SHHH! We're Reading Kid's Book Club
2025-07-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
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
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!

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!

Pre-K Story Time: Watermelons
2025-08-08 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!

Craft Hour: Rocket Racers (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-08-12 15:45 - 16:45
Ready to blast off? In this hands-on Craft Hour, kids will build their very own Rubber Band Rockets using paper tubes, rubber bands, and a little engineering creativity! These simple but exciting rockets are powered by tension and launch with a satisfying whoosh. It’s a fun way to mix crafting with a little STEM action.
All supplies are provided—just bring your curiosity and get ready to launch into fun!

Craft Hour: Sun Spinners (GradesK-5)
2025-08-14 15:45 - 16:45
Get ready to brighten your day with a burst of color! During this Craft Hour, kids will create their own Sun Spinner—a vibrant paper craft that twirls and spins in the light. With bold colors and fun patterns, these sunny spinners are perfect for hanging up at home or giving as a cheerful gift.
All supplies are provided. Just bring your creativity and get ready for some spinning, sunshiny fun!

Pre-K Story Time: The Sun
2025-08-15 09:30 - 10:00

SHHH...We're Reading Book Club
2025-08-18 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for this month’s Kids’ Book Club as we dive into New Kid by Jerry Craft—a graphic novel that’s full of heart, humor, and big questions. We’ll talk about Jordan’s experiences starting at a new school, what it’s like to feel out of place, and how we all find our place in the world.
Whether you’ve read the book cover-to-cover or are still working through it, come ready to share your thoughts, favorite moments, and questions. We’ll also enjoy a fun activity inspired by the story!
Books are available to check out at the library—ask us for a copy!

Craft Hour: Snake Knitting (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-08-19 15:45 - 16:45
Get tangled up in creativity with this fun and cozy craft! During this Craft Hour, kids will learn how to do snake knitting (also known as spool or French knitting) using yarn and a paper tube. As they loop the yarn around the tube, they’ll watch their colorful knitted “snake” grow longer and longer—no needles needed!
All materials are provided. It’s a great intro to yarn crafts, and everyone gets to take home their slithery, squiggly creation!

Craft Hour: Lemon Stamping (GradesK-5)
2025-08-21 15:45 - 16:45
Let’s get zesty with art! In this Craft Hour, kids will use real lemons and paint to stamp bright, colorful prints onto paper. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore texture, pattern, and creativity—with a little citrus twist! Each child will create their own unique lemon-inspired masterpiece to take home.
All materials are provided—just bring your imagination!

Pre-K Story Time: Lemonade
2025-08-22 09:30 - 10:00

Board Meeting
2025-08-25 16:30 - 17:30
The regular meeting of the Valentine Public Library Board will be held on Monday, August 25, 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: Candy Bar Notepads (Grades 3 & Up)
2025-08-26 15:45 - 16:45
Sweeten up your stationery! In this Craft Hour, kids will create their own Candy Bar Notepads using real candy boxes as covers, note paper for the pages, and colorful ribbon to tie it all together. These fun and functional notepads are perfect for jotting down thoughts, doodles, or sweet reminders—and they look good enough to eat!
All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity (and maybe a sweet tooth)!

Craft Hour: "Love to Read" Bracelets (GradesK-5)
2025-08-28 15:45 - 16:45
Show off your love for reading with some handmade flair! During this Craft Hour, kids will design their own Love to Read bracelets using colorful beads and fun charms. Whether it’s a gift for a fellow bookworm or a keepsake to wear proudly, each bracelet will be as unique as the reader who makes it.
All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and your love for books!

Pre-K Story Time: Baseball
2025-08-29 09:30 - 10:00

Craft Hour: Balloon-Powered Cars!
2025-09-02 15:45 - 16:45
🚗💨 Get ready to build, race, and learn! Kids in grades 3–8 can design their own car using balloons, construction paper, and other supplies. Once you’ve built your ride, see how far it can zoom powered only by air! 🎈
Science fun fact: When you let go of the balloon, the air rushing out pushes the car forward—this is called thrust, and it’s the same idea rockets use to blast into space! 🚀
All supplies provided—just bring your creativity and curiosity!

September VPL Book Club
2025-09-02 19:00 - 20:00
We’re excited to welcome you back! Our first meeting of the season is in September, and it’s a BYOB—Bring Your Own Book night. Bring a book you read over the summer and be ready to share what you loved, what you didn’t, and any interesting discoveries along the way.
At this meeting, we’ll also be passing out the book we’ll discuss in October: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult. We provide some copies for members to borrow, but you’re also welcome to bring or purchase your own copy if you prefer.
We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, September through April, for great books, lively conversation, and plenty of laughs.
📞 Questions? Call us at 402-376-3160. We can help with borrowing details and answer any other questions you might have.
Come ready to chat about summer reads and kick off another great year of reading!

Board Meeting
2025-09-03 10:00 - 12:00
The Valentine Public Library Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. 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.

Craft Hour: DIY Fly Toy
2025-09-04 15:45 - 16:45
🎈💨 Kids in grades K–5 can make their very own flying toy using just paper, a straw, and a ball. Once it’s built, test it out and see how your breath can make the ball float like magic! ✂️📄
It’s a fun craft with a splash of science—learn how air pressure works while you play. 🌬️✨ All supplies provided!

Pre-K Story Time: Farm Animals
2025-09-05 09:30 - 10:00
