Children's Program Schedule

Information about Registering for Main Library Children's Programs

 

All Library Events are free and open to the public.

  • Registration for special events begins one month before the date of the event.
  • Reserve your place at an event using the MCPL website, www.mcpl.info/general_info/events.html. You also can call 349-3100 or stop at any library information desk.
  • People who are registered are guaranteed a place in a program if they arrive before the program begins. Waiting list patrons or those who want to drop in will be admitted at the start time of the program if registered patrons have not arrived.
  • If you are holding a registered, reserved space in a program and cannot attend, please call the library to free the space for someone on the waiting list.
  • Let us know if your child needs special assistance in a program.
  • MCPL staff may take photographs at library events for publicity purposes.

The Friends of the Monroe County Public Library
provide funds for these programs.
You can support children's programs by joining
the Friends of the Library.

polar bears reading

 

Ongoing Programs and Activities: November Events: December Events: Events:

 

Special Services :

Children's Programs at Ellettsville Branch

Ongoing Programs and Activities

The Preschool Exploration Center (PEC)

There's so much to do and explore with your children, and the Preschool Exploration Center is available for drop-in use almost all hours that the library is open.

The PEC opens 30 minutes after the library opens and closes 30 minutes before the library closes.* When a supervisor is present, caregivers and children may do special activities. When there is no supervisor, caregivers and children may do the stand-alone activities featured in the room. The PEC is for children from birth through age 7. An adult must be present at all times with a child to monitor that child's activities and behavior. (For more information, please ask for our “How to Behave in the Library” policy for patrons).

The PEC is set up with early literacy explorations including books, puzzles, games, creative dramatics with puppets and play spaces. The room cannot accommodate running or “rough” play. With your help, we make the PEC experience a success for all children.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY SESSIONS

The PEC has a variety of supervised sessions designed for drop-in audiences. No registration required. Check Events Calendar for details. Sessions for the next month include:

Alef Ba
Sat, Nov 22 - 11:00 AM
Sat, Dec 6 - 11:00 AM
Crafty Creations
Tue, Nov 18 - 10:30 AM
Tue, Nov 25 - 10:30 AM
Preschool Science and Math
Tue, Dec 2 - 10:30 AM
Say it in Spanish
Thu, Nov 20 - 9:30 AM
Thu, Dec 4 - 9:30 AM
Thu, Dec 11 - 9:30 AM
Thu, Dec 18 - 9:30 AM

*Note: On Wednesday mornings, the PEC is used for baby and toddler programs requiring advance registration and is not open for drop-in use.

Wednesday Morning Tiny-To-Two Programs
in the Preschool Exploration Center

Bouncing Babies
Babies and their parents or caregivers are invited to these monthly meetings which include songs, games and books. Older siblings may not attend.
Birth to 12 months old; First Wednesday of the Month
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Bouncing Babies.
Wonderful Ones
Toddlers and their parents or caregivers are invited to these monthly programs which include songs, games, and fingerplays. Older siblings may not attend.
12 to 24 months old; Second Wednesday of the Month
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Wonderful Ones.
Tuneful Twos
Two-year-olds and their parents are invited to these monthly programs which feature music, games and movement. Older siblings may not attend.
24 to 36 months old; Third Wednesday of the Month
10 a.m. OR 11 a.m.
Click on your preferred time to register for Tuneful Twos.

Tuesday Tales

Drop in for a mixed bag of stories, songs, fingerplays and more, geared for preschool and early school age children. Parents and caregivers are invited to join in the fun.
No registration necessary.
Appropriate for ages 3-6 years
Tuesday mornings
10:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Department Program Room
Dates for the next month :

Family Storytimes

Join us for stories, films and more - just before bedtime! (Pajamas are permitted.) Stories are suitable for preschoolers and their families (siblings welcome). Please register.
7-7:45 pm, Second Tuesdays, in the Children's Program Room

Puck Players Puppet Shows

Catch a Saturday performance by the ever-popular Puck Players! Shows to be announced. Watch for the separate flyer about show themes.

Please register in advance and show up at least 15 minutes before show time to claim your seat. After that, seats will be made available to waiting list and walk in audience.

Returning in the Fall: Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Library Auditorium

Storyhour Extravaganza
Stories, songs, films, and entertainment on a monthly theme. GROUPS are welcome.
Ages 2 to 6.
Last Wednesday of the month
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. OR 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the Library Auditorium.
Please register.
  • Nov 26 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Yummers" 9:30 AM
  • Nov 26 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Yummers" 1:30 PM
  • Dec 9 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Here Comes Santa" 9:30 AM
  • Dec 10 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Here Comes Santa" 9:30 AM
  • Dec 10 - "Storyhour Extravaganza: Here Comes Santa" 1:30 PM
  • Jan 28 - "Storyhour Extravaganza" 9:30 AM
  • Jan 28 - "Storyhour Extravaganza" 1:30 PM
Special Services

Homework Center Help

Bring any assignment (grades K-6) to the Homework Center for some personal assistance. Indiana University students will be available to help you study for a test, understand your math, or organize an essay. Doing a report? They'll help you "look it up" and then go through the resources with you to find the specific information you need. Don't forget to bring your assignment with you! Please pick up a schedule of open dates and times.

IRMT

Kids' Review

Go to the Kids' Review page and fill in the form to tell your friends and family about a book you read from the Monroe County Public Library. Write a few comments about any MCPL children's or young adult book, and we'll put your review on the Web for everyone to see! You can also fill out a Kids' Review form on paper for the Children's Dept. to display. Ask for more information at the "Ask Questions Here" desk in the Children's Department - and Read a Kids' Review!