Shannon

Summer at the Library 2026: Week 1

/in , , , , /by

It’s time for SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY! We are all geared up for fun at the Eau Claire library this summer, and there are lots of free events ahead! Just follow the link, and find out about upcoming programs like Pebble Friends on Wednesday, June 10 , Folk Music with Will Branch on Thursday, June 11 (no tickets needed), and Hack Your Oreo on Thursday, June 11 for teens! Find the full list right here. We’ll see you soon at the library!

Here’s a quick peek at what we’ve been up to:

Andria

Great Teen Reads for Black History Month

/in , , /by

Looking to read more diversly in 2026? Black History Month is right around the corner, which is a great prompt to try one of these awesome teen reads by Black authors.

See the full list here: Teen Books for Black History Month

A Few Highlights

The Leaving Room by Amber McBride is a poignant novel-in-verse that is a National Book Award Finalist and gives off Printz Award vibes.

If you’re looking for an epic fantasy series starter, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is your jam. Mystery, magic, and secrets await…

Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas and You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson are more lighthearted, rom-com reads that warm the heart.

And lastly, Ace of Spades by  and The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson are mystery/thrillers very likely to keep you up at night, turning the pages way past your bedtime.

Be sure to browse the whole list and choose a few new favorites.

Click here to see the full Teen Books for Black History Month list
Alisha

Introducing…Tonies and Yotos!

/in , , , /by

We’re excited to announce the addition of two new audio player formats to the library’s collection!

Tonies are toy-like figurines that activate songs and stories when placed on a Toniebox audio player. Kids can easily adjust volume, fast forward, rewind and change stories on their own. Our four Tonie Kits each come with a Toniebox and approximately five Tonies.

Similarly, Yoto Players are an easy-to-use audio player that plays children’s stories. The audiobook is activated simply by inserting a Yoto Card into the player. Each kit comes with a Yoto Player and approximately five story cards.

All Tonies and Yoto Cards have been pre-loaded onto the Tonieboxes and Yoto Players, respectively, making them available to play with or without a Wi-Fi signal. Both the Tonie kits and Yoto Kits are located in the Library of Things collection.

Katie H

Supa Dupa Dog Man Party

/in , , /by

Does your family love Dog Man?

So do we!

Visit the library to celebrate everyone’s favorite half-dog half-human police officer at the Supa Dupa Dog Man Party!

The party will take place on Friday, February 28, at 1:00-2:30pm in the 3rd floor Riverview Room. We will have Dog Man crafts, activities and challenges. Make a flip-o-rama, play pin the mask on Petey, and snack on dog food (for humans)!

We are excited to share that special guest K9 Murphy will be reporting for duty at this event. Murphy is a supa dupa therapy dog with the Eau Claire Police Department who loves to make new friends everywhere he goes!

This is a drop-in event with no registration required.

Kelly K

Explore Ho-Chunk Stories This Winter!

/in , /by

Discover the magic of Ho-Chunk storytelling with your family this winter! Andi Cloud, a gifted storyteller and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, invites you to explore her culture through engaging, hands-on programs for all ages.

Don’t Miss These Events for Youth and Families:

Ho-Chunk Harvest
Tuesday, January 21, 6–7:30 p.m.
Explore Ho-Chunk traditions connected to land, water, and the changing seasons. This all-ages event is a great way to bond and learn as a family.
Registration required.

Those That Are Above, Those That Are Below
Wednesday, January 22, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the twelve Ho-Chunk clans and create a family tree together! This interactive event is perfect for school-age kids and their families to enjoy on their day off of school.
Registration required.

For Adults:

Ho-Chunk Artistry
Wednesday, January 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Dive into Ho-Chunk artistry with stories about traditional crafts and a Black Ash basketmaking workshop.
Registration required. Ages 18+.

🖱️ Register now at ecpubliclibrary.info/onebook.
📞 Questions? Contact us at 715-839-5004 or librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.

Celebrate the season with these incredible storytelling experiences. Your family will love it!

Jerissa

Our Favorite Books of 2024 for Kids and Teens

/in /by
Read more
A woman of Native American descent with black hair and a round face, wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Kelly K

Celebrate Culture and Courage with Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre

/in , , /by

Join us on Saturday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the Riverview Room for a special One Book, One Community event – Storytelling with Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre: A Journey in Pride, Culture, and Courage . Author Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre, a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, will share her powerful children’s book, Thunder’s Hair. This inspiring story explores the significance of long hair in Lakota culture and encourages children to embrace their heritage and take pride in who they are.

During the event, Jessie will read from Thunder’s Hair, share the inspiration behind the story, and dive into important cultural teachings woven into the book. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Lakota history, the importance of long hair, and a sense of pride and empowerment to be “modern-day warriors” in their own lives by helping those around them.

 This event is recommended for children and their families, but all are welcome! Registration is required, so be sure to reserve your spot today.

For more information or to register, visit www.ecpubliclibrary.info/onebook or call 715-839-5007.

Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre has spent 15 years as a school counselor, and she uses her experiences in education and her Lakota heritage to inform her writing. She was awarded the Great Plains Emerging Tribal Writer’s Award for her first children’s book, Pet’a Shows Misun the Light. To date, Jessie has written seven children’s books, with more in progress. Her passion lies in helping people recognize their value and use their unique talents to create stronger communities for future generations.

This event is co-sponsored by: Wisconsin Humanities, Mayo Clinic Health System, Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, and Chippewa Valley Museum.

Kelly K

Oct 19: See Author Lori M. Lee!

/in , , /by

Discover the Magic of Hmong Mythology with Author Lori M. Lee!

Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 4-5 p.m. in the Riverview Room for a captivating event with Lori M. Lee, author of the award-winning Pahua and the Soul Stealer. As part of the Chippewa Valley Book Festival, this family-friendly event will explore Hmong mythology and culture, as Lori shares how these rich traditions inspire her beloved fantasy books for young readers.

Lori’s Pahua and the Soul Stealer, a Rick Riordan Presents title, follows 11-year-old Pahua Moua, a Hmong girl with the ability to see spirits. After she accidentally releases an angry spirit, her brother falls into a mysterious coma. With the help of a warrior shaman, Pahua embarks on a journey through the spirit world to save him, discovering her own strength and the deep connections to her culture along the way.

Don’t miss this chance to meet the author behind these magical tales, dive into unfamiliar stories, and see how mythology from around the world connects us all. Stick around after the presentation for a Q&A and book signing!

Registration is required, so make sure to sign up soon! For more information or to register, visit www.ecpubliclibrary.info.

To learn more about the Chippewa Valley Book Festival and other events, visit www.cvbookfest.org.

LORI M. LEE is the author of speculative novels and short stories. Her books include the award-winning Pahua and the Soul Stealer and its sequel Pahua and the Dragon’s Secret. Also, Forest of Souls, Broken Web, Calling of Light, and more. She’s also a contributor to the anthologies A Thousand Beginnings; Endings; and Color Outside the Lines. She considers herself a unicorn fan, enjoys binging TV shows, and loves to write about magic, manipulation, and mayhem.

Jerissa

We Want to Hear from You

/in , , , , , /by

On behalf of the Youth Services staff at the library, THANK YOU to all of the children, teens, and families who participated in “Summer at the Library.” More than 2,000 youth, ages 0-18, participated in our reading program and more than 5,700 people attended more than 100 library events between June 1 – August 15! Your support and engagement in the public library help make programs like these possible. Please consider sharing your thoughts about “Summer at the Library” with us by completing this this brief survey. Your feedback will help us continue to improve our summer programs and events. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you back at the library for events, activities, and great books all year long!

https://www.ecpubliclibrary.info/kids/summer-survey/ 

Julia

Books Take Us Places!

/in , /by

Display wall at library with world map.

Kids from Eau Claire have been traveling all over the world through books this summer. We invited them to tell us about their adventures, and mapped their stories in the Youth Services area.

Map of Europe

Have you read a book set in another city, state or country? Stop by the library to add your adventures to the map! Looking for a new place to visit?  Get inspired by some of the titles that have been shared by readers this summer.

We love to get book recommendations from readers, and enjoy sharing our favorite reads with you as well. Youth Services provides book lists featuring a variety of genres and themes, available in the library and online.

Woman holding Great Reads book list binder.