Free Events for Families and Children at Peoria Public Library May 2012

Infant/Toddler

Tuesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Lakeview Lambs Storytime – Lakeview Branch – 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children and caregivers enjoy stories, fingerplays, and an easy craft.  While supplies last. Ages 2-3 years old.  497-2200  FREE

Monday & Thursday, May 7, 10, 21, & 31 – North Branch

Wednesday, May 9 & 23 – Main Library

Tiny Tots Storytime – 10:30-11:10 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your child and other parents of little ones as you sing, clap, listen, and explore together.  Rhymes, stories, songs, and a social time where both children and parents can interact with each other will be part of this lively session.  Babies 12-23 months and their caregivers are welcome.  497-2000  FREE

Tuesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Toddler Time Tuesdays – McClure Branch – 10:00-10:20 a.m. Songs, fingerplays, stories, and lots of fun!  Ages 18 months to 2 years old.  497-2700  FREE

Preschool

Tuesday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 – Lincoln Branch

Wednesday, May 2, 9, 16, 22, & 30 – McClure Branch

Fun Time Storytime – 10:00-10:30 a.m. Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6.  497-2700  FREE

Friday, May 4, 11, 18, & 25 – Fun Time Storytime – North Branch – 10:15-10:45 a.m. & 1:00-1:30 p.m. Fun stories and songs for children ages 3-6.  497-2100  FREE

Monday & Thursday, May 3, 14, & 17 – North Branch

Wednesday, May 2 & 16 – Main Library

Tadpoles Storytime – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Are you looking for a storytime that is just right for your 2 or 3 year old?  Join us for stories, songs, activities, and easy crafts that are a perfect fit for little ones who are too big for the baby storytime but not quite ready for the preschool storytime.  Children ages 2 – 3 years and their caregivers are welcome.  497-2000  FREE

Tuesday, May 15 – Lincoln Branch

Wednesday, May 16 – McClure Branch – 4H Preschool Nutrition Program – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Make a fun and healthy snack.  Ages 3-6.  497-2700  FREE

Grade School

Thursday, May 3

Science Sleuths – North Branch – 4:00-5:00 p.m. 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!  Children 3rd-5th grade.  497-2102  FREE

Saturday, May 5

Make It! Take It! Crafts – North Branch – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. While looking for some fun books, stop in the Children’s Activity Room and make a cool craft.  While supplies last.  Ages 4-10. 497-2100  FREE

Wednesday, May 9 & 23

Crafty Afternoons – Main Library – 4:00-5:30 p.m. Are you done with homework and need something to do after school?  Join us in the Children’s Craft Area for some crafting fun.  Kids in grades K – 6th can drop in anytime to do the day’s craft while supplies last.  497-2000  FREE

Saturday, May 12

Local Children’s Author Wayne Miller – Lakeview Branch – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebrate Children’s Book Week by listening to local children’s author Wayne Miller read his book Black Dog-The Reluctant Pirate.  Also see his collection of self-made pirate ships which inspired his story.  Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program.  Ages 8-12.  497-2200  FREE

Middle School/High School

Mondays & Tuesdays, May 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, & 29

Project Next Generation – Lincoln Branch Front & Center – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Middle school students are invited to register for Project Next Generation, a mentoring program sponsored by Secretary of State Jesse White.   This program offers opportunities to develop personally and learn new skills and technology.  Grades 5-8.  Registration required. 497-2600  FREE

Tuesday, May 1

Front & Center: National Military Appreciation Month – Lincoln Branch – 5:00-6:00. Do you know the history behind the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, or the American flag?  Join us as we celebrate those individuals who serve our great country. Write a letter or poem or draw a picture to send to those who serve. Grades 5-8.  497-2600  FREE

Thursday, May 10

Unbroken Bond Mother-Daughter Book Discussion – Lincoln Branch – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Celebrate the moments of motherhood and join us for a time of bonding for mothers and daughters as we discuss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.  Please call 497-2600 to reserve a copy of the book.  FREE

All Ages

May 7-12

National Children’s Book Week Make It! Take It! – McClure Branch – 2:00-5:00 p.m. This week is National Children’s Book Week!  Come in and make a cool bookmark to help remember how great books are! While supplies last.  All ages welcome.  497-2700  FREE

May 7-13

Children’s Book Week Book Making Kits – Lakeview Branch, Lincoln Branch, Main Library, & North Branch – All day. To celebrate Children’s Book Week we’re giving kids Kindergarten through High School an opportunity to make their very own book.  Come to the library and pick up a Mini Accordion Book Kit while supplies last.  The kit includes pages, covers, and even decorative papers for the covers.  All you’ll need is glue, something to write or draw with, and your imagination.  When you’re finished, bring it in and show it off.  We’re always glad to see new books and meet new authors.  While supplies last.  497-2000  FREE

Saturday, May 12

Mother’s Day Make It! Take It! – Lincoln Branch – 12:00-5:00 p.m. Come in to make a special gift for your mom for Mother’s Day!  While supplies last.  All ages welcome.  497-2600  FREE

Saturday, May 12

Mother’s Day Make It! Take It! – McClure Branch – 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  Drop in to make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift for a special mom in your life.  While supplies last.  All ages welcome.  497-2700 FREE

Monday, May 14

Front & Center: Wii Have Fun – Lincoln Branch – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for a fun-filled family night of Wii games and tournaments.  Spots are limited so family registration is requested.  All ages welcome.  497-2600 FREE

Monday, May 14

Story Afternoons – North Branch – 2:30-3:00 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of stories, songs, and activities.  All ages welcome.  497-2100  FREE

Thursday, May 17

Puppet Show: “Monster Reads” – Lincoln Branch – 10:30-11:00 a.m. Come help Monster find some library books to read!  All ages welcome.  497-2600  FREE

Friday, May 18

Celebrating Children’s Authors Series: Mo Willems – Lakeview Branch – 3:30-4:15 p.m. Bring your family to a storytime celebrating acclaimed author and illustrator Mo Willems!  Hear stories from his bestselling and award winning series and enjoy character-related crafts.  Mo Willems is the author of Knuffle Bunny and the Elephant and Piggy and Don’t Let the Pigeon… series.  All ages welcome.  497-2200  FREE

Saturday, May 19

Board Game Saturdays – North Branch – 1:00-4:00 p.m. Do you like board games?  Monopoly, Battleship or Apples to Apples?  Then grab some friends and join us for Board Game Saturdays.  New games are chosen every month, but if you have a favorite, bring it along.  Drop in for a round or an entire game!  All ages welcome.  497-2120  FREE

Saturday, May 19

How to Train Your Dragon – Lincoln Branch – 2:30-4:00 p.m. Come to the library to watch this fun movie!  All ages welcome.  497-2600  FREE

Sunday, May 20

We’re Back! Lincoln Branch Gala – Lincoln Branch – 2:00-5:00 p.m. Come enjoy the beautiful Lincoln Branch and all that we have to offer you – our neighbor.  Learn about new databases, find out some interesting facts about the Lincoln Branch, and enjoy the Hot Air Balloon Children’s Room, live entertainment, and fun giveaways.  All ages welcome.  497-2600  FREE

Monday, May 21

Goodnight Moon Pajama Storytime – North Branch – 7:00-7:45 p.m. Join us in wishing Margaret Wise Brown, author of Goodnight Moon, a happy birthday!  We’ll share classic children’s stories and songs.  Wear your pajamas and bring a blanket to snuggle in; you’ll be ready for bed when you go home!  All ages welcome.  497-210