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Home > Programs > Programs for Children

Programs for Children

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. Participation is limited. Unless otherwise noted, programs are first-come, first-seated.

Click here to browse using our Google Calendar format. 

May 2013 - Read to Rover
Read to Rover is a program of the Library and Kansas Humane Society designed to improve children's reading and communication skills. Reading to a dog is typically less stressful for a child and a whole lot more fun! Kids will have an individual 20-minute session reading to a furry friend, learn about interacting with dogs, and take part in other educational arts and craft projects. Limited to 12 children, 1st-5th grade, per session. Registration required; contact Bonnie at 524-9196 x 218 or email bharrell@kshumane.org. Sessions meet in the Learning Center at the Kansas Humane Society. (90 minutes)
10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)

Summer 2013
Skip to a topic or branch:
Storytimes | Special Visiting Performer Series
Central | Alford | Angelou| Evergreen | Linwood | Orchard | Planeview  Rockwell | Westlink

Storytimes
Baby’s First Storytime
Music, rhymes and stories for parent one-on-one time with babies aged birth to one year. (20 min.)
Central, Thursdays June 6 – July 25 at 11:30 am

Nursery Rhyme Time
Music, rhymes, activities, and stories for children aged 2 and under with an adult helper. (25 min.)
Central, Wednesdays June 5 – July 24 at 10:30 am
Rockwell, Tuesdays June 4 – July 23 at 10:30 am
Westlink, Thursdays June 13 – July 25 at 10:30 am
Westlink, Fridays June 14 – July 26 at 10:30 am

Toddle Time
Stories, rhymes, and motion activities for 2-year-olds with an adult helper. (20 min.)
Alford, Tuesdays June 11 – July 23 at 10:30 am
Rockwell, Thursdays June 6 - July 25 at 10:30 am

Preschool Storytime
Stories, fingerplays, and more for children aged 3-6. (30 min.)
Alford, Mondays June 10 – July 22 at 10:30 am
Central, Tuesdays June 4 – July 30 at 10:30 am
Central, Saturdays June 8 – July 27 at 10:30 am
Linwood, Fridays June 14 – July 26 at 11:30 am
Rockwell, Wednesdays June 5 – July 24 at 10:30 am
Westlink*, Tuesdays June 11 – July 16 at 10:30 am
*for children only

Cuentos Bilingües : Preschool Storytime
Bilingual (English & Spanish) stories, fingerplays, and more for children aged 3-6. (30 min.)
Evergreen, Wednesdays June 5 – July 17 at 10:30 am

Family Storytime
Interactive storytelling for children aged 2-6 with their families. (30 min.)
Westlink, Wednesdays June 12 – July 17 at 10:30 am

Special Visiting Performer Series
Can You Dig It? I Can Dig It! Ventriloquist and illusionist Kevin Horner is back! This year, Australianwannabe Millard Knockbar (Kevin) will make an appearance with Matilda the six foot ostrich, Sheldon the magical turtle, Coconuts the Spanish-speaking gorilla, and Twinkie the rabbit. For children ages 5 and up. (45 minutes)
Evergreen, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6
Orchard, 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 6
Rockwell, 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 7
Angelou, 2:30 p.m., Friday, June 7

Indiana Bones: Buried Stories from the Past Indiana Bones digs into ancient mythologies and tells tales of monsters, mummies, dinosaur teeth and crystal skulls. Incorporating fact, fiction and humor, he explores the stories that may have developed around his fossils and artifacts. Along with his wisecracking dragon puppet, Draco, Indy makes stories of the past informative and funny. For ages 4 and up. (45-60 minutes)
Alford, 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 14
Central, 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13
Evergreen, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 13
Rockwell, 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 14
Westlink, 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 14

Hot-diggity, Dig In! Join storyteller Priscilla Howe and her mouthy hand-puppets for a taste of ridiculous stories, songs and hilarity about food, glorious food. For children ages 3-11. (45 minutes)
Alford, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27
Angelou, 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27
Linwood, 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 26

The Legend of Walter Weirdbeard: A Puppet Adventure Wild Goose Chase Theater will introduce you to pirates who find their treasure chest, only to discover it holds old, musty books! Mutiny and mayhem erupt, until Captain Weirdbeard takes them on a journey and reveals how valuable a treasure of books can be. This “organic freerange puppetry” uses shadow and rod puppets by a true Nashville artist. For children ages 6 and up. (45 minutes)
Central, 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27
Evergreen, 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27
Rockwell, 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 28
Westlink, 2:30 p.m., Friday, June 28

Jay & Leslie in Toss, Catch, Dig Laughing Matters is back, and you won’t want to miss their latest act. Jay and Leslie toss and catch juggling equipment, have a game of baseball in mime, and will amaze you with the invisible ball. In one routine, Leslie portrays library archeologist Nellie Dingfod back from her latest dig. Dig this summer library fun for the whole family! For children ages 4 and up. (45-60 min.)
Alford, Tuesday July 9 6:30 pm
Rockwell, Friday July 12 10:30 am
Westlink, Friday July 12 2:30 pm

Dig Into Books! A Magic Show Master Magician Shawn Reida will take you on a journey through the fantastic world of books. His illusions create incredible effects that will amaze young and old alike. For children ages 5-11. (45 min.)
Angelou, Wednesday June 12 2:30 pm
Central, Monday July 15 2:30 pm

Mad Science Do you dig science? Dig into Reading with the Mad Scientist as she investigates what is under the surface of the earth. For children ages 7-11. (45-60 min.)
Central, Monday July 8 10:30 am
Evergreen, Monday July 8 2:30 pm

Dig Deep with Dinosaur O'Dell
Dig for delicious worms, swim in peanut butter and hike to an underground cave filled with fossils and dinosaurs! Dino's interactive show engages with funny characters, lots of action, music and stories. For children ages 3-11. (45-60 min.)
Rockwell, Friday July 5 10:30 am
Westlink, Friday July 5 2:30 pm

Central
Adventure Seekers
Find your next adventure at the library. We’ll share an activity, a take-home project, and a story. Meet new friends and have fun with us! For children aged 9-12. Call 261-8512 to register for any week beginning May 21. (60 min.)
Wednesdays June 5 – July 24 1:00 pm
June 5: Egyptology – Discover Egypt
June 12: Ocean Fun
June 19: Monsters with Sulley and Mike!
June 26: Spelunking – Explore Caves
July 3: The Other Side of the World – Japan
July 10: Fractured Fairy Tales
July 17: Pirate Adventures
July 24: Plant it! Fun take-home growing activities.

Exploration Club Enjoy games, songs, and stories with us. For children aged 5-9. Call 261-8512 to register for any week beginning May 21. (60 min.)
Thursdays June 6 – July 25 2:30 pm
June 6: Dig it! Fun with dirt.
June 20: Under the Sea
July 11: Egyptology – Discover Egypt
July 25: Arrr, Pirates!

g2g Program We’re taking it outside with the g2g (Got to Go) Outside Program (www.g2goutside.org). Come enjoy the great outdoors in the grassy area between the Library and Century II as we explore worms in compost with a Master Gardener, hear wormy stories, look at books about worms, and spoil our dinner with a “worms in dirt” snack. Be sure to wiggle on in to the library to sign up for the summer reading program while you’re here. This event is targeted at 5-10 year olds, but all ages and their parents are welcome. (60 min.)
Wednesday June 19 5:00 pm

Let’s Move! Can you dig it? Let’s jump, jiggle, and move to the beat together! Young children (infant to age four) will have fun dancing, playing games, and doing activities. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (45 min.)
Wednesday June 26 10:30 am

How Rattlesnake Got His Rattle Join us for animal folk stories from the Native American tradition with storyteller and librarian Carol Kotsch. The program is being offered in conjunction with the American Indian Festival sponsored by the Mid-America All-Indian Center. For children ages 6 and up. (30 min.)
Saturday July 13 2:30 pm

Puppet Shows For children aged 3-8 with their families. (30 min.)
Tuesday July 16 10:30 am
Thursday July 18 2:30 pm

Alford
Horse Rescue: Speaking for Those Who Can’t
Greenwood Stables and Equine Center will share information about horse rescue. Following the presentation, children will have a chance to meet one of the horses from their program. For children ages 8 and up. (45-60 min.)
Thursday June 6 2:30 pm

Like an Egyptian Explore Ancient Egyptian culture with us through games, art, and a mummy challenge. For children ages 7-11. Registration required, begins Wed., May 29; call 337-9119. (60 min.)
Wednesday June 12 2:30 pm

Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Dog Days of Summer Bring your stuffed puppy pal and join us for stories and songs. After our fun is over, leave them at the library for a sleepover. For children aged 3-6 and their families. Registration required, beginning Wed., June 5; call 337-9119. (60 min.)
Monday June 17 6:30 pm

Big Trucks! Join us for stories, rhymes, and crafts about big earth-movers like diggers and bulldozers. For children aged 3-6 with their parents. (45 min.)
Wednesday June 19 10:30 am

Dig Deep: Exploring Archaeology Become a detective for a day as we try to piece together objects from a dig, practice identifying fossils, and learn what it takes to be an archaeologist. For children ages 7-11. Registration required, beginning Wed., June 12; call 337-9119 . (60 min.)
Monday June 24 2:30 pm

Reader’s Theater Enjoy trying out your acting skill as we dramatically read stories from our favorite books. For children aged 7-11. (60 minutes)
Monday July 8 2:30 pm

Dinosaur Dig! Come learn about digging for dinosaurs, play some dino games, hear a story, and even dig up your own dinosaur fossil! For children aged 3-6. (45 min.)
Wednesday July 10 10:30 am

Survivors Party! Have you read Erin Hunter’s new series, “Survivors”? Even if you haven’t, come find out about the books, play trivia based on the books, and enjoy snacks. For children ages 7-11. Registration required, beginning Wed., July 10; call 337-9119 . (60 min.)
Monday July 22 2:30 pm

Puppet Show: Squash Pie Based on the book by Mary Steele, this funny story about a farmer and his wife trying to protect their precious squash is great fun for all. For children aged 3-8 with their families. (30 min.)
Wednesday July 24 10:30 am
Wednesday July 24 2:30 pm

Angelou
Make & Take Craft: See-Through Seeds
Watch your seeds grow inside a CD case! Ages 4-10. (available 4 hours)
Tuesday June 4 1:00-5:00 pm

Can You Dig It? I Can Dig It! Ventriloquist and illusionist Kevin Horner is back! This year, Australian-wannabe Millard Knockbar (Kevin) will make an appearance with Matilda the six foot ostrich puppet, Sheldon the magical turtle puppet, Coconuts the Spanish-speaking gorilla, and Twinkie the rabbit. For children ages 5 and up. (45 min.)
Friday June 7 2:30 pm

Family Pajama-rama Night Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join in the fun. So pull on your pajamas and enjoy books, songs, games, and a craft sure to delight ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)
Tuesday June 25 6:30 pm
Tuesday July 23 6:30 pm

Wiggly Worms Crafts, stories, and games about ooey-gooey worms. For children aged 5-7. Registration required, beginning Wed., June 26; call the library to register. (60 min.)
Wednesday July 10 2:30 pm

The Bug Lady & Friends Come and share an amazing time with "The Bug Lady & Friends." Children will learn about habitats, diets, interesting, and fun facts about each animal & insect. Her friends range from “Charlotte” the tarantula to “Tucker” the Amazon Parrot. Many animals & insects can be handled. It is a fun time for all, especially for the animals – they LOVE the attention! For children ages 6-10. (60 min.)
Thursday July 18 2:30 pm

Comotara
Take Home Craft: Paper Plate Piglet
Children aged 4-10 can pick up a packet of materials while supplies last to make their own paper plate piglet at home. Only simple supplies such as scissors, glue or tape will be required. (Available 6 hours.)
Wednesday June 19 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Take Home Craft: Bendable Monkey Children aged 4-10 can pick up a packet of materials while supplies last to make their own bendable monkey at home. Only simple supplies such as scissors, glue or tape will be required. (Available 6 hours.)
Wednesday July 17 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Evergreen
Make & Take Craft: See-Through Seeds
Watch your seeds grow inside a CD case! Ages 4-10. (available 4 hours)
Tuesday June 4 1:00-5:00 pm 

Wiggly Worms Crafts, stories, and games about ooey-gooey worms. For children aged 5-7. Registration required, beginning Wed., May 29; call the library to register. (60 min.)
Tuesday June 11 2:30 pm

Hobbit Book Party Slip on some Hobbit feet and spell your name with Dwarf runes! For children aged 8-10.
Registration is required, beginning Wed., June 5; call the library to register. (60 min.)
Tuesday June 18 2:30 pm

Noisy Badger Join the band to help noisy badger find the honey and make a marble maze. For children aged 5-7. Registration is required, beginning Wed., June 26; call the library to register. (60 min.)
Tuesday July 9 2:30 pm

Potatoes and Chips Discover the origin of potato chips, vote for your favorite chip, and grow a potato head. For children aged 8-10. Registration required, begins Wednesday, July 3; call 303-8181. (60 min.)
Tuesday July 16 2:30 pm

Puppet Show For children aged 3-8 with their families. (30 min.)
Wednesday July 24 10:30 am

Doo-Dad Mike Digs Rockin’ and Reading! Doo-Dad Mike performs a rockin’, entertaining and inspiring show where audiences discover their own ability to create songs and music. It’s fun…it’s cool…and the kids dig it, too! For kids ages 3 and up. (45 min.)
Thursday July 25 2:30 pm

Linwood
The Further Adventures of Jack’s Cow: A Puppet Show
Can Baba Yaga, Mother Goose or Piglet help Jack’s mother’s cow find her way home? Using contemporary and vintage handpuppets, Anitra Steele tells an original story about finding one’s way home. For children ages 3-8. (30 min.)
Monday June 10 2:30 pm

Reader’s Theater Enjoy trying out your acting skill as we dramatically read stories from our favorite books. For children aged 7-11. (60 minutes)
Thursday July 18 2:30 pm

Horse Rescue: Speaking for Those Who Can’t Greenwood Stables and Equine Center will share information about horse rescue. Following the presentation, children will have a chance to meet one of the horses from their program. For children ages 8 and up. (45-60 min.) 
Tuesday July 23 2:30 pm

Orchard
Pirate Gold
Seeking gold by land and sea, pirates unite to play games and search for treasure. For children aged 8-10. Registration is required, beginning Wed., June 5; call the library to register. (60 min.)
Wednesday June 19 2:30 pm

Discover Dizzy Diggers An afternoon of activities and games about animals and insects that live underground. For children aged 6-7. Registration is required, beginning Wed., June 26; call the library to register. (45 min.)
Wednesday July 10 2:30 pm

Horse Rescue: Speaking for Those Who Can’t Greenwood Stables and Equine Center will share information about horse rescue. Following the presentation, children will have a chance to meet one of the horses from their program. For children ages 8 and up. Registration is required and begins on Wed., July 3; please call 337-9084. (45-60 min.)
Tuesday July 16 2:30 pm

Planeview
Gnome Sweet Gnome
Gnome news is good news, and it’s high time you learned more about these mythical, mischievous, and marvelous garden guardians. Make gnome mistake, this afternoon will be full of laughs and little gnome facts. Participants will add to Gnomad the Gnome’s travel book, create a gnome costume, and craft their very own E.T./foam gnomes. Registration required beginning Wed., June 12; please call Planeview Community Library at 973-7609 to register. For children ages 6-10. (60 minutes)
Tuesday June 25 2:30 pm

Rockwell
Fantastic Flicks: A Real Life Princess
(rated PG) – Bring your own refreshments and enjoy a live-action movie for ages 4 and up on the big screen. Actual titles cannot be listed in publicity; call 261-8500 for more information.(108 min.)
Thursday June 6 2:30 pm

Puppet Show: Tops & Bottoms Bear wants to take a nap but his garden needs planted, so Hare offers to do the job for him. Bear learns a valuable lesson about laziness. For children ages 3-8. (30 min.)
Wednesday June 12 10:30 am
Wednesday June 12 2:30 pm

Root in the Dirt Have fun playing games, making crafts, and digging in the dirt while learning about things that grow underground. For children aged 5-7. Registration required, beginning Wed., June 5; call 688-9361. (60 min.)
Thursday June 20 2:30 pm

Caves Rock Search for gold, make cave art, and find a new best friend. Come uncover the complex world underground. For children aged 7-10. Registration required, beginning Wed., June 12; call 688-9361. (60 min.)
Tuesday June 25 2:30 pm

Fantastic Flicks: A Bold Young Scottish Archer (rated PG) – Bring your own refreshments and enjoy an animated movie for ages 4 and up on the big screen. Actual titles cannot be listed in publicity; call 261-8500 for more information. (93 min.)
Tuesday July 9 2:30 pm

Puppet Show: Mysterious Egg Fox finds an egg and decides to keep it until it hatches. However, the egg ends up in the hands of another character. Find out what happens to the egg – and fox. For children ages 3-8. (30 min.)
Wednesday July 10 10:30 am
Wednesday July 10 2:30 pm

Walk Like an Egyptian Experience walking in the shoes of Ancient Egyptians through activities and crafts. For children aged 8-11. Registration required, beginning Wed., July 3; call 688-9361. (60 min.)
Thursday July 18 2:30 pm

Dinosaur Days Enjoy dinosaur-themed activities and have a “dino”-mite good time. For children aged 3-6. Registration required, begins Wed., July 3; call 688-9361. (60 min.)
Tuesday July 23 2:30 pm

Westlink
Discoverers: Treasure by Land and Sea
Rounding up all pirates, large and small! We will sail the seas and scour the land in search of gold! Bring your spirit of adventure and pirate-speak. For children ages 8-10. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., May 30. (60 min.)
Thursday June 13 2:30 pm

Explorers: Ants in Our Pants An indoor picnic with our amazing insect friends. For children ages 6-7. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., June 6. (60 min.)
Thursday June 20 2:30 pm

Diggy Down Dance Party Get down and boogie with popular dance tunes geared to young children. An adult helper must attend with children under 3. For children aged 1-5. (45 min)
Monday June 24 10:30 am

Discoverers: Mummy’s Tomb Journey through ancient Egypt by deciphering hieroglyphics, solving riddles, and (maybe!) encountering a mummy! For children ages 8-10. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., June 13. (60 min.)
Thursday June 27 2:30 pm

Explorers: The Neighburrows Learn more about our burrowing animal neighbors. For children ages 6-7. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., June 20. (60 min.)
Thursday July 11 2:30 pm

Discoverers: Mystery Play Watch the mystery unfold, look for clues, question the suspects, and solve the case. For children ages 8-10. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., June 27. (60 min.)
Thursday July 18 2:30 pm
Puppet Show
For children aged 3-8 with their families. (30 min.)
Tuesday July 23 10:30 am
Wednesday July 24 10:30 am

Explorers: We’re Off to See the Wizard! Step onto the Yellow Brick Road and into the Land of Oz. For children ages 6-7. Tickets are required; they will be available at the Westlink Summer Reading Club desk starting Thurs., July 11. (60 min.)
Thursday July 25 2:30 pm


City of Wichita

Events are made possible by the City of Wichita, the Wichita Public Library Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Friends of the Wichita Public Library.

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Last update: 5/10/2013
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