Check the website for additional program information.

Polish Story Time Ages 3, 4 & 5

Thursdays @ 1:30 p.m.

Presented in Polish, thematic tales, rhymes, songs and movement are paired with a simple craft to help children develop essential early literacy skills and get ready to read.

Registration required. Limit 15.

Story Time Ages 3, 4 & 5

Mondays @ 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. and Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Thematic tales, rhymes, songs and movement are paired with a simple craft to help children develop essential early literacy skills and get ready to read.

Registration required. Limit 15.

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Winter: January 29 - March 8

Spring: March 26 - May 3

Family Story Time All ages, children under 3 with adult

Mondays @ 6 p.m.

Parents and caregivers play a critical role as a child’s first teacher. Families are invited to share thematic tales, rhymes, and songs which establish a groundwork for literacy. A

simple craft may be worked on together. No registration required. Limit 25.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Wiggles & Giggles Up to 35 mos. with adult

Tuesdays @ 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays @ 9:30 & 10:30,

Thursdays 10:30 a.m.

Did you know that learning to read begins at birth? Wiggles & Giggles is designed with simple stories, finger-plays, bouncing rhymes, music and movement activities to encourage reading readiness. No registration. Limit 25. Admittance tickets may be obtained 30 minutes before program begins at Youth Services desk. One ticket per

person; must be present to receive ticket.

Simply Stories All ages, children under 3 with adult

Thursdays @ 9:30 a.m.

Join the fun! Drop in to share stories, rhymes, and songs. We will sing, talk, read, write

and play to nurture early literacy skills. No registration required. Limit 30.

Programs for

KIDS January - May 2018

HOMER TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

WINTER REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY, January 8 @ 8:30 A.M. REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ON THE LIBRARY WEBSITE

Step 1: Go to www.homerlibrary.org Step 2: Click on the Classes and Events tab or Upcoming Events.

Step 3: Find the program you are looking for on the events calendar & register.

Winter Reading Club: Reading is Magic

February 5 - March 5 All ages

Want to win some cool prizes? Register for the Winter Reading Program, curl up with some great books and earn chances to win! Registration begins Feb. 5 at the Library

or on the Bookmobile.

MONTHLY PROGRAMS Chess Club Chess players: Ages 6 & up Checkers players: Ages 5 & up

Wednesdays @ 5 p.m. - Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9 Practice your chess or checkers skills! Come and join other kids for an hour of fun!

Parents & caregivers are encouraged to join their children. Registration recommended.

Crafternoons Tuesdays @ 4:30 p.m. Ages 8-12

Feb. 20 - Step up your game using Scrabble tiles to make a drink coaster!

Mar. 20 - Make your own Easter bunny home décor using a glass block.

Apr. 17- DIY - yarn wrapped bottle for a centerpiece! Great Mother’s Day gift!

May 15 - Use fun, colorful washi tape to decorate and customize a notebook.

Registration & $2 fee per session required. Limit 12. Payment is due one week in advance or child’s

registration will be removed. Deadline for cancellation, with refund, is one week prior to the event.

BINGO! All ages, under 6 with adult

Thursdays @ 5 p.m. - Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10

A fun hour of everyone’s favorite game and candy prizes! No registration.

Stay and Play Ages 5 and under with adult

Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 11:30 - 12 p.m. (Not scheduled April 3.)

Play is important as it is one of the primary ways young children learn about the world. General knowledge is an important literacy skill that helps children understand books and stories once they begin to read. Play with friends and experience new adventures in this

stimulating, interactive, learning environment. No registration. Limit 30.

Escape Room Challenges Ages 8-12

Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

If you like to solve puzzles and crack code, come work as a team and break out!

Feb. 13 - So you want to be President? Can you find the missing election results?

Mar. 13 - The Luckiest Leprechaun: help move the gold before it’s too late!

Apr. 10 - Weather Wizard: the world depends on you to stop the wizard!

May 8 - Minecraft: Back to reality. You are trapped in Minecraft! Can you escape?

Registration &$2 fee required for each session. Limit 10. Payment is due one week in advance or

child’s registration will be removed. Deadline for cancellation, with refund, is one week prior to the event.

Snowman Piñata All ages

January 16 - 28 The weather may be frightful, but our Snowman Piñata is delightful! How many items are in our frosty friend? The person with the closest guess wins the piñata! One entry per child.

Happy Heart Day Craft All ages

January 29 - February 11

Who is your special Valentine? Craft a funny valentine especially for them or keep it to

decorate for the holiday! One per child while supplies last.

March 12, 2018-Register for Spring Youth Services Programs

Design to Discover Ages 9-13

Mondays @ 7 p.m.

Do you like to create art, build things, work with tools, or wonder how things work?

Feb. 26 - Using Tinkercad, create a design for 3D printing. Limit 5.

Mar. 19 - Use SCRATCH coding to animate a scene! Limit 5.

May 21 - Astound your friends and family with Math Magic! Limit 12.

Registration & $2 fee required for each event. Payment is due one week in advance of the event or child’s registration will be removed. Deadline for cancellation with refund is one

week prior to the event.

Preschool Round Up Wednesday, January 31 @ 9:30 - 12:30 p.m.

VISIT FOR A FREE EARLY LEARNING KIT!

Looking for the perfect preschool for your child? Representatives from area preschools will be available at the library to share information about their programs. Are you concerned about your child’s development? Child and Family Connections will offer FREE developmental

screenings for children birth to 3 years old. No registration required.

Pokemon Ages 6-13

Wednesdays, January 31, March 28 and May 30 @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Calling all Pokemon enthusiasts! Bring your own cards to the library to battle, share

ideas and trade. Registration required. Limit 20.

BOOK CLUBS

Story Explorers Book Club Suggested grades 4, 5 & 6

Wednesdays @ 7 p.m. Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2

Calling all boys and girls with an adult friend. Come and explore books filled with humor,

adventure, mystery and more. Book available in YS department. Registration required.

Mother/Daughter Book Club Suggested grades 3, 4 & 5

Mondays @ 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, May 14

Girls and their mothers or other significant women in their lives are welcome to share the love of reading in this inspiring club. Discuss an assigned book and create a simple craft.

Book available in YS department. Registration required. Limit 12, minimum 3.

LEGO Club Ages 5-12

Tuesdays @ 4:30-5:30 p.m.-Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Mar. 27, Apr. 24, May 29

Wednesdays @ 7-8 p.m.-Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 18, May 16

We supply the bricks-you bring your imagination. Your creations will be on display for everyone to see! No registration required.

Art Garden @ Homer Library! All ages

You are invited to take part in the design of a special Art Garden at Homer Library! Rock Painting Fundraiser! Purchase a rock for $2. Then design & paint your rock at home or at one of the Rock Painting classes listed below. Drop in for a Rock Painting Class:

Wednesday, April 4 from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 from 6-7 p.m. Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Thursday, May 24 from 6-7 p.m. Limit 30. Paint and supplies provided. Rocks $2 each.

Model Railroad Trains on Display All ages

March - date TBA

Miniatures and models of the Will County Model Railroad Association will be on display in

the cases in Youth Services and Adult Services.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Peanuts Memory Box All ages

March 19 - 31

Decorate a papier-mache box to keep your most important keepsakes and mementos

safe! One per child while supplies last.

Shamrock Pinwheel Craft All ages

March 3- 18

Add a little luck and fun to your St. Patrick’s Day! Use stickers to create a pinwheel that is

as individual as you are! One per child while supplies last.

Find the Flag! All ages

May 14 - June 2

Search the KidZone for “Fuzz”, the patriotic bear and his flag! Find and return Fuzz to the

Youth Services desk for a fun reward! One per child while supplies last.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Dr. Seuss I Spy Challenge! All ages

February 26 - March 4

Dr. Seuss characters are hiding in the Kids Zone! How many can you find? Pick up a Dr. Seuss I Spy Challenge sheet, complete and return it to the Youth Services Desk for a

chance to win a Seussical prize! One entry per child.

Eric Carle Sticker Scenes All ages

April 16 - 29

Choose one Eric Carle sticker scene and create your own version of a favorite story including The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, The Grouchy Ladybug, Mister Seahorse or

The Very Busy Spider. One per child while supplies last.

Youth Horticulture Workshops Ages 7 - 13

Mondays @ 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

U of I Extension Services of Will County offers a series of 4 horticulture activities:

Feb. 5 - Hibernation Nation. How do animals survive during the cold months? They

hibernate! Join us for this fun, crafty and educational program. All participants will make and take a clever craft and enjoy a tasty snack!

Mar. 5 - Spring has Sprung Floral Workshop! Nothing brings the feeling of

Spring into the house more than flowers and fun decorations. Learn the basics of floral design as each child creates their own make & take Spring arrangement.

Apr. 9 - Nature on the Move: the story of wind and water. Spring brings

warmer temperatures and breezy days. Join the Will County Master Gardeners to learn about our local wind and water. Make and take a wind sock to test the movement of air at your home! May 7 - Let’s Grow a Taco! Tacos are one of everyone’s favorite foods…but did

you know that you can grow a taco in a container? Join the Will County Master Gardeners for a fun, hands on taco garden planting project. You will learn all about the ingredients that come from the garden and how they make it to your taco. Each participant will make and take a container garden that has all the vegetables to make a homemade taco. A nacho treat and recipe will be provided. Registration & fee of $2 per session required. Limit 16, minimum 5. Payment is due one week in advance of the event or child’s registration will be removed.

Deadline for cancellation with refund is one week prior to the event.

American Girl Doll Craft Workshop Ages 7-12

Tuesday, May 1 @ 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Create a fuzzy little Build-a-Bear for your American Girl Doll! Complete a Build-a-Bear birth certificate and carry box to make the cutest accessories for your American Girl or other 18 inch doll! Registration and $2 fee required. Limit 12. Payment is due one week in advance

of the event or registration will be removed. Deadline for cancellation with refund is one week prior to the event.

Bill Cook’s Magic Show

All ages, children under 6 w/adult

Tuesday, February 27 @ 6:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of wonder and magic! Come watch a thrilling and entertaining magic show. Bill Cook's high-energy show combines comedy, drama and interactive

audience participation. Free - no registration required.

Teach Kids to Save - Savvy Shopper Grades 4-6

Thursday, April 26 @ 6 - 7:30 p.m. & all Junior Girl

Scouts Like money? Love to shop? Let’s get together

to explore spending, saving, shopping tips and maybe stories about shopping disasters! Snacks and some surprises will be part of an evening of financial fun! Jr. Girl Scouts will complete all of the requirements to earn the Savvy Shopper badge. Badge not included. Hunt for the Golden Egg All ages

April 2 - 15

Hop into the library to search for a hidden golden egg. Find the egg then bring it the

Youth Services desk for a reward! One entry per child.

Sponsored by Homer Glen Junior Woman’s Club,

the Homer Glen Foundation,

Schroeder Materials, Inc.

Teach Kids to Save - Money Manager

Brownie Girl Scouts & Grades 2-3

Thursday, April 26 @ 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Money helps us buy things we need like food and clothes. Money buys us things we want like games and movie tickets. Create an elf doll to go shopping for groceries, clothes,

school supplies and have some fun learning to manage money wisely.

A snack and some surprises will be part of an afternoon of financial fun! Brownie Girl Scouts will complete all of the requirements to earn the Money Manager badge. (Badge

not included). Registration required. Limit 25. Sponsored by Countryside Bank.

Dragon Pinata All ages

February 12 - 25 Celebrate Chinese New Year! Would you like to take a chance to win the dragon piñata? Enter today! The person with the closest guess wins the piñata! One entry per child.

Somebunny Needs a Good Home… All ages

April 2 - 15

A fluffy, white bunny with polka dot ears would like to go home with you! Enter for a

chance to win him! One entry per person.

Art Workshops presented by Prairie Art Studio

Mondays at 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 - Michelle Stanley will be teaching this art a workshop for children. A baby

polar bear, done in soft pastel, is the subject inspired by illustrations from the book, "I

Love You with All My Heart," by Noris Kern. Mar. 26 - Michelle Stanley from Prairie Art Studio will be teaching an Art Workshop for

children. The subject is a cardinal. The cardinal is the state bird of Illinois which is

celebrating its bi-centennial in 2018. Apr. 16 - Use markers and colored pencils to create a Mother Tiger and cub. Inspired

by the whimsical and colorful Folk Art style of the artist Laurel Burch. She was a

self-taught painter who saw herself as a story teller. Her work celebrates the beauty of the

Earth's creatures and its many cultures.

Registration and $2 fee required for each session. Ages 6 -13. Limit 20. Payment is due one

week in advance of the event or registration will be removed. Deadline for cancellation with refund is one week prior to the event.

Reading Round Up with the Mini Horses

All ages, children under 6 w/adult

Tuesday, April 3 @ 11:30 a.m.

Come hear a story and meet the Merciful Mini horses, Hawk & Rae. They are certified pet therapy horses who want to get to know you too!

Registration required for kids & adults. Limit 25.

Sweetest Mom Craft All ages

April 30 - May 13

Show Mom just how sweet she is with “The Sweetest Mom On Earth” craft. One per child while supplies last.

1000 Books before Kindergarten Up to age 5

This free program encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she enters school. One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books every day. Reading together helps develop important pre-reading skills that provide a solid foundation, a key to school and learning success. Plus, sharing stories together is fun!

Register at the library today and earn great prizes!