Sign up for our weekly virtual newsletter for information about weekly take-home kits, virtual storytimes, and more.
Welcome to the Youth Services Department
Although our community is going through some difficult times, the library is still here to help. Our play area and in-person programs are currently on hiatus, for the safety of patrons and staff, but we have made as many materials available as possible.
What can you do in the library?
Browse and check out books, audiovisual materials, toys, and maker kits. Many of our STEAM lab (perler beads, magnatiles, Legos, etc.) items have been made available as circulating kits.
Pick up weekly storytime kits and take home activities, provided by Pattie Woods of EASD Parent Connections and the Matheson Memorial Library staff.
Use our computers, copy machine, send faxes, etc. We ask that you keep visits as brief as possible to limit exposure for staff and other patrons.
Participate in our winter reading program – see Reading Programs for more information.
What can you do outside the library?
Call for curbside service – we will check out your holds (and pull kits) for you and you can pick them up without needing to enter the library.
Follow our Book Walk around the library and pick up a kit inside, while supplies last
What can you do virtually?
Sign up for weekly virtual news, including information on take home kits, recorded storytimes, and more.
Ask Ms. Jennifer to pick out books for your kids.
Participate in Bookaneers, our book club for 1st-3rd grade virtually. Contact Ms. Jennifer for more information.
Participate in our winter reading program – see Reading Programs for more information.
Starting in January 2021, join Ms. Jennifer for weekly storytimes via Zoom (more information will be included in our virtual newsletter)
Teachers can contact Ms. Jennifer to arrange virtual visits.
Check out our digital resources.
How can you support the youth services department?
Observe safety precautions when visiting the library to keep staff and patrons safe.
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
Youth Winter Reading Non-fiction Challenge
November 30 to March 20
Who can join? Kids of all ages!
How can I register? You can register on Beanstack and/or in person.
To register on Beanstack, click here to sign in and register online!
To register in person, go to the Youth Service Desk and get a snowflake to put up on our wall!
What to do:
Read or listen to books from our non-fiction theme each week.
Turn in a brief review, online or at the library.
Get a virtual or physical pin for each review.
Choose a free book for every 10 pins you earn.
Don’t forget to register for our weekly virtual newsletter and get special videos with Ms. Jennifer promoting great nonfiction reads for each week’s theme.
Click here to watch the Instructional video for the Winter Reading Challenge.
Learn about the Dewey Decimal System.
Learn about Non-fiction Genres.
Watch the book recommendations for each week.
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.
Read and Grow: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
This program is free, fun, and easy! You can start at any time by picking up a folder at the library. As you read with your little ones, you will earn stickers and a prize along the way and a free book when you complete the program. Kids are welcome to start the program as infants, while in kindergarten, or older if parents feel it will be beneficial.
Request a folder at the library or additional sheets to keep reading! Jennifer Wharton, Youth Services Librarian: jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
Reading Explorer: 500 Books Before Middle School
This program is free and fun and will keep kids read, read, reading! Kids can start at any time by picking up a folder at the library. As you read, you will earn badges and stickers along the way and a free book when you complete the program. There are suggestions and challenges for reading, but kids and parents are free to choose books that will suit their reading level and interests.
Request a folder at the library or additional sheets to keep reading! Jennifer Wharton, Youth Services Librarian: jwharton@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
Bookaneers
