Storytime: I Can Do Hard Things

Storytime: I Can Do Hard Things

Storytime: I Can Do Hard Things

Picture a book from the 1930’s! This month we are reading children’s books published in the 1930’s. This week, we read, “The Little Engine That Could.” This story is a great kick-off to problem-solving and showing children that they can do hard things. In addition to these books and activities about problem-solving, try some of the activities at Empowered Parents, because as we all know, “I thought I could. I thought I could. I thought I could…”

Join us Monday, 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

 Approaches to Learning — Using books and stories to help children think of their own solutions to problems helps them develop problem-solving skills. Researchers have found that having ideas for tackling problems helps children in learning new tasks and handling social situations.

- Lambert

Activity

Read a book with your child that revolves around a problem solving situation. Introduce the book by setting up the problem. On the page where the problem is revealed, you can ask, “What are some things you might do to… (solve the problem)?” Or, if you prefer, you can come back to that page and ask the question after finishing the book.

Books Presented

The Little Engine That Could by Watty 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.

Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie learn to play catch with their new friend Snake

 

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers

Eager to have a star of his own, a boy devises imaginative ways of catching one.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

The Wheels on the Track Go Clackety-Clack

Tune of “Wheels on the Bus”
The wheels on the train go clickety-clack
Clickety-clack, clickety-clack
The wheels on the train go clickety-clack
All along the track

Other verses:
The whistle on the train goes toot, toot, toot…
The conductor on the train says, “Ticket, please!”…
The people on the train go bounce, bounce, bounce…
The engine on the train goes chug, chug, chug…

 

This is the Way

This is the way we bounce the ball,
bounce the ball, bounce the ball,
This is the way we bounce the ball,
when we play basketball.
Kick the ball…
When we play soccer.

Hike the ball…
When we play football.
Swing the bat…
When we play baseball.

 

Crafts and Activities

What feeling is Pooh Bear feeling while he's in the sky?

Make this cute little train!

Additional Books

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

In order to ensure her popularity, Camilla Cream always does what is expected, until the day arrives when she no longer recognizes herself.

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist is a very curious girl who shows perseverance by asking questions and performing experiments to find things out and understand the world.

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear and his friends persuade a bashful owl to play with them.

A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems

Piggie is upset because a whale took the ball she found, but Gerald finds a solution that pleases all of them.

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TEEN CRAFT: Art Deco Duct Tape Art

TEEN CRAFT: Art Deco Duct Tape Art

TEEN CRAFT: Art Deco Duct Tape Art

Art Deco is a term used for a specific style of design that was popular in the 1920’s. Create your own work of art using Art Deco as inspiration.

Materials needed:

  • Mat board
  • Template
  • Two tones of duct tape (to create contrast)
  • Clear tape (to tape on template)
  • Exacto knife
  • Tweezers

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Kid + Tween STEAM: Q Tip Bow & Arrow

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Materials needed:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Q-tips
  • Duct tape (to decorate)
  • Dental floss
  • From home: pencil, nail clippers, marker, and scissors
  • Note: soak popsicle stick in a bowl of warm water before starting

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Closed for President’s Day

Closed for President’s Day

Closed for President’s Day

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We will be closed Monday, February 21st for President’s Day. 

No items will be due. The book drop will remain open. 

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July Kid & Tween Activities

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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

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TEEN CRAFTS: Winnie-the-Pooh Weaving

TEEN CRAFTS: Winnie-the-Pooh Weaving

TEEN CRAFTS: Winnie-the-Pooh Weaving

Learn how to weave a Winnie-the-Pooh for our On the Same Page event!

Materials needed:

  • Frame
  • 15 thumbtacks
  • White yarn
  • Blue yarn
  • Yellow yarn
  • Template to refer to
  • From home: scissors, sharpie, hammer, and tape

November 2025 Teen Programs

Chess and Game ClubTweens and teens ages 9-18, join us every Monday at 4:30 PM to learn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, come challenge yourself and have fun. All...

October Teen Activities

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, Oct. 1 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Teen CraftsGet crafty this spooky season! Teens ages 12–18 are...

September Activities for Teens

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, Sept. 3 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Teen CraftsTeen Crafts is back! Join us on Thursday, Sept. 4 at...

July Programs for Teens

Summer Reading 2025 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 1500 pages, but you earn prizes for every 500 pages you...

June Events for Teens

Summer Reading 2025 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 1500 pages, but you earn prizes for every 500 pages you...

May Teen Programs

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, May 7 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Family Friendly FilmsLooking for a fun movie afternoon on the big...

April Teen Programs

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, April 2 in the Community Room at 4 PM!Teen CraftsGet crafty at Teen Crafts on Thursday, April 3, from...

March Programs for Teens

Chess & Game ClubLearn the art of chess and other games with the master of fun and strategy, Nick Allison. Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are welcome to join every Monday from 4:30-5:30 PM in the Community Room. Game supplies will be provided.Teen Action CouncilThe...

February Programs for Teens

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 your soulmate, a dear friend, or your favorite pizza. Drop your masterpiece into the submission box...

November Programs for Teens

Family Friendly FilmsLooking for a fun movie afternoon on the big screen? Join us for Free Family Friendly Films on Fridays at 3:30 PM in the Community Room! We’ve got new releases and beloved classics lined up: Nov. 1: The Garfield Movie (PG) Nov. 15: Despicable Me...

FEBRUARY Teen Activities

FEBRUARY Teen Activities

FEBRUARY Teen Activities

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

What adventures awaits our brave teens? Roll the dice and find out. 

DnD will now have TWO events – every SECOND and FOURTH Friday of each month. 

Friday, February 11th, 3:30-5:30pm, Community Room.
Friday, February 25th, 3:30-5:30pm, Community Room.

For ages 12-18.

 

A HONEY OF A DAY FOR CRAFTS

A craft day for all ages! Come to the library to make some fun Pooh-themed crafts.

Ages 0-11yrs: Pooh headbands or finger puppets
Ages 12-18yrs: Pooh Perler bead keychains
Ages 19+: Honey jar

Saturday, February 12th, starting at 1pm in the Community Room.

 

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

YOUNG LEAGUE OF WRITERS

In February, we will talk about dialogue using Winnie the Pooh as a “know-it-all” example! We will also share our Mystery rough draft short stories in anticipation of our Teen Writer’s Contest in March.

Wednesday, February 16th.
4-5:30pm, Activity Room.

For ages 12-18.

TEEN CRAFTS
 
Crafts will now be IN PERSON, every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 4:30pm.

Any extra crafts will be available for Take ‘n Go at the Front Circulation Desk; while supplies last.

February 3rd: String Art

February 17th: Art Deco Patterning

For ages 12-18.

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
SHELF SURFERS: BOOK HANGOUT FOR TEENS


Madison Bibliomaniacs has now become SHELF SURFERS. This is a BOOK HANGOUT FOR TEENS, where you have fun activities and chat about books. 

Come and play REVERSE CHARADES – one person guesses while a group of people act out the word or phrase!  The theme will be “Lost in the Hundred Acre Woods,” to tie in with our “On the Same Page” book Winnie-the-Pooh. You’ll also get to make YUMMY honey cake pops! 

For ages 12-18.

ON THE SAME PAGE: A VERY POOH-RIFFIC BIRTHDAY
 

Friday, February 25th, from 7:30-9pm

Winnie-the-Pooh ends with a birthday party; and since it’s the library’s birthday as well, this seems a fitting ending for 2022’s On the Same Page. Join us for cake and ice cream, balloon animals, pin the tail on Eeyore, and other activities. We’ll also look at photos taken on last week’s Stuffed Animal Sleepover and make sure our friends didn’t get into any mischief.

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
DISCORD SERVER


Join our Discord Server! Chat and get to know other teens in the area. The Server is monitored by Library Staff to ensure a fun and safe place for all.

 

PRESIDENT’S DAY CLOSURE

The library will be closed Monday, February 21st, for President’s Day. No items will be due and the book drop will remain open.

Thank you.

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
GAME & CHESS CLUB
 

Come learn the game of chess, plus other fun games!

Every Monday from 4:30-5:30pm in the Community Room.

For ages 9-18.

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY FILM NIGHTS

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday a fun family movie will be showing at the library at 4pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.

February 15th: The Tigger Movie

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

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...