Make plans to join the Library outside on the Ped Mall as we use a solar telescope provided to us by the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department and Sciences Library to view the partial solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses and activities will also be provided while supplies last. If inclement weather occurs, we will have the telescope and crafts in Meeting Room A.
Join us for a whirlwind tour through the state using FIND Iowa, a new immersive learning platform developed by Iowa PBS. We'll meet for six weeks and learn something fascinating about a handful of counties each week until we've worked our way across the state!
Each week, we'll first watch a very short, entertaining video about each county filmed onsite that tells us about a specific historical, cultural, or scientific contribution to Iowa. A meteorite that plummeted to earth? A town submerged under a lake? A world-famous wrestler? Learn all about it! Then, we'll reflect on the content with a brief brainstorming prompt. Finally, get hands-on with a fun craft project or experiment related to something we've learned.
All ages are invited to enjoy a free-to-the-public showcase from the students studying at the University of Iowa Youth Ballet in a child-friendly environment! UI Youth Ballet Ensemble is a repertory group available to students fully enrolled in Levels 3-5. The goal of this group is to prepare students for the discipline and rehearsal techniques required within a professional dance company or a college dance program. Membership in ensemble year-round provides opportunities for students to broaden their dance vocabulary through a rehearsal mix of classical ballet, contemporary ballet, and modern dance.
"El Día de Los Niños," translated as Children’s Day, is an annual tradition rooted in Mexico's cultural celebration dedicated to children, commemorated every April 30. This special day, dedicated to honoring children, is celebrated differently across various countries. In the United States, libraries have embraced the spirit of Mexico's Children’s Day, transforming it into a vibrant occasion that celebrates both children and literature. Come to the library to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros, which is a celebration of many children, many cultures, and many books. Come dressed up as your favorite character to win a prize! We will have free face painting and popcorn to enjoy. At 5 p.m., we will sing songs, share stories, and rhymes with a bilingual Storytime, followed by a few rounds of Lotería for more prizes! All ages welcome.
There’s still a couple of months until the Summer Reading Program kicks off, but we have a year-round reading program for kids five and under! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages all families and caregivers to read one thousand books with their children before they enter kindergarten. Studies have shown that families that start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary – two important tools for beginning to learn to read when they enter kindergarten.
For more information and to register today, visit our website. Don’t forget to stop in and claim your prizes as you make your way through 1,000 Books! Or read more about the 1KBBK program on our blog.
