Kid and Tween STEAM – Pumpkin Patch Maze

by Lauren Abbott | Oct 14, 2020 | Blog, Craft Instructions Post, Kid STEAM, Tween STEAM | 0 comments

Experiment with balance and gravity with this pumpkin patch marble maze.

Things you will need include:

glue or tape
scissors
green paper
orange pom poms
a marble

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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...

Story Time: A is for Alphabet

by Marybeth Isle | September 24, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Story Time | 0 Comments

I have 26 members, but no family. I start with A and end with Z, but you won't find me in a zoo. What am I? Of course, I am the alphabet! Help your child discover language through letter recognition and their accompanying sounds. Try beginning with your child’s name...

September Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | August 25, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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) |...

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!...

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 &...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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...

Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 27, 2025 | Blog, Book Babies, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

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...

January Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | December 30, 2024 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story TimeJanuary Story Time is serving up something soup-er! Book Babies (infants/babies not yet walking and their caregivers) meet Wednesdays at 9:30 AM with songs, stories, and sensory fun for our "Soup’s On!" theme. (Library Closed Jan. 1) Toddler Time (walking...

Story Time – Creepy Cats

by Lauren Abbott | Oct 13, 2020 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

Story Time: Creepy Cats

“Creepy” cats start with the letter “C”! For story time, we read about cats, sang about cats, and found a lot of cats in the bookshelves of the library. Try checking out some of the additional books listed below about how to take care of a cat. You can also watch the great video of Elijah Wood reading, “Me and my Cat.” Then practice spelling the word, C-A-T.

Join us live Tuesdays at 10:30 AM – Online on Facebook

Ages 2-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

STRWP Tip

Giving your children paper and crayons, markers, or pencils when they can scribble is the beginning of early writing. It takes a lot of coordination to write. Scribbling and drawing are the beginning steps to writing. Posting your child’s work on the on the refrigerator or around the house will show her how proud you are of her efforts.

- Lambert

Activity

Read a story together about a cat. Then give your child drawing materials and ask her to “draw” the story again or some aspect of it.

Books Presented

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The Remarkable Friendship of Mr. Cat and Mr. Rat by Rick Walton

Mr. Cat and Mr. Rat enjoy playing tricks on one another, but they discover true friendship after one receives a tasty gift that he believes is from the other.

Find it Online



They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel

When you see a cat, what do you see? In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see.

Find it in Our Catalog

Find Our Electronic Version

Find it Online



Scaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton

Splat the Cat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class, but unfortunately his costume is more silly than scary.

Find it in Our Catalog

Find it Online

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Down Around the Corner

Down around the corner at my mom’s pet store
Were six little cats and not one more
Along came someone with a nickel to pay
And they bought a cat and took it away!

– www.Literaryhoots.com

Flannel: Rainbow Kittens

Six little kittens found a box of paint.
They jumped right in…their mother will faint!
The first little kitten came out all red.
“I’ll be orange,” the second kitten said.
The third little kitten turned bright yellow.
“I’ll be green,” said the next little fellow.
The fifth kitten said, “My favorite is blue.”
“Purple for me,” said the sixth with a mew.
Dancing home the kittens go
To show their mother a KITTEN RAINBOW!

– www.Literaryhoots.com

Crafts and Activities

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Coloring Page

Print out this coloring page!

Go to the Coloring Page



Bobblehead Cat Craft

Make this bobblehead cat craft!

Find Out More

Additional Books

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A Cat for You: Caring for Your Cat by Susan Blackaby

Explains the different types of cats to own as a pet and how to care for them.

Find it in Our Catalog



Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

When Kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk, she ends up tired, wet, and hungry trying to reach it.

Find it in Our Catalog

Find it Online



Me and My Cat? by Satoshi Kitamura

Late one night, an old lady in a pointed hat climbs through the window into Nicholas’ bedroom. She brandishes her broom, fires out some words, and then leaves as abruptly as she came. It’s puzzling at the time, but not nearly as puzzling as what happens the next day!

Find it Online

See it Read on Storyline Online

More Story Times

Story Time: M is for Magic

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

Abracadabra, Alakadoon. When I say KAZAM, you’ll all be baboons! KAZAM! Magic isn’t just about tricks. The world of magic can tap into your child’s innate sense of wonder and curiosity. It is a world of possibilities and can foster imagination, problem solving skills,...

October Activities for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

by Mary Kirkpatrick | September 29, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Kid's Corner, Story Time, Tween Scene, Tween STEAM | 0 Comments

Story Time: A is for Alphabet

by Marybeth Isle | September 24, 2025 | Blog, Kid STEAM, Story Time | 0 Comments

Story Time: A is for Apples

by Marybeth Isle | September 16, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Imagine a vibrant, red apple, shining like a jewel under the sun. The letter 'A' stands tall and proud, just like the apple on the branch. 'A' is the first letter of the alphabet, just as the apple is the first fruit many children learn about. Its bright color catches...

Story Time: A is for Armadillo

by Marybeth Isle | September 9, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Sometimes, both children and adults may hesitate to engage with non-fiction books, finding them too challenging, boring, or uninteresting. However, non-fiction books play a crucial role in helping children connect with and understand the world around them, expand...

Story Time: A is for Alligator

by Marybeth Isle | September 3, 2025 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 Comments

Did you know that alligators are big lizards that live in muddy water places like swamps and rivers? They can grow as large as a school bus! Alligators also have a strong tail that helps them swim really fast, almost as fast as a car. They have a special eye cover...

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 | 1 Comment

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

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

October Adult Makers

by Lauren Abbott | Oct 9, 2020 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 comments

October Adult Makers

Learn the ancient art of gold leaf illumination. Pick up a kit with supplies and tools and develop an idea for your project before our online lesson is posted on October 16 at 7pm.

The tools in the kit will need to be returned, but we’ll let you keep them a week to experiment a bit on your own. A limited number of kits will be available beginning Monday, October 12.

October Activities for Adults

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

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | August 25, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | July 30, 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. 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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 30, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 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. Your final goal is 3,000 pages, but you earn prizes for every 1,000 pages you...

June Events for Adults

by Mary Kirkpatrick | June 2, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 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. Your final goal is 3,000 pages, but you earn prizes for every 1,000 pages you...

Upcoming Board of Trustees Elections for 2025

by Rebekka Hanson | May 1, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

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

by Mary Kirkpatrick | April 28, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

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

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

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 Adult Programs

by Mary Kirkpatrick | February 28, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

February Programs for Adults

by Mary Kirkpatrick | January 27, 2025 | Adult Arena, Blog | 0 Comments

Old School Poetry This 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...

Story Time – Creepy Crawlies

by Lauren Abbott | Oct 6, 2020 | Blog, Story Time | 0 comments

Story Time: Creepy Crawlies

This week in online story time, we learned a new letter, “C”, which is the first letter in the words, “Creepy Crawlies”. Have fun with creepy crawlies as you read books, go outside, and discover what insects and spiders do.