Friday, March 26, 2021

Kids and teens can let their creative lights shine through Fond du Lac Public Library during National Poetry Month. During April, kids of all ages can enjoy two opportunities to show they are poets and they know it:

Kids & teens poetry contest: Throughout the month of April, Fond du Lac County youth are invited to enter the Fond du Lac Public Library’s Poetry Contest. Entries must be original works and will be judged within three age categories: 6-8 years old, 9-12 years old, and 13-18 years old. Limit one submission per person. Winners will be selected by a jury. Submissions should be emailed to childrens@fdlpl.org or dropped at the Children’s Desk in the Main Library, and should include a name, contact phone number, and age. Winning entries will be posted on the library’s youth Facebook page @fondylibrarykids (authors will be identified by first name and last initial only). 

Poetry Creation Kit: Beginning Thursday, April 1 at 9 a.m., school-age children may pick up a Poetry Creation Kit. It will include instructions and materials to experiment with blackout poetry, a make-your-own magnetic poetry set, and activity sheets to have fun writing poetry. Kits are first come, first served and supplies are limited. Limit of one kit per child.

These are two of many programs planned for youth and teens during April. Upcoming opportunities include:
 

Teen programming:

  • Book with a Snack: Teen Book Boxes: Sign up for this month’s edition of the subscription-style program; April’s theme is “Graphic Explosion.” Each box will include a book, a snack and fun trinkets. Registration begins Monday, April 5 at 9 a.m. and closes Sunday, April 11 at 4 p.m. Teen book boxes may be picked up between Friday, April 16 and Friday, April 23. 
  • Discord: Looking for a way to connect with other teens (and maybe the library, too) in this socially distanced world? Join our Discord server. Visit fdlpl.org/teen to find a link to register for this teen-only forum.
  • For the latest on teen happenings, check out the new FDLPL Teens instagram account @fondylibraryteens, or visit the FDLPL Teens page on Facebook.

Youth & family programming:

  • Oregon Trail Virtual Escape Room: All month:While reading diary entries from those who traveled the Oregon Trail, you drift off to sleep. When you wake up, you realize you are in a wagon heading West with your family ... and that you have been transported into the old game called “The Oregon Trail.” Can you escape and get back to your life? Find the link at fdlpl.org
  • Story to Go - Youth Book Bags: Sign up for this month’s edition of the subscription-style program. Each bag will contain a free, gently used picture book or chapter book (parents choose which type of book to receive) and more. Each bag will contain a different book, and parents with more than one child should register each child separately. Just 40 such book bags will be available. Registration begins Monday, April 5 at 9 a.m. and closes Sunday, April 11 at 4 p.m. Bags may be picked up between Friday, April 16 and Friday, April 23.  
  • Virtual storytimes: Storytime continues twice a week through April 23 online at facebook.com/fondylibrarykids.
    • On Mondays at 9:30 am, log on for Tiny Tales: bite-size storytimes each week, featuring a story and a song, rhyme, or activity.
    • On Fridays at 9:30 am, join Cuenta Cuentos: Cada semana un cuento o historia, con una canción, poema o juego en español.
  • Drawing Lessons with Katie: Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. through April 22 at facebook.com/fondylibrarykids. Tune in and learn to draw something new and fun each week. No registration necessary.
  • Dial-A-Story: Want a storytime on demand? Call Dial-A-Story! With stories, chapter excerpts, jokes and more for a variety of ages, there’s lots to explore. Dial (920) 322-1959, follow the prompts, and choose which story you want to hear! Stories will change every two weeks. 
  • Free Kit of the Week: Stop by the library to pick up a kit of supplies for the week’s activity! Kits are first come, first served and supplies are limited. Limit of one kit per child. No registration needed; no age limits for any of the kits:
    • Friday, April 2: Clothespin Puppets
    • Friday, April 9: Fluttering Butterfly Craft
    • Friday, April 16: DIY Sensory Bin
    • Friday, April 23: Mindful Rock Wrapping