Welcome to the Youth Services Department
Welcome to the youth area of the Matheson Memorial Library. We offer a wide variety of materials for circulation, a community space for families to gather, and programming for all ages.
Winter/Spring 2022 YS Newsletter
What can you do in the library?
Browse and check out books, audiovisual materials, toys, maker kits, and STEAM labs. Many of our games and hands-on activities are now available for circulation.
Sign up for summer reading June 1st and pick up take home activities and stickers every week.
Attend in-person programs in June – registration is required and opens May 15th. Registration for Family Storytime with Pattie Woods will be on a weekly basis, starting June 7th.
What can you do outside the library?
Visit the library garden; stop by to play, have a picnic, and enjoy the sunshine or register for one of our outdoor programs in the garden or at Tasch Park.
What can you do virtually or at home?
Ask Ms. Jennifer to pick out books for your kids.
Check out our digital resources on the website and on Pinterest.
Check out booktalks and more on our youtube channel.
Kids up through middle school can submit their creative work to Reading Colors Your World.
How can you support the youth services department?
If you shop on Amazon, you can contribute to the library by selecting Friends of Matheson Memorial Library Corp and shopping through smile.amazon.com
If you would like to contribute directly, you can shop our wishlists for crafts and supplies and for books.
Jennifer Wharton, Youth Services Librarian, jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
Reading Colors Your World
A monthly collection of the best writing and art of Elkhorn students from preschool to middle school. Available to the public in the library each month, located above the early readers.
Submission guidelines
Who can submit?
– Kids in preschool through middle school.
What can they submit?
– Art, including photographs, and writing, both fiction and nonfiction. All submissions should fit
on an 8×11 sheet of paper and be no more than 10 pages long.
How do you choose what is included?
– Library staff will review submissions for quality, appropriate content, and space.
How do kids submit their work?
– Fill out a submission form and include it with your art or writing. If you are submitting it electronically, send to
jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us. Hard copies can be dropped off at the library or sent via the school delivery van by teachers.
Don’t forget to proofread, edit, and turn in your best work!
We cannot return your submissions, so make sure you submit a photo of your art or a copy of your writing.
Bookaneers
Thursday, July 7 at 4:30pm in the Story Room
Arr mateys, here be a treasure trove of books! If you are in first, second, or third grade you are invited to join Bookaneers; Whether you can read alone or need a little help, this club is for you. Join us for crafts, talking about our favorite books, and picking out exciting new books to read for the next month.
Aquanauts
Tuesday, July 5 at 5:30pm in the Story Room
You’ve started your journey with the Bookaneers, now dive deeper with the Aquanauts! Kids ages 9-12 are invited to a book club full of hands-on activities, discussion, and diving into chapter books of all genres, from fantasy to nonfiction.
Sign up for reminders, booklists and more!
Paws to Read
Mondays at 4:15pm : June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25
Join some special furry friends and volunteers from the Lakeland Animal Shelter. All ages are welcome to interact and play, listen to stories, and read to the animals. Live animals will be present and confined to the Storyroom. This program is sponsored by the Lakeland Animal Shelter.
Family Storytime
Fun in the forest: Wednesday, July 6 at 10am
Fly with the birds: Wednesday, July 13 at 10am
I spy with my eyes: Wednesday, July 20 at 10am
Pokemon Club
Tuesday, June 14 and 28 and July 12 from 4-5pm; Thursday, July 28 from 4-5pm
Are you a fan of Pokemon? Bring your friends for an hour of crafts, cards, and movies in the Community Room. We’ll spend the first half playing and crafting and then watch some classic Pokemon shows for the second half. Kids are welcome to bring their own cards to play or share, but staff cannot supervise trading.
We Explore Artist Julie Paschkis
Tuesday, June 28 at 10 am
Join us for a special storytime introducing author and illustrator Julie Paschkis. We’ll be reading her stories and creating art with paint, paper, and more. This special storytime is designed for kids of all ages and abilities who enjoy creating art and listening to stories.
Family Game Night
