Science-Filled Spring Break is Highlight

All events are free. Accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request at (316) 261-8500 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the event. Seating is limited. Unless otherwise noted, programs are first-come, first-seated. Central Library can accommodate larger groups; call 261-8512. Thanks to the City of Wichita, Wichita Public Library Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities and Friends of the Wichita Public Library for making many of these events possible.

Make & Take Craft: CD Spinner
Stop by the library to make old compact discs into kaleidoscope spinners. For ages 4-10. (Available five hours at the Linwood Park and Angelou Northeast branches; three hours at Orchard Park)

• 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 337-9125
• 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580
• 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 337-9084

Green Ogre Movie Madness
You’ve seen the movie lots of times: now it’s time to play along! Come dressed as your favorite fairy tale character and get ready to cheer on this famous green ogre and his donkey sidekick, boo the evil villain, and make kissy noises during all the mushy parts in this audience participation event. Feel free to bring snacks! For children 4 and up with their family. Due to licensing restrictions, movie titles are unavailable to the media or on the Library's web site. Please call the Library for more details. (90 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Books, Blocks and Board Games
Stop by the Alford Branch Library to play a board game, have fun with blocks and listen to a story or two. Saturday fun for the whole family! For children aged 3-6 with their families. (Available 2 hours)

• 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119

Preschool Storytime
Stories, fingerplays and more for children aged 3-6. No session Monday, Jan. 21 or Feb. 18. (30 minutes)

• 10:30 a.m., Mondays, Jan. 14-April 8, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119
• 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15-April 9, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15-April 9, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Children only. Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.)
• 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 16-April 3, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361
• 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17-April 4, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181 (Cuentos Bilingües: English/Spanish bilingual storytime)
• 10:30 a.m., Saturdays, Jan. 19-April 13, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Toddle Time
Stories, rhymes and motion activities for 2-year-olds with an adult helper. (20 minutes)

• 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15-April 9, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119

Nursery Rhyme Time
Music, rhymes, activities and stories for ages 2 and under with an adult helper. (20 minutes)

• 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15-April 2, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361
• 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 16-April 10, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Jan. 17-April 11, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.)
• 10:30 a.m., Fridays, Jan. 18-April 12, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 10:30 a.m., Fridays, Jan. 18-April 12, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.)

Family Pajama-rama Night
Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join in the fun. So pull on your pajamas and enjoy books, songs, games, and a craft sure to delight ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19, and April 16, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580

Family Storytime
Stories, fingerplays and more for ages 2-6 with their families. Space is limited; first-come, first-seated. (30 minutes)

• 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16-April 10, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Baby’s First Storytime
Even if babies are not yet walking, their brains are absorbing knowledge! Put Baby in your lap and enjoy music, rhymes and stories together for newborns to nine months. (20 minutes)

• 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 16-April 10, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Read to Rover
Read to Rover is a program of the Library and Kansas Humane Society designed to improve children's reading and communication skills. Reading to a dog is typically less stressful for a child and a whole lot more fun! Kids will have individual 20-minute sessions reading to a furry friend, learning about interacting with dogs, and taking part in other educational arts and craft projects. Limited to 12 children, 1st-5th grade, per session. Registration required; contact Bonnie at 524-9196 x 218 or email bharrell@kshumane.org. Sessions meet in the Learning Center at the Kansas Humane Society. (90 minutes)

• 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)
• 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)
• 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)
• 10 a.m., Saturday, April 20, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)
• 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside)

Family Fun Time: Dragon Adventures
Through classic tales and new favorites, we will join dragons in their extraordinary expeditions. Registration required and begins Wednesday, Jan. 9; call 337-9456. For ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 24, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Family Fun Night: Eeeek! It’s a Mouse!
Mice are on the loose in the library! Listen to stories and make a mouse puppet. For children aged 3 and up with family. (60 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181

Make & Take Craft: Celebrate Red
February is full of red hearts and red roses. Make a red craft for ages 4-10. (Available five hours at the Linwood Park and Angelou Northeast branches; three hours at Orchard Park)

• 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580
• 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 337-9125
• 2:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 25, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 337-9084

Guys Read Activity Club
Take the pledge and find out – this isn’t your little sister’s book club! Guys Read is a national program started by Jon Sciezska especially for GUYS. Every month, we’ll read a short story out of "Guys Read: Thriller," then do activities based on the stories. Bring your dad, grandpa, uncle, or guy mentor with you to eat snacks and do guy stuff. Guys and their guy mentors should sign up in pairs; we have copies of "Guys Read: Thriller" to check out from the library for you too! We meet on the first Tuesday of the month. Registration required and begins Wednesday, Jan. 16; call 261-8500. For guys aged10-13 and their older guy mentors. (60 minutes)

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Family Fun Night: Anansi the Trickster
Sneaky spider Anansi is causing problems everywhere. Listen to other stories from Africa and make your own spider. For children aged 3 and up with family. (60 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 5, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181
• 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580

Puppet Shows
For children aged 3-8 with their families. (20-30 minutes)
6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.)

• 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361
• 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181
• 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 (Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.)

United We Stand, Together We Read
This interactive storytelling session with Oba William King, the Poetic Storyteller, will feature African folktales and poetry in the tradition of the African Griot. Join us for a fine evening with the family. All ages, all cultures -- all are welcome. (60 minutes)

• 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580 (After-hours event, doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Time to Play: Stories for Children (and the Young at Heart)
The Poetic Storyteller, Oba William King, shares nursery rhymes, call and response stories, playground games, songs, and activities designed to feed the imagination of even the youngest child. Drumming and dancing will be part of the fun! Join us for this festival of early literacy delights. (45 minutes)

• 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580

Umoja Day Program with the Poetic Storyteller
In the Kiswahili language, “umoja” means “unity.” This program is designed to bring anyone and everyone together in a celebration of story, drum, and dance. Oba William King leads a special finale that invites participants to contribute to the festivities in multiple ways. As an African proverb tells us, “Many spiders working together can bring down an elephant.” (60 minutes)

• 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th St., 688-9361

Around the World in Stories
Do you like to hear stories from other lands? We will have stories, crafts and other fun activities for the whole family. Registration required, begins Wednesday, Jan. 30; call 337-9119. For children aged 5-10. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119

Wet Felting with Soap
Make something spiffy for your Valentine! We’ll show children aged 9-12 how to transform plain wool into something fantastic! Create fiber art using hot water and dish soap. Make beads, flat “paintings,” and even make an all-in-one washcloth. Registration required and begins Wednesday, Feb. 6; call 261-8512. (60 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

How Do You Do? A Lesson in Manners
What do you say when you meet someone? Talk on the phone? Write a thank-you note? Registration required and begins Wednesday, Jan. 23; call 303-8181. For ages 7-10. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181

Reader’s Theater
Children aged 5-10 will enjoy helping our library “actors” perform stories from our favorite books (30-45 minutes)

• 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361

Make & Take Craft: Tin Can Wind Chimes
Children aged 4-10 will create their own tin can wind chimes. Listen to find out if March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb! (Available five hours at the Linwood Park and Angelou Northeast branches; three hours at Orchard Park)

• 1 p.m., Saturday, March 2, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580
• 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 337-9125
• 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 18, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 337-9084

Pinkalicious Book Party
Everything’s pink -- from cupcakes to wands -- at this party based on the book by Victoria Kann. For children aged 7-10. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181 (Registration required and begins Wednesday, Feb. 20; call 303-8181.)
• 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580 (Registration required and begins Wednesday, Feb. 27; call 688-9580.)

Family Fun Time: “Max and Ruby” and Us
Activities and stories based on Rosemary Wells’ popular bunnies. Registration required and beings Wednesday, Feb. 20; call 337-9456. For ages 3 and up. (45 minutes)

• 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 7, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Become a Mad Scientist with Franny K. Stein
Enjoy games, crafts and experiments for ages 6-9. Registration is required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 261-8512. (90 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 18, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Recycled Art
Enjoy making a craft – rather, recycling a craft – out of odds and ends scrap materials. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 688-9361. For children aged 9-11. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361

Go Fly a Kite!
March is perfect for flying a kite. We will construct our own kites and, if the day is breezy, we will try them out in the park. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 337-9125. For children ages 7-12. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 337-9125

Squishy Circuits: Light it Up with Dough!
Use common household ingredients to make dough that can help light up small LEDs. Explore the world of electronics and technology with science that’s fun and squishy. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 261-8512. For children aged 9-12. (60 minutes)

• 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Craft to Go: Puzzle Piece Photo Frame
Children aged 4-10 may pick up a packet of materials to create a puzzle piece picture frame at home! Only simple supplies such as scissors, glue or tape will be required. (Available six hours)

• 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, Comotara Branch Library, 2244 N. Rock Rd., 688-9350

Defying Gravity
Break a law (of gravity) and get away with it when you make a special machine. Registration required and begins Friday, March 15; call 303-8181. For children aged 7-10. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181

A Grimm Afternoon
Is Prince Charming actually kind? Why is the Big Bad Wolf bad? What happens when fairy tale characters are trapped in a contemporary small town? Enjoy activities based on the book series “The Sisters Grimm” by Michael Buckley. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 337-9456. For ages 9-11. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Fantastic Flicks
Bring your own refreshments and enjoy an animated movie for ages 4 and up on the big screen. Due to licensing restrictions, titles are not available to the media or on the Library’s web site. (90 minutes, rated PG)

• 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361

Magic Treehouse Party
Celebrate the "Magic Treehouse" series with games and activities. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 337-9119. For children aged 8-12. (60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119

Hopping and Popping Popcorn Science
Think popcorn’s just for eating? Think again! Kids in grades 1-2 or aged 6-8 will perform several experiments involving this tasty treat. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 337-9456. (45 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Little House on the Prairie
Learn about life on the frontier! Churn butter and do other crafts and activities that Laura “Half-Pint” Ingalls did when she was growing up on the prairie. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 6; call 261-8512. For children ages 5-9. (45-60 minutes)

• 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 22, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500

Fourth Annual Young Artists’ Exhibits
Artwork from area students will be displayed throughout April in celebration of the Week of the Young Child (April 14-20). Early childhood programs help children learn valuable skills for life and school-readiness, and allow parents to work. The Library provides bulk loans and outreach programs to enhance their experience. All exhibits are available during regular business hours.

• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Central Library, 223 S. Main, 261-8500
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119
• Tuesday, April 2-Tuesday, April 30, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st, 688-9580
• Tuesday, April 2-Tuesday, April 30, Comotara Branch Library, 2244 N. Rock Rd., 688-9350
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, 303-8181
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, 337-9125
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, 337-9084
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361
• Monday, April 1-Tuesday, April 30, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456

Trucktown Party
What do Jack Truck, Dump Truck Dan and Cement Mixer Melvin have in common? They are all heading to Trucktown – rather, the Library! – for truck stories and activities. Kids aged 3-9 will also have a chance to explore a fire truck. Registration required and begins Wednesday, March 17; call 688-9361. (60 minutes)

• 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688-9361

Alford Branch Library 10th Anniversary Celebration
Join in a special birthday party for the Lionel D. Alford Regional Branch Library! Take part in a trivia challenge, meet Clifford, make crafts, and enjoy more special events all day long to honor this special day. Watch www.wichita.lib.ks.us for a complete schedule of activities.

• 10 a.m., Saturday, April 13, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, 337-9119