Storytimes

Battle Creek's first female mayor, Maude Bristol Perry, will read “Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed for this story time celebrating Black History Month. The book is about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. Bristol Perry, who is an African-American female trailblazer in our community, will discuss her journey as a longtime businesswoman, civic leader, and community activist.

Monday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Join Miss Beth as she reads “Pirates Love Underpants” by Claire Freedman. These pirates are not so scary but oh, do they like to have silly fun! This story time will lead us on a search for the most special bounty of all—pants of gold!

The January Grab and Go kit includes a craft for this story time.

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m.
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Through nursery rhymes, finger plays and reading books, you will be able to enjoy a special bonding time with your little one while encouraging early literacy development. This one-on-one program is sure to become a favorite for both of you.

To increase the fun, pick up a January Babytime on the Go bag from curbside service. The bags will include board books and other materials to encourage play.

Beginning Feb. 1, the February Babytime on the Go Bag, which includes a board book, two rhythm sticks, and a scarf to encourage play, which is one of the five early literacy skills, will be available for pickup. In addition, the bag includes an early literacy calendar and a list of everyday activities parents can do to boost brain and vocabulary development.

Babytime is for those from birth through the end of their second year.

Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 11 a.m.,
Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Miss Nicole and Miss Mawi will move their bodies and have fun during this interactive bilingual story time. Participants will learn the names of various body parts in English and Burmese. The story time will include a song; a story, "From Head to Toe" by Eric Carle; and an activity.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m.
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Story Time Grab ’n’ Go Kits are back for January! The kits contain materials for crafts that go along with the library’s virtual story times. Watch the program to learn how to make the craft. When you call curbside service to pick up your books, just ask for a Grab ’n’ Go Kit.

Available beginning Monday, Jan. 4,
While supplies last
Downtown and Helen Warner Branch

Explore the fun world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) with Nicole and Alisha each month. In February, follow along and learn how to make fun balloon poppers.

The supplies are included in Story Time Grab 'n' Go Kits, which are available from both libraries beginning Feb. 1 while supplies last.

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.,
Video Premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube Channels

Smalls acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life. This story time explores how easy it is to be kind. We will sing songs and read a story about how something as small as sharing your last chocolate can show someone just how much you care.

We will finish with a craft from the Story Time Grab ’n’ Go Kits that can help you show someone kindness.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. ,
Video Premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube Channels

Enjoy this interactive bilingual story time. This month will feature the book "Dear Zoo" by Rod Campbell. Youngsters will learn the names of various zoo animals in English and Burmese. This story time will include a book read-aloud, a fun activity, and a craft.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m.,
Video Premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube Channels

There are many different animals on a farm, and they all like to eat something different. Horses love hay, pigs love slop, and cows love … cookies? Yes, yes they do! They love cookies just like you! Children will love the sweet story “The Cow Loves Cookies” by Karma Wilson and all the fun activities that will go with it.

Wednesday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. ,
Video Premiere on Willard's Facebook and YouTube Channels