Abraham Lincoln Sure, we know Abraham Lincoln was a U.S. president (the 16th, to be precise). Maybe we remember something about the Emancipation Proclamation or the Gettysburg Address. But did you know that he was born to illiterate parents? Or that he discovered his knack for easy conversation while working in a general store? Come along as we take a look back at some remarkable moments in the life of Abraham Lincoln on his February Read more…
Today is National Send a Card to a Friend Day so take some time to pick out a card and send some good cheer through the mail. You can use cards you purchase from a store, or make your own with paper, crayons, markers, and stickers. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not make a Valentine themed card? You can use white, pink, or red paper and decorate it with hearts, sweet messages Read more…
Try these easy ways to make snowflakes today: One way is with white coffee filters – just fold the filter in half a total of four times. Then cut a design on each side of the filter, using either regular or craft scissors. When you unfold it, your snowflake will be revealed. You can also cut snowflakes out of plain white copy paper and then follow the same instructions above.
PHOENIX — The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, digital media, video and audio books for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24-27 in Phoenix. A list of all the 2025 award winners and honor selections follows: John Newbery Medal John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature: “The First Read more…
Try out these fun writing prompts today: Young children can draw a picture of a snowman and then make up a story about it. Did they make the snowman during a Snow Day from school? Does it talk or walk around? Older kids and adults can try out a different prompt: What if you were being followed down the street by a snowman that came to life? Would people believe you? What would happen?
Stargazing, or looking up at the stars and constellations, is a fun family activity at any time, even during the winter. It is worth the trouble of bundling up in coats, hats, scarves, and mittens to experience the crisp and clear view of the night sky while it is not obstructed by the haziness caused by summer humidity. Plus, because the Earth has rotated, different planets are visible now than during the summer. NASA’s Night Read more…
Today is Library Shelfie Day! What is Library Shelfie Day, you ask? It is a day set aside in January each year to give book lovers and book collectors a chance to share their personal libraries. Whether you collect first editions or equally love and treasure every dog-eared book you have ever owned, we would love to see pictures of your libraries! But if you don’t have many books at home, no problem! Visit one Read more…
To turn popsicle sticks into a crafty cup of hot chocolate: First, glue about eight craft sticks together into a square shape. You can use the colored variety or color plain popsicle sticks with crayons or markers. Next, cut an oval out of brown paper and glue the oval to the top of the square to represent the hot chocolate. Decorate the brown oval with small white circles to mimic marshmallows. Next, cut out a Read more…
Winter weather is tough on area wildlife, particularly birds. To give them a nice treat during this dreary weather, make a Pinecone Bird Feeder. All you need is a pinecone, peanut butter, and twine, yarn, or string. To begin, tie your string around the top of the pinecone. Next, pour out birdseed in a bowl that is deep enough for the pinecone to fit. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone and roll it in Read more…
Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day this month by doing a few simple things around your house to help lower your energy bills. You can get the whole family involved – young children can be taught to do simple things like turning off lights when they leave a room. Even if they cannot reach the light switch, they can give older family members gentle reminders to turn off the lights. Other simple things that Read more…
