Happy 2025! We hope you’ve enjoyed a restful holiday season and are entering the new year energized and refreshed. If you’re ready to get back into a routine, here are some upcoming events to put on your calendars:
For School-Aged Children
Note: There are five Thursdays in January, so our reoccurring Thursday school-aged programs fall a week later than usual. Also, we are switching to a new online registration system mid-January. To ensure a spot in a program, please call or email to register for any program scheduled after January 10.
Winter Reading Challenge (ages 5-9), January 1-February 28
Starting January 1, children can pick up a bookmark to keep track of their reading. Return the completed bookmark to the library by February 28 to be entered into a raffle for prizes!
Early Reader Book Club (New: Grades K-1), Thursday, January 9, 4-5 PM
Our book club got big enough to split! After our January 9 meeting, children in grades K-1 will continue to meet on the first Thursday of the month and delve into fun picture books. Children in grades 2-3 can now participate in “First Chapter Book Chats,” which meets on fourth Thursdays and introduces great chapter book and graphic novel series. (Keep reading for more information). Registration required! Register here.
Kids in the Kitchen (Grades 2-4), Thursday, January 16, 4-5 PM
Facilitated by K-State Research & Extension, this 6-session program is designed boost kids’ nutrition and fitness awareness while teaching them how to prepare healthy snacks. After January 16, sessions will continue on the second Thursday of the month through March. Registration required! To register, please email srickard@newtonplks.org or call 316-283-2890.
Stories and STEAM (Grades 2-4), Thursday, January 23, 4-5 PM
Participants enjoy hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math! This month, we’ll be exploring Rube Goldberg’s chain reaction machines that can be replicated at home. Registration required! To register, please email srickard@newtonplks.org or call 316-283-2890.
NEW! First Chapter Book Chats (Grades 2-3), Thursday, January 30, 4-5 PM
Typically on the Fourth Thursday of each month, we’ll start a new book from the First Chapter collection that participants can keep and follow up with a related activity. Ideal for older Early Reader Book Club participants who are ready for a challenge. This month, we’ll read Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits by Julian Gough & Jim Field. Registration required! To register, please email srickard@newtonplks.org or call 316-283-2890.
For Children Ages 0-5
Winter StoryTime Session: January 13-March 14
- Family (All Ages): Mondays, 6:30 PM
- Baby (0-18 months): Wednesdays, 9:30 AM
- Toddler (18-38 months): Wednesdays, 11 AM & Thursdays, 9:30 AM
- Preschool (3-5 years): Thursdays & Fridays, 11 AM
(Note: Baby/Toddler Play Dates will replace Baby and Toddler StoryTimes on Wednesdays, February 12 & March 12).
StoryTime Kits Available for Check Out
Each kit is organized around a topic and contains 4 books, song and rhyme options, and pieces for a magnet-board activity (including the magnet board). Perfect for use in day cares or for your own story times at home!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email srickard@newtonplks.org or call the library at 316-283-2890.
Happy New Year!