Storytimes

Willard’s 2021 Summer Reading Program, Tails and Tales, promotes the joys of reading. Reading logs may be picked up at either library. As an incentive, children from birth to this fall’s fourth graders may earn prizes for reading or being read to. Prizes will be available after every 20 days of reading. Participants may claim their prizes through curbside service or in person at either library. Participants who read a total of 60 days and turn in their logs in by Aug. 13 will be entered into a grand-prize drawing for a gift certificate to a local business.

Click here to download the form in English or Spanish.

• Monday, June 7: Reading begins
• Friday, June 25: Prize one available for 20 days of reading
• Friday, July 16: Prize two available for a total of 40 days of reading
• Friday, Aug. 6: Prize three available for a total of 60 days of reading
• Friday, Aug. 13: Last day to claim prizes and be entered in grand-prize drawing

Sensory bins and sensory bags create experiences for little ones to explore new materials and concepts safely. Miss Chelsea will show viewers how to create a froggy-filled sensory bin or sensory bag using the materials provided in the June Little Explorers on the Go Bags.

Thursday, June 17, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Babies and preschoolers may create a world of color any way they wish during this fun story time. They will hear the book “Bear Sees Colors” by Karma Wilson and then paint using the smush no-mess method or if you’re feeling adventurous let the youngsters go all in and embrace the chaos with finger paints. Materials will be in the June Little Explorers on the Go bags.

Thursday, June 24, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

This summer, the library’s youngest guests may now have the full Grab 'n' Go Bag experience with the Little Explorers on the Go Bags. Each bag contains activities that supplement the virtual programs on Thursdays at 11 a.m. The programs are geared to those from birth through 4 years.

Bags will be available at both libraries on the first of each month

During this interactive, bilingual story time, youngsters will enjoy hearing the book, "Plant the Tiny Seed" by Christie Matheson, and act out the story. This is a cute tale about planting a seed and how the magic of nature makes it grow into a flower. In addition, the program, which is in Burmese and English, will include a finger play/song and a craft.

Thursday, July 1, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

We've made it past the halfway mark of Willard’s Summer Reading Program, so let's celebrate our progress with a dance party! Our favorite DJ, Cory Boedecker, will be playing the tunes to keep the party moving. Don't miss this opportunity to shake your tail feather with your favorite library friends.Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Thursday, July 8, 6-7:30 p.m.,
Helen Warner Branch Amphitheater

Join Willie the Shark as he fishes for colors and counts fish. Toddlers and preschoolers may actively participate in this story time by singing songs and pretending to fish. In addition, they will use the fishing poles and fish in the July Little Explorers on the Go Bags for this program.

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

A simple walk outside creates countless opportunities for conversation and exploration. Join Miss Chelsea for an educational earth walk focused on the senses and expanding our vocabulary. While on the virtual hike, participants will find many things to hear, smell, see, and touch.

Thursday, July 22, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

A farm is so much fun, but did you know the best part is a barnyard dance? Preschoolers will learn how the animals on the farm kick up their heels and have a great time in “Barnyard Dance” by Sandra Boynton.  

Thursday, July 29, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channels

Follow along with Miss Stephanie as she reads the book, “Jungle Night” by Sandra Boynton. Children may play with their jungle animals included in the August Little Explorers’ Bag. Also, they may sing along and explore sounds of jungle animals in a cool, jungle setting.

Thursday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m.,
Video premieres on Willard’s Facebook and YouTube channel