Valentine Public Library

Junior Explorers (Grades K-5): Bug Bookmark
2026-05-07 15:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago)
Join us at the library every Thursday for an hour of creativity and exploration just for kids in grades K–5. Each week features a different activity, with options ranging from crafts and games to simple science and STEM experiments.
All supplies are provided, there is no cost to attend, and no registration is required—just come ready to have fun and try something new.

Story Time (Pre-K): Spring
2026-05-08 09:30 - 10:00
Join us for Story Time—designed especially for Pre-K kids and their grown-ups!Each Friday from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., we explore a fun new theme through stories and hands-on crafts that spark creativity and learning.
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!

Try-It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Pony Bead Animals
2026-05-12 15:45 - 16:45
Try-It Tuesdays invites kids in grades 3–8 to stop by the library each Tuesday from 3:45–4:45 pm and dive into something new. Each week brings a different activity, from creative crafts and games to STEM projects and experiments. There’s no cost to attend and all supplies are provided.
Come solo or bring a friend—no registration needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try it!

Junior Explorers (Grades K-5): Bingo
2026-05-21 15:45 - 16:45

Try-It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Futuremakers Flying Machines
2026-05-26 15:45 - 16:45

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): Mesozoic Adventure
2026-05-27 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Six-Part Summer Discovery Series that invites kids to dig into adventure as we explore the amazing stories hidden beneath our feet! Each week brings a new discovery—from dinosaurs and fossils to the layers of the Earth and the mighty American bison. Along the way, participants will enjoy special guests, hands-on activities, interactive learning, and plenty of surprises designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
This program is open to children who completed grades K–5 during the 2025–2026 school year, with a brand-new adventure waiting each week. Join us as we uncover the past, explore the Earth, and discover the stories waiting to be unearthed!
Today’s theme: The Comedy Chronicles of a Time-Traveling Paleontologist
Join Professor Montague Tobias Wobblebottom IV in a fantastical romp through time where laughter and learning go hand in hand. Children will giggle and laugh at the jokes, magic and antics throughout this creative and original prehistoric adventure. This is a celebration of imagination, exploration, and the wonders of the natural world. Perfect to inspire young readers to grow a love for reading, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world and the magic of our incredible Earth.

Story Time (Pre-K): Camping
2026-05-29 09:30 - 10:00

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): Ancient Niobrara
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Six-Part Summer Discovery Series that invites kids to dig into adventure as we explore the amazing stories hidden beneath our feet! Each week brings a new discovery—from dinosaurs and fossils to the layers of the Earth and the mighty American bison. Along the way, participants will enjoy special guests, hands-on activities, interactive learning, and plenty of surprises designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
This program is open to children who completed grades K–5 during the 2025–2026 school year, with a brand-new adventure waiting each week. Join us as we uncover the past, explore the Earth, and discover the stories waiting to be unearthed!
Today’s theme: Dive into Nebraska’s prehistoric past with the Niobrara National Scenic River! Join a park ranger to explore the ancient Western Interior Seaway and discover incredible creatures—like Plesiosaurs, Mosasaurs, and even Megalodons—that once swam above what is now the Niobrara River Valley. Enjoy hands-on fun with fossil replicas and create your own take-home “fossil” while learning about the region’s rich fossil history.

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): Journey to the Center of the Earth
2026-06-17 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Six-Part Summer Discovery Series that invites kids to dig into adventure as we explore the amazing stories hidden beneath our feet! Each week brings a new discovery—from dinosaurs and fossils to the layers of the Earth and the mighty American bison. Along the way, participants will enjoy special guests, hands-on activities, interactive learning, and plenty of surprises designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
This program is open to children who completed grades K–5 during the 2025–2026 school year, with a brand-new adventure waiting each week. Join us as we uncover the past, explore the Earth, and discover the stories waiting to be unearthed!
Today’s theme: Explore the layers of the Earth! Learn how rock formations are created & dig into the fascinating science beneath our feet through a hands-on activity & games.

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): Ashfall Fossil Beds Interactive Virtual Tour
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Six-Part Summer Discovery Series that invites kids to dig into adventure as we explore the amazing stories hidden beneath our feet! Each week brings a new discovery—from dinosaurs and fossils to the layers of the Earth and the mighty American bison. Along the way, participants will enjoy special guests, hands-on activities, interactive learning, and plenty of surprises designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
This program is open to children who completed grades K–5 during the 2025–2026 school year, with a brand-new adventure waiting each week. Join us as we uncover the past, explore the Earth, and discover the stories waiting to be unearthed!
Today’s theme: Explore the Ashfall Fossil Beds! “Walk” through the Hubbard Rhino Barn, explore the Visitor Center, & learn more about the site through a behind-the-scenes look & interactive discussion.

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): The Great American Bison
2026-07-01 10:00 - 11:00
This is a Six-Part Summer Discovery Series that invites kids to dig into adventure as we explore the amazing stories hidden beneath our feet! Each week brings a new discovery—from dinosaurs and fossils to the layers of the Earth and the mighty American bison. Along the way, participants will enjoy special guests, hands-on activities, interactive learning, and plenty of surprises designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
This program is open to children who completed grades K–5 during the 2025–2026 school year, with a brand-new adventure waiting each week. Join us as we uncover the past, explore the Earth, and discover the stories waiting to be unearthed!
Today’s theme: Prairie Giants-The great American

Build your own stuffed bison buddy, discover the history of Bison in our region, & learn how these iconic animals shaped the Plains and our nation. Explore fascinating facts, hands-on moments, and even taste a bit of history as we celebrate 250 years of America through the story of the herd.
