Programs For Families Together
These events are specially designed so the entire family can enjoy free fun at the library. Listen, learn and create -- together.
All programs are free and open to the public. Accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request at 261-8500 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the event. Seating is limited and many events require registration or tickets. Free tickets are available for pick-up at the hosting library, usually starting one week prior to the event. Groups of seven or more should contact the Library for special events just for them!
Is this list too overwhelming? Use the Interactive Calendar to see just the programs you want. Limit events to just those at your branch or a certain date range.
Preschool Storytime
Stories, fingerplays and more for children aged 3-6. (30 minutes)
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays through April 3, Central Library, 223 S. Main
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays through April 11, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays through March 28, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas (Cuentos Bilingües: English/Spanish bilingual storytime)
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays through April 4, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays through April 4, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
7 p.m., Thursdays through March 29**, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer (**no programs Feb. 2, Feb. 23 or March 15)
10:30 a.m., Fridays, Feb. 3, March 2, and April 6, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas
10:30 a.m., Saturdays through April 7, Central Library, 223 S. Main
Toddle Time
Stories, rhymes and motion activities for 2-year-olds with an adult helper. Registration required; contact the hosting library to register. Westlink Branch Library customers should select only one session. (20 minutes)
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays through April 10, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays through Feb. 21, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Session 1)
10:30 a.m., Thursdays through April 5, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 28-April 3, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Session 2)
Nursery Rhyme Time
Music, rhymes, activities and stories for ages 2 and under with an adult helper. (20 minutes)
10:30 a.m., Tuesdays through April 3, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
10:30 a.m., Wednesdays through April 4, Central Library, 223 S. Main
10:30 a.m., Thursdays through April 5, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
10:30 a.m., Fridays through April 6, Central Library, 223 S. Main
10:30 a.m., Fridays through April 6, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Baby's First Storytime
Music, rhymes and stories for parent one-on-one time with babies up to one year old. (20 minutes)
11:15 a.m., Wednesdays through April 4, Central Library, 223 S. Main
Puppet Shows
For children aged 3-8 with their families. *Starred programs indicate repeat performances. (20-30 minutes)
10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.*, Thursday, Feb. 2, Central Library, 223 S. Main
"Ask Mr. Bear": 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
"Ask Mr. Bear":10:30 a.m.*, Wednesday, Feb. 22, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
"The Unbearable Day": 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
"The Three Wishes": 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.*, Wednesday, March 21, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
"The Three Wishes": 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 4, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
"Three Billy Goats Gruff": 7 p.m., Thursday, April 5, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Family Fun Time: "A Barrel Full of Monkeys: Curious George & Friends"
Monkey around with stories, activities and crafts for ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)
7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
The Power of Words: Stories with Dylan Pritchett
Go on a journey of history, fantasy, culture and truth as Dylan Pritchett weaves African and African-American stories into a fun-packed evening! All ages welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (60 minutes)
7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water
Far and Wide: Stories with Dylan Pritchett
We grew up on stories told by Grandma and Grandpa! Make sure you come to hear Dylan Pritchett rekindle those age-old lessons learned which transcend time and place. Bring your children, laughter and smiles as Dylan tells stories of hope, strength and humor! He might play a little music too! For ages 4 and up with family. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (45-60 minutes)
1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
3:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
Make & Take Craft: Follow the Drinking Gourd
Runaway slaves knew to follow the "drinking gourd" north to freedom. Children aged 4-10 will learn how to use the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the North Star, when making their own star finders. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (Available six hours)
1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas
1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th
11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
Obi Gui Gui--How the Coconut Came to Be, and Other Stories From Africa
Celebrate African-American History Month with stories and crafts from Africa for children and their families. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (60 minutes)
7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
Daddy/Daughter Tea
Come dressed like royalty to an afternoon tea and enjoy stories, games, crafts and more for ages 4-8 with an adult guest. Registration is required and begins Wednesday, Jan. 25; call the Rockwell Branch Library at 688-9361 to register. (60 minutes)
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
Make & Take Craft: Puzzled?
Solve your decorating dilemmas by creating your own masterpieces with puzzle pieces, paper and glue. For ages 4-10. (Available six hours)
11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
1:30 p.m., Monday, March 12, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas
1:30 p.m., Monday, March 19, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th
Family Fun Time: "Party Time with Elephant & Piggie"
Participate in stories and activities based on Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie characters for ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)
7 p.m., Thursday, March 15, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Craft to Go: Mini Magnets
Come to the library to pick up a packet of materials to make your own craft for ages 4-10 at home! Only simple supplies such as scissors, glue or tape will be required. (Available six hours)
11 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, Comotara Branch Library, 2244 N. Rock Rd.
Fantastic Flicks
Enjoy movies for ages 4 and up. Bring snacks if you wish. Due to licensing restrictions, titles are unavailable to the media or through the Library's web site. Customers may call the Library for more information. (Times vary.)
2 p.m., Thursday, March 22, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 22, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
Fourth Annual Young Artists' Exhibits
Artwork from area students will be displayed throughout April in celebration of the Week of the Young Child (April 22-28). Early childhood programs help children learn valuable skills for life and school-readiness, and allow parents to work. The Library provides bulk loans and outreach programs to enhance their experience. All exhibits are available during regular business hours.
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Central Library, 223 S. Main
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Comotara Branch Library, 2244 N. Rock Rd.
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Sunday, April 1, through Monday, April 30, Planeview Community Library, 2820 S. Roosevelt
Family Fun Time: "The Three Wishes"
When a shoemaker gets three wishes, will he get happiness for a lifetime, or just plain trouble? Enjoy a puppet show and craft for children and their families. (45 minutes)
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
Not Your Ordinary Storytime!
Celebrate National Library week by enjoying a variety of stories told in a variety of ways! For children ages 3 and up with their families. (60 minutes)
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, Central Library, 223 S. Main