Storytimes

Drop-In Storytimes are offered throughout the year.

Drop-In Storytime for 2-year-olds

For 2-year-olds with parent/caregiver. Theme-based include stories, fingerplays, music, action rhymes, flannel stories, and puppets. (20 minutes)

Drop-In Storytime for 3- to 5-year-olds

For 3- to 5-year-olds without parent/caregiver. Theme-based and may include stories, fingerplays, music, action rhymes, flannel stories, and puppets. (30 minutes)

Baby Talk Book Time

For infants through age 2 with parent/caregiver. September through May. Contact Julie Ritzema at District 62 SPARK office, 847-824-1065 ext. 35.

PJ Storytime

For ages 3-7 with parents. Children wear pajamas and bring favorite stuffed animals. Offered at various times during the year. Registration is required.

More Programs

Drop-In Programs

Chess Club

For all ages who already know how to play. Meet other players, challenge their minds, and learn strategies. Chess sets are provided. First Wednesday of most months.(Tournaments held twice a year. Registration is required for tournaments only).

Crafts

For all ages. Drop-in Crafts, featuring a theme or holiday, provide hands-on fun. Materials are supplied. Once a month in October, November, December, February, March, and May.

Family Game Night

Turn off the TV and get together at the library. Play together or challenge other families in friendly games, including Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Pictionary, and more. Play our games, or bring a favorite game from home. Offered at various times during the year.

SCRABBLE Lunch Bunch

For grades 3 - 8. Drop-in SCRABBLE tournament for new and experienced SCRABBLE players. Scheduled throughout the year.

After-School Programs

Stories and More

For grades K - 2. Theme-based activities, including stories, crafts, games and a snack. Offered September through April.

Story Explorers

For grades 3 - 5. Theme-based activities including stories, crafts, games and a snack. Offered September through April.

Special Programs

Below are some examples of the special programs and activities scheduled at the library throughout the year. Check our Events calendar for more information.

Babysitting Clinic

For grades 6 - 8. Learn about infant care, child safety, entertaining children and more. Attend all four sessions and pass the final examination to earn a Babysitter's Certificate. Offered twice a year.

Battle of the Books

For grades 4 - 5 and grades 6 - 8. Read selected books and form teams to answer questions during the “Battle of the Books.” Booklists are available at the Youth Services Desk. Held once a year in May. Click here for this year's information.

Family Times

A special program for children with autism.

Family Times provide parents or caregivers the opportunity to leave their child with autism Friends Room C, where they will interact with specially trained dogs from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy. During that time, parents and caregivers may attend a variety of library programs or explore other library resources. The third Saturday of each month, October-May.

Friends Family Sunday

For all ages. Entertaining and educational program for the whole family. Sponsored by the Friends of the Des Plaines Public Library. Offered the third Sunday of January, February, and March.

PAWS for a story

For children ages 7 - 11. Come to the library and read a story to a book-loving dog. Children practice their reading skills as they experience the joy of reading to certified therapy dogs. Readers will sign up for a 15-minute session on Tuesdays for 5 consecutive weeks. Check back soon for 2008 session dates.

More information about PAWS for a Story.