Shannon

Summer at the Library 2026: Week 1

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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

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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
Andria

Photo Recap! Summer at the Library So Far

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Summer at the Library is in FULL SWING, y’all, and you’re showing up in force. We’re thrilled! To share the fun, we pulled together a little photo recap of the first few weeks of summer here at the library for you to enjoy.

First, we have a little behind-the-scenes of our summer promotional video and decorations prep. Speaking of our promotional video, have you watched it? It’s pretty great, just saying…

To kick off our Storytime series, we had a super fun family Storytime in the Park on June 6, led by Miss Riss. Check out our full schedule here!

On Wednesday, June 11, we had our first Discovery Days event, Challenge Accepted. Kiddos tried to accomplish a variety of fun (and silly) tasks, from golf ball stacking to building the tallest tower with straws. Also on Wednesday, teens got to experiment with Sharpies and isopropyl alcohol to create drip art. Sad you missed this art event? Don’t worry! We have Sand Painting coming up in July.

Our first performer in the summer series was the Bombastic Bubble Show, which received rave reviews from attendees. And there are plenty more shows! Don’t miss out on our weekly performances through July 30 (no tickets needed!).

And, finally, we had a “drive-in” movie with families creating box cars and enjoying Paw Patrol: The Movie.

We have so many more free events at the library this summer. Take a look at our event page, sign up for the reading program, and more! We hope to see you soon.

Andria

Photo Recap! Spring Break Week

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What a great week! Y’all showed up in force during Spring Break Week at the library – thank you!

We kicked off the week o’ fun with Pablo Center’s ARTmobile on Saturday. Attendees could make a painted butterfly, rainbow, or something completely different.

On Monday we had a great bunch of young artists creating art out of recycled materials. From animals to landscapes to other fantastic creations – what imagination!  Teens had their own art program with Still Life Snacks. Why not PAINT your snack, then eat it!?

We also held TWO Nintendo Switch gaming events, one for families and one for teens. Friends and family members challenged each other to friendly races in Mario Kart. The teens took competition a little more seriously with a dual tournament – Mario Kart AND Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Competition was fierce, but two champions ultimately won the coveted 3D printed prize plaques and candy.

On Thursday, Sustainable Safari visited the library with some animal guests, including a porcupine and kangaroo. Families also had the opportunity to play Ping-Pong ALL day.

To wrap up the week, we had 25 teens attend our after hours Could You Survive a Dystopia? Teen Late Night. Teams participated in “survival” challenges, with one team displaying enough skill to “survive” the Hunger Games. Teens also had free time to explore the Dabble Box makerspace, VR headsets, and more.

Enjoy a few photos of the fun-filled week. We’ll see you next time <3

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 23-31) 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 Program (December 21–February 28)! You can 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 Monday, December 23, join us for a Squishmallow Painting Party! Join us to create your own Squishmallow portrait on canvas, while supplies last. No registration needed. Details here!

Teens will have a chance to get cozy at the library during Winter Break Week. Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join us in the teen lounge for Cozy Vibes Only on Thursday, December 26. We will provide a hot cocoa station, a cozy reading room, a stitching corner, a variety of puzzles and games, and snacks! Registration is recommended, but not required. Click here for full information. 

Teens are also invited to get crafty with us at Do You Wanna Build a Snow Globe? On Friday, December 27. Teens in grades 7-12 can make their very own weird or wonderful miniature snowscape. Registration is required by clicking here. 

Have you ever wanted to visit the library after we close? Then Family Fort Night is for you! On Friday, December 27, families are invited to join us after hours to build a cozy fort to read in, and to enjoy stories, snacks, crafts, and games. Registration and details here! (This event is not related to the online game Fortnite.) 

Families are invited to return to the library on Saturday, December 28 for New Year’s Crafternoon. Drop in to create fun crafts to celebrate the new year. No registration needed. Details are here! 

If video games are your thing, join us on Monday, December 30 as we break out the Nintendo Switch games! Youth grades K-6 can attend Mario Kart @ the Library from 10-12, and then we turn it over to the teens (grades 7-12) from 1:30-3:30 for an Ultimate Nintendo Switch Tournament. No registration is required for either session.

Finally, on Tuesday, December 31, families can visit the library to ring in the new year at our Noon Year’s Eve Party. Join us for dancing, crafts, face painting, snacks, and a countdown to a balloon drop at noon! No registration required. Click here for details. 

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 in – we’re always happy to see you! 

 

Jerissa

We Want to Hear from You

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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/ 

Andria

Top 2024 Checkouts: Teen Titles

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Katie H

Summer Teen Volunteers

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Teens!

Are you looking for something to do this summer? Want to help kids and families in your community while building your resume?

Volunteer at the library!

The library is seeking responsible and enthusiastic volunteers entering grades 7-12 in the fall of 2024. Based on their interests, volunteers can assist at youth programs, work on miscellaneous library tasks, and help with craft and activity prep. There are opportunities for regular volunteers, as well as one-time volunteer positions to help with special events or projects.

Volunteer applications are due May 31.

Click here to fill out your application today!

Jill

Events & Programs Survey!

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What time works best for your family for storytime? Do you love Pokemon Club? Does your kid have a great idea for a new program at the library? We want to hear from you!

The library strives to plan and host events to keep our community learning, engaged, and connected. Please help us better understand what you want and need by filling out this brief survey. Your input will help us plan library programs for fall, winter, and beyond. Deadline: April 30

Andria

The Library Doesn’t Own It…Now What?!?

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It has happened to many of us. You search the catalog for that ONE book that you REALLY want to read…and you come up with nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip.  Not a single library within the MORE Library System owns it.

Don’t rage! Don’t despair! You have options.

Suggestions for Purchase

You can suggest that the library purchase the book you really want to read. Or video game you want to play. Or movie you want to watch. The librarians who purchase items for the library’s collections are happy to review any suggestion community members (you) make. It’s not a guarantee that the library will buy the item you really want, but librarians take those requests seriously. They are ultimately guided by the library’s Collection Development Policy, yet oftentimes items suggested by community members are purchased. See the end of this post for a quick “how to” on submitting a suggestion for purchase.

Interlibrary Loan

You can submit a request to get the item you want from another library. In case you didn’t know, libraries are all about sharing things. Processes are in place to request items from other library systems across the state, region, and country. To find out more about Interlibrary Loan, click here or visit one of the Reference Services desks on Level Two.

How To: Suggestion for Purchase

  • Click “Suggestion for Purchase.”

  • A separate pop-up window will appear (if it doesn’t, check to make sure your browser did not block the pop-up).
  • Be sure to fill in your name, email, library card number, item title, and select Eau Claire from the drop-down menu. Any other information you have on the item is helpful, but not required.
  • If you’d like to have the item placed “on hold” for you (if it’s purchased), be sure to select the “reserve this item” option on the bottom. Additionally, you have the choice to try and Interlibrary Loan the item if it’s not purchased.
  • That’s it! If the item is purchased for the library and you selected “reserve this item for you,” it will automatically be placed on hold for you. When it arrives, you will receive a notification however you normally do (e.g. email).

And, as always, please let us know if you have questions. We’re here to help.