APRIL Adult Activities

APRIL Adult Activities

APRIL Adult Activities

REGENCY TEA PARTY

Saturday April 30th. 9am & 11am.

This is a ticketed event. Join authors Sarah M. Eden, Joanna Barker, Sian Ann Bessey, and Esther Hatch for a Regency Tea Party. The event will include a Q&A session, behind-the-scenes insights, giveaways, and more! Each attendee will be treated to baked goods, SWAG, and a one-of-a-kind experience with some of their favorite authors. Dress up in period costume if you’d like. 

Masks are required for this event. 

Win a FREE ticket through our raffle giveaway!

· Attend adult or teen events. Each attended event will earn you one raffle ticket.
· Like our Instagram and/or Facebook accounts and comment on our Regency Tea post.
· EXTRA ENTRY: Share your favorite BookFace from the MLD FB or IG account. If you are set to private, please provide a screenshot of your share.

FOR NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK:

Come into the library and check out items to earn an EXTRA raffle ticket! From Wednesday April 6th to Wednesday April 13th.

USO AUDITIONS

To celebrate the 1940’s in April, we will be having a NIGHT WITH THE USO! And we want YOU to audition for it!

Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have some other talent? We want to see it! Auditions will be Saturday April 9th at 10am in the Community Room.

Auditions will be in first come, first served order and selection preference will be to those with a performance themed for the 1940’s. No accompaniment will be provided; acapella and pre-recorded accompaniment are acceptable.

If you can not make it to the auditions, please send in a video audition to michelle.o@madisonlib.org.

ADULT MAKERS – VICTORY HERB GARDEN
 

Planting a “Victory Garden” was a big push for the World War II effort at home.

Learn to plant, tend, and use your own small garden. Annett Smith will teach us how and send us off with a starter.

Wednesday April 13th, 7pm in the Community Room.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

Share your writing with other storytelling enthusiasts or join to make friends!

Due to popular demand, this will now be a bi-monthly activity.

Wednesday, April 20th, 6pm in the Community Room.

 

TAKE A BREAK BOOK CLUB

Read How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope, edited by James Crews. From Goodreads:

 “More and more people are turning to poetry as an antidote to divisiveness, negativity, anxiety, and the frenetic pace of life. How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope offers readers uplifting, deeply felt, and relatable poems by well-known poets from all walks of life and all parts of the US…
“… The work of these poets captures the beauty, pleasure, and connection readers hunger for… How to Love the World… invites readers to use poetry as part of their daily gratitude practice to uncover the simple gifts of abundance and joy to be found everywhere.”

Meet Thursday April 21st at 6:30pm. Book copies are available at the Front Circulation Desk, while supplies last.

 

 

A NIGHT WITH THE USO

During World War II, the USO would perform for troops to lift morale and offer a reprieve from the war.

Join us for a throwback night to the 1940’s with entertainment like the USO would offer. 

Friday April 22nd, 7-8:30pm at the Legacy Flight Museum.

 

WAFFLE + GAME NIGHT

Come out and enjoy some free waffles and a night full of old and new games. Bring your favorites and we’ll all play together!

Wednesday April 27th, 6-8pm in the Community Room.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHTS

Come watch a movie at the library! Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 4pm in the Community Room.

April 5th: Dumbo (1941)
April 19th: The Secret Garden (1949)

Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.

 

 

 EXPLORATION KITS

The Adult Exploration Kits are back on the shelves! AND we have added some new and exciting topics!

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.

Some of the new options include Writing, Arthurian Legend, Egypt, and Leonardo da Vinci. 

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.

December 2025 Programs for All Ages

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

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,...

October Activities for Adults

Creative Writing ClubWednesdays, Oct. 1, 15, & 29 at 6:00 PM. Calling all storytellers! Whether you're eager to share your latest piece or just want to connect with fellow writers, this club is for you. We’ll read our favorite works, explore what drives our...

September Activities for Adults

Dungeons & DragonsTuesdays, Sept. 2, 16, & 30 at 5:30 PM in the Community Room Calling all adventurers! Whether you're a battle-hardened bard or brand-new to the game, join our Dungeons & Dragons adventures for adults (18+) and step into a world of...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

July Programs for Adults

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. Your final goal is 3,000 pages, but you earn prizes for every 1,000 pages you...

June Events for Adults

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. Your final goal is 3,000 pages, but you earn prizes for every 1,000 pages you...

Upcoming Board of Trustees Elections for 2025

Election InformationSpecial Districts holding elections in May: Madison Library District Trustee Election Day: May 20th Begin Mailing Absentee Ballots: April 10, 2025 Early Voting Begins in the Clerk’s Office: May 5, 2025  8:15-4:45 Monday-Friday until May 16, 2025 @...

May Adult Programs

Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up for adults 18+ who love to create! Bring your knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, or whatever craft you enjoy, and spend an evening with fellow makers. We meet Every First Thursday at 6:30 PM, so join us...

April Adult Programs

Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures Calling all adventurers! Join our new Dungeons & Dragons program for adults and embark on epic quests in the world’s greatest tabletop role-playing game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, you’ll explore...

March 16th – 31st Soup-a-Day

March 16th – 31st Soup-a-Day

March 16th – 31st Soup-a-Day

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 16TH

 

Baxter’s Clam Chowder from Josi Kilpack’s Pumpkin Roll, the sixth book in her Culinary Mystery series.

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 17TH

Traditional Irish Stew from thespruceeats.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 18TH

Peanut Stew from thegirlonbloor.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 19TH

Spicy Carrot Soup from pinchofyum.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 20TH

Smoky Lentil and Potato Soup from melskitchencafe.com

MARCH 21ST

Chicken Corn Chowder from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
MARCH 22ND


Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup from the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 23RD

Classic Minestrone from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 24TH

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup from the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 25TH

Slow Cooker Posole from Josi Kilpack’s Tres Leches, the eighth book in her Culinary Mystery series.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 26TH

Potato and Mushroom Soup from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 27TH

Pasta e Fagioli from damndelicious.net

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 28TH

Beef Vegetable Noodle Soup from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 29TH

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 30TH

Hearty Garlic Tomato soup from the cookbook Magic Menus from the American Diabetes Association.

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 31ST

White Chicken Chili from melskitchencafe.com

December 2025 Programs for All Ages

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 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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!...

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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 &...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic 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 & Tuesdays...

Closed April 2nd for Building Maintenance

Closed April 2nd for Building Maintenance

Closed April 2nd for Building Maintenance

The library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran's Day. No items are due. Thank you.

We’ll be closed Saturday, April 2nd for Building Maintenance. No items will be due. As always, the book drop will remain open. 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...

March 1st-15th Soup-a-Day

March 1st-15th Soup-a-Day

March 1st-15th Soup-a-Day

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
MARCH 1ST

Instant Pot Tomato Soup with Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas from peasandcrayons.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 2ND

Curried Butternut Squash Soup from littlespicejar.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 3RD

Broccoli Cheddar Soup from ourbestbites.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 4TH

Brunswick Stew

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 5TH

 Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana from damndelicious.net

MARCH 6TH

Chicken Noodle Soup from lovesgrowswild.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
MARCH 7TH


Loaded Baked Potato Soup from melskitchencafe.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 8TH

Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
MARCH 9TH

Cauliflower Soup from chef-in-training.com

 

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 10TH

One Pot French Onion Soup from damndelicious.net

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens
Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 11TH

Lentil Chili Soup from melskitchencafe.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 12TH

Creamy Split Pea Soup

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 13TH

Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Stew from gimmesomeoven.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 14TH

Chicken and Dumplings from ourbestbites.com

Teen action council have a say in what goes on at the library for teens

MARCH 15TH

Black Bean Soup from ourbestbites.com

December 2025 Programs for All Ages

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 Kids ‘n’ Tweens Programs

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Book Babies is for infants not yet walking. Toddler Time is for walking littles 1-3 years old. Story Time is for preschoolers ages 3-5....

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Start your little ones on their reading journey with age-appropriate stories, songs, and activities! Weekly Schedule: Mondays: Toddler Time 9:30 AM | Spanish Story Time 10:30 AM (No early literacy programs Mon. Oct. 6) Tuesdays: Toddler...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Dive into tales, tunes, and tiny triumphs at our Early Literacy programs in the Community Room—tailored for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups! Story Time (ages 2–5 + adult) Tue 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM (Activity Room) |...

August Programs for All Ages

Teen Action CouncilThe Teen Action Council gathers to discuss plans and come up with ways for the Library to serve teens. Ages 13-18 are invited to join us Wednesday, August 6 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Crafty Corner Join us for Crafty Corner, an informal meet-up...

July Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

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

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...

May Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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!...

April Kids ‘n’ Tween Programs

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 &...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic 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 & Tuesdays...

Closed for Staff Development

Closed for Staff Development

Closed for Staff Development

The library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veteran's Day. No items are due. Thank you.

The library will be closed Friday March 25th for Staff Development. No items will be due, and as always, the book drop will remain open. 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...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

MARCH Book Babies + Toddler Time: Trains!

March is all about TRAINS!

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

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.

ACTIVITY

Have fun with, “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!” For babies, bounce your child on your lap and lift her up very quickly on “lift-off!” For toddlers, model for your child how to step into a rocket ship, then squat down and jump up for the lift-off.

Sensory Activity

Sensory Transport Tub- Long, under-the-bed storage bins are great for sensory play and cost very little. If you have some “transportation” toys such as trains, cars, people, etc. and different types of cereal, you’re all set! Try this activity found at My Bored Toddler.

Books Presented

The Little Engine That Could by Wendy Piper

Although she is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Brief text and illustrations trace the journey of a colorful train as it goes through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles.

I Love Trains! by Philemon Sturges

I love trains. First come engines, big and strong. Pulling lots of cars along.

I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberly and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

A girl transforms a coffee shop into a train by making train noises with words.

The Animal Train by Liliana Secchi

This humorously illustrated accordion book unfolds to reveal a trainload of varied animals and birds, both familiar and exotic. Featuring creatures from the jungle, the forest, the savannah, and the ocean, this delightful and engrossing format is an entertaining introduction to the wonders of wild animals and their habitats.

More More More Said the Baby by Vera B Williams

Three babies are caught up in the air and given loving attention by a father, grandmother, and mother.

Peek-a-Choo-Choo! by Marie Torres Cimarusti

Here for the first time is a book about vehicles for toddlers in the same format as the highly successful Peek-a-Moo! and Peek-a-Boooo! Preschoolers will love lifting the oversize flaps to play peek-a-boo with cars, planes, submarines, and, of course, trains. Guess who? Peek-a-toot-toot! honks the tugboat. Guess who? Peek-a-vroom-vroom! revs the race car. With its playful text and bright and friendly illustrations, Peek-a-Choo-Choo! is the perfect introduction to “things that go” for the youngest traveler.

Sounds on the Go by Gail Donovan

Discover the sounds that are made by all of the most fascinating vehicles in our world with this interactive learning book! This early learning book is a fun and effective way to teach your young ones about the world of vehicles. This hands-on book includes: Lift-a-flap design that exposes additional vehicles facts and information Relevant information about the uses and functionality of each vehicle Sound bar that allows readers to hear the sound that each vehicle makes Combination of colorful illustrations and color photos And much, much more! With this book in their hands, your young vehicle enthusiast is sure to have a screeching good time!

Good Night, Good Night by Sandra Boynton

A group of animals, afloat on an ark, go through their nightly bedtime rituals of exercising, toothbrushing, and so on, until two rabbits sing them a lullaby and the sea rocks them to sleep.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

This is a Choo-Choo Train

This is a choo choo train
Puffing down the track
Now it’s going forward,
Now it’s going back,
Now the bell is ringing
Now the whistle blows
What a lot of noise it makes
Everything it goes.

The Wheels on the Train Go Clackety-Clack

The wheels on the train go clackety clack
Clackety clack, clackety clack
The wheels on the train, go clackety clack
All along the track.

More verses:
 The whistle… goes whoo, whoo, whoo
The conductor… says, “All Aboard”
The people … go bumpety, bump

Engine, Engine No. 9

Engine, engine number 9
Coming down Chicago Line
If the train goes off its track
Do you want your money back?
Yes? (sway to the side)
No? (sway to the other side)
Maybe so? (sway back and forth)

A little bit faster…

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo Goes the Freight Train

Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Chugga- chugga choo choo goes the freight train,
Uuuuuuup the hill!

Repeat with other ending: Doooown the track!

Changing Diaper

Tune of Frere Jacques
Changing diaper, changing diaper
Lots of fun, lots of fun
You’re no longer stinky, you’re no longer stinky
Nice clean bum, nice clean bum

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

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...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic 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 & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Old School PoetryThis February, let love take center stage! Stop by our special collections area to type out a heartfelt poem on our vintage typewriter—whether it’s for a dear friend or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box nearby if you'd...

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...