23 Free Library Events: Knitting Lessons, Volunteering, Storytimes & More
Here's a worthy New Year's Resolution: Spend more time at the library with your family! Your local branch offers much more than books and digital media; in fact, most libraries around the city schedule free storytimes, after-school activities and even instructional workshops. Browse these categories to help you find just the right event for your kids this January.
After-School Events
After-School Antics at CALS Main Library: An after-school program for school-aged children offers lots of fun with friends. The activity line-up: Movie Mondays with films rated G or PG; Toss Up Tuesdays with a different subject each week; Power Up science and technology programs on Wednesdays; Do It! programs on Thursdays; and wii World each Friday. 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.org. FREE!
Board Games at Laman Library in North Little Rock: The Teen Center presents fun and light-hearted competition with Laman Library’s new board games! 4:30 p.m. Tue. & Thu. in January. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Terrific Tuesday at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Children of all ages enjoy fun activities, including games, puzzles, crafts, bingo and more! 4-5 p.m. Tue. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Video Games at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Try your hand at various video games. 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Volunteer Fridays at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center: Teens help with projects at the library and earn volunteer hours each Friday at 4:30 p.m. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
Storytime
Babytime at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Babies ages 6 months to 2 years take part in a lively lapsit program that includes action, rhymes, songs and stories. 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Book Babies at Amy Sanders Library in Sherwood: Children up to 18 months listen to stories, sing songs, and enjoy group interaction! Registration required. 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 835-7756, CALS.org. FREE!
Fun Factory Storytime at Roosevelt Thompson Library: Kids ages 5-11 hear a story, play games and make crafts. 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 821-3060, CALS.org. FREE!
Homeschoolers @ the Library at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Crafts, stories, and more 1-2 p.m. Thursdays. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Mother Goose on the Loose Baby Storytime at Maumelle Library: Little ones ages 0-36 months enjoy rhymes, movement, stories and songs. 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. For info: (501) 851-2551, CALS.org. FREE!
Peppy Preschoolers at Roosevelt Thompson Library: Active kids ages 3-5 enjoy storytime and a craft. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 821-3060, CALS.org. FREE!
Preschool and Discovery Storytime at Amy Sanders Library in Sherwood: Kids ages 3-5 enjoy preschool storytime at 10 a.m. with a story, crafts, and songs! Discovery storytime begins at 10:45 a.m. with a focus on science, art and exploration. Each Friday in January. For info: (501) 835-7756, CALS.org. FREE!
Preschool Storytime at Maumelle Library: Kiddos ages 3-6 listen to stories and make crafts! This month's themes are: Snow (Jan. 6); Sick and "Get Well" (Jan. 13); Arctic Animals (Jan. 20); and Numbers: A Celebration of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (Jan. 27). 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. For info: (501) 851-2551, CALS.org. FREE!
Shake, Shimmy and Read at Roosevelt Thompson Library: Little ones ages 0-5 enjoy this storytime that includes dancing, singing and making music! 10 a.m. Tuesdays. For info: (501) 821-3060, CALS.org. FREE!
Storytime at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 3-5. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays (Jan. 5-27). For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
Thompson Tots at Roosevelt Thompson Library: Toddlers ages 0-3 listen to stories and sing songs each Monday at 10 a.m. For info: (501) 821-3060, CALS.org. FREE!
Crafts
Crafty Kids at CALS Main Library: School-aged kids get their craft on! 3 p.m. Saturdays. For info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.org. FREE!
Creation Station at Laman Library in North Little Rock: Kids take part in a hands-on activity or craft. 4 p.m. Thursdays. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
LEGOs
Homeschoolers: LEGOs @ the Library at Laman Library in North Little Rock: This LEGO playtime program is for all ages. 11 a.m. Mondays. For info: (501) 758-1720, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
LEGO Lab at Laman Library in North Little Rock: LEGO building for all ages with different LEGOs every week. 4-5 p.m. Mondays, except Jan. 18. For info: (501) 758-1720, CALS.org. FREE!
Instruction
Kids in the Kitchen at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center: Kids ages 8 and up learn how to prepare and cook a basic meal at 5 p.m. each Thursday in January. Pre-registration required. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
Knitting Club at Hillary Rodham Clinton Library & Learning Center: Introduction to knitting for kids ages 7 and up; meets at 4:30 p.m. each Wednesday in January. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
Songwriting 101 at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library and Learning Center: Theater programmer Sarah teaches students basic songwriting techniques each Tuesday in January at 4:30 p.m. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!