Story Time: Pre-K
2025-06-20 09:30 - 10:00 (America/Chicago)
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!

Board Meeting
2025-06-23 16:30 - 17:30
The regular meeting of the Valentine Public Library Board will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the Library Meeting room to conduct any business that may properly come before them. A current agenda will be on file at the public library.

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!

Pinch & Paint: Part 2 – Time to Add Color!
2025-06-26 15:45 - 16:45
Your clay creations are ready! Join us for Part 2 of our Pinch & Paint craft event as we bring those pinch pots to life with color.
If you joined us earlier to make a clay pot, now’s your chance to finish your masterpiece. We’ll have all the paint and supplies you need to decorate your pot and make it uniquely yours.
Let your creativity shine and take home your finished work of art! 🎨

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!

Sand Painters Art Club Artist Reception: All ages welcome
2025-06-30 13:00 - 14:00
Art lovers of all ages are invited to join us for a special Artist Reception at the library! This month we’re featuring the work of Susan Reenders McNaught, DVM, an artist from Blunt, South Dakota, who uses multiple mediums to express her deep passion for the American West.
From bold brushstrokes to textured mixed media, Susan’s work captures the spirit, landscape, and life of the West in powerful and unique ways.
Come enjoy light snacks, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and explore this inspiring display during this casual come-and-go event hosted by the Sand Painters Art Club.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate local creativity and the beauty of the West through art!

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! 🎨🧵

Resin Bookmark Workshop: Ages 15 and Up
2025-07-09 17:00 - 18:30
Join us at Valentine Public Library to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind resin bookmark using non-toxic resin and pressed flowers. This relaxing, hands-on craft is perfect for adults & young adults looking to unwind and get creative.

No registration needed — just walk in! All materials provided while supplies last. Drop in anytime between 5:00 and 6:30 PM. Ages: 15 & up.
Come craft with us and take home a lovely bookmark for your next read!

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!

Virtual Reality Game Truck: Grades 4-12
2025-07-17 14:30 - 17:30
Game Truck Take Over! 🎮🚛
Get ready for an epic gaming experience at VPL! VR Game Truck Nebraska is rolling into the library, bringing high-tech virtual reality gaming right to you. Step inside the truck, put on a VR headset, and immerse yourself in exciting virtual worlds—battle robots, explore galaxies, or test your skills in fast-paced games. It’s like stepping inside the game itself!
Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up by July 10, 2025, to reserve your spot! Kids will be assigned a time based on the grade they are entering into next year:
Kids entering grades 4-5 at 2:30, grades 6-7 at 3:30, & grades 8-12 at 4:30. Just give us a call at 402-376-3160. Please note—walk-ins won’t be available, so don’t wait!
VR Game Truck Nebraska has VR stations and several gaming systems that you will play during your hour. 🚀
👾 This event is for Valentine Public Library cardholders in good standing only. Limit of only one slot per kid for the day. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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

Hot Days...Cool Reads Book Sale
2025-07-21 - 2025-07-25
📚🔥 Looking for the perfect cool-down during the Nebraska Star Party or the Cherry County Fair? Step into the library, recharge your body (and your phone 📱❄️), and check out our Summer Book Sale—a week-long event full of great reads for all ages!
Browse a huge selection of gently used books available for free-will donation. From timeless classics to surprising new finds, there’s something for every reader—and every budget!
📅 Sale runs all week!Take your time, explore the tables, and bring home some hidden gems just waiting for a new shelf to call home. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just browsing for beach reads, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
So stop by, cool off, and stock up on stories to last you all summer long! ☀️📖❤️

SHHH! We're Reading Kid's Book Club
2025-07-21 16:00 - 17:00
This month, we’re diving into a wave of suspense with Escaping the Giant Wave by Peg Kehret!
🌊 The Worst Vacation Ever!Thirteen-year-old Kyle was expecting a fun trip to the Oregon coast—his first flight, his first time seeing the Pacific Ocean, and some much-needed family time. But when an earthquake strikes and sparks a fire in their hotel, Kyle is suddenly responsible for getting his younger sister, BeeBee, to safety.
Things go from bad to worse when a tsunami warning turns into a terrifying reality. With towering waves crashing onto shore, Kyle and BeeBee must run for their lives—uphill, through the woods, and away from the destruction. The perfect vacation becomes a race for survival as they try to outwit nature’s fury.
💬 Join us at SHHH… We’re Reading to talk about this thrilling story of courage, quick thinking, and sibling teamwork. Snacks, friends, and great conversation included. Whether you’ve read every page or are just starting, all readers are welcome!

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!

Sand Painters Artist Reception: All ages welcome
2025-07-23 16:00 - 17:00
Art lovers of all ages are invited to join us for a special Artist Reception at the library! Come explore the work of this month’s featured artist, Gordon Warrick, a talented nature photographer whose stunning images capture the beauty of the Sandhills and beyond.
Enjoy light snacks, meet fellow art enthusiasts, and take in the beauty of Warrick’s work during this casual come-and-go event hosted by the Sandhills Painters.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or just appreciate a good view through the lens, we’d love to see you there!

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

Board Meeting
2025-07-28 16:30 - 17:30
The regular meeting of the Valentine Public Library Board will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the Library Meeting room to conduct any business that may properly come before them. A current agenda will be on file at the public library.

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! ❄️🖌️

Pre-K Story Time: Parachutes
2025-08-01 09:30 - 10:00
Note: We will go outside this week, weather permitting!
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!

Comic Book Workshop: Ages 12-18
2025-08-01 10:00 - 12:00
Graphic novel and comic book fans—this one’s for you! Teens ages 12 to 18 are invited to a free Comic Book Workshop led by Do Art Productions, a creative company based in Illinois.
Participants will learn the basics of comic creation—from designing expressive characters to crafting their own comic panels. We’ll explore how comics tell stories through facial expressions, body language, and speech bubbles.
After diving into the art of cartooning, everyone will help create a group comic using the original characters and ideas developed during the workshop!
🎨 Registration is required as space and supplies are limited. Call 402-376-3160 or stop by to sign up!

Sand Painter Artist Reception: All Ages Welcome
2025-08-01 16:00 - 17:30
Join us for a special artist reception honoring Roberta Barnes, the Sand Painter’s featured Artist of the Month. A native Nebraskan, Roberta shares her deep appreciation for the beauty of the Great Plains through stunning oil paintings inspired by the landscapes of both her Columbus roots and the Sandhills region.
Barnes lives with her husband on a ranch near the Nebraska National Forest and recently retired after a long and inspiring career as an art educator. She is an active member of numerous art groups across the state and beyond, including the Burkholder Project, Impact Nebraska Artists, and the American Plains Artists. Her work has been exhibited widely and is part of both public and private collections.
Come meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and experience the vibrant spirit of Nebraska captured through her brushstrokes.

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!

Craft Hour: Bug Jar Glitter Globe (Grades K-5)
2025-08-07 15:45 - 16:45
Join us for a sparkly spin on nature! During this Craft Hour, kids will create their very own Bug Jar Glitter Globe. We’ll provide all the materials needed, so kids can let their creativity shine while crafting a globe that’s part science, part art, and all fun.
Come ready to shake things up and take home a jar full of imagination!
