Children's Programs

What's Happening

Events Calendar

Click HERE to visit our Events Calendar

Summer Reading 2023 11x17" double-sided flier to print

StoryWalk®

Stop by for a stroll through our StoryWalks! StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. The StoryWalk begins near the entrance of the library, and follows the sidewalk to our beautiful Patrons Park!

December - April the StoryWalk will take place indoors. Start in the Children's Department near the Book Sale nook.

May 2023 - What? Cried Granny by Kate Lum (bilingual in Spanish)

June 2023 - 3 Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark

July 2024 - Blobfish

Storytimes

Preschool Storytimes - Tuesday/Wednesday at 10am

Baby Storytime (Age 0-2) - Wednesdays at 9:15am

Indoors in Storyroom.

Adventure Passes

We have passes to several local attractions that are able to be checked out for free admission. Passes circulate for 3 days, no renewals.

-Betty Brinn Children's Museum - free entrance for one family, with up to 6 guests. Discounted parking. (2 passes, check catalog for availability.)

-Mitchell Park Domes - free admission for one family. Parking is free. (3 passes, check catalog for availability.)

-A place in Milwaukee with animals - free entrance for up to 8 in one vehicle (and includes free parking for one vehicle). We aren't allowed to advertise which attraction, but it's a popular place off W. Bluemound Avenue. It is open 362 days a year. (2 passes, check catalog for availability.)

-Schlitz Audubon - free admission, parking is free. (1 pass, check catalog for availability.)

-Kettle Moraine YMCA (Adventure Pool) - free admission for 2 adults and minor children, parking is free. (2 passes, check catalog for availability.)

Passes are not holdable from our catalog. We are able to hold passes for 1 hour by phone 262-335-5151 ext. 5257. Please check the Monarch Catalog to see what passes are available.

Rescue Readers - Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:30pm (register at library)

This weekly program takes place off-site.

Please meet at:

Washington County Humane Society

3650 WI-60 Trunk, Slinger, WI 53086

Animals are ideal reading companions because they:

Help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure.
Do not laugh, judge, or criticize.
Allow children to proceed at their own pace.
Are less intimidating than peers.
PLUS! You are helping to socialize shelter animals!

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR INDEPENDENTLY READING CHILDREN!

SIGN-UP AT THE LIBRARY FOR A 15 MINUTE TIME SLOT. YOU MAY CALL OR STOP IN TO REGISTER,

262-335-5151 ext. 5246. Please call the library if you need to cancel. Bring your own book to read; we will also offer a selection of books if you forget!

Please be respectful to WCHS staff and animals, and follow the rules of the facility.

Virtual Storytimes on YouTube

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for all our virtual programs for kids! Click here for the storytime playlist.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

This free program encourages you to read 1000 books with your child before he or she enters Kindergarten. This goal was set by experts who say children need to hear at least 1000 books to help them learn to read for themselves. One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books each and every day. Reading together helps develop important pre-reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation — a key to school success. Plus reading together is fun and a great way to bond and relax. The program has no end date except for when your child starts school, so don’t feel rushed—just enjoy the experience! Take every chance to read with your child. You will share many special moments along the way. Find out more about 1,000 books before kindergarten.

Kiwanis Early Risers Family Programs

Once a month, the West Bend Library hosts a fun, family-friendly special performer. Music, magic, comedy, and more come to the West Bend community for free thanks to the Kiwanis Early Risers. Programs typically run about 45 minutes. Check our calendar to see more information about what's coming soon!

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanians of The West Bend Early Risers work together to achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. Early Riser fund raising events - including the Souper Bowl Saturday Soup and Chili Cook Off, the Duck Derby, and Go-Kart racing - help support a variety of youth-oriented community programs. Their focus is to make West Bend, Wisconsin a better place to live. Wherever there’s a need, Kiwanians will be there – as they have for over 100 years, making a difference for children and for their communities.

Find out more about the West Bend Kiwanis here!

June-August - see Summer Reading Program fliers for performer listing

September 21, 2023 - Mischief and Magic