For Kids

Summer Library Program - Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

The Early Literacy Program is for children 0-2 years. Parents will complete the early literacy activities with their children.  It is never too early to start.

Read to Me Program is for children 2 years old–PreK. For every 10 days of reading, you earn a prize. You can earn a total of 4 prizes. Adults will be doing the reading with the children for this program.

School Age Program is for children who have just finished grades K-5. For every 10 days of reading, you earn a prize. You can earn a total of 4 prizes. Parents are welcome to read to their kids in this program, but kids are encouraged to read on their own. Those just finishing 5th grade have the option of the School Age or the Teen Program.  

Teen Summer Reading Program is for 5th graders to those who have just graduated high school. Participants will read as much as they want. For every 10 days of reading, you will earn an entry into the drawing for the Grand Prize "Create Your Own Converse" or a gift card to your choice of a business/store! You will be able to choose which prize you would like to enter.  You can also increase your entries by participating in programs and completing the activity badges!

Summer Story Times

In-Person Story Time will be offered on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and be held in the Story Time Room, starting June 6.

Online Story Time will be offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Register online click here to register.

Books and Art - Outdoor In-Person Story Time on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. starting on June 13, Miss Katie and Miss Marie from the Pella Art Center will offer stories and simple crafts for kids and parents!  Art and Books will be held in West Market Park, South Shelter House on Liberty St.

Special Events

Join us for a fun morning of singing and tap shoes with Duke Otherwise! With his guitar, tap shoes, and distinct baritone, Duke sings his hilarious and imaginative songs that all ages will delight in together.  Thursday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the JKF Auditorium in the Community Center Building.  Program sponsored by Van Maanen, Sietstra, Meyer, & Nikkel.  All ages are welcome to attend, no registration is needed.

Go beyond the beaten path with Pint Size Polkas in 2022! Mike Schneider's music will have all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along to such favorites as the "Chicken Dance," and the all-time camping hit, "The Happy Wanderer." But Mike's program is so much more than polka music, join us to find out!  The program will be held on Thursday, June 23 at 3:00 p.m. in the JKF Auditorium located in the Community Center Building.

Zach Sharpe from Iowa Storm Chasers Network will present fascinating information about the wonderful Iowa weather we all experience! The kid's program is at 10:00 a.m. and the adult program is at 11:00 a.m. Both programs will be held Friday, June 24 in the JKF Auditorium located in the Community Center Building

A Prairie Specialist from the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge will share information about prairie life and how pioneers might have used items from the prairie for medicine and household items.  Suggested for children 5 years and up.  Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. The program will be held in the West Market Park South Shelter House.

Get out and explore the world around you with the Blank Park Zoo! After this program feel empowered to become stewards of the natural world. All are welcome, but please note, that children will not be able to touch all of the animals.  Friday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. The zoo presentation will be held in Room 206 Community Center Building, this program is sponsored by Leighton State Bank

Ranger Spry from Lake Red Rock will show us some tips and tricks to stay safe while camping and to help others in need.  The program will be held on Thursday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the West Market Park South Shelter House.

Need to get off the path for just a bit...join us for YOGA!  Miss Deidra from Selah Yoga Studio will lead children 5-10 through a story, yoga poses, and mindfulness activities. Please remember all children under the age of 8 need to have an adult attend the program with them. Please bring a yoga mat or beach towel!  The program will be held on June 14 and July 12 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in Room 206 in the Community Center Building.  Tweens and teens, we didn't forget about you! Miss Allie from PCD Fitness will be leading you on Tuesday, June 21st & July 19th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Go beyond the beaten path with a Guided Night Hike at Lake Red Rock! Ranger Spry will lead us as we explore all the sights and sounds around us at night!  Suggested for any age as long as they are able to navigate hiking at night without a flashlight. Trust us your eyes will adjust!  Participants will need to arrange for transportation to and from the starting location near Lake Red Rock.

Family Hike on Friday, July 22 at 9:00 p.m.  Click here to register.

Teen Hike on Saturday, July 23 at 9:00 p.m. Click here to register

Registration is required and limited to 20 and starts on June 23rd.