Alisha

Kids Summer Performance Series

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This year’s Summer Performance series is filled with a wide variety of entertaining and informative shows.  Popular children’s musician David Landau is sure to get everyone moving, singing, and laughing along in his hilarious and engaging music show.  Mark Hayward, former World Yo-yo Champion, will be here to wow the audience with yo-yo tricks.  Comedy duo, Mixed Nuts, returns for another hilarious show.  Mischief & Magic will perform their magic tricks here for the first time this summer.  The Raptor Education Group, Inc will bring some fascinating bird guests including a falcon, hawk, and owl.  Jim Lenz will perform his Comedy Science show to demonstrate how engaging and fun science is, and his performance will be followed by an Air-Powered Rocket Workshop.  Check out the full schedule in the Summer at the Library flyer!

Free tickets are available one week prior to each program and are available at the Youth Services desk.  Feel free to call us at 715-839-5007 to reserve your tickets.  Just let us know the number of tickets you need and if you’d like tickets for the morning or afternoon performance.

Don’t forget!  You can ride the city bus to library performances!  Free bus passes are available for children and teens every Monday and Thursday from June 1-August 15.  Bus passes are available in the Summer at the Library flyer and in Youth Services.

March 17–22: Spring Break Week Activities
Alisha

Spend Spring Break at the Library!

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The week of March 25th marks Spring Break Week for many of the schools in the Eau Claire community and the library’s Youth Services staff has all the fun things planned!  In addition to storytimes and Dabble Box Open Labs we’ll have special programs scheduled daily.  Can’t make it in for a scheduled program?  Come in to complete a scavenger hunt, play a game, or check out a great read, movie, video game, or activity from the Library of Things to take home.  Reservations can also be made for our Escape Room which will be available at specific times throughout the week.

Special programs for 6th grade and under include a Wings of Fire Celebration, Perler Beads craft program, Family BINGO, and Pokemon Club.  Teens in grades 7th-12th grades are invited to a Teen Switch Tournament, a Taylor Swift Eras Party, and the Teen Late Night.

Check out the full list with more details here!

Jerissa

Learn to Play the Ukulele

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Are you a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or educator of children ages 0-5? Did you know that engaging young children in musical experiences builds connections in their brain and contributes to the development of language and math skills? The impact of music is incredible, and it doesn’t take much to create a musical experience for your children. Your voice will more than suffice, but why not add a little ukulele from time to time?

Give this simple and fun instrument a try during our introductory ukulele mini-series on Saturdays, February 24 and March 16, from 1:30-3 p.m. Learn a few simple cords that will enable you to play a plethora of traditional children’s songs for your kiddos and most certainly transform you into a rock star! Nicole Cook, who has taught music for 25 years, will be leading these classes. Her love of ukulele began in her elementary music classroom, and since then she has taught both group and private lessons.

So join us! No prior ukulele or musical experience is necessary. Bring your own ukulele or use one of ours (while supplies last)! Registration is required and seats are limited. Participants should plan to attend both sessions. Go ahead and register now!

Shannon

We Are Happy to Help!

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Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed at the sheer number of books available in the kids department? There are so many topics, a huge age range, audiobooks, graphic novels, picture books, nonfiction, and on, and on, and on! Where do you begin?! Luckily, there is a very easy answer to that overwhelming question: You begin at the Youth Services Desk.

Youth Services staff members can be found at the Youth Services desk during all open library hours, and at the Teen Desk during select afternoon/evening hours…and we can’t wait to help you find your (or your child’s) next favorite book!

If you are feeling independent, we can point you toward multiple resources—both in our room and online—which feature YS staff members’ book recommendations on a variety of topics. However, we are always very happy to help our customers with personalized recommendations, if you prefer to work with us directly.

If you are not yet at the library, and you’d like to begin your searching online, you can find a multitude of staff-built lists by visiting the Book Suggestions page on our website, or by visiting ECPubLibYouth right in our MORE catalog.

In addition to giving book recommendations, our desk staff offers various other services as well! We will happily provide room directions, give scavenger hunt clues, help you track down answers to questions—we even have diapers if you find yourself without. If you or your children need support (or a high five) while you are at the library, our friendly desk staff is always there to help. So be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you are in the library!

Jill

Here comes Storytime!!

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I don’t know about you, but I am so excited to start our Winter/Spring Storytime series! Storytime at our library is such a joyful time for children and their grownups (and library staff too!). We offer several storytime options for different ages/developmental levels, and we hope you can find a storytime experience just right for your family.

Our storytimes include not only fun stories, but we also mix in music and physical movement to get everyone dancing and having a blast. If you have any questions about storytime at all, please call 715-839-5007 and our Youth Services Staff will be happy to help.

NEW days and times this Winter/Spring? Yes! Take a close look at our all new storytime schedule, and we hope to see you at the library very soon!!

➜ More storytime information HERE!

Shannon

Winter Break Week!

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Winter Break is almost upon us, which means it’s time to head to the library for tons of extra fun! Kids, Teens, and their families are invited to join us during Winter Break Week  (December 26-30) for a flurry of seasonal activities.  

When you visit the library, you’ll find scavenger hunts, craft activities, and games all week long–just stop by the Youth Services desk (Level 1) for details. While you are there, ask about our Winter Library Programs (December 26–February 29)! Sign up for our Family or Teen program to earn a prize! Click here for full info. 

Of course, we also have some special events happening throughout the week. On Tuesday, December 26, join us for a Color Bash! Together, we’ll brighten up the shortest days of the year with some color. Explore light experiments, prisms, and colorful crafts, no registration required. Details here! 

Or if you prefer icy experiments and snowy crafts, visit us on Wednesday, December 27 for the Ice Bowl! Youth Pre-k through grade 6 will enjoy a cool afternoon excavating objects from ice, testing whether salt melts ice faster than vinegar, designing a snowflake, and more. Click here for all the details. 

Teens will also have a chance to get creative during Winter Break Week. Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join us for a cozy afternoon of macrame and hot cocoa at Knotty & Nice on Wednesday, December 27. Projects are beginner friendly, and registration is required. For information and to register, click here. 

On Thursday, December 28, kids of all ages (and their grown-ups) are invited to stop in and play Family BINGO for fun and small prizes. This event is so popular, it’s offered twice in one day! No registration is required, please click here for times and details. 

Finally, on Friday, December 29, teens in Grades 7-12 will have an opportunity to make art they can eat at Teen Cookie Decorating! Using icing and sprinkles, teens will create a cookie masterpiece in the library’s cozy kitchen. Registration is required by clicking here. 

And, of course, we always offer books, movies, video games, maker kits, and so much more, so stock-up for chilly weather and family time. Be sure to stop down – we’re always happy to see you! 

Kelly K

Lovevery @ the Library!

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When I first heard about the toy-based subscription service, Lovevery, I was dubious. My children had piles of toys, many of which were collecting dust. We do not need more toys! When does “so many toys” become “too many toys”?

It all changed for me when my brother started regularly receiving the developmentally appropriate Lovevery kits of toys for their growing family. As their children grew the kits were regifted to my children, allowing us to experience the toy-based subscription service first hand. The kits quickly became favorites for my little ones, giving me the freedom to donate unused toys in favor of a less cluttered house filled with developmentally appropriate play.

What is Lovevery?

Lovevery, a toy-based subscription service, was founded using research on the neurodevelopment of babies and intended to help foster development through play and experiences. These stage-based kits were designed to support brain development using toys, books and a play guide for parents.

Lovevery at the Library

Interested in experiencing these kits first hand with your child? Check out one of the six new Library of Things Play Kits featuring Lovevery! Click the links below to learn more, check availability, or place a hold today!

The Helper Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 25-27 months.  Your child may be eager for independence and to step into the world of “big kids.” This Play Kit responds to your two-year-old’s natural curiosity with Montessori-practical life activities and tools to develop security in their routines.

The Investigator Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 31-33 months.  Your toddler is working on their emerging executive function skills, which are important for everything from controlling one’s behavior to planning a future task, and even creativity. This Play Kit will support their natural curiosity.  Practice jumping, balancing, and tossing.  Build concentration, language, and memory skills.  Strengthen gross motor skills.  Learn lessons in liquid conservation.

The Free Spirit Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 34-36 months.  Your child is almost three years-old! Age three is sometimes called “the magic year,” a time when language blossoms, independence and curiosity grow, and social-emotional skills start to sharpen. Embark on this special stage together with play essentials to support their growing skillset.  Fit shapes and contrasting colors together.  Early exposure to numeracy.  Practice problem-solving and balancing skills.  Engage in imaginative play.  Build real-life skills.

The Observer Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 37-39 months.  Welcome your new three-year-old to the “Year of the Self” as they take ownership of their routines, build emotional intelligence, and make sense of their world through open-ended play.  Explore routines with pretend play.  Practice nesting with early exposure to architecture concepts.  Set expectations by planning their day. Encourage independence and self care.

The Analyst Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 46-48 months.  Challenge your (almost) four-year-old to use precise fine motor skills, solve new sensory and STEM puzzles, and cook with fractions—all with fun, hands-on play.  Practice matching objects through sensory play.  Build descriptive language skills.  Solve a color puzzle using different shades.  Put fine motor skills to practical use.  Translate 2D pictures into 3D objects.  Visualize parts of a whole.

The Connector Play Kit ➜

Activities for children ages 49-51 months.  Support flexible thinking with playthings that help your child think differently and make new connections as they learn to investigate, solve problems, and adapt to change.  Practice flexible thinking.  Investigate objects from different perspectives.  Build independence and routines.  Strengthen precise fine motor skills.  Create, adapt, and act out new stories.

Library of Things kits can be checked out for 21 days using your library card. Kits must be checked out and returned to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Customer Services desk. Library of Things kits accrue fines of $1 a day if returned after the checkout period.

Julia

Celebrate International Games Month with Youth Services

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What types of games do you like to play? Are you a board gamer? Video gamer? Yard game master? We invite gamers of all stripes to celebrate International Games Month this November with Youth Services!

International Games Month started as National Games Day in 2007 as an attempt to set a world record for number of people playing games in libraries at once. Over the years, that special day grew into a week and then a month, and expanded to include people from all over the world.

Youth Services will have a special Candyland-inspired scavenger hunt up all month, as well as new board games to play in The Lookout. Plus, join us during Thanksgiving week for Nintendo Switch gaming for kids and teens on Monday, BINGO on Wednesday, and drop-in games all week!

Keep the fun going at home by checking out a gaming activity backpack, jumbo Connect 4 yard game, and more from the Library of Things!

 

 

Jill

Calling all families with babies!

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Do you have a baby in your life? We have a storytime just for you!

What

The library offers Bouncing Babies and Little Movers Storytimes. Both storytimes feature songs, rhymes, lap bounces, a unison read book, bubbles, and other activities such as parachute or dancing with your baby. After both storytimes we bring out baby-appropriate toys and invite families to stay for a baby play group and social time for adult caregivers.

When

Bouncing Babies is on Mondays, and Little Movers is on Tuesdays. Both start at 10 a.m. and are about 20 minutes long. No registration is required, so feel free to pop in whenever your schedule allows! See our full storytime schedule for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the whole family.

Who

Bouncing Babies is intended for pre-walkers, approximately 0-12 months. Little Movers is intended for babies on the move, approximately 12-24 months. Bouncing Babies is a relaxed gathering with a lot of face to face interaction between baby and caregiver, while Little Movers is an active storytime with built in music and movement activities. No matter your baby’s developmental stage or activity level, you are sure to find a good fit for them at one of our storytimes. Still not sure which baby storytime to pick? Feel free to try both and see which storytime is better for your family.

Questions?

We hope that you and your baby come and try out a baby storytime very soon! If you have questions, our staff is always here to help. Please call 715-839-5007 or email ysstaff@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. If you know someone with a baby who may like to join us, please help us spread the word!

Jerissa

How Did We Do?

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As the Summer Library Program draws to a close, we want to thank all the children, teens, and families who participated in our summer events and summer reading program! THANK YOU! We hope your children discovered great books and that your family was able to enjoy one or more storytime, Dabble Box Open Lab, Thursday Performance, teen event, etc.

Please help us continue to improve the Summer Library Program by completing this quick survey. Whether or not you participated in our program, your responses will inform what we offer during future summers. We appreciate your feedback!

 

Here’s a link to that feedback survey one more time.