Children's Department
The Children's Services Department offers a variety of materials and programming for children and their families.
Battle of the Books Tournament
March Madness isn’t the only battle going on this spring! Join us for our annual Battle of the Books. Sixteen books will battle, but only one will win! Stop by the Main Library every two weeks beginning Sunday, Feb. 25, and vote to make sure that your favorite advances to the next round. You can also cast your vote online. The battle runs through April 21, and the winning book will be announced on April 22.
Crafternoons
Makers ages 15 and younger are welcome to stop by the Dr. James Carlson or Northport Libraries each week to get their craft on! Note that the same weekly project will be done at both locations.
Mondays, Jan.29 – Apr. 29 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Dr. James Carlson Library
Tuesdays, Jan. 30 – Apr. 30 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Northport Branch
March 18 & 19: Craft Roll Koala
March 25 & 26: Beaded Snakes
Going Places Book Club
We're reading all over the place in the Going Places Book Club! Kids in grades 3 to 7 are invited to the Main Library to join us as we experience each month's featured book through related activities, discussion, snacks, and crafts. Pick up your book and register for the current month at the Main Library or call the Children's Services desk at 701.241.1495
March 19 at 4 p.m. – The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
April 9 at 4 p.m. – Slugfest by Gordon Korman
Libraries Dance! Storytime and Dance Series
F-M Ballet and Gasper's School of Dance will be at the Main Library at 6:30 p.m. for movement and fun! These storytimes are interactive with a brief dance lesson followed by stories and snacks, so wear clothes/costumes you can move in! Dance storytimes are geared toward children ages 3 and up.
March 20 – Alice in Wonderland Preview
April 10 – Bunny Hop
Baby Rhyme Time
Babies ages birth to 24 months are invited to join us for the next sessions of lapsit storytimes at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Baby Rhyme Time is an opportunity for parents to share songs, fingerplays, short books, rhythms and rhymes with baby while introducing books and the library! Each session concludes with open play time. No pre-registration required. One child per grown-up lap please.
March 21 @ 10 a.m.
April 4 & 18 @ 10 a.m.
May 2 & 16 @ 10 a.m.
Mind Mysteries LIVE
School-age kids in grades 1 to 6 can stop by between 2 and 3 p.m. to join Dr. Ben Balas from the NDSU Dept. of Psychology for Mind Mysteries LIVE! We'll have an all-new experiment to learn how kids' brains help them understand what they see. Whether you've already done a Mind Mysteries packet or want to try one out for the first time, join us to make your mark for science!
March 24 at 2 p.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
Little Squirt Sun & Moon Science
Another solar eclipse is on the way! On April 8, North America will again experience a total eclipse of the Sun. Kids ages 3-5 are invited to learn about the Sun and the Moon and what causes an eclipse at this session of Little Squirt Science. Through stories and hands-on activities, we'll explore the fiery star and natural satellite. Parent/child interaction during these sessions is necessary to foster a child's success, which is best accomplished through undivided attention. Pre-registration is required and opens March 14.
March 28 at 10 a.m. - Main Library
March 30 at 10 a.m. - Dr. James Carlson Library
Family Trivia Nights
Rally your relatives and join us for family trivia night at the Main Library. Each month we'll feature a different theme and see who knows the most! Family trivia night is open to individuals, families, or teams of all ages - trivia works best for kids who are reading independently. Families are invited to pre-register at the beginning of the current month. Prizes for our top winners, and snacks for all!
March 28 at 6 p.m. - Snow, Shine & Showers: Weather
April 25 at 6 p.m. - Big Blue Ball: Planet Earth
May 30 at 6 p.m. - May the Force Be with You: Star Wars
Kindergarten Success! Storytime
Get your child ready for Kindergarten by exploring literacy and STEAM topics through music, stories, songs, and play at the Main Library. Library staff will share tips you can use to instill a love of reading in your child. Activities follow each storytime and all children receive a FREE book! These events are appropriate for children ages 3-5.
April 6 at 10 a.m.
May 4 at 10 a.m.
Namaste Toddler/Preschool Yoga
Introducing Toddler/Pre-School Yoga by Mojo Fit! It's never too soon to learn how to relax, breathe, pose, and find your center, all while having fun at the Main Library with a certified yoga instructor from Mojo Fit. Come dressed to stretch and move. We have a few mats available for kiddos to use, but if you have your own, bring it along! This class is best suited for ages 2-6. No pre-registration required.
April 11 @ 10 a.m.
May 9 @ 10 a.m.
Paws for Reading
Reading Therapy pets are available on the second Saturday of each month (through April) to listen to children practice their reading in a relaxed, informal setting. Kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to register for a 15-minute session with one of our non-judgmental listeners. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. at the Main Library. Bring your own books to read or choose from a selection of library books. Call the Children’s Services desk at 701.241.1495 to register for the current month.
April 13
May 11
Dial-A-Story
If you’ve ever wished you could listen to a story, a poem, or even a joke at any time, day or night, now you can! Call the Library’s Dial-A-Story phone line at 701.298.6927 anytime and choose the children’s option; new recordings are available every Monday. Selections are recorded by Children’s Library staff and are up to 5 minutes in length. Dial-A-Story recordings can be accessed by any phone.
Library Program Evaluation
Attended one of our programs? Tell us about your experience! This is a post-program survey to help us bring more events to our patrons. Your feedback means a great deal to us; thank you for your time in filling out this form.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Children's Services Department. We'll be happy to help!