Storytimes

WINTER/SPRING STORYTIMES

During the winter and spring the library offers preschool storytimes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.  Storytimes run from January 26 through April 29.  Storyimes will be held at various times throughout the week at both Olathe library locations.  Registration is required for all daytime sessions and begins on Tuesday, January 5.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  We will also be offering a Family Storytime on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch.  The stories will be geared to 3, 4 and 5 year olds, but all ages are welcome.  No registration is required for the evening storytimes.  For more information and the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.  NOTE:  There will be no storyimes during the week of spring break:  March 15-19.

WINTER TIME FOR TWO

The library offers Time for Two for two year olds and their caring adults.  Each child must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver (one-on-one).  No additional siblings will be allowed.  The winter session begins on January 29 and runs through March 5.  Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, January 5.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  For the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.
NOTE:  The winter Time for Two sessions have all filled.  The next session will run from March 26 through April 30 with registration beginning on March 9.

WINTER/SPRING RHYME TIME

The library offers Rhyme Time for 12 - 24 month olds and a caring adult .  This is a language-enrichment program consisting of rhymes, songs, and finger plays plus a very short story or two.  This interactive program is one-on-one time with your child.  No additonal siblings please.  The winter/spring session runs from January 25 through April 28.  No registration is required.  Sessions last 20-25 minutes.  For the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.  NOTE:  There will be no Rhyme Time during the week of spring break:  March 15-19.

TO BE CONTINUED - For 1st - 6th graders

Mondays, January 25 - April 26
     4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

This is a read aloud program for elementary-aged children.  Each week several chapters of a book will be read aloud.  The book will be continued the following weeks until it is finished.  Program will last about an hour each time.  A snack will be provided.  No registration necessary. NOTE:  There will be no To Be Continued on Monday, March 15 during spring break.

Programs

LET'S LEARN SPANISH FOR PRESCHOOLERS - For 4 & 5 year olds

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16 & 23
     1:00 p.m. at the Main Library

This is a four week program for 4 and 5 year olds. Listen to stories and learn some Spanish. Topics will include numbers, colors, greetings, food, clothing, and animals. Programs will last 30-45 minutes. Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, January 12.   Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.
FYI-- Another session of Let's Learn Spanish will be held in April on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch. Registration for that session will begin on Tuesday, March 23.

READ TO A DOG - For young readers of all ages

Saturday, February 6
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Saturday, February 20
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Saturday, March 6
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Saturday, March 20
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Saturday, April 3
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Saturday, April 17
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Saturday, May 1
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Saturday, May 15
     1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Children of all ages may drop by the library and read to a cuddly canine during the times listed above.  Come to the Children's Desk upon arrival and check in for a reading time.  Reading sessions are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.  No advanced registration necessary.  For more information, call (913) 971-6874.  Trained therapy dogs provided by Pets of Life, Inc.

VALENTINE FACTORY - For children of all ages

Tuesday, February 9
     4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Wednesday, February 10
     4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Main Library

Come make a valentine at the Valentine Factory.  Materials will be supplied at no charge.  No registration required.

FREE FAMILY MOVIES - For all ages

G-FORCE - Thursday, February 11
     10:30 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch   (Rated PG - 88 minutes)
PONYO - Monday, March 15
     4:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch   (Rated G - 103 minutes)
PONYO - Wednesday, March 17
     2:00 p.m. at the Main Library  (Rated G - 103 minutes)

Come enjoy a free movie at the library.  The whole family is welcome, but kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 
NOTE:  The library closes at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and will close at 5:00 p.m. on November 25.  Also, kids are out of school on January 5 and February 5.

COME CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS - For preschool through 6th grade

Thursday, February 11
     4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (or until supplies run out) at the Main Library

Come celebrate Mardi Gras at the Olathe Public Library.  Children 6th grade and younger, along with parents, can come decorate our version of a traditional King Cake.  No registration required, but supplies are limited.

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER - For children of all ages (but only stuffed animals will spend the night at the library)

Friday, February 19 - Drop off stuffed animal
     10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Saturday, February 20 - Pick up animals & storytime
     10:15 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

Bring one of your favorite stuffed animals for a sleepover at the library!  Your animal friend will spend the night at the library listening to stories, playing games, and probably staying up very late.  Pick them up on Saturday morning and stay for a storytime and see some pictures of how the sleepover went.  No registration required.

FAMILY CHESS NIGHT - For all ages

Monday, February 22
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Monday, March 1
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Main Library
Monday, March 22
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Monday, April 5
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Main Library
Monday, April 26
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Monday, May 3
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Main Library
Monday, May 24
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

Come play chess with a worthy opponent at our Family Chess Nights.  Boards and equipment will be provided.  All ages and playing levels welcome, but kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult.  No registration necessary.

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM -
           YOU ARE HERE: LEARNING ABOUT MAPS - For ages 6 - 12

Tuesday, March 2
     1:00 p.m. at the Main Library

You know how to read, but do you know how to read a map?  Come learn basic map reading skills, and then go on a library scavenger hunt using a compass.  Registration is required and begins on Monday, February 15.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last 45-60 minutes.

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO - For K - 6th grade

Tuesday, March 9
     4:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

Members of the Kansas City Symphony will talk about the orchestra and the instrument families.  Children will have the opportunity to try some of the instruments themselves!  Registration is required and begins on Friday, February 26.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last about 45 minutes.

BUILD A TUNE AT THE LIBRARY! - For ages 3 - 2nd grade

Tuesday, March 16
     10:15 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Wednesday, March 17
     10:15 a.m. at the Main Library

Come make some noise at the libary!  Try out musical instruments, sing songs, listen to stories about construction, and make a cool craft to take home!  Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, March 2.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last about an hour.

SPRING BREAK COOKIE DECORATING PROGRAM - For 6th grade and younger

Wednesday, March 17
     2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Thursday, March 18
     11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Main Library

Come decorate a cookie to celebrate Spring Break.  Supplies provided free of charge.  Parents are welcome.  Come and go as you please.  No registration required.

LET'S LEARN FRENCH FOR PRESCHOOLERS - For 4 & 5 year olds

Mondays, March 29, April 5, 12 & 19
     1:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

This is a four week program for 4 and 5 year olds. Listen to stories and learn some French. Topics will include numbers, colors, greetings, food, clothing, and animals. Programs will last 30-45 minutes. Registration is required and begins on Monday, March 15.   Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.

FREE FAMILY MOVIES IN SPANISH - For all ages

RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN - Saturday, April 3
     1:00 p.m. at the Main Library   (Rated PG - 99 minutes)

Come enjoy a free movie in Spanish at the library.  The whole family is welcome, but kindergartners and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

LET'S LEARN SPANISH FOR PRESCHOOLERS - For 4 & 5 year olds

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27
     1:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

This is a four week program for 4 and 5 year olds. Listen to stories and learn some Spanish. Topics will include numbers, colors, greetings, food, clothing, and animals. Programs will last 30-45 minutes. Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, March 23.   Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM -
           COOL COLLAGE - For ages 6 - 12

Tuesday, April 6
     1:00 p.m. at the Main Library

Join us as we talk about artists who use collage, and then create your own.  Registration is required and begins on Monday, March 22.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last 45-60 minutes.

FANTASTIC FOSSILS @ THE LIBRARY - For K - 6th grade

Friday, April 16
     2:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

Have you ever wondered how scientists find fossils buried in the ground and how they dig them up?  Meet Science City paleontologist Matt Christopher (also known as "Dino Matt") and find out where fossils are found, see actual tools used to dig them up. and even see some real fossils up close!  Registration is required and begins on Friday, March 26.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last about an hour.

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM -
           WHAT SHOULD I READ NEXT? - For ages 6 - 12

Tuesday, May 4
     1:00 p.m. at the Main Library

Looking for something new to read this summer?  We'll tell you about some new books in our collection and introduce you to some of our old favorites, as well.  NOTE:  The titles discussed will be geared toward a 3rd - 6th grade reading level. Registration is required and begins on Monday, April 19.  Register at either Olathe library or call (913) 971-6874.  Program will last 45-60 minutes.

CINCO DE MAYO CRAFT - For 6th grade and younger with parents

Tuesday, May 4
     4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (or until supplies run out) at the Main Library

Shake, rattle and roll with maracas.  Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo by making your very own maraca.  This project will involve small beads and objects so parents are required to attend to assist their children.  Supplies are limited.  No registration required.

FAMILY READ ALOUD CLUB

This program is designed for parents to read aloud to their elementary-aged children. To participate in the Family Read-Aloud Club, just stop by the Children's Reference Desk and we'll get you started!