pod,
One named Tess and the other named Todd.
Run away Tess, run away Todd
Come back Tess, come back Todd!

Two little green peas planted in a dirt clod,
One named Tess and the other named Todd.
Shooting roots Tess, shooting roots Todd
Grow up Tess, grow up Todd!

Olive and Dexter, Where Can You Be?

Olive and Dexter, where can you be?
Are you behind the _________ tree?
5, 4, 3, 2… 1!
Ready or not, here we come!

Mason the Mouse

I’m Mason the Mouse and my ears flip and flap.
I can change my color when I hear a loud CLAP!

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
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
Clap, clap, clap my crazies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump my jiggles out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
Yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out
And wiggle my waggles away

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
And wiggle my waggles away

Crafts and Activities



Something New Just For You

Click Here for Coloring Page



Peas in a Pod

Make a peapod full of peas

Click Here for craft

More Story Times

Storytime: Purple

by Marybeth Isle | July 10, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Grapes, lavender, eggplants, and purple crayons—oh, the fun things that are purple! They're all waiting in a book, ready for you to discover. Mix blue and red playdough to create your own purple, then cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Don't forget to try these...

Storytime: Green

by Marybeth Isle | July 1, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Green is the color of grass, trees, and many leaves. It makes us think of nature, spring, and fresh things growing. Frogs, peas, and apples can be green too! Green is a calm and happy color that helps us feel peaceful and full of energy. It’s like a big hug from...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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

June Events for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

by Mary Kirkpatrick | April 28, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Books For Boys & Great Reads for GirlsMeet Princess Cimorene—a princess who refuses to be proper. She’s everything a princess shouldn’t be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart… And bored. So bored she runs away to live with Kazul, one of the most powerful dragons around!...

Storytime: B is for Birthday

by Marybeth Isle | April 17, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Happy Birthday!Children eagerly look forward to their next birthday with excitement and anticipation each year. But did you know birthdays can also be valuable learning experiences? They can help children develop an understanding of time and age, explore family values...

Storytime: Something NEW, Just for YOU! April edition

by Marybeth Isle | April 7, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Unicorns, bees, dinosaurs, and frogs—oh my! We've added something new to the library just for you. Online Catalog Tip: Want the latest books on your favorite topics, like unicorns? Use the "Sort By" dropdown menu and select "Publication Date (Descending)." This will...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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

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

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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

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

Storytime: L is for Lions

by Marybeth Isle | March 26, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Why don’t lions like fast food? Because they can’t catch it! Lions are fascinating animals that live in family groups called prides, which can have up to 30 lions. They're incredible jumpers, and their roar can be heard up to five miles away! Did you know that baby...

Christmas Extravaganza!

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Nov 24, 2023 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Teen Crafts, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 comments

Christmas Extravaganza!

Christmas is not just a day, it’s a feeling! It’s the joy that fills our hearts, the sparkle in our eyes, and the warmth we share with our family and friends. This year, everyone is invited to Madison Library District’s 14th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, a Christmas Morning-themed gathering to celebrate the joyous season.

Festive Pajama Party

Love the idea of staying in your cozy pajamas all day? Well, we do too! That’s why this year’s Extravaganza is a Christmas Morning-themed pajama party. So, put on your festive PJ’s, grab a treat, and join us for an evening of stories and crafts. It’s going to be a cozy and fun evening filled with laughter and cheer for the whole family.

Santa’s Visit

And what’s a Christmas celebration without Santa Claus? Get ready for a special visit from Santa himself. Santa’s visits will start at 4:30 PM. Make sure you’re there to greet him and share your Christmas wishes!

When and Where?

So, mark your calendars! Our Christmas Extravaganza is happening on Monday, December 4, in the Community Room from 5-7 PM. We can’t wait to share the Christmas cheer with you all!

September Adult Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

September Kids & Tween Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

September Teen Events

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 1, 2023 | Blog, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Teen Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Gaming Days, Teen Crafts, Teen Parties, Teen Tech Week, Teen Zone, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Adult Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

July Kid & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 1, 2023 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Toddler Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

June Kids and Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

June Adult Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 1, 2023 | Adult Arena, Adult Makers, Blog, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

Library Closed for Labor Day

by Abby Reeser | August 13, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

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

by Abby Reeser | August 1, 2022 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene, Upcoming Events | 0 Comments

Storytime: U is for Under

by Marybeth Isle | Nov 22, 2023 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Storytime: U is for Under

Can you think of some words that fit with the word, UNDER? Perhaps… underground, under the sea, under the umbrella, under the bed, and even underwear! Directional words are a great learning tool for children, especially when they begin writing their letters and words. They help your child to see things like… lowercase j goes “under” or below the line. So, try talking with directional words as your child discovers where things lie in relation to each other in their world.