Teddy Bear Wellness Clinic – for ages 2-8 will be Friday, August 5, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Dr. Claire Crone, noted Teddiologist, visits the library to provide a yearly check-up for your teddy or other furry friend. You can also enjoy some “beary good” stories, songs, and snacks. This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.
Picture Book Picnic: Sing Out Lunch with Dorothy and Annie – for ages 3-14 on Thursday, August 11, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Get ready to join Annie and Dorothy to sing selections from Peoria Players’ productions of The Wizard of Oz and Annie! Kids and adults are invited to arrive in costume as Annie or Dorothy or any of the characters from either play. You’ll be over the rainbow with excitement! Bring a sack lunch or snack and a blanket for a melodic and fun-filled Picture Book Picnic! Beverage provided. Children ages 3 to 14 and their caregivers. This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.
Midsummer Fun Booklet – Having a dull summer? Need a little extra fun in your life? Why not stop in the Children’s’ Area at the Main Library and pick up a Midsummer Fun Booklet! Throughout the month of August there will be a booklet especially for 4-7 year-olds and also one for 8-12 year-olds. If you finish up all the activities in the booklet you will be eligible for a prize. Just bring in your finished booklet to the 2nd Floor Information Desk, show it to the librarian and receive your prize. Simple as that – some summer fun and a prize too! This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.
Drop-In Summer Crafts – for ages 4-12 will be on Tuesdays, August 2, 9, and 16, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Drop by the Main Library this summer and make a fun craft to take home. This free event is open to the public while supplies last. Call 497-2000.
Make It! Take It! Crafts – for ages 4-10 will be Saturday, August 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the North Branch. While looking for some books, stop in the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft! This free event is open to the public while supplies last. Call 497-2100.
Writing Workshop – A writing workshop for children in grades 2-5 will be held Wednesday, August 3, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Join Peoria author Deborah Ruddell as she hosts a writing workshop for children in grades 2-5. Mrs. Ruddell has written several books and even had one illustrated by her twin sister! Come listen to Mrs. Ruddell’s tips and do a little writing of your own! This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.
Science Sleuths – for children in grades 3-5 will be Thursday, August 4, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Are you the designated spider catcher for your household? Do you stay up late to view the wonders of the cosmos? Is your fossil collection the wonder of the neighborhood? Join us each month to learn how the library can help you explore the mysteries of the universe. Experiments, outdoor exploration and fun included! This month: Insects, Spiders and Crustaceans, Oh My! This event is free and open to the public. Call 497-2102.
Week of the Watermelon! – for ages 8 and up or younger with an adult, will be Thursday, August 4, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the RiverWest Branch. Enjoy a watermelon story and slice of a watermelon to celebrate Watermelon Week and beat the summer heat! Come in and join the fun! This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2080.
RiverWest 4-H – RiverWest 4-H activities for ages 8 and up will be on Mondays, August 1, 8, and 15, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the RiverWest Branch. Nutrition, gardening, games, and snacks. This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2080.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party – for ages 8-12 will be Saturday, August 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the North Branch. Greg Heffley Rocks! If you think Diary of a Wimpy Kid is awesome literature, this party’s for you! Join in on the fun of this illustrated novel and celebrate one of the most memorable fictional characters since Harry Potter. Supplies and space limited to 50 people. Please call ahead to secure your spot with the other Wimpy Kids! This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.
Picture Book Picnic: Holy Spotted Cow! It’s Ice Cream! – for ages 3-12 and their caregivers will be Thursday, August 18, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. Frank Abdnour, owner of The Spotted Cow, will share his “ice cream story,” provide tips about great ice cream, and tell his favorite children’s story. Parents/caregivers are invited to bring blankets and a sack lunch or snack. Held outdoors if sunny, inside if rainy. Library provides beverage. We’ll make our own ice cream! Call 497-2100.
Best of the Best: 2011 Great Reads for K-8 Students – will be Friday, August 12, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the North Branch. A 60-minute book-talk covers the latest in compelling non-fiction works as well as popular fiction for kids. This event is intended for parents, grandparents, educators, and all adults interested in children’s literature. This free event is open to the public. Call 497-2100.