School Age Programs

The April Story Time Grab ‘n’ Go Kits contain materials to participate in the library’s virtual programs for preschool and school-age children. 
Available beginning April 1 while supplies last

The May Grab ‘n’ Go Kits have a Back to Nature theme. All materials go along with the Back to Nature programming by Leila Arboretum every Wednesday in May.
Available Beginning May 1 while supplies last

Each month, the library hosts a Bilingual Story Time in English and Burmese.

April: 'Five Little Monkeys'
The April interactive Bilingual Story Time will feature the book "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" by Eileen Christelow. Participants will learn how to count to five in English and Burmese. This story time will include a book, a fun activity, and a craft.
Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m.
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

May: 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'
The May interactive Bilingual Story Time will feature "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Children will learn how to pronounce names of food in English and Burmese. This story time will include a book, a fun activity, and a craft from the May Grab ‘n’ Go Bags.
Thursday, May 27, 6 p.m.
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Rain, Rain, it's time to play, it's story time today! In this story time, Miss Chelsea will sprinkle in some rhymes, some science, a rainy day craft, and a book about why the wonderful rain is so important.

Wednesday, April 21, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Blankies aren't just for babies, according to Doris the Gorilla. Come along on a jungle adventure as Doris tries to make new friends, who will accept her and her blankie, Frankie. This story time will feature the book “Frankie the Blankie” by Jennifer Sattler.

Wednesday, April 28, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

April is National Poetry Month, and students in grades 5-12, are invited to celebrate with Willard. Teens may pick up Poetry Kits, which are full of fun activities to inspire them to create their own poetry -- and a surprise or two. Listen to Miss Stephanie and Miss Alisha talk about poetry in the video.
 
NOTE: The Poetry Kits have all been given out.

**Video premieres Monday, April 5, at 11 a.m.

Now, more than ever, teens need their space to unwind and relax. Willard’s teen librarians welcome students in grades 5-12 to visit the downtown library’s Lower Level on weekdays between 2 and 5 p.m. Teens are encouraged to enjoy some gaming, make arts and crafts projects, use a computer, or simply sit back and take a break from it all.

Students may use the side entrance near the parking lot to enter the building. Individuals are limited to one hour inside the building per day, social distancing and masks are required. Due to occupancy limitations, students may be asked to wait before entering.  

NOTE: Teen Time will return when the Battle Creek Public Schools resume in-person classes

Monday through Friday on school days, 2-5 p.m.,
Downtown Lower Level

May is finally here, and many of us are ready to go outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Katy Avery from Leila Arboretum will present a four-part Back to Nature Series. Katy will lead youngsters through some amazing hands-on activities that will inspire the nature lover inside of us.

Wednesdays, May 5, 12, 19, and 26, 11 a.m.,
Live streaming on Willard's Facebook Page, YouTube, Twitter, and WillardLibrary.org