Programs & Events for Kids
Library staff design a full schedule of engaging, entertaining, and educational programs and events for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Various events – including options for early literacy, STEAM, gaming, and crafts – are offered year-round.
1KB4K: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1KB4K is a library initiative that promotes reading 1,000 books to preschoolers before they begin Kindergarten. It’s easy to do, and the child gets a free book every time they read and report 100 books. Register and track their reading progress online with Beanstack, or visit the Youth Services Department for additional information or to register in person. You can also view the 1KB4K brochure here.
100 Club
The 100 Club is a fun way for kids to build their reading habits year-round – while earning prizes! Kids in kindergarten through 8th grade can join the club and track their progress on Beanstack. There’s no time limit for completing the challenge, but the goal is to read 100 books! The structure is simple: log books in any category and earn a prize for each 10 books read. Each month, a prize winner will be drawn from active readers, and readers who finish all 10 badges will earn a 100 Club completion prize and get to pick a free book to keep. Learn more about signing up in Beanstack at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org/reader365 or ask a librarian for help and get your young readers involved in this awesome reading challenge!
Anytime Activities, Toys, & Games
Even when there’s not a program scheduled, there’s always something fun to do at the library! Stop by the desk in the Youth Services Department to learn more about the library’s current Anytime Activities – crafts, games, or projects kids can do whenever they visit the library. Additionally, the library offers a wide selection of board games and card games, as well as a train table, Lego table, puzzles, and a puppet theater to play with during your visit.
Summer Writing Contests at the Library
The library is hosting writing contests this summer to go along with our summer reading theme “Find Your Voice.” Read over the guidelines and submit starting June 1st.
Children
Age Groups:
5-7 (250 Words)
8-10 (500 Words)
11-14 (1000 Words)
Keep your creative juices flowing this summer by participating in our writing contest! The writing theme is “summer” and contest entries can embody this theme in any way the author chooses. Entries must be submitted via email to alice@fondulaclibrary.org. Winners will be chosen in each age group. Please make sure submissions meet the requirements for that age range. The deadline is 7-21-23.
Prizes will be awarded in each age group.
Submission Guidelines:
- In the email, please use “Find Your Voice Writing Contest” in the subject line.
- Attach submission as a document
- Include name, age, and phone number of participant
- Include a note indicating permission (or not) to share your writing.
- Only original writings will be accepted.
- Make sure to include the theme of “summer” in some way in your writing.
- Write “The End” at the completion of your entry.
- One entry per person.
Teens and Adults
Enter the library’s Flash Fiction Writing Contest for adults and teens! Our wonderful panel of judges will select two winning adult authors and two winning teen authors. All manuscripts must be 1000 words (or less) and a work of original fiction that uses the theme of “Find Your Voice,” which can be interpreted in any way the author chooses. All entries must be submitted to Jeremy at jeremy@fondulaclibrary.org by August 24, 2023. See below for specific guidelines.
Prizes (for each age category):
First Place: $50 Gift Card & Swag Bag
Second Place: Swag Bag
The four winning entrants will have their stories published on the library’s website and/or social media.
Submission Guidelines:
- In the email, please write in the subject area: “FIND YOUR VOICE WRITING CONTEST.”
- Attach your manuscript to the email in a .doc or .docx file.
- Manuscript should be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
- Include your name and phone number in the message section, indicate teen or adult, and if you give permission to post your short story with your name (or if you want to be anonymous) if you win.
- Only original materials may be entered.
- Entries must be in good taste and refrain from profanity.
- On the last page of your story, below the ending write: “THE END”
- Limited to one entry per person.
- Winners must be able to pick up prizes at Fondulac District Library.
- Submission deadline is August 24, 2023.
Find Your Voice! Summer Reading 2023
Our voices have power! This summer, we encourage readers of all ages to share stories, express yourselves, spark change, and get creative with FDL for the library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program: Find Your Voice! Join us June 1 through July 31 for a fantastic summer reading program offering fun and prizes for readers of all ages! Readers can register and track their progress online at fondulaclibrary.beanstack.org or on-the-go with the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log from the library.
Engaging programs are planned throughout the summer focusing on a variety of creative activities, such as writing contests, a photography contest, comic book workshops, art projects, a musical instrument petting zoo, and more! We’ll also have family favorites like story times, movie nights, and crafts, as well as a lineup of exciting presenters to share magic, music, wildlife, science, and more! Find programs and register to attend through our online calendar.
Start Reading!
• Borrow books, audiobooks, and magazines from Fondulac District Library or download or stream eBooks and audiobooks from our digital collections.
• Whether it’s reading a graphic novel, listening to an audiobook, or reading an article, it counts! All reading must occur within the program dates.
Earn Badges
• Record your minutes in Beanstack.
• Earn 1 badge for every 50 minutes (PreK-2nd graders), 100 minutes (3rd-8th graders), or 150 minutes (high schoolers and adults).
• Earn one badge for completing an activity or attending any three Fondulac District Library programs.
• Earn 10 badges to complete the program. Kids can pick up badges at the Youth Services desk, and teens can pick up badges from the 2nd floor Information desk).
Win Prizes
• Participants receive prizes for reaching the halfway point by earning 5 badges AND for completing the program by earning 10 badges.
• Participants who complete the program will also be entered into a prize drawing!
• Halfway prizes can be picked up starting June 12, and completion prizes can be picked up starting June 26. Prizes are available while supplies last.
• The last day to pick up prizes is August 13.
Our 2023 Summer Reading programs and prizes are made possible thanks to our amazing community sponsors!
