Children's Program Schedule

Information about Registering for Main Library Children's Programs

 

All Library Events are free and open to the public.

See the PDF version of the Children's Services Program Brochure (Adobe Acrobat required to download).

  • Registration for events begins one month before the date of the event.
  • Reserve your place at an event using the MCPL website, www.mcpl.info/general_info/events.html. You also can call 349-3100 or stop at any library information desk.
  • People who are registered are guaranteed a place in a program if they arrive before the program begins. Waiting list patrons or those who want to drop in will be admitted at the start time of the program if registered patrons have not arrived.
  • If you are holding a registered place in a program and cannot attend, please call the library to free the space for someone on the waiting list.
  • Please let us know if your child needs special assistance in a program.
  • MCPL staff may take photographs at library events for publicity purposes.

The Friends of the Monroe County Public Library
provide funds for these programs.
You can support children's programs by joining
the Friends of the Library.

 

Winter: girl with snowman

 

Ongoing Programs and Activities: February Events: March Events: April Events:

 

Special Services :

Children's Programs at Ellettsville Branch

Ongoing Programs and Activities

THE LEARN AND PLAY SPACE (LAPS)

There's so much to do and explore with your children, and the Learn and Play Space is available for drop-in use almost all hours that the library is open.

The Learn and Play Space opens 30 minutes after the library opens and closes 30 minutes before the library closes.* When a supervisor is present, caregivers and children may do special activities. When there is no supervisor, caregivers and children may do the stand-alone activities featured in the room. The Learn and Play Space is for children from birth through age 7. An adult must be present at all times with a child to monitor that child's activities and behavior. (For more information, please ask for our “How to Behave in the Library” policy for patrons).

The Learn and Play Space is set up with early literacy explorations including books, puzzles, games, creative dramatics with puppets and other learning centers. The room cannot accommodate running or “rough” play. With your help, we make the Learn and Play Space experience a success for all children.

Alef Ba

Indiana University students will guide this introduction to Arabic for preschoolers through age seven, and their caregivers. No registration necessary, just drop in.
11-Noon, Saturdays (Starting Sept. 10, thru Nov. 26)
in the Learn and Play Space

Ya! Ya! Chinese for Preschoolers

Children learn basic Chinese phrases, characters, and sounds through songs, play, and storytelling. For preschoolers with their caregivers. No need to register, just drop in.
Noon-1 pm, Saturdays (Starting Sept. 10, thru Nov. 26)
in the Learn and Play Space

Tiny-To-Two Programs
in the Children's Program Room

Baby and Me Circle Time
Join us for this morning circle time which features stories, rhymes, and songs that will get you and your baby laughing and learning. Children ages 0 to 2 years old and their caregivers.
Click to register in advance.
Bouncing Babies
Babies and their caregivers are invited to these Wednesday morning programs which include songs, games and books. Older siblings may not attend.
Birth to 12 months old.
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Bouncing Babies.
Wonderful Ones
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to these Wednesday morning programs which include songs, games, and fingerplays. Older siblings may not attend.
12 to 24 months old.
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Wonderful Ones.
Tuneful Twos
Two-year-olds and their caregivers are invited to these Wednesday morning programs which feature music, games and movement. Older siblings may not attend.
24 to 36 months old.
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Tuneful Twos.

Tuesday Tales and Crafty Creations

Drop in for a mixed bag of stories, songs, fingerplays and more, geared for preschool and early school age children. Parents and caregivers are invited to join in the fun. No registration necessary.
Appropriate for ages 3-6 years
Tuesday mornings, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Crafty Creations follows the storytime, 10:45 to 11:30 am
in the Children's Program Room
Upcoming dates:

Evening Family Storytime

Join us for stories, films and more - just before bedtime! (Pajamas are permitted.) Stories are suitable for preschoolers and their families (siblings welcome). Drop in.
7-7:30 pm, Tuesdays
in the Children's Program Room
Upcoming dates:

Storyhour Extravaganza
Stories, songs, films, and entertainment on a monthly theme. GROUPS are welcome.
Ages 2 to 6.
Last Wednesday of the month
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. OR 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. in the Library Auditorium.
Please register.
  • Feb 29 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Mother Goose Time" 10:00 AM
  • Feb 29 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Mother Goose Time" 1:30 PM
  • Mar 28 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Spring" 10:00 AM
  • Mar 28 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Spring" 1:30 PM
  • Apr 25 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Transportation" 10:00 AM
  • Apr 25 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Transportation" 1:30 PM
Special Services

Homework Center Help

Homework Center Starting September 19, students in grades K-6 can drop in to the Homework Center Monday through Thursday, 4:00-7:30pm and Sundays 1:30-4:30pm to receive assistance with their homework. Indiana University students will be available to help you study for a test, understand your math, or organize an essay. Doing a report? They'll help you find information and then go through the resources with you to find the specific facts you need. Don't forget to bring your assignment with you! See our Homework Center page for additional information.

Kids' Review

Go to the Kids' Review page and fill in the form to tell your friends and family about a book you read from the Monroe County Public Library. Write a few comments about any MCPL children's or young adult book, and we'll put your review on the Web for everyone to see! Ask us to show you how at the "Ask Questions Here" desk in the Children's Department - and Read a Kids' Review!