Kids' Programs

There's always something going on in the Youth Services Department! Check out Youth News to learn about new services and special events, and don't miss all of the ongoing programs we offer for children throughout the year!
- Programs for Infants & Toddlers
- Programs for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners
- Programs for Grades 1-3
- Programs for Grades 4-6
- Free Performances for Kids and Families
Please see each program description for registration information.
If you prefer, you can also browse our programs in a calendar view.
Have questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us via email or by phone at 847-356-7711. See you at the library!

You Asked, We Listened:
Introducing a New and Improved Programming Schedule
We’re very excited to reveal a new approach to our programming calendar here in Youth Services! In the past, registration filled up within minutes for some of our more popular offerings. In response to this demand, we’ve added additional sections of our science programs, allowing us to accommodate twice as many children. And coming this fall, look for more opportunities for kids to participate in Scooby, DO READ!, where 1st-3rd graders practice reading aloud to dogs.
Furthermore, we’ve heeded your calls and will now offer programming for children across the age spectrum throughout the year, and all of our program sessions will run a full six weeks.
“We’ve worked hard to answer the numerous requests for ‘more of everything’,” says Kerry Reed, Head of Youth Services. “Please let us know what you think!”
Scroll down to see our new and improved schedule!
Summer Reading Program 2013
Have Book—Will Travel
June 3 - August 24
Greetings from Youth Services!
We all know travel and books go so well together: books can take you ANYWHERE! You can "travel" to outer space, or Africa, or 1876. You can catch a ride on a bus, a train, or in a hot air balloon. Or, better yet, take a book or two along whether you visit Granny or the Grand Canyon. However you decide to travel this summer, make sure to bring a reading log (you can pick one up at the Youth Services Desk starting June 3) and mark down those great reads. We just might have a "souvenir" or two waiting for you when you get back!
-Your LVDL Youth Staff
Parents, did you know the Youth Services Department has iPads that your children can enjoy in the library? These iPads are pre-loaded with fun apps based on popular children’s books as well as other educational activities, including apps for older elementary age children. Visit us at the Youth Services Desk to find out more!
Look for the IDOL in the Youth Services Department
Parents, wouldn't it be great to have someone read to your preschoolers while you browse the children's collection in relative quiet? Or, do you have an emergent reader who could use some practice reading aloud? We have the solution! Our IDOL program (IDOL stands for Interact, Demonstrate, Offer and Link) gives middle- and early high-schoolers the opportunity to volunteer in the Youth Services Department and provide just these kinds of services. Know someone in grades 6-10 who might be interested in becoming an IDOL? Here's the info!

Little Listeners - June Session
Ages 3 months - 36 months
Have a baby or toddler at home? Little Listeners is a program designed to coach parents/caregivers in supporting early literacy skills through the use of rhymes, stories and other language-building activities. This program is designed for one-on-one interaction between child and adult partner; please, no other siblings. Registration for the June session begins May 1; children must be the proper age by June 4.
Little Listeners A: 3 months-17 months
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., June 6-27
Little Listeners B: 15 months-28 months
Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., June 6-27
Little Listeners C: 24 months-36 months
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., June 6-27
Summer Storytimes
Ages 2 Years - Kindergarten
Come join the fun at storytime! All programs except the Family Drop-In programs require registration, which can be done in person or over the phone by calling 847-356-7711. Registration for summer storytimes begins June 3.
NEW! Storytime for 2-3 year olds
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., July 3-August 7
Thursday, 10:30 a.m., July 11-August 8
Storytime for 4 year olds through Kindergarteners
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m., July 2-August 6
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., July 3-August 7
Family Storytime
Register up to three children from your family between the ages of 2-Kindergarten.
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., July 2-August 6
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m., July 11-August 8
Family Drop-In Storytime
No registration required, all ages welcome!
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., July 3-August 7
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., July 6-August 10
NEW! Little Listeners Schedule - Starts July
Ages 3 months - 24 months
Below is our new Little Listeners schedule! After our June session, we will begin offering Little Listeners programming year-round—please note the new age ranges.
Please note, we no longer offer Little Listeners C … instead, you have the option of enrolling your 2-3 year olds in our new storytime just for this age group (see above), or choose our Family Listeners program (see below).
Registration begins June 3.
Little Listeners A: 3 months-15 months
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., July 2-August 6
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., July 11-August 8
Little Listeners B: 12 months-24 months
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., July 2-August 6
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., July 11-August 8
NEW! Family Listeners
Ages 3 months-36 months
Have a child (or children) between the ages of 3 and 36 months? This new early literacy program is for you! Registration begins June 3.
Mondays, 10:30 a.m., July 1-August 5
See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Friday Fun Faire
Ages 3 Years - Kindergarten
Books and crafts—that's what Friday Fun Faire is all about! After enjoying a story, your child will work with you to make a project to take home. Choose one of several Friday Fun Faire opportunities each month!
June sessions (registration begins May 1)
Friday, June 7: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., or 1:00 p.m.
Friday, June 21: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
July sessions (registration begins June 3)
Friday, July 5: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Friday, July 19: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
August sessions (registration begins July 1)
Friday, August 2: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Friday, August 16: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Summer Storytimes
Ages 2 Years - Kindergarten
Come join the fun at storytime! All programs except the Family Drop-In programs require registration, which can be done in person or over the phone by calling 847-356-7711. Registration for summer storytimes begins June 3.
NEW! Storytime for 2-3 year olds
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., July 3-August 7
Thursday, 10:30 a.m., July 11-August 8
Storytime for 4 year olds through Kindergarteners
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m., July 2-August 6
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., July 3-August 7
Family Storytime
Register up to three children from your family between the ages of 2-Kindergarten.
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., July 2-August 6
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m., July 11-August 8
Family Drop-In Storytime
No registration required, all ages welcome!
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., July 3-August 7
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., July 6-August 10
See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

NEW! Science Explorers
(Additional section added!)
Grades 1 - 3
In response to the demand for this science program for the younger set, we've added another section to accommodate more participants! During this 6-week session, we'll explore basic scientific principles and stimulate kids' curiosity with hands-on projects. Registration for the next session begins June 3.
Summer session
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., July 2-August 6
-or-
Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., July 11-August 8
Wednesday Afternoon Club
Grades 1 - 3
Wednesday Afternoon Club is all about sharing great books, poems, riddles and songs—and building vocabulary skills along the way! Don't miss out on the fun! Registration for the summer session begins June 3.
Summer session
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., July 3-August 7
Eureka! The High-Rise Challenge
Grades 3-8
Tuesday, August 13, 1:30 p.m.
Calling all budding engineers! We've added a new Eureka! science event just for you: The High-Rise Challenge! Join us to help design a tower that can support a weight when the wind blows (all materials will be provided). You can register for this program in person or over the phone at 847-356-7711 starting July 1.
The Write Stuff
Grades 3 - 6
Attention, aspiring authors! Join us the third Saturday of every month for an hour-long workshop all about creative writing.
July 20, 1:00 p.m.
Read All About It!
Make a newspaper … all about you!
Registration begins June 15.
Register online
August 17, 1:00 p.m.
If You Found a Dragon in Your Backyard …
You'll just have to be there to find out!
Registration begins July 20.
Register online
See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Artful Inspirations
Grades 4 - 6
Dive into the world of famous illustrators in this hands-on art program—learn about Barbara Reid, Lois Ehlert, Mo Willems and more! Each week, we'll explore an illustrator's background and art mediums, then try out the techniques ourselves. Registration begins June 3.
Summer session
Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., July 1-August 5
Science Specialists
Grades 4 - 6
Our very popular science program for older kids will return in September for a full 6-week session, with two classes to choose from! Students will examine the many aspects of the scientific world with hands-on experiments. Registration for the fall session will begin August 1.
Fall session
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., September 3-October 8
-or-
Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., September 5-October 10
Eureka! The High-Rise Challenge
Grades 3-8
Tuesday, August 13, 1:30 p.m.
Calling all budding engineers! We've added a new Eureka! science event just for you: The High-Rise Challenge! Join us to help design a tower that can support a weight when the wind blows (all materials will be provided). You can register for this program in person or over the phone at 847-356-7711 starting July 1.
Novel Thoughts+
A Book Discussion
Grades 4 - 6
Read the book, form an opinion and join us in the Conference Room on the third Wednesday of the month for a lively discussion! Please note, we've added an extra 15 minutes so we have more time to talk books!
Novel Thoughts has turned 100! See our Q&A with Ms. Reed!
June 19, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Registration begins May 15.
Register online
July 17, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Registration begins June 15.
Register online
August 21, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Registration begins June 15.
Register online
The Write Stuff
Grades 3 - 6
Attention, aspiring authors! Join us the third Saturday of every month for an hour-long workshop all about creative writing.
July 20, 1:00 p.m.
Read All About It!
Make a newspaper … all about you!
Registration begins June 15.
Register online
August 17, 1:00 p.m.
If You Found a Dragon in Your Backyard …
You'll just have to be there to find out!
Registration begins July 20.
Register online
See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Tickets for the following free events are available in person at the Youth Services Desk starting on the dates listed below. We also take a limited number of online reservations for tickets, follow the links. Please note, you must register each person ages 2 and older who will be attending, including caregivers.
Pocket Circus
Friday, July 5, 2:00 p.m.
Be amazed by "The World's Smallest Circus," direct from Argentina! Humor, magic, acrobatics, juggling and more … what's not to love? Tickets will be available starting June 3, including a limited number by online registration. Please note, if online registration is filled, there may still be tickets available at the Youth Services Desk.)
Special Event!
Learn Magic at the Library!
Friday, August 9, 1:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Kids, dazzle your friends with your sleight of hand! Learn the tricks of the trade from magician Gary Kantor in this hour-long, hands-on workshop.
Please note, children must be between the ages of 5-12 to participate, and those under the age of 7 must attend with a caregiver.
Also, registration for this program is a bit different than for our usual performances. You may register for this program in person, over the phone or online (see below) beginning July 1. Space is limited—please choose from one of the two sessions offered.
Register for 1:00 p.m. session
Register for 2:30 p.m. session
(Have a teen who's interested in learning magic? We'll also be hosting a session just for teens at 4:00 p.m.!)
- Login to post comments




