SUMMER READING ADVENTURE: K-5th
2024-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Special Guest Leaders: UNL Extension Cherry County
Get ready, bookworms – summer is here, and that means it’s time for our Summer Reading Program!
If you’re finishing grades K-5 in the 2023/2024 school year, we want YOU to join us for a summer packed with fun, adventure, and, of course, tons of reading! This year’s theme? “Adventure Begins at Valentine Public Library.”
Save the dates! We’ll be gathering every Wednesday morning in June from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Valentine Public Library.
Let’s make this summer one for the books! See you at the library!

Campfire Craft: 3rd Grade & up
2024-06-13 15:30 - 17:00
Join Us for a Paper Plate Campfire Craft!
Hey, kids in grades 3 and up! Ready for some crafty fun at the library? Come join us for a special event where you can build your very own campfire – out of paper plates and string!
Gather ’round for an afternoon of creativity and imagination as we craft these cool, no-flame campfires. It’s the perfect way to kick off your summer adventures with a dash of DIY fun!
Bring your friends, your creativity, and let’s make some amazing campfire crafts together. See you at the library!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-06-14 09:30 - 10:00
This week’s theme: Camping Adventure

Let the summer reading adventure begin!
Calling all parents, caregivers, and little ones – embark on a grand adventure during the month of June with Pre-K Story Time at Valentine Public Library! Our little bookworms will dive into stories that open the door to journeys through picture books and crafts. Our storyteller creates an atmosphere that sparks imagination and fosters a lifelong love for reading.
What to Expect:
– Engaging Storytelling
– Interactive Activities
– Creative Crafts
– Building Early Literacy Skills
Don’t miss this chance to ignite a passion for reading and discovery in your little ones. Mark your calendars, bring your excitement, and let the adventures begin at Valentine Public Library. We can’t wait to share the joy of literacy with our youngest explorers!

SUMMER READING ADVENTURE: K-5th
2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:00
Special Guest Leaders: Niobrara Council and UNL Extension Cherry County
Get ready, bookworms – summer is here, and that means it’s time for our Summer Reading Program!
If you’re finishing grades K-5 in the 2023/2024 school year, we want YOU to join us for a summer packed with fun, adventure, and, of course, tons of reading! This year’s theme? “Adventure Begins at Valentine Public Library.”
Save the dates! We’ll be gathering every Wednesday morning in June from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Valentine Public Library.
Let’s make this summer one for the books! See you at the library!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-06-21 09:30 - 10:00
This week’s theme: A Pirate Adventure

Let the summer reading adventure begin!
Calling all parents, caregivers, and little ones – embark on a grand adventure during the month of June with Pre-K Story Time at Valentine Public Library! Our little bookworms will dive into stories that open the door to journeys through picture books and crafts. Our storyteller creates an atmosphere that sparks imagination and fosters a lifelong love for reading.
What to Expect:
– Engaging Storytelling
– Interactive Activities
– Creative Crafts
– Building Early Literacy Skills
Don’t miss this chance to ignite a passion for reading and discovery in your little ones. Mark your calendars, bring your excitement, and let the adventures begin at Valentine Public Library. We can’t wait to share the joy of literacy with our youngest explorers!

Creation Station: DIY Paper Popsicles
2024-06-23 - 2024-06-28
Cool Down in our Creation Station with DIY Paper Popsicles at the Library!
Escape the hot June sun and spend some time indoors crafting your own colorful paper popsicles! The supplies will be out all week for you to swing by when it works for you.
Bring your imagination and let’s get crafty together. It’s the perfect way to have some fun making vibrant, summer-themed popsicle art.
Don’t miss out on this refreshing indoor activity. See you at the library!

SUMMER READING ADVENTURE: K-5th
2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:00
Special Guest Leaders: Niobrara Scenic River

Get ready, bookworms – summer is here, and that means it’s time for our Summer Reading Program!
If you’re finishing grades K-5 in the 2023/2024 school year, we want YOU to join us for a summer packed with fun, adventure, and, of course, tons of reading! This year’s theme? “Adventure Begins at Valentine Public Library.”
Save the dates! We’ll be gathering every Wednesday morning in June from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Valentine Public Library.
Let’s make this summer one for the books! See you at the library!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-06-28 09:30 - 10:00
This week’s theme: Tropical Adventure

Let the summer reading adventure begin!
Calling all parents, caregivers, and little ones – embark on a grand adventure during the month of June with Pre-K Story Time at Valentine Public Library! Our little bookworms will dive into stories that open the door to journeys through picture books and crafts. Our storyteller creates an atmosphere that sparks imagination and fosters a lifelong love for reading.
What to Expect:
– Engaging Storytelling
– Interactive Activities
– Creative Crafts
– Building Early Literacy Skills
Don’t miss this chance to ignite a passion for reading and discovery in your little ones. Mark your calendars, bring your excitement, and let the adventures begin at Valentine Public Library. We can’t wait to share the joy of literacy with our youngest explorers!

4th of July Door Hanger: 3rd grade & up
2024-07-02 15:30 - 17:00
Celebrate Independence Day at the Library!
Join us at the library on July 2nd from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm for a fun craft session where we’ll be building a 4th of July door hanger. This event is designed for kids in grades 3 and up.
Come celebrate with us and create a festive decoration for your home!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-07-05 09:30 - 10:00
Theme: Fireworks
Join us for some summer fun this July at the library. Our storytime 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!

Wet Sponge Tossing Target Game
2024-07-09 15:30 - 17:00
Outdoor Fun at the Library: Wet Sponge Tossing Target Game!
Hey kids in grades 3-8, join us for an exciting outdoor game at the library! Get ready to throw wet sponges at a target and have a blast. Make sure to dress to get wet and come prepared for some fun!
Event Details:
Who: Kids in grades 3-8
Activity: Wet Sponge Target Game
What to Wear: Clothes that can get wet
Bring your friends and join us for a splashing good time!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-07-12 09:00 - 10:00
Theme: Watermelon
Join us for some summer fun this July at the library. Our storytime 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!

It's an Elephant & Piggie Party!
2024-07-17 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for an evening of fun and adventure with your favorite characters from Mo Willems’ beloved “Elephant and Piggie” series!
📅 Date: July 17th
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
👶Ages: 3-9
📍Location: Valentine Public Library
🎟 Sponsored by: Friends of the Library
We’ll have games, crafts, and exciting tales of Gerald and Piggie’s adventures. Then we’ll cool off with ice cream from Sandhills Ice Cream & Treats! Be sure to sign up for the door prize donated by Plains Trading Company (your own Elephant & Piggie book!)
Bring your little ones for a delightful evening filled with laughter, creativity, and yummy treats. We can’t wait to see you there!
📢 RSVP: Please let us know that you will be there by July 1st so that we can make sure we have enough supplies!
📞 Contact: Call 402-376-3160 or stop by the library.
Let’s celebrate together and make this a memorable event for all our young readers!
#ElephantAndPiggieParty #LibraryFun #KidsEvent #FriendsOfTheLibrary #SummerFun

Stay, Play, & Put Away: Building Day at the Library!
2024-07-18 15:30 - 17:00
Hey kids in grades 3 and above, join us for a fun-filled building day at the library! Get creative with Legos, K’NEX, Magna-Tiles, structure sticks, or Strictly Bricks. Show us what you can create and let your imagination run wild. Come and showcase your building skills! Let’s see what amazing structures you can create.
Note: You can’t take your creations home, but we’ll proudly display them in the library!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-07-19 09:30 - 10:00
Theme: The Sun
Join us for some summer fun this July at the library. Our storytime 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!

Craft Day at the Library: Build and Decorate Your Own Frisbee!
2024-07-23 15:30 - 17:00
Hey kids, join us for a fun craft day at the library! We’ll be building and decorating frisbees out of paper plates. Bring your creativity and get ready for some crafting fun!
Event Details:
Who: Kids in 3rd grade and up
Activity: Build and decorate a frisbee using paper plates
What to Bring: Your creativity and enthusiasm
Join us and create a unique frisbee to take home and play with!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-07-26 09:30 - 10:00
Theme: Bees
Join us for some summer fun this July at the library. Our storytime 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!

Maker Space Craft: Art Machine Scissor Lift
2024-08-01 15:30 - 17:30
Calling All Young Creators!
We’re excited to invite kids in grades 1 and above to join us at the library for a fantastic Maker Space Craft session! This time, we’re building Scissor Lift Art Machines – a fun and educational project that combines art and engineering.
What to Expect:

Hands-On Learning: Discover the mechanics of a scissor lift and turn it into a creative art machine.
Creative Fun: Use your imagination to decorate and personalize your art machine.
STEM Skills: Learn basic engineering concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Bring your creativity and excitement, and get ready to make something amazing! All materials will be provided!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-08-02 09:30 - 22:00
This Week’s Theme: 🐝 Bees! 🐝
Join us for some summer fun this August at the library! Our storytime 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 storytime—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.
Date and Time: Every Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 am
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones there!

Creation Station: Paper Flower Garden Collage
2024-08-05 - 2024-08-09
Get Crafty at the Creation Station! We’re thrilled to invite kids to our Creation Station this week, where they can take a creative break and make their very own Paper Flower Garden!
We’ll have supplies set out for kids to drop in anytime and create a beautiful paper flower collage. This craft is perfect for a break from the usual routine—get creative and unwind with some fun crafting.
All Ages Welcome!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-08-09 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: 🍦 Ice Cream! 🍦
Join us for some summer fun this August at the library! Our storytime 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 storytime—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.
Special Treat: The kids will be making their own ice cream! If your child cannot have ice cream, we will have Goldfish crackers available as an alternative snack.
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 there!

Origami Fun!
2024-08-15 15:30 - 17:30
Calling all kids in 1st grade and above! Join us for a creative couple of hours at the library where we’ll be exploring the art of origami and coloring.
Kids will have the opportunity to:

Create: Use origami techniques to make fun and unique paper creations.
Color: Bring their creations to life with colorful designs and patterns.
Take Home: All their artistic masterpieces to show off or gift to someone special.

Come by, unleash your creativity, and take home some wonderful handmade treasures!

STORY TIME: Pre-K
2024-08-16 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: 🔷🔺🔵 Shapes!🔵🔺🔷
Join us for some summer fun this August at the library! Our storytime 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 storytime—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 there!

"Shh! I'm Reading" Book Club Meeting
2024-08-19 16:00 - 17:00
Our next “Shh! I’m Reading” book club meeting will discuss Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata.

STEM Activity: Bouncy Balls
2024-08-20 15:30 - 17:30
Bounce into creativity! Kids in 1st grade and above are invited to join us for a fun-filled STEM event where you’ll get to create your very own bouncy balls! This hands-on activity combines science and creativity for an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect:

DIY Bouncy Balls: Learn the science behind bouncy balls as you mix, mold, and create your own colorful, bouncy creations.
Fun Science Experiments: Discover the chemistry that makes these balls so springy and take home some interesting facts about the materials used.
Materials Provided: All supplies needed for making your bouncy balls will be provided. Just bring your enthusiasm!

STORY TIME : Pre-K
2024-08-23 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Elephants!
Join us for some summer fun this August at the library! Our storytime 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 storytime—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 there!

STEM Fun: Straw and Paper Airplane Workshop
2024-08-27 15:30 - 17:30
Calling all future aviators! Join us for an exciting hands-on STEM activity where we’ll be making airplanes out of straws and paper circles. This fun and creative workshop is perfect for kids in 1st grade and above!
What to Expect:

Design and Build: Learn how to create your own paper airplanes using simple materials like straws and paper circles.
Flight Challenges: Test the flight distance, accuracy, and creativity of your designs.
STEM Learning: Discover the science behind aerodynamics and how different designs can affect flight.

Materials Provided: All materials, including straws, paper circles, and markers for decoration, will be provided. Just bring your imagination!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-08-30 09:30 - 22:00
This Week’s Theme: Airplanes!
Join us for some summer fun this August at the library! Our storytime 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 storytime—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 there!

Stay, Play, & Put Away: Building Day at the Library!
2024-09-03 15:30 - 17:00
🎉 Calling all builders of every age – it’s time to let your creativity soar at our library’s Stay, Play & Put Away Building Day! Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or even a grown-up who loves to build, we’ve got the ultimate collection of building supplies like Legos, K’NEX, Magna tiles, structure sticks, and Strictly Bricks! 🏗️
Bring your imagination and show off your building skills as you create epic structures, wild designs, or whatever your heart desires. While we can’t let you take your creations home due to material shortages, we will display your amazing creations for everyone to admire right here at the library!
📅 Come on over, have fun, and get building! 🌟

STEM Activity: Monster Mouths
2024-09-05 15:30 - 17:00
Join us for a fun and hands-on STEM activity at the library! Kids in 1st grade and above are invited to engineer a creature with a giant mouth that can move using air pressure. Let your creativity soar as you design, build, and discover how to make your creature come to life with science!
