Children’s 2026 Winter Spring Program Schedule
Note: Preschools, daycares and/or groups of six or more are encouraged to call the Children’s Librarian to schedule a special time for your group.
Weekly Program
Toddler Time: Mondays, 10:30 am, Children’s Department. Aimed at ages 1-5 but all are welcome. Join Ms. Susan for stories, songs, crafts and creative play. Dates: January 12, 26; February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4.
Monthly Programs
Homeschool Hangout: 11:00 am, Children’s Department, third Thursday of the month February through April. Aimed at homeschoolers in grades 2-5. Ms. Susan will share a fiction or nonfiction book followed by an activity. Parents can connect and collaborate with each other. Children can bring a lunch or snack to eat after the activity. Dates: February 19; March 19; April 16.
Friday with Friends: 10:30 am, Children’s Department. Join Ms. Kelley the last Friday of the month January through March for story time fun and crafts. Aimed at homeschoolers ages 4-8, but all are welcome. Dates: January 30; February 27; March 27.
Reading Incentive
Read Your Way through Many Mammals: January 12 – April 10. Children ages two through eleven (2-11) are encouraged to read about a variety of animals to earn a Reading Medal and have their name entered into drawings for prizes. Forms with instructions can be found in the Children’s Department across from the staff desk or download one here: Read Your Way through Many Mammals.
Special Programs
Take Your Child to the Library Day: Saturday, February 7, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm, Children’s Department. Celebrated across our country since 2011, this is a great day for the family to stop by the library to see what we have to offer. There will be toys and simple crafts out during the time listed above for children to enjoy. Registration not required.
Valentine, Sweet Valentine: Wednesday, February 11, 3:30 – 6:00 pm. Children of all ages are invited to stop by the Children’s Department to make a Valentine for their special someone. A variety of craft materials will be out so children can create their own Valentines to make and take. Registration not required.
Grow Your Own Edible Sprouts: Saturday February 28, 11:00 am, Slater Room. For children in grades K – 8. Learn about seed germination and how to germinate seeds from the Master Gardeners. The children will set up their own seed sprouting jar to grow alfalfa and mung beans sprouts that can be added to salads and sandwiches. All supplies provided by the Master Gardeners. Registration required. Register here starting February 2.
Youth Art Month: March 5-27, Wetmore Gallery. Talented art students from Warren County School District, St. Joseph Elementary School and local homeschoolers in grades K – 12 will have teacher-selected pieces of artwork on display, March 5-27, in celebration of Youth Art Month. Children with art on display will receive an Art Award Certificate from their teacher at the Open House on March 9, 5-7 pm. Homeschool parents may direct questions to Children’s Librarian Susan Slater.
Storytelling: Lucky and the Spotted Lantern Fly: Saturday, March 14, 11:00 am, Slater Room. For children in grades K – 8. Master Gardeners will read the story of how Lucky the dog was trained to sniff out spotted lantern flies. Using the book and coloring activities, children will learn how to locate the spotted lantern fly and how to prevent the spread of this destructive pest. All supplies provided by the Master Gardeners. Registration required. Register here starting February 19.
Prickle Pals Storytime: Saturday, March 28, 11:00 am, Children’s Department. Join Ms. Susan for hedgehog-themed stories, songs and crafts. Each child will receive a small plush hedgehog. Registration not required.
Celebrate Earth Day: Saturday, April 11, 11:00 am, Slater Room. For children in grades K – 8. Master Gardeners will help the children celebrate Earth Day by using recycled paper to make their own paper embedded with wildflower seeds. All supplies provided by the Master Gardeners. Registration required. Register here starting March 18.
Estimation Station: April 6 – 25, Children’s Department. Its raining cats and dogs! Children ages 5 – 11 are invited to estimate the number of cats and dogs in the jar located on the staff desk in the Children’s Department for a chance to win a $25 Walmart gift card.
National Library Week: April 20 – 25
- Children who attend Toddler Time on April 20 will choose a free book to keep.
- Children ages 5 – 11 may participate in the Estimation Station activity described above.
Available All Year
1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Help put your child on the right track for kindergarten and build a solid foundation for academic success by reading early and often to your child. The Warren Library provides the opportunity to participate in this popular program open for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Information about this program and reading logs can be found on our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten page here. When visiting the library, information and a reading log for the first 100 books can be found on a shelf directly across from the staff desk in the Children’s Department. Those who prefer an online method may keep track at Reader Zone. Register on their website www.readerzone.com using the program code fc392. Like apps? Download the Reader Zone app from Google Play, the App Store or Amazon by searching for “Reader Zone”; be sure to use program code fc392.
Portions of these programs are possible due to the generous donations made at the Annual Fundraiser.
