STEM: Balloon Hovercraft
2025-10-09 15:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago)
💨🚀 Kids in grades K-5th are invited to build their very own Balloon Hovercraft! Using a cardstock disc and a balloon, you’ll create a simple machine that glides smoothly across a surface. Then we’ll explore the science behind it—how trapped air escapes from the balloon, reducing friction and letting your hovercraft float!
It’s a perfect mix of crafting, experimenting, and discovering the power of air pressure in action. 🎈⚙️

Pre-K Story Time: Fire Safety
2025-10-10 09:30 - 10:00
It’s Fire Safety Week, and we’ve got a special surprise planned for our Pre-K friends!

Fire Safety Story Time!

Our friends from the Valentine Fire Department are visiting Pre-K Story Time this Friday, October 10th at 9:30 AM!

Kids will get to meet real firefighters, see a fire truck up close, and even say hello to Smokey Bear!

It’s going to be a fun, hands-on morning all about fire safety and community helpers — don’t miss it!

Valentine Public Library
Friday, October 10 | 9:30 AM
For Pre-school age children and their grown-ups

#VPLKids #valentinepubliclibrary

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: Fall Bean Mosaic
2025-10-14 15:45 - 16:45
🍂🎨 Kids in grades 3 and up can celebrate the season with a Fall Bean Mosaic! Using an assortment of colorful dried beans, you’ll glue and arrange them to create a festive fall picture—maybe pumpkins, leaves, or anything autumn inspires. Each design will be one-of-a-kind, textured, and totally creative.
It’s a hands-on way to turn simple beans into beautiful art! 🌟🌾

Dictionary Day at VPL!
2025-10-16
Did you know Dictionary Day is celebrated every year on October 16th—the birthday of Noah Webster, the famous American lexicographer? In 1806, his groundbreaking dictionary paved the way for what we now know as the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
This year, Dictionary Day falls on Thursday, October 16, 2025—and we’re celebrating the power of words right here at the library! 🎉
👉 Stop by, look up our Word of the Day in the dictionary, tell a librarian the definition, and you’ll win a sweet treat*! 🍬
Come join us in celebrating words, language, and the joy of learning! 📝💡
*While supplies last

Board Meeting
2025-10-16 10:30 - 11:30
The Valentine Public Library Board will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:30am 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.

Pre-K Story Time: Scarecrows
2025-10-17 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!

Shhhh!...We’re Reading Book Club: Wild Fire
2025-10-20 16:00 - 17:00
Teens & tweens, get ready for a page-turner you won’t want to put down! This month, we’re diving into Wild Fire by Dee Garretson.
When a simple summer camp in the wilderness turns into a fight for survival, four teens must rely on their wits, courage, and each other to make it out alive. With danger closing in and the odds stacked against them, friendships are tested, secrets are revealed, and every choice could mean life or death.
Join us for a thrilling conversation and plenty of fun. This book is perfect for kids who love adventure, suspense, and stories that keep you on the edge of your seat!
Book description:
The president’s retreat, Camp David, is one of the safest places in the United States. So, why can’t the President’s son, Luke, and his friends, Theo and Callie, stay there without Secret Service agents constantly hovering over them, watching their every move? And yet, when an earthquake sets off a raging wildfire, causing a chain reaction that wreaks havoc at Camp David, they are suddenly on their own.
Now Luke needs a plan:

To override the security systems
To save those who were supposed to save him
To get through an impassable gate
To escape Camp David

Debut author Dee Garretson delivers a heart-pounding tween thriller—an action-packed adventure with undeniable suspense.

Beyond the Book Event: Willa Cather
2025-10-20 17:00 - 19:00
Join us at the library as we host Impact Nebraska Artists and their traveling exhibition, A Tapestry of Life – Impact Willa Cather.

This collection showcases original works by Nebraska artists inspired by Cather’s writings, exploring themes of migration, resilience, and life on the Great Plains. Enjoy refreshments and a chance to visit with some of the artists, then stay for a screening of the documentary Yours, Willa Cather.

Drop In Anytime- 30-minute Film Showing at 6 pm

Free Admission
Open to the Public
Teens and Adults

Sponsored by: Friends of the Valentine Library, Sand Painters Art Club, & The Sandhills Area Foundation

Craft Hour: Pumpkin Yarn Art
2025-10-21 15:45 - 16:45
🎃🧶 Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to get crafty with a Pumpkin Yarn Craft! Using yarn and glue, you’ll shape and design your very own pumpkin creation—perfect for adding a cozy fall touch to your seasonal décor.
It’s simple, fun, and a little bit messy…the best kind of crafting! 🍂

Craft Hour: Spooky Watercolor Painting
2025-10-23 15:45 - 16:45
🕷️🎨 Kids in grades K–5 are invited to make a Spooky Watercolor Painting! First, you’ll draw spider webs on your paper using a white crayon. Then, watch the magic happen as you spread watercolor paint across the page—the webs stay white while the colors swirl around them.
It’s a mix of art and mystery that’s perfectly spooky for the season! 🕸️✨🎃

Pre-K Story Time: Pumpkins
2025-10-24 09:30 - 10:00

Board Meeting
2025-10-27 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-10-28 00:00
The regular meeting of the Valentine Public Library Board will be held on Monday, October 27, 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: Halloween Perler Bead Creations
2025-10-28 15:45 - 16:45
👻🎨 Kids in grades 3 and up can get spooky and creative with Halloween Perler Beads! Design your own haunting creation or choose from one of our fun Halloween patterns—think pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and more. Once the beads are fused, you’ll have a festive decoration to take home and enjoy.
It’s pixel art with a Halloween twist! 🦇🎃✨

Craft Hour: Fall Lanterns
2025-10-30 15:45 - 16:45
Kids in grades K–5 are invited to join us for a cozy autumn craft!
Using paper and colorful tissue, each child will design and create their own fall-themed lantern. When finished, we’ll add a safe tea light inside to make the lantern glow beautifully. This fun project is the perfect way to celebrate the colors and light of the season!

Pre-K Story Time: Monsters (Kids can wear their costumes!)
2025-10-31 08:00 - 17:00
Happy Halloween! This week’s theme is Friendly Monsters! Kids can wear their Halloween costumes (any kind!) to storytime fun—then stop back by the library at 4:30 for the Annual Scare in the Square Trick-or-Treat Parade!
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!

Turkey Hunt Tuesday
2025-11-04
The Turkey Hunt Is Back!Starting November 4, our sneaky 12-inch plush turkey returns to the library—and he could be hiding anywhere in the main area! Everyone is welcome to join the hunt, so keep your eyes peeled and search high and low.
When you find him, stay quiet to keep the surprise alive for others, then let a librarian know. You’ll receive a treat and we’ll add your feather to a turkey in our window display, showing that you’re an official turkey hunter. Let the turkey tracking begin!

Kid’s Craft Hour – Beaded Corn Creations
2025-11-04 15:45 - 16:45
Hey kids in grades 3 and up-get ready to get crafty! Join us for a fun-filled hour of creativity as we make colorful beaded corn ears using pipe cleaners and beads. These cute creations are perfect as decorations, key chains, backpack charms—or anything your imagination dreams up!
This hands-on craft is a great way to build fine motor skills, express creativity, and enjoy time with friends. Come make something unique and festive to take home!

Adult Book Club Night
2025-11-04 19:00 - 20:00
Join us on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM for our Adult Book Club! This month, we’ll be diving into The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—a thought-provoking novel that explores life’s possibilities and the choices that shape our destinies. Enjoy great conversation, good company, and a welcoming atmosphere. New members are always welcome!

Ag-Citing Science: Pumpkins to Pie!
2025-11-06 15:45 - 16:45
Join 4-H educator, Blair Speck, as brings agriculture to life for kids in grades K-5th! This collection of hands-on modules, created by the Nebraska 4-H Youth Development Ag & Food Systems Team and Nebraska Ag in the Classroom materials, is utilized to help youth explore agriculture.
Pumpkins to Pie – a hands on journey with a tasty finish! Perfect for Fall or Halloween, youth will explore the pumpkin life cycle and from seed to pumpkin. We
will use all our of sense when learning about pumpkins during this STEM lesson!

Holiday Bookmark Workshop
2025-11-06 18:00 - 19:00
Teens and adults are invited to join us for this workshop led by local artist Celeste Donovan! Using watercolor paints, she’ll help you create festive bookmarks perfect for slipping into your favorite holiday read—or gifting to a fellow book lover.
Choose from one of Celeste’s charming designs or let your creativity run wild with your own idea. She’ll guide you step-by-step, so whether you’re a seasoned painter or just picking up a brush, you’ll leave with merry little masterpieces.
All supplies provided.

Pre-K Story Time: Monsters
2025-11-07 09:30 - 10:00

Pre-K Story Time: Hedgehogs
2025-11-07 09:45 - 10:45

Veterans Day Closure Notice
2025-11-11
We will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, for Veterans Day. We will reopen on November 12th at 9:00 a.m.
We’ll be taking this time to honor and remember those who have served our country with bravery and sacrifice. Remember, even when our physical doors are closed, the world of books remains wide open. Dive into a new adventure or explore a captivating story right from the comfort of your home with our app, Libby. With just a few taps, you can access a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks to satisfy your reading cravings.
So while we take this brief pause to pay our respects, don’t hesitate to explore the virtual shelves of Libby for your next literary escape. We’ll see you back at the library soon!

Board Meeting
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00
The Valentine Public Library Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00am 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.

Ag-Science: Positively Popcorn!
2025-11-13 15:45 - 16:45
From Seed to Snack- Nebraska is the number 1 popcorn producer in the United States. In this lesson, youth will learn about the different types of popcorn, the importance of agriculture, and the science behind how popcorn is popped.
Kids in grades K-5th are invited to join Blair Speck, 4-H educator, for an hour of fun and learning. We provide all the supplies!

Pre-K Story Time: Corn
2025-11-14 09:30 - 10:00

Kid's Book Club
2025-11-17 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for a fun and engaging afternoon as we dive into The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman! Our Kid’s Book Club is the perfect place for young readers to stretch their imaginations, share ideas, and connect with friends who love stories just as much as they do. Discussing books helps build confidence, boost creativity, and keep curious minds growing strong.
Come ready for lively conversation, fun activities, and a great story adventure!
The Silver Arrow:
Kate and her younger brother Tom lead dull, uninteresting lives. And if their dull, uninteresting parents are anything to go by, they don’t have much to look forward to. Why can’t Kate have thrilling adventures and save the world the way people do in books? Even her 11th birthday is shaping up to be mundane — that is, until her mysterious and highly irresponsible Uncle Herbert, whom she’s never even met before, surprises her with the most unexpected, exhilarating, inappropriate birthday present of all time: a colossal steam locomotive called the Silver Arrow.
Kate and Tom’s parents want to send it right back where it came from. But Kate and Tom have other ideas — and so does the Silver Arrow — and soon they’re off to distant lands along magical rail lines in the company of an assortment of exotic animals who, it turns out, can talk. With only curiosity, excitement, their own resourcefulness and the thrill of the unknown to guide them, Kate and Tom are on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and who knows? They just might end up saving the world after all.

Turkey Hunt Tuesday
2025-11-18
Did you catch the turkey in the last hunt? He’s on the move again! On the third Tuesday of the month, our sneaky 12-inch plush turkey will be hiding in a brand-new spot somewhere in the main library. Everyone is invited to join the fun—just remember to keep the hunt a secret when you spot him!
Let a librarian know you’ve found him to receive a treat and we’ll add your feather to the turkey window display. Each hunt is a new chance to join the flock of official turkey hunters!

STEM Hour: Build Your Own Fiber Optic Lamp!
2025-11-18 15:45 - 16:45
Get ready to light up your imagination! During this STEM Hour, kids in grades 3 and up will build their very own working fiber optic lamp using real fiber optic strands, light bulbs, and simple electronic components. As they assemble the lamp, they’ll learn how basic circuits work and discover the science behind how light travels.
Each kit includes everything needed for the project and features easy step-by-step instructions—perfect for young innovators who love hands-on fun!
✨ What kids will gain:

Explore basic electronics and circuits

Develop problem-solving and fine motor skills

Create a colorful lamp to take home and enjoy

This program makes learning science bright, exciting, and unforgettable!
