MML Children’s Programs
Overview
Here in the Children’s Department, we love reading, learning, and organized chaos. We’re always excited to share that with you. Within the department we offer places to play, read, explore, and learn. Throughout the year we offer a variety of programs that offer a hands-on approach to that ideal. See details on our current programs below and feel free to call 419-347-5576 EXT 5 or email [email protected] with questions or ideas.
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2024-2025 Programming
Special Events
Join us once a month for something extra fun and exciting! This year’s line up includes LEGO Contests, Family Fort Night, Trick-or-Treat at the Library, and more.
Earth Day Carnival
Saturday April 19 from 10:30 – 1:00
Drop by any time between 10:30 and 1:00 for Earth Day themed crafts, games, and more! This year we’ll be joined by Richland Soil and Water and The Shelby Health Department with information and activities.
Bluey Party
Saturday April 26 from 10:30 – 1:00
Join us for some Bluey themed fun! Drop by anytime between 10:30 and 1:00.
Activities include:
- Games: Keepy-Uppy, Magic Xylophone, an Obstacle Course, and a Scavenger Hunt
- Crafts: Gnome Homes and Found Nature Art
- Dancing, Episode Viewing, and Snacks
Complete the Party Map for a chance to win one of our Door Prizes!
Family Game Night featuring Penny Pincher Party Planning
Tuesday April 22 at 6:00
Join Miss Juli for a night of fun! This money, practicing your budgeting and spending skills by playing the Penny Pinchers Party Planning Game.
Let’s Talk Money with Directions Credit Union
Tuesday April 29 at 6:00
Children in 5th and 6th Grade are invited to join us with Directions Credit Union to learn about budgeting and managing our money.
Registration is Required and will be open from April 14 to April 26.
Upcoming Events
- Top Chef: Saturday May 17
- Children in grades 4-6
- Registration Opens April 28 and closes May 15
- Summer Reading Kick-off Party: Saturday May 31
STEM Saturdays
Join Miss Kat for some hair-raising scientific experimentation! We’ll get messy, try new things, and learn something about the world while having fun.
Kindergarteners-6th Graders Welcome on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00
- May 3: Explosions
Crafturday
Join Miss Jami for some creative crafting! We’ll get messy, try new things, and have something awesome to take home afterwards. Miss Jami is still picking out crafts, so make sure you keep an eye on Facebook/our monthly calendars for all the details and sample pictures.
Kindergarteners-6th Graders Welcome on the second Saturday of the month at 11:00
- April 12: Recycled Crafts – Collages and More
- May 10: Sand Art – Pictures, Necklaces, and More
Family Book Club
Miss Jami is VERY EXCITED about this new activity-Family Book Club! Read the books together at home and we’ll talk about them together. Each book discussion will include an activity, talking points, and more! We’ve selected a variety of books with different themes, reading levels, and genres. Hopefully you’ll find at least one that gets you as excited as Miss Jami is for the whole year.
Books for the next meeting will be provided at Book Club and available in the Children’s Department. Pick one up today!
Please feel welcome to come even if you don’t finish the book – we’ll try to avoid spoilers for you!
Bring the whole Family on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00
- April 8: The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
- May 13: No Talking by Andrew Clements
Story Time: My Life and Travels
Join us for games, stories, music, crafts, and more! This year we’ll be reading about ourselves, the world around us, and it all fits together.
Ages 2-5: Tuesdays/Thursdays at 10:30
Family Story Time: Mondays at 6:00
As always, age groups are not set in stone-what works for you works for us, we’re always happy to see you.
Upcoming Monthly Themes:
- April: Creatively Share Your Experiences
Homeschool Program
Homeschool families are invited to join us on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:00. This year’s theme is Interesting People. We’ll read some biographies and learn about the lives of artists, inventors, scientists, musicians, and more. Then we’ll complete an activity (or two) corresponding to that person’s life work.
We’re planning for middle school students (5th-8th grade), but can be adjusted for younger students as well. As with our story times, you know your children best, if you think this is a good fit, please come, we’d love to have you.
- April 16: Environmentalists
- May 21: Musicians
Study Buddies
Students needing extra support are welcome to join us at Study Buddies on Wednesdays at 4:00 from September 4-May 21.
Register to be paired with an older student and practice together every week or just come when you need a little help. Registration forms for paired, weekly meetings can be picked up at the front desk. Registration is not required for the occasional drop in, but we can’t guarantee you’ll get the same helper every time.
Helpers are needed – we prefer middle/high school students – please register using the same forms at the front desk.
Builders’ Club
Drop by the Children’s Department on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 to build, challenge your engineering thinking, and have fun!
Photo Sharing
Have awesome pictures from our programs, activities, or finished Take & Make crafts? Share them with us by tagging us in your Facebook Post or emailing them to [email protected]. By sending pictures, you acknowledge that we may or may not use them for promotions or other library related-media.