Add a little sweetness to winter with Sweet Reads, our Winter Reading Program for children.

Register online or in the Children's Room.

Kids who read and track 10 books on their reading log will receive an ice cream treat from McDonald's. Anyone who reads and tracks an additional 10 books, for a total of 20 books, will receive a pass to the Iowa Children's Museum and a sweet treat.

Sweet Reads continues through February 28.

The Library recently released its annual Best of the Best books of 2017. The list consists of the 21 books Library staff considered the best reads of the year. It includes everything from picture books to adult fiction.

Leading up to our announcement, we shared our staff's top picks of books released in 2017 in eight categories, including children's books. If you missed the blog post announcing our favorite kids reads of 2017, you'll find it here.

What was your favorite book of 2017?

Join us from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, for a social justice film festival in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

First, watch a collection of short films focused on black history, racial equity, and social justice. Following the film festival, families can work together on service projects benefiting the community. These include decorating cookies for the Free Lunch Program; creating postcards for our elected officials urging them to take action for racial equality; and assembling care packages for the homeless.

Families are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for the Crisis Center food bank.

Storytimes at the Library just got better with Story Play.

Story Play is held immediately after storytime from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this time, the Library will has books, toys and music for youngsters to play with while their parents and caregivers meet and talk with each other.

Feel free to bring snacks and/or lunch. No registration is required. Stay for the whole time or just a few minutes; whatever works best for you and your child.

Story Play is open to children from infancy through pre-school. All children in attendance must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.