On-Going Programs:
Dungeons and 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!
Project Explore
Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 pm: June 14, 28, July 12, 26
Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm: June 21 & July 19
Project Explore offers kids an opportunity to work on projects using the library’s materials with limited staff assistance. You will have access to art supplies, cardboard, tools, sewing materials, and much more and are encouraged to come up with your 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! Or Maker Workshop sessions for instructional workshops.
Kids Make it! Let’s Sewing
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.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) 
Will return in the fall.
TAB members plan and run programs for themselves and middle and high school students. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends, have fun, get volunteer hours, and build leadership and planning skills! TAB members are eligible for scholarships and have the opportunity to work on special library projects and make their voices heard at the library.
To learn more about TAB, click here!
Want to volunteer at the library? Click here!
Special Programs:
Summer reading kick-off
Saturday, June 3, 9:30 am-12 pm
Kids, teens and adults are invited to sign up for summer reading as well as participate in a range of fun activities.
From 9:30-11 am, meet and greet live animals from Gee Funny Farm.
At 11:30 am, come watch the fabulous Chris Ivanovich in a wonderful blend of magic and comedy that will leave you breathless!
Finish up the morning by purchasing some sweet treats from Seeds of Hope. Families with kids of all ages and adults are invited to join us in kicking off a great summer of reading, exploring, and more!
Maker Workshop: Candlemaking
Thursday, June 22 from 6-7:30 pm
All ages, including adults, are invited to explore the world of candlemaking. We will be making gel wax candles in small jars; wax, scent, dyes, and decorations will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own (small) containers. Young children are welcome but should be supervised by a caregiver.
Maker Workshop: Ink marbling and papermaking
Thursday, June 29 from 4-6 pm
Be prepared for some messy art! We will have two hands-on projects available; creating our own paper with pulp and making marbled art with ink.
Teens After Hours: Game Night
Friday, July 7 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Tweens & teens take over! Find fun and games around every corner with life-sized Pac-Man in the stacks, Mario Kart on the big screen, and more! Don’t miss our first Teen after hours of the summer!
Maker Workshop: Sew a skirt
Thursday, July 27 from 6-7:30 pm
This workshop is open to school-age kids and teens who have basic sewing machine skills (know how to thread and operate a machine). Caregivers are welcome to accompany children who need more assistance to help. The library will provide fabric, a basic pattern, and general guidance on cutting out, sewing, and finishing a simple skirt. Please register, as materials and machines are limited.
Teens After Hours: Amazing Race – Library Edition
Friday, August 4 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Tweens & teens get ready for the race of your life! It’s a battle of wits and speed as you follow a course through the library completing challenges along the way. Who will be the winning team? Bring your friends and find out!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Fridays at 4-5 pm: March 3, 17, April 14, May 12, & 26
Calling all High School students!! Join TAB to plan and run programs for both high school and middle school. TAB offers scholarships, special projects, and a great opportunity to build leadership skills.
Contact Jessica Dowling at jdowling@elkhorn.lib.wi.us
Want to join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)? Click here!
Mission Statement
The Matheson Memorial Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an inclusive group of high school students (attending public, private, or home school, ages 14-18) from Elkhorn and the surrounding communities. TAB’s mission is to give teens a place to express their opinions, make friends, build leadership skills, and connect with the community by developing and implementing programs for middle school students and their peers.
As representatives of the library and partners of the local school district (EASD) TAB members are expected to adhere to and espouse the policies and values of those organizations, including, but not limited to, those listed below. In practice, this means that TAB members will be thoughtful in their words and actions, respect each other’s beliefs and identities, and work together to foster an inclusive, welcoming group of teens.
Inclusivity in the Elkhorn Area School District
“Elkhorn Area School District is committed to establishing and sustaining an equitable community that achieves the school district’s equity mission to end the predictive value of race, class, or gender and ensure each individual student’s and staff’s success. The Elkhorn Area School District rejects all forms of racism, sexism, or classism as destructive to their mission, vision, values, and goals.”
Matheson Memorial Library’s Core Values
We believe:
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That an accessible and free library is fundamental to a free society
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In literacy and lifelong learning
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In intellectual freedom and the personal privacy of all our users in accordance with the law
We value:
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Excellent service
We offer quality service to all users. The staff is friendly, helpful, and strives to enhance user experience with each interaction
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Respect
We practice courtesy and civility in our actions and attitudes; we value, support, and respect all patrons and staff
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Teamwork
We celebrate unique talents and work cooperatively towards the library’s goals with trust and enthusiasm
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Open Access
We value free and open access to all collections and services in a nonjudgmental manner to all individuals and protect the privacy of all users
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Innovation, imagination, and creativity
We value continuous learning and innovation; we encourage creativity, imagination, and the life of the mind
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Responsiveness to community needs
We strive to offer materials, programs, and experiences that meet the needs of our community
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Good Stewardship
We are responsible stewards of the resources that have been entrusted to us and are accountable for the proper use of public funds
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Diversity
We value the background and culture of our residents and recognize that a diverse community fosters growth and tolerance
Youth Volunteering
The library offers opportunities for middle and high school students to volunteer, give back to the community, and build experiences and leadership abilities for the future.
High school students, ages 14 and up, are eligible to apply for our Teen Advisory Board, which includes leadership opportunities and eligibility for the Library Foundation scholarship.
For more information, read and fill out the appropriate application or contact Jessica Dowling, Teen Services Associate (jdowling@elkhorn.lib.wi.us).
Teen Volunteer: High School (ages 14 & up)
Click here for the Teen Volunteer Application.
Junior Volunteer: Middle School (ages 10 – 13)
Click here for the Junior Volunteer Application.
Teen Reader’s Advisory
Do you want to read something but need help figuring out what? Send us your likes and dislikes, and we will find some books for you!
Virtual Learning
Learning Express
LearningExpress – Each of the online Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Learning Center categories include College Preparation and many more.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning gives you access to the Lynda.com video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. With your library card, you can access thousands of informational videos to learn a huge variety of professional and technical skills through Lynda!
Free eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming video.
Kanopy
Kanopy is a streaming service where you can watch a huge library of television shows and films for all ages. You can check out up to 5 titles a month for no charge!
Libby
Overdrive/Libby is your source for ebooks, audiobooks, video and music. New to overdrive? Once you are on the Wisconsin’s Digital Library site, click on ‘My Help’ for a step-by-step tutorial. Need more help? Click HERE for our instructions sheet. For Libby help, click HERE.
Check out the Digital Resources page for more, including driver’s education, foreign languages, and crafting instructions.
Facebook: Matheson Memorial Library
Check our Facebook page for events for all ages, news, and more!
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