We hope the holidays are treating you well! Whether you're reading this from your computer at work, on your phone in the car, or on your laptop on the couch at home, we know your mind may be starting to wander to the new year. We have lots of great things coming up in January, including programs, events, and lots of new books. Check out what we're featuring below, and don't forget to look at our full events calendar. You can also pick up a monthly calendar of children's programs at each individual branch.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Winter Science Fun
Wednesday, January 2, 10:15-11:30 AM, Franklin Avenue Library
Celebrate the winter season indoors between 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM as we playfully explore the science of snow and ice with hands-on activities and crafts. Meeting Room.
Break or Make Lab
Tuesday, January 8, 4:00 PM, East Side Library
Do you wonder how things are made? Join us for a monthly deconstruction lab where we take apart common objects, see what parts they contain, and create something new from the pieces. Take your work of art home when you are done, or leave it behind for the next breaker-maker lab!
Art with ASAP
Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 23, & 30, 4:00 PM, Forest Avenue Library
Come in out of the cold and get hands-on with art through ASAP, the After School Arts Program. Teaching Artist and renowned storyteller Maureen Korte will lead children of all ages in free storytelling and arts activities, so bring your imagination and create your own artistic masterpiece!
Instrument Petting Zoo
Thursday, January 17, 11:15 AM, North Side Library
A petting zoo that makes noise, but leaves no fur to be shed – it’s the Des Moines Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo. Children ages 3 and up are invited to play a violin and cello with help from experts at the Des Moines Symphony. Registration is required – register by calling 283-4152 ext. 3 or by clicking here.
Furry Tales with Caper
Saturday, January 19, 11:00 AM, South Side Library
Children are encouraged to read with Caper, the therapy dog, at South! Caper is a friendly Pembroke Welsh Corgi who loves to hear stories! Walk in and choose a book to read to Caper in the Children's Area! For youth ages 3-12.
Family Storytime: Marshmallow Dipping
Tuesday, January 22, 6:30 PM, Central Library
Bring the entire family together early in the evening for stories, songs and occasional crafts. During this special storytime, we’ll be decorating marshmallows with candy dipping. It's a great way for busy parents to relax and listen to stories with their children. You can even wear your jammies!
NEW BOOKS
The Duchess and Guy: A Rescue-to-Royalty Puppy Story by Nancy Furstinger
Author Nancy Furstinger is well-known for her non-fiction children's books exploring nature and animals. As an animal lover, she loves reading and writing stories about furry companions. For her latest book, she calls upon the true story of Guy, a beagle that was abandoned at a Kentucky animal shelter, and Meghan Markle, an American TV actress and dog lover. With Julia Bereciartu illustrating, Nancy brings the rag-to-riches story of this regal beagle to life.
Other new books:
I Need a Hug, by Aaron Babley
The Book in the Book in the Book, by Julien Baer
Honeysmoke, by Monique Fields
Meet Miss Fancy, by Irene Latham
All You Need is Love, by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
A Little Book About ABC's, by Leo Lionni
Chicken Talk, by Patricia MacLachlan
Max and the Midknights, by Lincoln Peirce
I Am Sam-I-Am, by Tish Rabe
This Little Piggy, by James Serafino
Hush Little Bunny, by David Ezra Stei
EARLY LITERACY TIPS
Make early literacy one of your New Year's resolutions. Reading with your kids is one of the most important things you can do to help them learn to read and prepare for academic success. Consider some of these activities this month to strengthen your children's early literacy skills. For more information, check out our Simple Steps to Success website:
- How many words can you think of that rhyme with bed? Talk about it with your child during bedtime.
- Find a children's poetry book at the library and read it together.
- Use a flashlight to explore a dark room and discuss what you see.
- Let your child help you fold and cut a paper snowflake
- Create some soft playdough using one part hair conditioner and two parts corn starch to play with. Use food coloring to enhance the colors.
Last Modified April 19, 2024