Monday, February 05, 2024

Kids will have much to celebrate in February at the Fond du Lac Public Library. From a Lunar New Year celebration to a Bluey Party to a visit by the author of “All Thirteen,” this will be a big month as the library heads into the final month of the Fond du Lac Winter Reads program.

First, on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Storytime Room, youth are invited to celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they learn about the Lunar New Year. The event for kids up to age 5 will include stories, rhymes, and more; no registration required.

On Thursday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m, author Christina Soontornvat will join the Fond du Lac Public Library virtually to talk about her book “All Thirteen” and its creation. This will be a special, all-ages, one-time peek behind the scenes of the true story by a person who interviewed members of the Wild Boars youth soccer team. Visit the McLane Room to view the conversation; no registration required.

Then, on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Room, kids can celebrate with a Bluey Party. As Fond du Lac Winter Reads comes to a close, youth can enjoy crafts, activities and games based on the popular TV show. The event may even include a visit from Bluey herself, and kids will be entered into a drawing for a special Bluey-themed prize basket. No registration required to attend.

Other youth activities planned include:

  • Through Feb. 29: Join Fond du Lac Winter Reads for fun activities, prizes, and more. Log your minutes of reading online or on paper cards at the library to earn chances to win. Learn more at fdlpl.org/winterreads
  • Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Drop in to Homeschool Art. This month, learn about Thai comic artist Payut Ngaokrachang.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 4:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Create a paper heart tree in time for Valentine’s Day during Crafty Kids. Best for ages 4+; no registration required.
  • Monday, Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Create your own Wobblebot (a type of robot) during STEAM Night for youth. No registration required.
  • Friday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Youth ages 5-12 will learn to paint a cheerful pig in a tub during Paint-Along. Registration opens Feb. 9 at calendar.fdlpl.org.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 4:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Visit with a trained therapy dog and practice reading skills during Paws to R.E.A.D. No registration needed.
  • Family Storytime continues on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. on the lower level of the library (typically in the Storytime Room). Family Storytime is best for children ages 1 to 3, but all are welcome to join as library staff share stories, rhymes and more.
  • Parents with children younger than 1 year old can drop in for Babies and Books program, scheduled for Mondays at 11 a.m. in the Storytime Room. Intended for pre-walkers and caregivers, library staff will sing songs, enjoy rhymes, explore books, and have a relaxing playtime with an opportunity for babies and caregivers to connect.

Teens, meanwhile, have plenty planned as well:

  • Sunday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 17: Register for a Browser’s Cache bag, complete with a checked-out book and more, that can be picked up later in the month. Theme: This is NOT a Kissing Book.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Drop into Anime Afternoon to see a few episodes of anime and enjoy a few snacks. Cosplay is welcome.
  • Thursday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. in the Teen Area at the library: Want to try out Magic the Gathering but don't know where to start? Join this Mischief & Magic beginner class to learn the basics and try out some pre-made decks.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Fold your own Origami Roses during Full STEAM Ahead. No registration required.
  • Mondays through Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. in the Teen Area: Drop by for a mindfulness check-in during Mindful Mondays. Try mindful movement, breathing techniques, and more.