Valentine Public Library

Jr Robotics
2025-05-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-13 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
🤖✨ 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! 🚦🔧

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!

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

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!

Story-Time: Pre-K
2025-05-16 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Flowers!

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!

LEGO Marble Run Challenge! Grades 3-8
2025-05-20 15:45 - 16:45
Think you’ve got what it takes to build the ultimate marble run? Kids in grades 3-8 are invited to take on our LEGO Marble Run Challenge at the library!
Using only LEGO bricks and your imagination, you’ll design and build a twisting, turning track that sends a marble racing to the finish. Will your run be fast, loopy, or full of surprises? Come find out!
Supplies provided. No registration needed—just drop in and start building!

Craft Hour: Create Your Own Kaleidoscope! Grades K-5
2025-05-22 15:45 - 16:45
Explore light, color, and creativity at this exciting Craft Hour! Kids in grades K–5 are invited to build their very own kaleidoscopes using simple supplies and their imagination.
We’ll learn how mirrors and angles work together to create dazzling patterns—and then make our own mesmerizing kaleidoscopes to take home. This hands-on craft is both fun and educational, with a little science and a lot of sparkle!
All materials provided—just bring your curiosity! No registration needed.

Story-Time: Pre-K
2025-05-23 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Ice Cream!

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!

Craft Hour: Scratch Art Surprise! Grades 3-8
2025-05-27 15:45 - 16:45
Get ready to scratch your way to a masterpiece! Kids in grades 3-8 are invited to join us for a fun and artistic Craft Hour where we’ll be making scratch art using round paper plates and paint.
First, we’ll cover our plates in vibrant colors with oil pastels, then paint over them with black paint. Once they’re dry, the real fun begins—use scratching tools to reveal the bright colors underneath and create your own one-of-a-kind design!
All supplies provided—just bring your imagination! No registration needed.

Craft Hour: Ping Pong Ball Tealights! Grades K-5
2025-05-28 15:45 - 2025-05-29 16:45
Let your creativity shine at this Craft Hour! Kids in grades K–5 are invited to make glowing tealight lanterns using ping pong balls and battery-operated lights.
These fun and safe little lights are easy to decorate and perfect for adding a soft glow to any room. We’ll provide all the supplies—just bring your imagination and get ready to craft something that really lights up!
No registration needed—just drop in and join the glow-up fun!

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

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!

VPL Summer Program: Grades K-5th
2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00
📚🌈 Get ready for a summer of fun at VPL! Our Summer Reading Program: Reading Colors Our World will take place on Wednesday mornings in June from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Each week, kids will enjoy stories, activities, and a special guest! 🌟Whether you’re exploring new books, building cool creations, or making colorful crafts, there’s something for everyone this summer at VPL!
Don’t miss out on this exciting and colorful summer adventure! Let’s read, imagine, and create together.
📖 Who can join? Kids completing grades K-5 in the 2024-2025 school year.
For more information, call us at 402-376-3160 or stop by the library.

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-06-20 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Sticks!

June is made for fun—come spend it with us 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.
Music & Motion: Join the music fun with rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and more—perfect for wiggling and giggling!
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!

Pinch & Paint: Part 1- Grades 3 & Up
2025-06-24 15:45 - 16:45
Get your hands messy and your creativity flowing at the library! Join us for Pinch & Paint, a two-part clay craft where young artists will learn how to shape and decorate their own pinch pots.
In Part 1 (today!), we’ll use modeling clay to form small, handmade pots using the pinch pot technique. These pots will be left at the library to dry and harden.
Then come back on Thursday, June 26 for Part 2, where we’ll bring your creations to life with paint! 🎨 We’ll provide all the supplies—just bring your imagination.

VPL Summer Program: Sandhills Leadership team
2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:00
📚🌈 Led by the Sandhills Leadership Team!Join us for the last Wednesday of our Summer Reading Program: Reading Colors Our World as the amazing young adults from the Sandhills Leadership Team take the lead! They’ll guide us through fun, creative activities that celebrate imagination, color, and community spirit.
🕙 Wednesday morning | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | K-5th grade📍 Valentine Public Library
This event is part of our exciting summer series where each week brings stories, hands-on fun, and special guests. Whether you’re painting the sidewalk, exploring new books, or crafting up a storm, there’s something for everyone!

Story Time: Pre-K
2025-06-27 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Chameleons!

June is made for fun—come spend it with us 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.
Music & Motion: Join the music fun with rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and more—perfect for wiggling and giggling!
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!

Pre-K Take & Make: Patriotic Paper Popsicle Craft
2025-07-01 09:00 - 2025-07-03 17:00
Even though the library will be closed on July 4th, you can still celebrate with a festive craft! Stop by July 1–3 to pick up a patriotic paper popsicle Make & Take—a fun and simple activity perfect for little hands.
Celebrate the season with red, white, and blue creativity! 🧁✨Available while supplies last.

Craft Hour: Rockin’ Photo Holders (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-07-01 15:45 - 16:45
🪨📸 Get crafty and creative at the library during Rockin’ Photo Holders! Using rocks, wire, and colorful beads, we’ll design unique photo holders that are perfect for displaying your favorite snapshots, artwork, or notes.
This hands-on project is a fun way to explore design and sculpture—no two creations will be the same! Come show off your style and leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake. All supplies provided. Just bring your imagination! 🎨🧠

Craft Hour: Sand Necklaces (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-07-08 15:45 - 16:45
🏖️✨ Layer, pour, and create at this colorful Craft Hour: Sand Necklaces! Using decorative sand in vibrant hues, kids will fill clear pendants to design their own wearable works of art.
Choose your colors, create your pattern, and turn simple sand into something special. These eye-catching necklaces make great gifts or keepsakes—and no two will be the same! All materials provided—just bring your creativity! 🎨🧵

Craft Hour: Paper Pinwheels (Grades K–5)
2025-07-10 15:45 - 16:45
Let your creativity spin! Join us for Craft Hour and make your very own paper pinwheels—fun, colorful, and perfect for catching the summer breeze! 🌈🌀
We’ll provide all the supplies you need to fold, decorate, and assemble a spinning masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to play with.
Perfect for kids in grades K–5. Come craft, create, and watch your artwork twirl! ✂️💨

Pre-K Story Time: Theme Swimming Pool
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:00
There’s excitement in the air this July at the library—don’t miss out! 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.
Music & Motion: Join the music fun with rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and more—perfect for wiggling and giggling!
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!

Craft Hour: Shrinky Dink Key Chains (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-07-15 15:45 - 16:45
Watch your art shrink into something amazing! Join us for Craft Hour: Shrinky Dink Keychains, where kids can design, color, and create their own keychain using special shrink plastic.
Draw your favorite characters, doodles, or initials—then watch the magic happen as we bake them into miniature masterpieces! Turn your shrunken art into a fun keychain to take home and show off. 🎨 All supplies provided. Just bring your creativity—and get ready for some shrinky fun!

Pre-K Story Time: Theme Fish
2025-07-18 09:30 - 10:00

Craft Hour: Diamond Art Magnets (Grades 3 and Up)
2025-07-22 15:45 - 16:45
It’s time to sparkle! Join us for Craft Hour and make your very own diamond art magnet—you get to choose cats or dogs! 🐱🐶
Using tiny gem-like “diamonds,” we’ll decorate adorable animal designs that you can turn into a fun fridge magnet to take home. It’s the purr-fect way to show off your creativity and love for your favorite furry friends!
All supplies provided—just bring your imagination and your love for pets!

Craft Hour: Sea Shell Ornaments (Grades K–5)
2025-07-24 15:45 - 16:45
Bring the beach to the library during Craft Hour as we create Sea Shell Ornaments using real shells and colorful modeling clay! 🐠🎨
Kids will shape, decorate, and design their own ocean-inspired keepsake—perfect to hang up or give as a gift. No two ornaments will be the same, so let your creativity shine! All supplies provided. Come craft a little piece of the sea with us! 🌊🐚

Pre-K Story Time: Cowboys & Cowgirls
2025-07-25 09:30 - 10:00

Craft Hour: Perler Bead Bracelets (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-07-29 15:45 - 16:45
Get ready to mix, match, and create your own unique style at Craft Hour! This time we’re making Perler Bead Bracelets—a fun and colorful twist on the classic craft. 🎉
Design your bracelet with your favorite colors and patterns, then we’ll fuse them into wearable art! Whether you’re making one for yourself or a friend, it’s the perfect way to show off your creativity.
All supplies provided—just bring your imagination and get ready to bead!

Craft Hour: Ice Cube Painting (Grades K–5)
2025-07-31 15:45 - 16:45
Cool off and get creative at Craft Hour with Ice Cube Painting! We’ll be using frozen “chalk” made from ice and washable paint to create colorful, melty masterpieces on paper. 🧊🌈
It’s a fun and sensory-friendly way to explore art, color mixing, and creativity—perfect for a warm day at the library!
All supplies provided. Just bring your imagination and be ready to paint with ice! ❄️🖌️

Craft Hour: Kusama Watermelon Kollage (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-08-05 15:45 - 16:45
Get inspired by the bold, dot-filled style of artist Yayoi Kusama and create a juicy masterpiece! In this Craft Hour, kids will use the concept of pointillism—creating images with dots of color—to design their own Watermelon Kollage. With paint, paper, and lots of dots, we’ll turn simple supplies into a vibrant summer art piece bursting with creativity.
All materials are provided. Just bring your imagination and get ready to make art that pops!
