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.
National Adopt-a-Cat Month!
June is National Adopt-a-Cat Month! According to shelteranimalscount.org, 2.6 million cats were adopted from shelters and rescue centers in 2023. While adoption rates are up, shelters and rescues sadly become more and more overpopulated.
Common misconceptions about shelter animals include bad behavior, poor health, or that they are “old” and undesirable. The truth is cats adopted from shelters or rescue centers can be more healthy, loving and unique.
Read more about adopting a furry feline friend!
Mutual Rescue : How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too by Carol Novello
I Found a Kitty! by Troy Cummings
Pretty Kitty by Karen Beaumont
Lola Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinn
For the Love of Cats by Sandy Robbins
For the Love of Rescue Cats by Tom Colvin
Tiny But Mighty: The Kitten Lady’s Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines by Hannah René Shaw
To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me by Heather Green
Won-ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw
Cats: Choosing, Caring and Training (DVD)
The Great Cat Caper by Lauraine Snelling
Bo and Ms. Beanz: Best Friends Forever by Jane Kirkland
Gaby, Lost and Found by Angela Cervantez
New Book Highlight: 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 by Anne Ursu
Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu
Reviewed by: Alyssa Young, Youth Services Assistant
Genre: Horror; Realistic Fiction
Suggested Age: 5th-8th grade (or adults & teens!)
What is the book about?
This middle grade novel focuses on Violet, who is going through significant life changes (a new school, friend group problems, a new house, a mysterious illness) and includes a slightly spooky ghost story.
Ursu’s book discusses chronic or invisible illness, the effects it can have on your relationships, and the emotions that come from not being believed by doctors or friends.
Throughout the story, Violet learns about finding inner strength and advocating for yourself – whether that involves your health, your relationships with friends and family, or any other situation!
My Review:
This book is great for children in grades 5th-8th who love Horror and Realistic Fiction. Adults may also enjoy it, as it was inspired by the novella The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Find it in the Youth Services Department or on the Boundless app!