LEGO Building Balance Challenge! (Grades K & Up)
2025-03-06 15:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago)
Calling all young builders! Kids in Kindergarten and up are invited to join us at the library for a LEGO Building Balance Challenge! We’ll start by talking about how balance works—exploring weight distribution and how different shapes can help balance objects. Then, the challenge is on! Can you build something that balances perfectly? Whether you’re designing a structure or a fun creature, the goal is to see how well your creation stays balanced.
All creations will stay at the library so we can put them on display for everyone to enjoy. Come build, create, and show off your LEGO skills!
Bring a friend and get ready to build something awesome! 🏗️🎨

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-03-07 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Join us for some fun this March at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

Weave Your Own Friendship Bracelet! (3rd & Up)
2025-03-11 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades 3 and up, join us for a fun and creative craft session at the library! We’ll be weaving our own friendship bracelets, the perfect way to show off your creativity and make something special for yourself or a friend.
We’ll provide all the supplies—you just bring your creativity and get ready to weave, knot, and craft colorful bracelets to take home!
Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and come make something fun together!

Celebrate Pi Day with a Suncatcher Craft! (Grades K & Up)
2025-03-13 15:45 - 16:45
Join us at the library for a Pi Day celebration full of creativity and fun! Kids in Kindergarten and up are invited to explore the number Pi by making Pi Day-themed suncatchers out of Perler beads! This is a great way to dive into the math behind Pi and discover how it’s a mathematical constant that can be found everywhere—from circles to nature!
The goal of this activity is to combine math and art in a fun STEAM project, where we’ll make suncatchers while also learning about the Fibonacci sequence—a series of numbers that appear in nature, from seashells to galaxies, flowers to sunflowers, and so much more! 🌻🌌
Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and join us for this exciting hands-on activity that blends math, art, and nature! ✨📚

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-03-14 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: St. Patrick’s Day!

Join us for some fun this March at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

SHHH! We're Reading Book Club
2025-03-17 16:00 - 17:00
Next Book Club: Let’s Discuss Frindle by Andrew Clements!
Join us for the next SHHH! We’re Reading Book Club meeting, where we’ll dive into the classic children’s novel, Frindle by Andrew Clements! This fun and thought-provoking book explores creativity, language, and the power of words.
Come ready to discuss Nick Allen’s clever invention of the word “frindle” and its impact on his school and community. Whether you’ve read it before or it’s your first time, it’s sure to be a lively conversation!
Grab your copy of Frindle and join us for a fun discussion with fellow book lovers!

Leprechaun Catapult Challenge! (3rd & Up)
2025-03-18 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades 3 and up, get ready for some St. Patrick’s Day fun at the library! We’re building Leprechaun Catapults using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a little creativity. How far can you launch your lucky loot? ☘️
We’ll provide all the materials—you bring your imagination and engineering skills! Don’t miss this hands-on STEM challenge that’s as fun as it is festive.
🎟 Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and join us for a flippin’ good time!

Tangram Puzzle Challenge! (Grades K & Up)
2025-03-20 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in Kindergarten and up, get ready for a fun and challenging activity at the library! Join us for a Tangram Puzzle Challenge, where you’ll create your very own tangram puzzles using colorful shapes and patterns.
What’s a tangram? It’s a type of puzzle that uses seven shapes to create a variety of images and designs! We’ll provide everything you need to get started, and you’ll get to take home your very own puzzle to keep playing with.
Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and come discover the fun of making shapes and solving puzzles with us!

Toothpick Painting: Create Marbled Masterpieces! (3rd & Up)
2025-03-25 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades 3 and up, join us for a fun and creative painting session at the library! We’ll be using toothpicks to swirl and drag paint, creating unique marbled patterns on wooden shapes. No two designs are ever the same!
We’ll provide all the supplies—you just bring your imagination and get ready to experiment with color and texture in a whole new way.
🎟 Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and come make some colorful, one-of-a-kind art with us! 🎨💕

Color Your Own Notepad! (Grades K & Up)
2025-03-27 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in Kindergarten and up, come join us at the library for a fun and creative craft session where you’ll color your own notepad! Get creative and make something totally unique. Perfect for doodling, jotting notes, or gifting to a friend!
We’ll provide all the materials—you just bring your imagination!
Bring a friend and come make your own custom notepad with us!

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-03-28 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Wind!

Join us for some fun this March at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

STEM Exploration at the Library!
2025-04-01 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-04-17 15:45 - 16:45
Valentine Public Library is excited to partner with UNL Extension Cherry County to bring you an engaging hour of STEM Exploration! Join us for hands-on activities led by Michelle Garwood, where you can dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and interactive way.
This program is perfect for curious minds in grades K-5th. No RSVP is necessary—just come ready to explore, learn, and have fun!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to spark your imagination!

Crafting Hour: Make Your Own Rain Stick!
2025-04-03 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades K-5 are invited to join us for a fun and creative crafting hour at the library! We’ll be making rain sticks using cardboard tubes, rice, and colorful decorations. Shake them to create the soothing sound of falling rain!
All supplies will be provided—just bring your creativity! We can’t wait to craft with you! 🌧🎨✨

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-04-04 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Rain!

Join us for some fun this April at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

Let's Play Bingo!
2025-04-08 15:45 - 16:45
Get ready for an exciting afternoon of Bingo at the library! We’re inviting all ages to join us for a classic game full of fun, friendly competition, and prizes. Whether you’re a Bingo pro or trying it for the first time, this event is sure to be a blast for everyone!
We’ll provide everything you need—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to mark those Bingo cards. As the numbers are called, you’ll have the chance to win some awesome prizes!
Gather your friends, enjoy a few rounds of Bingo, and see who will shout “Bingo!” first. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Celebrate National Library Week with Chalk Art!
2025-04-10 15:45 - 16:45
Join us as we celebrate National Library Week with a splash of creativity! We’re inviting patrons of all ages to help us decorate the library sidewalks with colorful chalk art. Let’s fill the pavement with book-inspired designs, fun doodles, and messages about why you love the library!
We’ll provide the chalk—you bring the creativity! Stop by, have fun, and help us brighten up the library. 🌈✨ #NationalLibraryWeek #ChalkTheLibrary

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-04-11 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Kites!

Join us for some fun this April at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

Gear Up for Summer: One-Stop Sign-Up!
2025-04-14 16:00 - 17:30
Get ready for summer! Join us at the library to sign up for Valentine youth summer activities. Meet with local organization representatives and check this off your to-do list in one easy stop!

Crafting Hour: Easter Egg Rockets!
2025-04-15 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades K-5 are invited to join us for a fun and exciting crafting hour at the library! This time, we’ll be making Easter Egg Rockets—a hands-on activity that combines creativity and a little science. Using plastic eggs and a surprise ingredient, we’ll launch our rockets and watch them soar!
All supplies will be provided—just bring your curiosity and get ready for some fizzy, flying fun! 🐣🚀✨

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-04-18 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Sheep!

Join us for some fun this April at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

Fidget Cube Crafting – Take Two!
2025-04-22 15:45 - 16:45
Last time, the weather didn’t cooperate, but we’re ready to try again! Kids in grades 3 and up, get ready for a fun and creative craft session at the library! Join us as we make our own fidget cubes—a perfect way to keep your hands busy and your mind focused.
We’ll provide all the supplies, so just bring your creativity and get ready to design a unique fidget cube to take home. Don’t miss out on this hands-on, stress-busting craft!
🎟 Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and join us for some crafting fun! 🖍✨

Crafting Hour: Paper Plate Dream Catchers!
2025-04-24 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades K-5, join us for a fun and creative craft session at the library! This time, we’re making paper plate dream catchers—a colorful and imaginative craft that’s perfect for decorating your room.
We’ll provide all the supplies, including yarn, beads, and feathers—you bring the creativity!
🎟 Free & all materials provided!
Come craft with us and design your own unique dream catcher! 🌙✨

No Pre-K Story-Time this Week!
2025-04-25
Attention, Pre-K storytime families! We wanted to let you know there will be no Pre-K storytime on Friday, April 25, 2025. But don’t worry—the library is still open and we invite you to come in, browse for books, play on the computers, enjoy the puzzles, or relax in the reading hut!
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones for our next Pre-K storytime on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:30 AM.
Thank you for being so understanding, and we can’t wait to see you then!

SHHH! We're Reading Book Club
2025-04-28 16:00 - 17:00
Next Book Club: Let’s Discuss Restart by Gordon Korman!
Join us for the next SHHH! We’re Reading Book Club meeting, where we’ll dive into the engaging and thought-provoking novel Restart by Gordon Korman! This book follows the story of Chase Ambrose, a popular middle schooler who has lost his memory after an accident. As he tries to rebuild his life, he must navigate the consequences of his past actions and decide who he wants to be moving forward.
Come ready to discuss Chase’s journey of self-discovery, redemption, and second chances. Whether you’ve read it before or it’s your first time, it’s sure to be a lively conversation!
Grab your copy of Restart and join us for a fun discussion with fellow book lovers! 📚✨

Crafting Hour: DIY Spinners!
2025-04-29 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades 3 and up, join us for a fun and creative craft session at the library! This time, we’re making spinners using paper and toothpicks—then decorating them with your own colorful designs.
We’ll provide all the supplies—just bring your creativity and get ready to make a one-of-a-kind spinning masterpiece to take home!
🎟 Free & all materials provided!
Bring a friend and join us for some hands-on fun! 🎨✨

Jr. Robotics
2025-05-01 16:00 - 17:00
🤖✨ Kids in K-4th grade are invited to join us for Jr. Robotics Hour at Valentine Public Library! 🛠️🚀 This hands-on program is perfect for youth from Grace Lutheran, rural schools, homeschoolers, and others not in VES After School.
📅 Dates: May 1, May 6, May 13
🕓 Time: 4:00–5:00 PM
📍 Location: Valentine Public Library
👩‍🏫 Led by: Michelle Garwood
🤝 In partnership with UNL Extension Cherry County
No pre-registration is required—just drop in and explore the exciting world of robotics! See you there! 🚦🔧

Story-Time: Pre-K
2025-05-02 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Giraffes!

Join us for some fun this May at the library! Our story time is designed for Pre-K kids and takes place every Friday morning from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. Each week features a unique theme, including a story and a craft activity that matches the theme.
What to Expect:

Themed Story Time: Listen to an engaging story each week.
Craft Activity: Create a fun craft related to the story’s theme.

Bring your little ones for an enjoyable and creative start to their day! And don’t rush off after story time—stay for some “Fun with Friends” time in the kid’s corner. The kids can play while their caregivers connect and socialize. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and build community bonds.
Who: all toddlers and preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult are welcome!
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones here!

Jr Robotics
2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:00

Craft Hour: Suncatcher Wind Chimes! Grades K-5
2025-05-08 15:45 - 16:45
Join us at the library for a colorful Craft Hour filled with creativity and fun! Kids in grades K–5 are invited to make their very own suncatcher wind chimes—a perfect blend of art and sound that will sparkle and jingle in the spring breeze.
We’ll provide all the supplies you need to design a unique creation that reflects your style and shines in the sunlight. Bring your imagination and get ready to craft something magical!
No registration required—just drop in and join the fun!
