Summer Reading Program

This summer's reading program theme will be Make a Splash--READ!  All the fun begins on Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. - 12 noon, with our Summer Reading Kick-Off at Frontier Park.   For more information and the complete schedule of programs and events for kids going into 5th grade and younger click here.

To view our summer promo video, click here.

If you are tracking reading time on your Summer Reading Log and need additional clocks, click here to print off more clock sheets.

Storytimes

FALL PRESCHOOL STORYTIMES

During the fall the Olathe Public Library offers preschool storytimes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds at both library locations.  Fall storytimes run from September 14 through November 18.  Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, August 24.  For more information and the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.

We also offer Evening Storytime at the Library 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, click here.

FALL TIME FOR TWO

Time for Two is a one-on-one storytime for 2 year olds with a caring adult.  During the fall the library offers two five-week Time for Two sessions.  The first session is held at the Main Library and runs from September 17 through October 15.  The second session is held at the Indian Creek Branch and runs from October 22 through November 19.  Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, August 24.  For more information and the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.

FALL RHYME TIME

Rhyme Time is an interactive language-enrichment program for children aged 12 to 24 months old with a caring adult.  Rhyme Time is offered at both library locations.  During the fall the session runs from September 20 through November 17.  No registration is required but space is limited to 15 pairs.  For more information and the complete schedule of times and locations, click here.

STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - For ages 2 & up with their families

Wednesday, September 8
     11:00 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
     *Registration begins Wednesday, September 1
Wednesday, October 6
     11:00 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
     *Registration begins Wednesday, September 29
Wednesday, November 3
     11:00 a.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
     *Registration begins Wednesday, October 27

These storytimes are for children with special needs and their families.  Come share stories, listen to songs, and meet new friends.  Storytimes will last 45 - 60 mintues.  Register for each date individually.  See registration dates above.

TO BE CONTINUED - For 1st - 5th graders

Mondays, September 20 - November 15
     4:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch

During this after school program, several chapters of a book will be read aloud.  The book will be continued the following weeks until it is finished.  A snack will be provided.  Program will last about an hour.  No registration necessary. NOTE:  There will be no session on Monday, October 11 as the library will be closed.

Programs

SUMMER DRAWING CONTEST - For 1st - 5th graders

Entry deadline is July 18

Children entering grades 1st - 5th are invited to enter their artwork in the Olathe Public Library's Summer Drawing Contest. Entries will be judged by grade, and a list of the winners will be posted here on our website on July 26.

The winning artwork will be displayed at the libraries on the dates listed below:
           August 2 - 13 at the Main Library
           August 16 - 27 at the Indian Creek Branch

For more information, pick up an entry form at either library or download it here. To see some of the drawings already submitted, click here.

READ TO A DOG - For young readers of all ages

Saturday, July 17
     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.

FAMILY CHESS NIGHT - For all ages

Wednesday, July 28
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Indian Creek Branch
Monday, August 2
     6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Main Library
Monday, August 23
     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.

SUMMER READING FINALE - For all ages

Saturday, August 21
     10:30 a.m. at Scarborough Elementary

Join us for "Walk the Plank with Pirate Frank!"  Ventriloquist/illusionist Kevin Horner will entertain us at this summer's finale.  This will be a great way to wrap up the summer and celebrate all the reading you did.  Fun for the whole family!.

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!