There's always something going on in the Youth Services Department! Check out  Youth News to learn about new services and special events, and don't miss all of the ongoing programs we offer for children throughout the year!

• Programs for Infants & Toddlers
• Programs for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners
• Programs for Grades 1-3
• Programs for Grades 4-6
• Free Performances for Kids and Families

Please see each program description for registration information.

If you prefer, you can also browse our programs in a calendar view.

Have questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us via email or by phone at 847-356-7711. See you at the library!
  

iPads are here!

Parents, did you know the Youth Services Department has iPads that your children can enjoy in the library? These iPads are pre-loaded with fun apps based on popular children’s books as well as other educational activities. Visit us at the Youth Services Desk to find out more!
  

Look for the IDOL in the Youth Services Department

Parents, wouldn't it be great to have someone read to your preschoolers while you browse the children's collection in relative quiet? Or, do you have an emergent reader who could use some practice reading aloud? We have the solution! Our IDOL program (IDOL stands for Interact, Demonstrate, Offer and Link) gives middle- and early high-schoolers the opportunity to volunteer in the Youth Services Department and provide just these kinds of services. Know someone in grades 6-10 who might be interested in becoming an IDOL? Here's the info!

Spring Storytimes
Ages 2 Years - Kindergarten

Come join the fun at storytime! All programs except the Family Drop-In programs require registration, which can be done in person or over the phone by calling 847-356-7711. Registration for spring storytimes begins March 1; children must be the proper age by April 8.

Storytime for 4 year olds through Kindergarteners
Mondays, 10:30 a.m., April 8-May 13
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 9-May 14
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., April 10-May 15

Family Storytime
Register up to three children from your family between the ages of 2-Kindergarten.
Mondays, 10:30 a.m., April 8-May 13
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 9-May 13
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., April 10-May 15
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 11-May 16

Family Drop-In Storytime
No registration required, all ages welcome!
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., April 10-May 15
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., April 13-May 18

Little Listeners
Ages 3 months - 36 months

Have a baby or toddler at home? Little Listeners is a program designed to coach parents/caregivers in supporting early literacy skills through the use of rhymes, stories and other language-building activities. This program is designed for one-on-one interaction between child and adult partner; please, no other siblings. Registration for the June session begins May 1; children must be the proper age by June 4.

Little Listeners A: 3 months-17 months
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., June 6-27

Little Listeners B: 15 months-28 months
Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., June 6-27

Little Listeners C: 24 months-36 months
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., June 4-25
Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m., June 5-26
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., June 6-27
  

See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Friday Fun Faire
Ages 3 Years - Kindergarten

Books and crafts—that's what Friday Fun Faire is all about! After enjoying a story, your child will work with you to make a project to take home. Choose one of five Friday Fun Faire opportunities each month!

May sessions (registration begins April 1)
Friday, May 3: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., or 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 17: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

June sessions (registration begins May 1)
Friday, June 7: 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., or 1:00 p.m.
Friday, June 21: 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
  

Spring Storytimes
Ages 2 Years - Kindergarten

Come join the fun at storytime! All programs except the Family Drop-In programs require registration, which can be done in person or over the phone by calling 847-356-7711. Registration for spring storytimes begins March 1; children must be the proper age by April 8.

Storytime for 4 year olds through Kindergarteners
Mondays, 10:30 a.m., April 8-May 13
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 9-May 14
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., April 10-May 15

Family Storytime
Register up to three children from your family between the ages of 2-Kindergarten.
Mondays, 10:30 a.m., April 8-May 13
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 9-May 13
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., April 10-May 15
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., April 11-May 16

Family Drop-In Storytime
No registration required, all ages welcome!
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., April 10-May 15
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., April 13-May 18

See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Science Explorers
Grades 1 - 3

We're very excited about this science program for the younger set! Over 4 weeks, we'll explore basic scientific principles and stimulate kids' curiosity with hands-on projects. Registration for the June session begins May 1.

June session
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., June 5-26

Art Exchange
Grades 1-3

A great program for young artists! Each week we'll study amazing picture book art and try out different techniques. The fun is in the exploration! Registration begins March 1.

Spring session
Thursdays, 4:30-5;30 p.m., April 11-May 16
  

Wednesday Afternoon Club
Grades 1 - 3

Wednesday Afternoon Club is all about sharing great books, poems, riddles and songs—and building vocabulary skills along the way! Don't miss out on the fun! Registration for the spring session begins March 1.

Spring session
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., April 10-May 15

The Write Stuff
Grades 3 - 6

Attention, aspiring authors! Join us the third Saturday of every month for an hour-long workshop all about creative writing.

May 18, 1:00 p.m.
It's O. Henry Pun-Off Day
All for puns, puns for all!
Registration begins April 20.
Register online

June 15, 1:00 p.m.
Wish You Were Here
Write postcards from a make-believe trip
Registration begins May 18.
Register online

See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Science Specialists
Grades 4 - 6

Explore science with hands-on experiments! Students will examine the many aspects of the scientific world in a 4-week session of hour-long programs. Registration for the June session begins May 1.

June session
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., June 4-25

Novel Thoughts+
A Book Discussion
Grades 4 - 6

Read the book, form an opinion and join us in the Conference Room on the third Wednesday of the month for a lively discussion! Please note, we've added an extra 15 minutes so we have more time to talk books!

Novel Thoughts has turned 100! See our Q&A with Ms. Reed!

May 15, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
I Was a Rat! by Philip Pullman
Registration begins April 17.
Register online

June 15, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Wish You Were Here by Philip Pullman
Registration begins May 15.
Register online

The Write Stuff
Grades 3 - 6

Attention, aspiring authors! Join us the third Saturday of every month for an hour-long workshop all about creative writing.

May 18, 1:00 p.m.
It's O. Henry Pun-Off Day
All for puns, puns for all!
Registration begins April 20.
Register online

June 15, 1:00 p.m.
Wish You Were Here
Write postcards from a make-believe trip
Registration begins May 18.
Register online

See below for information on upcoming free performances at the library!

Tickets for the following free events are available in person at the Youth Services Desk starting on the dates listed below. We also take a limited number of online reservations for tickets, follow the links. Please note, you must register each person ages 2 and older who will be attending, including caregivers.

Music of the World
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse musical cultures of the world and get a chance to try out some amazing instruments! Tickets will be available starting April 1, including a limited number by online registration. Please note, if online registration is filled, there may still be tickets available at the Youth Services Desk.)

Robin's Dog Stars
Friday, June 14, 1:00 p.m.
Starlight and her owner/trainer Robin Bengtson will teach us all about dogs … and entertain us along the way with some fantastic tricks! Tickets will be available starting May 1, including a limited number by online registration. Please note, if online registration is filled, there may still be tickets available at the Youth Services Desk.)