The library has workshops for families to learn more about the Six Skills
for Early Literacy and fun, easy ways to develop them in children ages 0-5. All children's
programs held at the library reinforce these skills. Search the Library
Events Calendar for Books2Go programs and activities at your library
such as:
Join us each Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the story nook at Washington Park Library for imaginative play for families with young children. Learn how talking, singing, reading, playing and having fun together can impact your
child to learn and grow in a positive way. Each program is designed as a fun family outing that incorporates development of early literacy skills through play, music and art.
April 27 - Messy Art: It’s In the Bag!
Slightly messy art returns with more art projects for creative kids. Make fabulous hats, costumes and collages out of big paper bags and other recycled materials. There will be other surprises, too, but we won’t let the cat out of the bag yet! Play clothes or smocks highly recommended.
May 4 - Count to Five and Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Celebrate this Mexican holiday with the book Build a Burrito by Denise Vega, learn lots of Spanish words, sing songs and make pretend and REAL tacos.
May 11 - Kindermusik: Down on the Ground
What little creatures do you see down on the ground? Let’s sing and dance in the cool, green grass and fi nd out! For ages 6 months to 6 years with their parents.
May 18 - Clifford the Big Red Dog Birthday Party
Did you know that Clifford has been a beloved storybook character for 50 years?! Read some stories, play a fun doggy game, and leave with your own set of fl oppy Clifford ears. There may even be a surprise or two ― after all, it IS a birthday party!
May 25 - Closed for Memorial Day
June 1 - Very Hungry Caterpillar
Read and explore The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Listen to the story, go on a bug hunt, and create artwork using food from the story.
June 8 - Kindermusik: How Do You Feel?
If you’re happy and you know it, join us as we explore the theme through music, movement, song, literature and instrument exploration. For ages 6 months to 6 years with their parents.
June 15 - Construction Site! Special Father’s Day Family Play Date
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend in the hard-hat zone. Pack up the tools and get ready to plan and build with blocks at the construction site. Each child can create a special present for their dad or other special man in their life.
June 22 - Messy Art!
During this sensory experience of art exploration, children will create their own unique piece of art.
June 29 - Ice Cream Parlor
Work at the pretend ice cream parlor. Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves and grab a scooper! Take turns working the cash register, taking orders and cleaning up the shop.
July 6 - Camping
Go on a pretend nature hike, sing camp songs, and “roast” marshmallows. Then we’ll pitch a tent and settle in for some camp stories.
July 13 - Kindermusik: Beach Days
Ride the waves or just cool off, as we pretend we are at the beach. For ages 6 months to 6 years with their parents.
July 20 - Play with Your Food
Normally children are told not to play with their food, but it’s so much fun to do and you can learn a lot! Explore food through stories and all your senses.
July 27 – Where the Wild Things Are
Parents and caregivers, bring your young children (ages 2-4) to explore the classic book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. For fifty years, children have delighted in Max’s imaginary adventures in which he becomes king of the beasts. Make your own fur-rocious craft and let the wild
rumpus start!
August 3 - Veterinarian
Pretend to be a veterinarian by checking temperatures, updating shots, and performing necessary treatment for our make-believe animal friends.
August 10 - Kindermusik: Out and About
We can ride our bikes or go for a hike as we explore this theme through music, movement, song, literature and instrument exploration. For ages 6 months to 6 years and their parents.
August 17 - Messy Art!
During this sensory experience of art exploration, children will create their own unique piece of art.
August 24 - Make a Splash: Little Scientist Water Play
Families will delight in the sensory exploration of water table stations including Carwash, Beach Time, Washington Pond, and Bathtub Bubbles. Pull up a towel (provided or bring your own) for a story time featuring beachy reads.
August 31 – Closed for Labor Day
Play and Learn at Zablocki
Join us for imaginative play for families with young children. Having fun together can impact your child’s ability to learn and grow in a positive way.
Each program is designed as a fun family outing that incorporates development of early literacy skills through play and conversation.
June 10 - Construction
Celebrate the upcoming Father’s Day weekend in the hard-hat zone. Pack
up the tools and get ready to plan and build with blocks at our makebelieve
construction site. Each child can create a special present for their dad or other special man in their life.
July 15 - Camping
Pitch a tent and settle in for some camp stories. We’ll sing camp songs, go fi shing, and “roast” marshmallows. Your child will create some special binoculars just in time to go on a pretend nature hike to search for some wild animals!
August 12 - Ice Cream Parlor
Beat the heat and come to our ice cream parlor. Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves and grab a scooper! Take turns working the cash register, taking orders and cleaning up the shop as we explore one of summer’s favorite spots. End your fun evening of playing together with some real ice cream, on the house!
Día de los niños/Día de los libros
Children’s Day/Book Day
Families are invited to a celebration in honor of Children’s Day/Book Day. It is an event dedicated to the joy of childhood and the importance of books in our lives. Join us for stories and songs in both English and Spanish, share a snack and make a craft to take home.
Juega y aprende/Play & Learn
¡Acompáñennos a jugar! Las familias con niños pequeños son bienvenidas
a una hora divertida e interactiva con cuentos y actividades del juego.
Aprendan cuán fácil es desarrollar las destrezas de alfabetización a través del juego y la lectura. ¡Traigan la imaginación! Es un programa gratuito y no se requiere una inscripción previa. Un adulto debe acompañar a los niños al
programa. Juega y aprende será un miércoles de cada mes de 6-7 p.m.
Véanse las fechas abajo.
La fl orería - Ayuda a los clientes, arregla las fl ores, opera la caja registradora y solicita la información necesaria para los pedidos de los clientes. ¡Hay mucho que hacer en nuestra fl orería concurrida! Biblioteca Forest Home - miércoles 15 de mayo
Ir a acampar - Imagínate ir de excursión a la naturaleza, cantar canciones
de campamento y “asar” malvaviscos en una fogata. Luego, armamos las
tiendas de campaña y compartimos historias de campamento. Biblioteca Zablocki - miércoles 26 de junio
La heladería - ¡Acompáñanos a la heladería! Ponte el delantal, arremángate
la camisa y agarra la cuchara para helado. Túrnate operando la caja registradora, tomando las órdenes de los clientes y limpiando la heladería mientras exploramos uno de los lugares favoritos del verano. Biblioteca Forest Home - miércoles 17 de julio
El consultorio del médico - Nuestros amigos imaginarios están un poco
enfermos. ¡Es hora de visitar al médico! Juega a ser al médico y examinar
a los pacientes, hacer una diagnosis, administrar las vacunas y ayudarles a
sentirse mejor. Si deseas, lleva tu propia muñeca al consultorio del médico. Biblioteca Zablocki - miércoles 21 de agosto
Please note: For program promotion purposes, from time to time photographs may be taken of participants. If you do not wish to have your photo or your child’s photo taken, please notify the photographer and/or librarian.
Join us each Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the story nook at 
