Valentine Public Library

Try-It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Cinco De Mayo
2026-05-05 15:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago)
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): Bug Bookmark
2026-05-07 15:45 - 16:45
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

Junior Explorers (Grades K-5): Paper Spinner
2026-05-14 15:45 - 16:45

Story Time (Pre-K): Pancakes
2026-05-15 09:30 - 10:00

Try-It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Tissue Paper Suncatchers
2026-05-19 15:45 - 16:45

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

Story Time (Pre-K): Music
2026-05-22 09:30 - 10:00

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

Board Meeting
2026-05-26 16:30 - 17:30
The Valentine Public Library Board will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 4:30 pm at the Valentine Public Library. This meeting is open to the public, and an agenda is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Valentine Library Director.

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.

Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.

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

Try It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Dino-Grid Drawing
2026-06-02 15:45 - 16:45

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.
Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.

Story Time (Pre-K): Fossils
2026-06-05 09:30 - 10:00

Movie Matinee: The Good Dinosaur
2026-06-09 15:00 - 16:45
Join us at the library for a special Movie Matinee as we celebrate our June theme, Unearth a Story! 🦕🎬
We’ll be showing The Good Dinosaur, rated for ages 7 and over. In this heartwarming adventure, a young dinosaur named Arlo gets separated from his family and must journey through a wild and unfamiliar world. Along the way, he befriends a young human boy named Spot, and together they discover courage, friendship, and the importance of family.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a fun afternoon at the library — popcorn will be provided! 🍿

Unearth a Story (Grades K-5): Dinolympics
2026-06-10 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: Dinolympics! Kids will work in teams to compete in exciting, dinosaur-themed games and challenges that bring adventures to life. From racing like raptors to testing their strength like a T-Rex, participants will learn, play, and explore the world of dinosaurs.
Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.

Story Time (Pre-K): Dinosaurs
2026-06-12 09:30 - 10:00

Shhh...We're Reading Book Club
2026-06-15 16:00 - 17:00
Calling all tween and teen readers! Join us for this month’s SHHH!… We’re Reading Book Club as we dig into Rhinos in Nebraska: The Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds in honor of our June theme, Unearth a Story! 🦏📚
We’ll enjoy snacks, great conversation, and a relaxed space to share thoughts, ideas, and favorite moments from the book while learning about one of Nebraska’s most fascinating fossil discoveries.
Whether you love to talk about what you read or just want to listen in, you’re welcome here. Come hang out, connect with other readers, and be part of a fun and thoughtful book discussion!

Try It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Dinosaur Eyes
2026-06-16 15:45 - 16:45

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.
Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.

Story Time (Pre-K): Paleontology
2026-06-19 09:30 - 10:00

Board Meeting
2026-06-22 16:30 - 17:30
The Valentine Public Library Board will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 4:30 pm at the Valentine Public Library. This meeting is open to the public, and an agenda is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Valentine Library Director.

Try It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Lock Box Challenge
2026-06-23 15:45 - 16:45

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.
Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.

Story Time (Pre-K): USA's 250th Birthday and the Great American Bison
2026-06-26 09:30 - 10:00

Try It Tuesdays (Grades 3-8): Lego Dinosaurs
2026-06-30 15:45 - 16:45

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.
Pre-registration required. Call the library at 402-376-3160.
