Children's Services
Welcome to the Children's Area!
Books for all ages from birth through elementary school
Educational toys, puppets, and puzzles available for free play
Outdoor play area with sidewalk games
DVDs, magazines, audiobooks, storytime kits, and science kits
Coloring/craft table always open
Private nursing room and family restrooms
AWE computers (educational software; no Internet)
Internet computers (equipped with automated filtering)
Adult computers with baby playpen
Printing station
Bookingham Palace (dedicated children's program room)
Summer Weekly Programs
Download or view the 2026 Summer Reading Program booklet!
Summer programs kick off every year in late May, with eight weeks of programs beginning June 1 and ending July 31. During the week of June 28 - July 4 we will have special programs to celebrate America's 250th birthday! Check the library's online event calendar for more details and special events.
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is run through the Beanstack website and app. The more kids read, the more chances to win prizes and rewards they earn!
To sign up daycares, preschools, or groups of 6 or more, please call us at least 1 week ahead at 308-385-5333 so we can have enough craft supplies prepared.
Kick off Summer 2026 with Dinosaur Dimensions Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM!
Summer Stories & Crafts
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Grades pre-K - 5th
Summer Big Kids Club
New Activities Every Week!
Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
Grades 3rd - 5th
Summer Baby & Toddler Lapsit
For Babies and Their Caregivers
Fridays at 10:30 AM
Ages birth - 2
Ms. Brenda's Best Books
Fridays at 2:00 PM
Grades pre-K - 2nd
Summer Mega Mondays
BIG Programs for All Ages
Mondays at 10:30 AM
Summer Reading Camp
Pre-registration Required
Mondays at 2:00 PM
Entering Grades 1st - 5th
Registration opens May 1
Summer Tween Programs
New Activities Every Week!
Thursdays at 2:00 PM
Ages 10 - 13
Some programs require registration
School Year Programs
No registration required! Drop in anytime. These programs run from the first Monday after Labor Day in September to the first Friday in May, except holiday breaks. Check the library's online event calendar for more details and special events.
To sign up daycares, preschools, or groups of 6 or more, please call at least 48 hours ahead at 308-385-5333 so we can have enough craft supplies prepared.
Pajamatime
Family Storytime with Craft
Mondays at 6:15 PM
Ages 11 & under
Bookbop
Music and Movement Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Ages 5 & under
Preschool Storytime
Storytime with Craft
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM
Ages 3 - 5
Morning Playtime
Free Play for Kids and Families
Thursdays at 10:30 AM
Ages 6 & under
Baby & Toddler Lapsit
For Babies and Their Caregivers
Fridays at 10:30 AM
Ages birth - 2
Homeschooler Program
STEAM Activities
One Friday a month at 2:00 PM
Grades K-5
Other Programs
Check library's online event calendar for more details and one-time special events!
Special Programming
The library offers special programs throughout the year. Check the library's online event calendar for more details!
Prime Time Family Reading
Bilingual Family Program Presented by Humanities Nebraska
Prime Time is a free 6-week bilingual English/Spanish program designed to encourage families to read and discuss literature together. The program introduces humanities themes and topics like fairness, courage, and loyalty through award-winning classic children’s books.
Prime Time is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and separate programs are available for elementary-aged children and preschoolers. Call the library at 308-385-5333 or check the library's online event calendar for the next session dates. Pre-registration is required.
Reading Initiatives and Challenges
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one starts kindergarten. Read more here!
Sign up to track your progress and earn rewards on the Beanstack website/app! (Scroll down and choose the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" challenge. Rewards can be picked up at the library.)
Summer & Winter Reading Challenges
All our reading challenges are run on the Beanstack website/mobile app. Check here for our current challenges, sign up, and earn rewards and chances to win prizes from the library!
Summer reading runs for 10 weeks between mid-to-late May and early August. Winter reading challenges run in December and January.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. The Heartland United Way sponsors this program for residents of Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Howard Counties. Click here to sign up!
