January Teen Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | Dec 29, 2023 | Blog, Teen Crafts, Teen Zone | 0 comments

January Teen Activities

Idaho Teen Reading Challenge

Are you a bookworm between the ages of 12-18 looking for an exciting reading challenge? Look no further! Get ready to dive into an adventure from October 2023 to April 2024 with the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge, designed to engage readers in discovering new books and genres while offering the chance to win prizes!

Pick a book from each of the following categories:

Read Before You Stream
Retelling of a Classic
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
YRCA Nominee
Found while Browsing
Judge a Book by its Cover
One-Word Title
True Story
Your Favorite Genre
Free Choice!

Log your reading using the Beanstack app, or pick up a paper tracking sheet from the circulation desk or Madison Jr. High Library. Each time you read a book from one of the categories, come to the Library’s Children’s Reference Desk for a prize! What are you waiting for? Get reading!

Teen Action Council

Have a say in what goes on at the Library for teens! Ages 12-18 are welcome to join us Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 4 PM in the Community Room to voice their input.

Teen Crafts

Calling all creative teens! Join us for Teen Crafts in the Community Room on Thursdays this January. On January 4, create a masterpiece with black glue art, and on January 18, shrink it down with some awesome Shrinky-Dinks! Ages 12-18 are invited to unleash their artistic talents from 4:30-5:30 PM 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!

Young League of Writers

Calling all aspiring wordsmiths! Join the Young League of Writers on Wednesday, January 10, at 4 PM in the Community Room. Ages 12-18 are invited for an inspiring session where we’ll learn how to critique each other’s work and share tips on the essential mantra of “just keep writing.”

Anime Club

Anime lovers ages 12-18, come together to watch Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing Time, discuss manga, and play thrilling games. Join us for Teen Anime Club on Thursdays, January 11 and 25 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room. Don’t miss the chance to connect with fellow fans and make Thursday your new favorite day!

Dungeons & Dragons

Calling all young adventurers! Join us for an epic journey at Teen Dungeons & Dragons on Fridays, January 12 & 26 at 3:30 PM in the Community Room. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or a newbie explorer, we welcome ages 12-18 to embark on a quest of imagination and fun. On January 12, we will learn how to create your own character, participate in a campaign, and discover the beginnings of becoming a Dungeon Master. Make sure you sign up for our Teen Discord Server where we’ve posted preparation details. With a character created, use your new skills in a live campaign on January 26. Don’t miss out on this magical adventure!

LEGO Club

Do you love LEGOs? Join other kids who love the ever popular bricks at the Library’s LEGO Club! Meet us in the Community Room on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 4:00 PM to craft a Jurassic masterpiece with LEGO dinos.

For ages 6-18. Those under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Cook With A Book

Whip up a literary feast at Teen Cook With a Book! Join us on January 17 at 4:30 PM in the Community Room Kitchen as we make German apple strudel and delve into Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief. Ages 12-18, grab a copy of the book at the circulation desk and let’s blend the flavors of literature and culinary creativity!

Open Recital

Share your musical prowess at our Open Recital! Join us on January 22 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room. All ages and musical talents are welcome! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, showcase your skills in a supportive environment. Let’s make beautiful music 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!

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

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by Mary Kirkpatrick | April 24, 2024 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

Miss Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks For ParentsAre you ready to make reading a fun adventure for your child this summer? Join us for Miss. Wendy's Reading Tips & Tricks for Parents class! Discover simple, game-like reading activities that will help strengthen...

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by Marybeth Isle | April 3, 2024 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

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Madison Library District 2022-2023 Statistics

by Mary Kirkpatrick | March 29, 2024 | Adult Arena, Blog, Kid's Corner, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 0 Comments

April 2024 Kids & Tween Activities

by Mary Kirkpatrick | March 29, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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Storytime: March is for Eric Carle

by Marybeth Isle | March 12, 2024 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

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If you haven’t discovered the bold, colorful world of Eric Carle, you are in for a enchanting experience. “Eric Carle (1929-2021) was the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But that’s not the only reason why he received nearly 10,000 fan letters every year. Carle...

Kid & Tween Activities March 2024

by Mary Kirkpatrick | March 1, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeJoin us in March for a world of imagination and learning at Story Time! This month we’re celebrating author-illustrator, Eric Carle! Preschool Story Time (ages 2-5): Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Toddler Time (ages 10-23...

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.