Youth Services

News

 

 
 
 
 
I FINALLY got to see our newest library member today!
Just look at this cutie patooty! Just about a few weeks from the oven.
I cannot wait to hold this sweet little one.
Welcome, little one, to the library family.
~Ms. Lesa
May be an image of baby
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Did you know….that monarchs taste with their feet?
Did you know….that a group of monarchs is called a flutter or a kaleidoscope?
We had 2 monarchs emerge at the library this week. It took 13 and 14 days respectively for the process. The first one wiggled it’s way out yesterday and was tagged by Casey Diver and released. The second one emerged yesterday while we were in storytime. That one was tagged today and will be released tomorrow with the First Friday storytime littles. Thank you Casey @ Diver K-State Extension Southwind District.
They will be traveling to Mexico. Let’s hope they make it safe and sound.
If you are not aware, there is a program called Monarch Watch. https://monarchwatch.org/
If you happen to find a fallen monarch butterfly that has a tag on it. (it’s a tiny sticker on the wing), visit the above mentioned site and log its location. If it’s healthy, do let it return to it’s trip.
You never know what you’re going to learn at the Iola Public Library!
 
It is time once again for our Stuffy Sleepover at the library!
This is our 3rd year in doing this and I am hoping for another excellent turnout again this year.
Kiddos can bring their stuffy or friend to the library anytime on or before the 23rd. They will recieve an ID.
Kiddos can bring their stuffy or friend to the library anytime on or before the 23rd. They will receive an ID. ies get into. In previous years, they have been quite mischievous during the sleepover, but all in good fun.
There will be updates generally on the quarter to half hour so kiddos can see what their buddy’s are doing.
They can come to collect their friends the next day or at a time that is convenient for you.
~Ms. Lesa
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I wanted to share with you, the photos of the Summer Reading Wrap up/ Parents as teachers collab that we had on the square last week.
It was TOUCH A TRUCK and food sponsored by Community National Bank. Popsicles provided via Parents as teachers. Water provided by Rotary.
Thank you to all that made this possible. We appreciate you so much.
Thank you to Parents as Teachers – Allen County. Your help was very much appreciated.
Thank you to the parents that brought your children in to the library and to the programs throughout the summer to participate.
Thank you to the kids that participated and read those books!
Thank you to Iola Fire Department, Iola Police Department, Allen County Kansas Sheriff’s Office, @Iola Kiwanis, Lilly’s Towing Service and more!
I can’t wait for Summer Reading 2026. The theme will be Unearth A Story.
So much fun will be had!
Just because Summer Reading is over, that does NOT mean that you should halt coming in to the library. It makes my day when y’all visit! Your happy faces make ME happy!
Have a great school year and keep on reading!
Ms. Lesa
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I apologize but Water Wednesday has been cancelled and postponed due to the weather.
In place of the cancellation, we will be showing a movie in the meeting room at 3pm.
Thank you for your understanding.
Ms. Lesa
May be an image of 1 person, drink, body of water and text that says 'IOLA PUBLIC LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES EVENT Sorry, but because of 4 inches of rain yesterday causing the backyard to flood and a 40% chance of rain & thunderstorms today, WATER WEDNESDAY IS POSPONED Projected rescheduled date is June 25" Things just got little more despicable. In place, pleasejoin join US fo the movie Despicable Me 4 in the meeting room today (June 18th) at 3. Bring a blanket to sit on and a covered drink if you like. ILLIMISATION'S DESPILABL MEA'
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Youth came and made a Father’s Day gift.
 
Working those hand muscles with playdough and threading.
Patrons are working on the community  art project. It’s coming along very well.
 
 
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Play Space 2025 Here’s what is happening in Youth Services in the month of APRIL!
SPRING IS HERE!
April is Child Abuse Prevention month – CAP.
Show your support by wearing blue on April 4th.
Join us on April 9th for a CAP event. After Storytime, children can plant their own flowers that they will take home and grow. After that, we will go outdoors and “plant” blue pinwheels to show our support of CAP.
Flowers, greenhouses, Spring fun and a Bear Hunt!
I hope to see you and your littles!
~Lesa
BTW, if you are seeing this post, please come see me on April 1st for a prize between 11:30 am to 8pm.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month. April. Boy silhouette with pinwheel on blue background. Stop child violence. Template for banner, card, poster with text inscription. Vector illustration.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

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March has come in like a lamb. Yay!
Here are the things that are going on in the month of March in the Youth Services department.
We hope you will bring your kiddos to join in.

Come and have some silly fun with us!

Welcome to the new Youth Services page – one spot for news, pictures, events, and more from Miss Lesa.FEBRUARY 2025 YOUTH events.STORYTIMES in February -5th at 10:30 am7th at 10:30 am [First Friday ]19th at 10:30 am11th at 6pm – FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT IN THE LIBRARY. We will be showing the movie IF FEBRUARY 18th -PICKLE AUTOPSY – 10 years old or over “coroners” needed for sign up. Join us for this silly and fun event.February 25th at 6pm. – LEGO Play! Open LEGO play in the library! Come and create whatever you like. We have LEGO, DUPLO and more.Coming in JANUARY 2025.I have some fun things planned for January in the YOUTH DEPARTMENT.Here are some that are happening in the beginning of the month.Be sure to sign up for those that require it.~Lesa

DECEMBER events coming!

 

In December, we will have several fun events. It’s holiday time, so it’s holiday events!

Storytimes will be on the 6th, 11th and 18th. There will be no storytime on December 4th due to a staff get together for the holidays.The 6th is the First Friday Storytime at 10:30 am. Following this storytime will be a parent cafe where parents and I can chat about programs. Let me know what you would like to see offered here at the library. Share your thoughts and ideas. Refreshments will be provided.On the 21st is our monthly Stay Play – LET’S PLAY! day at 1pm in the meeting room. This is geared toward children, birth to age 5 and their grownups.At 2pm on the 21st, we are having a KIDS IN THE KITCHEN event. Let’s make cookies! Sign up is required for this event by December, 14th.On the 23rd, we will have a movie in the afternoon since it’s a no school day. We hope you can come and enjoy the events.

New activities are always on the horizon at Iola Public Library. We are excited to announce a special art workshop for kids in March where they can unleash their creativity and make their own masterpieces. Stay tuned for more details and be sure to check back often for updates on all our youth programs. We love to see our young patrons engaged and having fun while learning. Remember to bring your friends along for even more fun!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Youth Summer Programming

Youth Summer Programming

Adventure Begins @ Your Library! This Summer our programs run June 3 to July 24. There is a ton of fun to be had during this period. See the calendar of events here. Sign up at the Library (218 E. Madison).

Monthly Littles Stay & Play this Saturday!

Monthly Littles Stay & Play this Saturday!

Our monthly Stay & Play is happening on this Saturday at 1pm. This event is geared toward littles age birth to age 5 and their grownups.  You are welcome to stop in. It is just an hour of fun play time! I look forward to seeing y'all!

Iola Library Youth events for March 2024

Iola Library Youth events for March 2024

Storytimes: March 13th and 20th at 10:30 am. March 13th is our KIDS YOGA Storytime. SPRING BREAK WEEK: All events are FREE but sign up is required on some by March 8th. 11th - Mini painting at 2pm.  Sign up required. 12th - STEM project at 2pm. Youth will create their...

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CALENDAR DECEMBER 15 - 20
MON. In Stitches adult crochet with Jen, 6-8:00, meeting room.
TUES. Children's holiday movie with snacks, 5:30, meeting room. Genealogy assistance with Marilyn, 6-7:45, genealogy room.
WED. Story time for library littles, 10:30 with Lesa, meeting room. Dinner on a Dime, cooking chicken pot pie with Melissa, 6:00, Southwind Extension office, 1006 N. State St. No fee, no registration, 620-365-2242
THUR. Youth crochet with Jen, 6-7:00, library lounge. Death Cafe, discussion, not therapy; thoughtful conversation about death, 6:30, meeting room. Refreshments.
FRI. Old -Timers Talking, most memorable person or celebration, 2:00 with Colleen, meeting room.
SAT. Stay and Play with special set-ups for learning and sensory play, with Lesa, for infants -age 5 with parents, 1-2:00, meeting room. Loose in the Library, 5:20, ages 7 and up, play hide and seek, eat, have fun after closing at 5:30; register by Dec. 16. Looking for volunteers/chaperones.
... See MoreSee Less

CALENDAR   DECEMBER 15 - 20
MON.  In Stitches adult crochet with Jen, 6-8:00, meeting room.
TUES.  Childrens holiday movie with snacks, 5:30, meeting room. Genealogy assistance with Marilyn, 6-7:45, genealogy room.
WED.  Story time for library littles, 10:30 with Lesa, meeting room. Dinner on a Dime, cooking chicken pot pie with Melissa, 6:00, Southwind Extension office, 1006 N. State St. No fee, no registration, 620-365-2242
THUR.  Youth crochet with Jen, 6-7:00, library lounge. Death Cafe, discussion, not therapy; thoughtful conversation about death, 6:30, meeting room. Refreshments.
FRI. Old -Timers Talking, most memorable person or celebration, 2:00 with Colleen, meeting room.
SAT.  Stay and Play with special set-ups for learning and sensory play, with Lesa, for infants -age 5 with parents, 1-2:00, meeting room. Loose in the Library, 5:20, ages 7 and up, play hide and seek, eat, have fun after closing at 5:30; register by Dec. 16. Looking for volunteers/chaperones.

MERRY AND BRIGHT. Bearing this gorgeous poinsettia and wearing a great big grin and shiny red boots, Ardith Harris came by this week, spreading holiday cheer. A Christmas poinsettia for the library is a tradition of long-standing for Ardith and her husband Leon. ... See MoreSee Less

MERRY AND BRIGHT. Bearing this gorgeous poinsettia and wearing a great big grin and shiny red boots, Ardith Harris came by this week, spreading holiday cheer. A Christmas poinsettia for the library is a tradition of long-standing for Ardith and her husband Leon.

WE HAVE FREE WIFI FOR YOU. See how it can help you when you come in. Find more tips from TechWise take-away cards on our bulletin table by the front desk. techwise@greenbush.org ... See MoreSee Less

WE HAVE FREE WIFI FOR YOU. See how it can help you when you come in. Find more tips from TechWise take-away cards on our bulletin table by the front desk. techwise@greenbush.org

SANTA VISITS THE LITTLE RED HOUSE on the square, 2-4:00, Sun., Dec. 14--one last time before heading north. Local littles have been coming to meet him here for about 25 years, according to Barbara Chalker Anderson. She was executive director of the Iola Chamber of Commerce when the board conceived the Santa House. Everyone chipped in, she recalls, with donations of money, goods and labor--citizens as well as chamber members.

Don Diebolt, Diebolt Lumber, donated building materials. "He really went all out," Barb recalls. "He wanted to have the little dormer, and added the gingerbread trim, and the fireplace. Duane McGraw, of Duane's Flowers, got to work on the window box and decorations." She remembers Elizabeth Donnelly, of the Shirt Shop, doing a lot of painting. Some members of the Elks Lodge and others got in their licks as well. Other than some repairs needed after the big flood a few years back, and the occasional fresh paint job, the Santa House has remained the same; it's attraction never ceases.
... See MoreSee Less

SANTA VISITS THE LITTLE RED HOUSE on the square, 2-4:00, Sun., Dec. 14--one last time before heading north. Local littles have been coming to meet him here for about 25 years, according to Barbara Chalker Anderson. She was executive director of the Iola Chamber of Commerce when the board conceived the Santa House. Everyone chipped in, she recalls, with donations of money, goods and labor--citizens as well as  chamber members. 

Don Diebolt, Diebolt Lumber, donated building materials. He really went all out, Barb recalls. He wanted to have the little dormer, and added the gingerbread trim, and the fireplace.  Duane McGraw, of Duanes Flowers, got to work on the window box and decorations. She remembers Elizabeth Donnelly, of the Shirt Shop, doing a lot of painting. Some members of the Elks Lodge and others got in their licks as well. Other than some repairs needed after the big flood a few years back, and the occasional fresh paint job, the Santa House has remained the same; its attraction never ceases.

JOIN US FOR THOUGHTFUL conversation in what has proven to be a popular new program. Coffee, tea and sweets are served. ... See MoreSee Less

JOIN US FOR THOUGHTFUL conversation in what has proven to be a popular new program. Coffee, tea and sweets are served.
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Iola Public​ Library

218 E. Madison
Iola, Kansas 66749

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