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Evanston Public Library's Main and Robert Crown Branch Libraries have created fun programs to keep your kids happy and busy during Winter Break. We've got great take home programs:
How I Wonder Winter Reading Challenge (Ages 5 and up)! Pick up your Winter Reading Challenge sheet starting December 18 at the Main Library or the Crown Branch Library. Then, swing by the library again to submit your completed challenge sheet and get a free book! One of the challenges is to read a book about an owl, so check out our brand new Owl Booklist! More information.
Twinkle Twinkle Winter Reading Challenge (Ages 5 and under)! We're not leaving the little ones out! We've got a fun reading challenge for infants through preschooler too! Our younger patrons can also come get a Twinkle Twinkle challenge sheet starting December 18 and turn it in for an age appropriate book! More information.
Get a Museum Pass! Winter Break is a great time to check out a new museum, garden, zoo, or other fun and local cultural venue with a pass from Museum Adventure or Explore More Illinois! More information.
Make Your Own Storyboard Kit (All ages) Share your story with us! Stop by the Robert Crown Library Branch and pick up a simple Storyboard packet. Kits available starting Tuesday, December 27, while supplies last. More information.
 We also have in person programs for your kids:
Drop In Craft (All ages) Get ready for your New Year's Eve celebration by making this fun craft at the Main Library! While supplies last. More information.
101 Storytime (All Ages) Come hear a few favorite read aloud books from Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids list! Thursday, December 22, 10:30 am, Main Library: More information; OR Wednesday, December 28, 2 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information.
Video Game Marathon (Grades 3-8) Visit the Robert Crown Branch and participate in some video game fun! Kids will be able to play Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros! Tuesday, December 27, 2 pm, Robert Crown Multipurpose Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information.
Gingerbread House Competition ( All ages) Join us in a family-friendly gingerbread house competition! Thursday, December 29, 1 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library. Register.
Cozy Creations (Grades 4 and up) Get your hygge on with the ultimate winter craft - needle felting with wool. Make your own little animal! Tuesday, January 3, 11 am, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: Register.
Mario Kart Tournament (Grades 3-5) Come show of your skills and race your friends and see who is the Mario Kart champion on the Switch! Winners will receive a prize. Wednesday, January 4, 3 pm, Robert Crown Multipurpose Room, Robert Crown Branch Library: Register.
Family Storytime and Craft (Ages 3-7) Join us for stories, songs and a fun craft. Books appropriate for ages 3-7 but all are welcome. Wednesday, January 4, 6:30 pm, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room, Main Library: Register.
Paint by Numbers Ornament Making (Grades 4-7) Try your hand at a paint by numbers project! Kids are invited to make an ornament; Blick Art Materials of Evanston donated the kits. Thursday, January 5, 2 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: Register.
Little Explorers: Dinosaurs (Ages 3-5 with a parent/caregiver) Young explorers are welcome to join us as we excavate dinosaurs from their eggs and more. A fun way for younger children to explore STEAM! Friday, January 6, 10:30 am, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: Register.
Northwestern's Dolphin Show Presents Matilda (Grades K and up) Participants will get a chance to see a performance, play theater games, and do activities based on the book. Saturday, January 7, 1 pm, Community Meeting Room, Main Library: More Information.
Word Rangers Writer's Club (Grades 3-5) Do you like to write stories, poetry, songs, or other forms of creative writing? If so, this club is for you! Come to the library to discuss writing, find new story inspiration, grow your creative writing skills, and meet others who share a passion for writing! Sunday, January 8, 2 pm, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room, Main Library: Register.
TOMORROW! Family Storytime and Craft: Penguins (Ages 3-7)! Join us for stories, songs and a fun craft. Great for working parents. Books appropriate for ages 3-7 but all are welcome. Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 pm, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room, Main Library: Register.
Short and Sweet: Mouse and Douglas Fir (Ages 2-7): Can't make the in-library storytelling? No worries! Take home kits available at the Main Library and Robert Crown Branch library beginning December 6th. Live storytelling session. Saturday, December 17, 10 am, Main Children's Room Art Garden, Main Library: More information.
Jammie Time (Preschool-grade 2) celebrates Family Reading Night! Come in your jammies and listen to stories, sing songs, and have fun. Books geared to children ages 2 to 6 but all family members welcome! No registration required. Thursday, December 15, 6:30 pm, Main Children's Room, Main Library: More information.
 TONIGHT! Virtual Caldecott Club (Grades 1-8) Join us for this fun discussion and voting group about picture books that might win the 2023 Caldecott Award. Kids who attend at least one session will be invited to a Special Virtual Grand Finale where they will choose an Ultimate Winner! Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 pm, Zoom: Register.
Graphic Novel Book Club: The Fifth Quarter (Grades 3-5)! A 4th Grade girl's basketball story; she may be only good enough to play in her team’s informal “fifth quarter” warmups, but her determination to improve burns bright! Must be an Evanston resident or attend school in District 65 to participate. Saturday, December 10, 3 pm, Barbara Friedberg Storytelling Room, Main Library: Register.
As librarians, we've got winter break memories that include the joy of curling up with a good book! In Iceland, Christmas Eve itself is called Jolabokaflod (Christmas Book Flood) and everyone gets a book to read and quiet descends on an entire country. Give that gift to your kids:
Great New Books for Younger Readers
Great New Books for Older Readers
101 Great Books for Kids from 2022
Dog Man Read-Alikes!
 Hanukkah, the Jewish Feast of Dedication of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem, lasts 8 days, this year from December 18 through December 26! Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! Here's some ideas from the library:
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Read! Check out our Hanukkah Booklist, created by Molly Bass, Early Childhood Educator at Jewish Deconstructionist Congregation.
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Cook! Everyone can enjoy making Potato Latkes! Here's a recipe! Serve with warm apple sauce!
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Craft! Make this Fun Hanukkah Card Craft for friends and neighbors who are Jewish!
 Las Posadas (Spanish for “The Inns”) is a nine-night celebration from December 16-24 that forms an important part of Christmas celebrations in Mexico and some parts of the United States, complete with prayer, music, food and piñatas. Commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth, Las Posadas Navideñas dates back to the year 1586.
To those who celebrate, may your evenings be joyous! And everyone can have a "taste" of Las Posadas:
 Toy Swap: Winter Edition (Going Green Series) Let's swap toys and make this holiday season more sustainable, frugal and fun! If you are picking out toys, there's a required registration. Thursday, December 8, 7 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information and register.
Winter Puzzle Swap for Adults and Families. Bring your finished or unwanted puzzles and get something new (to you)! We have plenty of puzzles in a range of sizes to choose from, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Sunday, December 11, 1-4 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information.
The Partners of the Evanston Public Library (PEPL) Open House. PEPL welcomes all supporters of the Library as we explore ways to build community engagement with the Library's work. Monday, December 12, 7 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: Register.
Plant Swap for Adults and Families. Bring a cutting in a small container to swap with other plant lovers and pick up a new plant to add to your collection. This is a perfect opportunity to divide those overgrown but healthy houseplants and share plant tips with other plant lovers. Saturday, December 17, 1-4 pm, Robert Crown Branch Library: More information.
Role Playing Games Interest Survey (Ages 9-11) Is your child interested in learning the skills to play Dungeons and Dragons and other Role Playing Games? If so, fill out this Interest Form! This form does not constitute registration! We will contact participants with further information soon.
Dedicated To The Dream. Looking for hands-on, kid-friendly activities to help your family talk and learn about race together? Learn more or register for the "Getting Started" workshop.
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