School Age Programs

The Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program encourages those in kindergarten through fourth grade to read daily and check off pictures on the log. Books, magazines, even comics, count toward this goal.

The bingo cards are available from both libraries or may be downloaded:
English
Spanish
Burmese

Three prizes may be earned throughout the summer:

• Monday, June 27: First day to claim prize 1
• Saturday, July 16: First day to claim prize 2
• Friday, Aug. 5: First day to claim prize 5
• Friday, August 12: Last day to claim prizes and be entered in the grand-prize drawing for a $100 Visa gift card

Learn more about the ocean with staff members from the Air Zoo! Explore a variety of sea creatures, who call the ocean home; experiment with buoyancy and locomotion techniques; and create a marine critter to take home. Also, learn about the Earth’s limited water resources and how to protect these resources as we find out just how important the oceans are for our future. This program is geared for school-age children and their families.

Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m.,
Helen Warner Branch,
Dean O. Barnum Amphitheater,

Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
Downtown Programming Room,

Day cares and camps with six or more children must register for this program by calling 269-968-8166, ext. 518.

This family program allows parents and children to sit back and be swept away by a new book. A member of the Youth Services staff will read the first few chapters of the book on video then families may finish reading the book at home. The program is geared for students in grades three through five.

The books will be available at Downtown Children's Room or the Helen Warner Branch while supplies last. In addition, both books are available for free downloading or streaming through Willard’s digital app, Libby.

“Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly
This is a story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.
Friday, July 15: Book available for pickup,
Friday, July 22, 2 p.m.: Video premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube channels

Making Waves Mondays allow children in kindergarten through second grade to experience theater, piano music, musical instruments, emergency preparedness, and a movie during June and July.

This American Red Cross program teaches students in grades three through five how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during house fire or other emergency.

Monday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.,
Downtown Programming Room

The American Red Cross returns with an encore presentation of the Prepare with Pedro program. The program teaches students in kindergarten through second grade how to prepare to take action during a house fire or other emergency.

Monday, July 18, 10 a.m.,
Helen Warner Branch

Enjoy an evening of fun with comedy magician and entertainer Cameron Zvara. Cameron’s show is filled with mind-blowing magic, comedy, juggling, music, and tons of audience participation. A Willard Library favorite, he will have audiences of all ages roaring with laughter.

Tuesday, July 19, 5 p.m.,
Helen Warner Branch

The Making Waves Mondays series concludes with showing a special ocean-themed movie. Families are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy during the movie.

Here are some clues to guess the movie:

• The characters visit the Italian Riviera
• Two best friends go on a fun adventure, but the fun is threatened by a big secret
• The movie premiered in 2021 and is rated PG.

Monday, July 25, 6 p.m.,
Willard Programming Room

Local art teacher Oz Rinckey is back with fun art activities for those from 9-14 years. Each month, participants will learn a new art technique or medium while hanging out and making new friends.

Tuesday, July 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,
Downtown Lower Level,
Click here to register

Take a bite out of Shark Days at Willard Library. Venture to the library to enjoy shark activities, games, prizes, and edible fun. This program is geared to preschoolers and school-age children and their families. Participants may drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon.

Tuesday, July 26, 10 a.m. to noon,
Downtown Programming Room,

Wednesday, July 27, 10 a.m. to noon,
Helen Warner Branch