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.
Youth Services Department Welcome
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 available for circulation.
What can you do outside the library?
Visit the library garden; stop by to play, have a picnic, and enjoy the sunshine or join one of our outdoor programs in the garden.
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 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
Read and Grow
Are you a listener? Then it’s time to Read and Grow! Birth and up can join this program by picking up a folder in the youth services area, adding their name to a caterpillar on our wall, and watch your caterpillar grow as you read together with your grown-ups, friends, and family! Earn prizes along the way, from stickers to a special reading bag.
Reading Explorer
Are you an independent reader? Then get ready to be a Reading Explorer! Kids of all ages who are reading on their own, or with a little help, can join this program by picking up a folder in the youth services area. As you fill in the reading challenges, you’ll earn a cool reading bag and then be able to choose iron-on patches for your bag and free books.
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.
On-Going Programs:
Paws to Read
Mondays at 4:15 pm: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 10, 17, & 24
Families are welcome to interact and play, listen to stories, and read to the furry friends visiting us from the shelter. Live animals will be present and confined to the Storyroom. This program is sponsored by the Lakeland Animal Shelter.
Family Storytime with Miss Esther
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am
Tuesdays: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, & 25
Thursdays: June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20 & 27
Meet and connect with other families of all shapes and sizes in our community during Miss Esther’s Family Storytime. Puppets, music, and hands-on activities will keep you coming back for more! Library staff will offer storytime during school breaks.
Summer Fan Club
Tuesdays from 4-5 PM: June 27, July 11, & 25
Do you love Pokemon? Looking for someone to share your Star Wars obsession? Want to talk about the latest Dog Man? Join the summer fan club! Attendees are not required to register, but are encouraged to fill out a form so staff can set up stations for each Fandom. Crafts, books, and some limited materials will be available, but staff will not be directly responsible for running games, supervising trading, or giving instructions. Fill out the form here https://forms.gle/v2jJ1wiHXte44DWh7.
Dungeons & Dragons
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm: June 20 & July 18
School-age kids and teens of all experience levels are welcome to participate in Dungeons and Dragons; However, we ask that children under eight be accompanied by an adult. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you as we go!
We Explore Nature
Wednesdays at 10 am: June 21, 28, July 19, & 26
Join Ms. Andrea for a nature-based storytime and activities. Learn about stars and leaves, frogs and ants, and much more! Weather and season permitting, there may be outdoor adventures in the Family Garden.
Project Explore
Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm: June 14, 28, July 12, 26
Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm: June 21 & July 19
Project Explore offers kids an opportunity to work on projects using the library’s materials with limited staff assistance as needed. Kids will have access to art supplies, cardboard, tools, sewing materials, and much more and are encouraged to come up with their own projects, crafts, and artwork. Attendees need to be able to work on their own, use materials and tools safely and responsibly, and clean up their work space when finished. Caregivers are encouraged to attend with and supervise young children.
If you are interested in learning new skills, please attend our Kids Make It! sessions for instructional workshops.
Summer Book Club
Thursdays at 6 pm: June 15 & July 13
Ages 5 and up are invited to join us for a casual and relaxed book club experience. Kids will have the opportunity to talk about books, check out new titles in a variety of genres and formats, and try out fun crafting and art projects. Younger children may attend with a caregiver to supervise.
Sign up for reminders, booklists, and more at https://forms.gle/JHPTce8pcvw9WTik9.
Miss book club? Request a virtual book club bag at https://forms.gle/VtMLkAD58Wbipzmh8.
Kids Make it! Let’s Sew
Thursday, July 20 from 4-6 pm
Kids Make It! is designed for school-age kids and teens to learn and practice hands-on skills, specifically sewing and using sewing machines. Staff will provide hands-on instruction, access to sewing machines, tools, and fabric, and assist kids with their projects as needed. Attendees should be able to follow directions, safely operate a sewing machine, and wait patiently for assistance and instruction. More experienced sewers can bring their own machines or projects to work on and caregivers are encouraged to accompany and assist young children.
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Summer reading kick-off
Zack Percell of TnZ Magic
Little Miss Ann
Welty Environmental Center: Everything in its place
Snake Discovery
Family Camp Out at the library
