Story-Time: Pre-K
2024-10-04 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
This Week’s Theme: Space!
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!
2024-10-08 15:30 - 17:00
🎉 Calling all builders of every age! 🎉
Get ready to unleash your creativity at our Stay, Play & Put Away: Building Day at the library! Whether you’re a kid, teen, or even an adult who loves to build, we’ve got an awesome collection of supplies, including Legos, K’NEX, Magna-Tiles, structure sticks, and Strictly Bricks.
Bring your imagination and build epic structures, wild designs, or whatever you dream up! While we can’t send your creations home, we’ll proudly display them at the library for everyone to enjoy.
📅 Every Tuesday in September
🕒 Drop in from 3:30 to 5:00 PM and let the building fun begin!
Let your creativity soar and have a blast with us!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-10-11 09:30 - 10:30
This Week’s Theme: Fire Safety!
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!

Happy 80th Birthday Smokey Bear!
2024-10-11 15:30 - 17:00
Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday at the Valentine Public Library!
Join us for a fun-filled event honoring everyone’s favorite wildfire prevention mascot, Smokey Bear! This exciting celebration is brought to you in partnership with the Niobrara Council and UNL Extension Cherry County.
We’ve got plenty of activities planned to make this a memorable event for kids in grades Kindergarten and up! Here’s what you can look forward to:
🎯 Games: Test your skills with outdoor-themed games and activities.
🎁 Prizes: Walk away with some fun Smokey Bear goodies and prizes.
🔥 S’mores: Enjoy roasting marshmallows and making your own delicious s’mores treat!
🎨 Button Maker: Get creative and design your very own custom Smokey Bear button as a souvenir to remember the day.
This is the perfect chance for kids to learn about wildfire safety while having a blast with their friends. Whether you’ve known Smokey for years or are just meeting him for the first time, you’re in for a BEARY good time!
Come celebrate this important milestone with us, and don’t forget to spread the word! It’s going to be a smokin’ good time that you won’t want to miss!

Stay, Play & Put Away: Building Day at the Library!
2024-10-15 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-22 15:30 - 17:00, 2024-10-29 15:30 - 17:00
🎉 Calling all builders of every age! 🎉
Get ready to unleash your creativity at our Stay, Play & Put Away: Building Day at the library! Whether you’re a kid, teen, or even an adult who loves to build, we’ve got an awesome collection of supplies, including Legos, K’NEX, Magna-Tiles, structure sticks, and Strictly Bricks.
Bring your imagination and build epic structures, wild designs, or whatever you dream up! While we can’t send your creations home, we’ll proudly display them at the library for everyone to enjoy.
📅 Every Tuesday in September
🕒 Drop in from 3:30 to 5:00 PM and let the building fun begin!
Let your creativity soar and have a blast with us! 🌟

Halloween Agamograph Craft!
2024-10-17 15:30 - 17:00
Get ready for some spooky fun with our Halloween Agamograph Craft! In this creative activity, kids will make their very own agamograph—a special type of art that changes its image when you move it. Using simple materials, you’ll design two Halloween-themed pictures that will shift as you tilt your craft, revealing a surprise image like a pumpkin turning into a bat!
This activity is a fun way to explore and get into the Halloween spirit! Come create some Halloween magic and take home your very own moving masterpiece!
Why should I encourage my kids to attend?
As kids craft their anamographs, they’ll learn about the science of optical illusions and how our eyes and brain work together to interpret what we see. Here’s how it works: you draw two pictures, and then you cut them into strips and mix them up. When you fold the paper like an accordion, your eyes only see one set of strips at a time. So, from one angle, you see the first picture, and from another angle, you see the second picture. Your brain puts it all together, and it looks like the picture is changing! This is all thanks to how your eyes and brain work together to process information. Your brain tries to make sense of what your eyes are seeing, but in this craft, we’re playing a little trick on it! Optical illusions like this teach us that sometimes, what we see isn’t always exactly what’s there. It’s a cool mix of art and science!
This activity is a fun way to explore get into the Halloween spirit! Come create some Halloween magic and take home your very own moving masterpiece!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-10-18 09:30 - 22:30
This Week’s Theme: Pumpkins!
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!

Creation Station: Make a Monster!
2024-10-21 - 2024-10-25
Unleash your creativity and join us at the library’s Creation Station: Make a Monster! We’ll provide all the materials you need—paper, glue, and plenty of inspiration. All you need to bring is your imagination! Craft your own unique monster, whether it’s silly, spooky, or totally wild. The possibilities are endless!
Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, you can either take it home to show off or leave it at the library to be displayed for everyone to admire. Your creation could inspire others, adding a fun and colorful touch to the library!
Stop by and get creative—no registration required! This is a fun, laid-back activity perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. We can’t wait to see the amazing monsters you’ll dream up!

Shhh! We're Reading: Book Club Meeting
2024-10-21 16:00 - 17:00
Our next Shhh! I’m Reading Book Club meeting for kids will dive into a thrilling discussion of Night of the Twisters by I. Ruckman. This gripping tale, based on true events, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the chaos of a series of devastating tornadoes in small-town Nebraska. It’s a story of survival, bravery, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship.

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-10-25 09:30 - 10:30
This Week’s Theme: Bats!
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!

Pumpkin Decorating Contest
2024-10-28
Join the Friends of the Library Pumpkin Decorating Contest!
Get creative and show off your pumpkin-decorating skills in our annual contest hosted by the Friends of the Library! Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s a category for you.
Categories & Prizes:
– Pre-K
– Grades K-2nd
– Grades 3-5th
– Grade 6th-Adult
– Best Literary Inspired Theme
– Best Overall
Rules:
– Pumpkins must be real (no pre-decorated or store-bought pumpkins).
– You can paint, decorate, or carve your pumpkin—get as creative as you like!
Important Dates:
Drop Off Your Entry: October 28-29 at the library.
The Friends of the Library Board will judge the entries at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, October 29th.
Winners Announced: On VPL’s social media and at the Halloween Kiddie Parade on October 31.
Note: All entries must be picked up by 5:00 PM on November 1 unless prior arrangements are made. Unclaimed pumpkins will be disposed of.
We can’t wait to see your fantastic pumpkin creations!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-11-01 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Cookies!
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 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 there!

Thanksgiving Craft: Pinecone Turkey
2024-11-07 15:30 - 17:30
Looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit? Come to the library for a special crafting afternoon where we’ll be making festive turkeys out of pinecones, pipe cleaners, and paint! These cute and colorful creations will be the perfect addition to your holiday decorations, adding a handmade touch to your Thanksgiving décor.
This craft is open to kids 1st grade and above, so gather your friends and family for an afternoon filled with creativity and laughter. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting out, we’ll provide all the materials and guidance you need to make your very own turkey masterpiece.
Don’t miss this chance to let your creativity soar and take home a decoration you’ll be proud to display. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-11-08 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Squirrels!
Join us for some summer fun this August 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 there!

Craft: String Spinner Toy
2024-11-14 15:30 - 17:00
Ready to create a cool, classic toy that’s as fun to make as it is to play with? Join us at the library for a special crafting session where we’ll be making String Spinner Toys! Using colorful string, sturdy paper, and a bit of creativity, you’ll craft a spinning toy that whirls and twirls with just a pull of the strings.
This hands-on activity is perfect for kids 1st grade and above, so bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of crafting and fun. You’ll learn how to assemble and decorate your very own string spinner, then watch it come to life as it spins in your hands!
Not only is this a great way to get creative, but it’s also a fun toy to take home and enjoy again and again. We’ll provide all the materials you need—just bring your excitement and creativity!
Come spin into fun with us, and take home a toy that’s sure to entertain!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-11-15 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Leaves!
Join us for some summer fun this August 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 there!

Shhh! We're Reading: Book Club Meeting
2024-11-18 16:00 - 17:00
Join Us to Discuss November’s Sselection: Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick!
Get ready for an action-packed reading experience! Follow the story of Sam as he fights to survive a raging forest fire, using all his wits and courage to escape the wildfire that threatens everything around him.
Filled with suspense, danger, and heart-pounding moments, Wildfire is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Whether you love survival stories or exciting outdoor adventures, this book will take you on an unforgettable journey.
Come join the discussion, share your thoughts, and explore the themes of bravery, teamwork, and survival. This is a perfect way to connect with fellow readers and get inspired by a gripping tale of resilience.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this adventure-packed read!

Let's Play Bingo!
2024-11-21 15:30 - 17:00
Get ready for an exciting afternoon of Bingo at the library! We’re inviting all kids 1st grade and above 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!

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-11-22 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Turkeys!
Join us for some summer fun this August 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 there!

Shrinky Cup Christmas Ornaments
2024-12-05 15:30 - 17:00
🎄 Get ready for a magical holiday craft! Kids in 1st grade and up are invited to create Christmas ornaments by decorating plastic cups with colorful markers and then watching them shrink into amazing designs!
🎅 What we’re making: Unique ornaments using heat-shrinking plastic cups—just like Shrinky Dinks!
Let your creativity shine and take home a fun, festive keepsake for your tree. Don’t miss the magic! ✨

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-12-06 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Bells!
Join us for some summer fun this August 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 there!

Puzzle Piece Christmas Ornament
2024-12-12 15:00 - 17:00
🎄 Piece Together Some Holiday Magic! 🎄
Kids in 1st grade and up are invited to join us at the library to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament made from puzzle pieces! Whether you make a festive wreath, a snowflake, or something uniquely yours, this craft is sure to add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday decorations.
🎨 What we’re making: Creative Christmas ornaments using upcycled puzzle pieces.
Bring your holiday spirit and get ready to craft something merry and bright! 🌟

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-12-13 09:30 - 10:00
This Week’s Theme: Christmas Trees!
Join us for some fun this December 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 there!

SHHH! We're Reading: Book Club Meeting
2024-12-16 16:00 - 17:00
Join us this month to discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson!
Meet the wild and unforgettable Herdman kids—six siblings who redefine “trouble.” They’ve never heard the Christmas story before, but when they crash the church pageant and snag all the main roles, chaos and hilarity take center stage. Can this be the most disastrous (or the best?) Christmas pageant ever?
🎄 We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this heartwarming and laugh-out-loud holiday tale. See you there! 🎄

Mini Yarn Stocking Hat Craft Session
2024-12-17 15:30 - 17:00
Calling all 1st graders and up! Join us for a fun and creative craft session where we’ll make the cutest mini yarn stocking hats. These adorable creations are perfect for:
🎄 Tree ornaments
🎁 Gift toppers
🖼 Fridge magnets
📦 Holiday décor
Let your imagination run wild with this festive and versatile craft! Supplies will be provided, so bring your creativity and get ready for a cozy crafting experience at the library.
We can’t wait to see what you create!

Story Time & Santa: Pre-K
2024-12-20 09:30
Santa Claus is Coming to Story Time!

Get ready for some holiday magic at the Valentine Public Library when Santa stops by during the Story Times on Friday, December 20th! Here’s the plan: Morning Session – 9:30 AM: This one’s just for our Pre-K kiddos and their adults. It’s the perfect time for little ones to enjoy a story, a craft, and some festive fun with Santa. Afternoon Session – 1:30 PM: Calling all kids in grades K-3! Santa is saving the afternoon for YOU to hear a story, make a craft, and enjoy the holiday spirit.

Santa will stay for photos, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the holiday cheer!
This is a wonderful chance to celebrate the season and make some magical memories at the library. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to this jolly holiday event!

Story Time & Santa: Grades K-3rd
2024-12-20 13:30

Story Time: Pre-K
2024-12-23 08:00 - 17:00
This Week’s Theme: Snowman!
Join us for some fun this January 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 there!
