It’s no secret that the Wichita Public Library is an awesome resource for children’s books and storytimes. But some folks don’t know that the library also has a ton of fun things for kids to do in addition to reading.
A couple of play tables in the Children’s Pavilion will attract kids’ attention and encourage learning through play.
These events take place at various library branches around town, including the beautiful new Advanced Learning Library branch near downtown, which makes it really convenient to participate in kids’ library activities near you.
P.S. If you aren’t looking for kids’ or teens’ activities at the library, check out the library’s adult classes and events and the technology classes and workshops. You might be surprised at how many there are, and they are every bit as fun and educational!
All of these events for kids and teens are FREE unless otherwise noted.
Just take a scroll through all of the upcoming events. They’re in two sections: one for teens and one for kids. Make note of the ones that require registration so that you don’t miss out!
Events for Teens at the Wichita Public Library
Some of the adult and/or technology events at the library may be suitable for teens, so check those out too.
TeenView Magazine
Saturday, March 07, 2020
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Join us for the monthly launch of TeenView Magazine, a local digital publication created by teens, for teens. Be among the first to see the new issue of TeenView, listen to a panel of teen writers discuss featured articles, and learn more about how you can become involved. For teens ages 12-17.
ACT/SAT Prep Tools
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Try to improve your scores by utilizing the library’s free practice tests. Brain food will be provided. For ages 14-17.
Light It Up: Paper Circuits for Teens
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Come experiment with us as we use copper tape, conductive paint, and LEDs to make a tiny masterpiece… will you make a greeting card? Light up your locker? It’s up to you! This program is for students in grades 6-12. Supplies are limited; tickets will be available at 2:00 p.m. in the Teen Pavilion for entry.
Folded Book Sculptures
Thursday, March 19, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Learn how to follow book folding patterns and create your own patterns to recycle old books into art and gifts. For teens ages 12-17.
How to Use Transit 101
Friday, March 20, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Ever look at a bus map and feel a little confused? Want to get around Wichita on the cheap? Join Raven Alexander, Wichita Transit’s own Travel Trainer, as she breaks down our bus system and gives you the tips you need. For teens ages 12-18.
Teen Mock Interviews
Saturday, March 28, 2020
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Are you thinking about summer jobs or school applications, but dread the interview process? Come in for a short mock interview with library staff and learn tips and tricks for making a successful first impression. Ages 12-17
Events for Children at the Wichita Public Library
Related: The Ultimate List of Story Times in Wichita
The Advanced Learning Library’s Childrens Pavilion has books, computers, learning play areas, and comfy seating for both parents and kids.
Explore & Play
Monday, March 02, 2020
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Join us for sensory exploration designed just for babies and toddlers. Activities will build neural connections in the brain and set the stage for their pre-reading skills. Children and caregivers will explore the areas of the room together where children’s senses will be engaged with interesting textures and stimulating environments. Ages 3 and under.
Hands-On Engineering
Saturday, March 07, 2020
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Come-and-go hands-on engineering demonstration presented by a local engineer. Co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. For ages 5 and older.
CreateSpace
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
Complete our LEGO® blocks challenges and wow us with your freestyle creations! At this event be prepared to share blocks and make new friends. For children ages 5-12.
The Youngest Marcher
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Angelou Branch Library, 3051 E 21st St
Melody McCray-Miller. co-founder of Miller’s Inc. and former State Legislator, will read The Youngest Marcher, by Cynthia Levinson, the story of 10-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks who was arrested and jailed in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama for protesting segregation. Create some helping hands after the stories. For children aged 3 and older with their families.
Recycled Sounds
Saturday, March 14, 2020
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Be inspired to make your own musical instruments from recycled materials. Basic patterns will get you started, but let your imagination run wild in this come-and-go event for the whole family. Materials will be available from 2-4, so drop in, make a masterpiece, and take it outside to play! Ages 5-12.
Semester at Hogwarts: Potions
Sunday, March 15, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Now, you will learn the correct way to brew potions. Please bring your wand if you joined us for our trip to Diagon Alley (a wand will be provided if you did not). For ages 8 and up.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover Storytime
Monday, March 16, 2020
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Does your favorite stuffed animal dream of spending the night in the library? Wear your pajamas and bring your stuffed animal to the library for a special storytime with us. Come back the next day to pick them up and see how much fun they had overnight at the library! Registration is required for each child; call 261-8516 or register online. Ages 3-8.
Blank Books
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Need a new way to keep notes? Ready to write a novel of your own? Just really into recycling? Learn three different ways to create personalized books from scrap paper. For ages 8-11
CreateSpace
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
Complete our LEGO® blocks challenges and wow us with your freestyle creations! At this event be prepared to share blocks and make new friends. For children ages 5-12.
Big Game Afternoon
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Stop by and play big! We’ll have all sorts of games to try. Giant games will include Snakes and Ladders, checkers, Scrabble, and more. Try your hand at Mario Kart and play to win! For children ages 5-11.
Bubble Pop!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N Arkansas
Big bubbles, little bubbles, bubbles everywhere! Make bubble wands from string and straws and chenille stems that will amaze you. For ages 6-11.
CreateSpace
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Complete our LEGO® blocks challenges and wow us with your freestyle creations! Be prepared to share blocks and make new friends. For ages 5-12.
Bubble Pop!
Thursday, March 19, 2020
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Angelou Branch Library, 3051 E 21st St
Big bubbles, little bubbles, bubbles everywhere! Make bubble wands from string and straws and chenille stems that will amaze you. For ages 6-11.
Toddler Dance Party
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E 9th St
Stay after Nursery Rhyme Time for a Toddler Dance Party! Enjoy group and impromptu dancing as you and your child groove with the music. Ages 2-5.
Animalphabet Storytime
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian
ABC’s and animals play in this interactive storytime with books, games and crafts. For ages 2-6.
Dragons Love Tacos
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Taco Tuesday with dragons! Interactive games and crafts based on the book Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. No spicy salsa allowed! For children ages 2-8 and their families.
Family Adventure Time
Saturday, March 28, 2020
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Advanced Learning Library, 711 W 2nd St
Families with children ages 3-8 will enjoy learning, creating, dancing, and fun! Each week we will explore either Art, Science, Music, or Games and engage in entertaining literacy-based activities together.
Families with children ages 3-8 will enjoy learning, creating, dancing, and fun! Each week we will explore either Art, Science, Music, or Games and engage in entertaining literacy-based activities together.
We’ll try to keep this as updated as possible, but the library just keeps adding fun things to their schedule! Be sure to visit the WPL event calendar for more information and for future activities.
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