Online Children's Services
Print out these bright and colorful activity-packed calendars for your family. Based on the Every Child Ready to Read® practices of reading, writing, singing, talking, playing, and counting, each month contains learning activities, book lists, nursery rhymes, and more.
Select a month below or get all 12 months in one PDF here:
The calendar was created by the Public Library Association. For more information on Early Childhood Literacy, visit www.everychildreadytoread.org

Introducing Early Bird Reader Bags!
Enjoy a fun surprise for beginning readers (Grades K-2) every month beginning in March! Each Early Bird Reader Bag contains a book to keep, a parent letter with activity suggestions, and a craft. Every month will have a different kid-friendly theme. March's theme will be the Elephant and Piggie seri...
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Brainfuse Is Here!
We are excited to have Brainfuse, an on-demand, anytime, anywhere, eLearning proram, as the latest addition to our online learning services. Brainfuse offers BCLS cardholders of all ages and levels free access to live, online tutoring, career help, and other skill-building resources. L...
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2021 Early Literacy Calendar Now Available
Print out these bright and colorful activity-packed calendars for your family. Based on the Every Child Ready to Read® practices of reading, writing, singing, talking, playing, and counting, each month contains learning activities, book lists, nursery rhymes, and ...
Read MoreUpcoming Events
Disclaimer(s)
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
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Please alert staff to any food allergies.
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
Preschoolers develop a love of reading through stories, rhymes, music, movement and more! Ages 2-5 years old. Participating caregiver required.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
Stories, songs, and rhymes, followed by a chance for play! Ages birth-23 months + participating caregiver.
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
Disclaimer(s)
Please register each person individually, including adults.
Registration is required. Please register in person, by phone, or online.
New Kids' Books
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When You Trap a Tiger
Would you make a deal with a magical tiger? This uplifting story brings brings Korean folklore to life as a girl goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her grandmother.
Some stories refuse to stay bottled up...
When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health--Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice...and the courage to face a tiger.
Tae Keller, the award-winning author of The Science of Breakable Things, shares a sparkling tale about the power of stories and the magic of family. Think Walk Two Moons meets Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!
If stories were written in the stars ... this wondrous tale would be one of the brightest. --Booklist, Starred Review
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Maya and the Rising Dark
In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya's search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans ofAru Shah and the End of Time andThe Serpent's Secret.
Twelve-year-old Maya is the only one in her South Side Chicago neighborhood who witnesses weird occurrences like werehyenas stalking the streets at night and a scary man made of shadows plaguing her dreams. Her friends try to find an explanation--perhaps a ghost uprising or a lunchroom experiment gone awry. But to Maya, it sounds like something from one of Papa's stories or her favorite comics.
When Papa goes missing, Maya is thrust into a world both strange and familiar as she uncovers the truth. Her father is the guardian of the veil between our world and the Dark--where an army led by the Lord of Shadows, the man from Maya's nightmares, awaits. Maya herself is a godling, half orisha and half human, and her neighborhood is a safe haven. But now that the veil is failing, the Lord of Shadows is determined to destroy the human world and it's up to Maya to stop him. She just hopes she can do it in time to attend Comic-Con before summer's over. -
Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage
"With this powerful, hope-filled story of overcoming one's obstacles, readers will close this book and feel inspired to leave a legacy of their own." -School Library Journal
From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes the historical novel based on the life of Alicia Alonso, a world-renowned prima ballerina from Cuba.
Alicia was born to dance. From the moment she slips on pointe shoes for the first time, she’s determined to become a professional ballerina. A few years later, Alicia moves from Cuba to the United States to follow her dreams.
Then, Alicia begins to lose her sight. How can a ballerina dance if she can’t see where she’s going? Stuck in bed and only able to practice with her fingertips, Alicia doesn’t give up. She finds a way to get back on stage, dancing into the hearts of audiences as one of the world’s most famous prima ballerinas.
Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage is the story of a world-renowned prima ballerina who impressed people all over the world with her beautiful dancing while living with visual impairments. This is a story about perseverance in the face of adversity, and how the arts can afford women the opportunity to achieve a global impact.
This historical fiction chapter book includes additional text on Alicia Alonso’s lasting legacy, as well as movement-based activities designed to encourage creativity and confidence through dance.
About the Rebel Girls Chapter Book Series
Meet extraordinary real-life heroines in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls chapter book series! Introducing stories based on the lives of extraordinary women in global history, each stunningly designed chapter book features beautiful illustrations from a female artist as well as bonus activities in the backmatter to encourage kids to explore the various fields in which each of these women thrived. The perfect gift to inspire any young reader! -
Our Friend Hedgehog
From a Caldecott Honor-winning artist comes a cozy classic-in-the-making about finding your friends and sticking together through thick and thin.
"Our Friend Hedgehog feels like a modern-day Winnie the Pooh. It's so warm and full of joy and love. It's got classic written all over it." --Victoria Jamieson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Roller GirlSometimes you make a friend,
and it feels like you have known that friend your entire life. . . .Hedgehog lives on a teeny-tiny island with only her stuffed dog, Mutty, for company. When a great storm carries Mutty away, she embarks on a quest to find her friend. Following the trail of clues Mutty left behind, brave Hedgehog meets a wiggly Mole, a wordy Owl, a curmudgeonly Beaver, a scatterbrained Hen and Chicks, and a girl who's new to the neighborhood, Annika May. With bravery and teamwork, there's nothing that can stop these seven from finding Mutty, but along the way they discover something even more important: each other.
The first book in a new series from Caldecott Honor winner Lauren Castillo, Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us has the feel of a timeless classic, introducing an unforgettable cast of characters who will star in many more adventures to come.
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Sugar in Milk
A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller.
A Kirkus Best Books of 2020
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2020
"An engaging, beautiful, and memorable book." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Lush illustrations and a strong message of hope and perseverance make this a standout title." --School Library Journal, starred review
When I first came to this country, I felt so alone.
A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story begins.
A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The local king met them, determined to refuse their request for refuge. But there was a language barrier, so the king filled a glass with milk and pointed to it as a way of saying that the land was full and couldn't accommodate the strangers. Then, the leader of the refugees dissolved sugar in the glass of milk. His message was clear: Like sugar in milk, our presence in your country will sweeten your lives. The king embraced the refugee, welcoming him and his people. The folktale depicted in this book was a part of author Thrity Umrigar's Zoroastrian upbringing as a Parsi child in India, but resonates for children of all backgrounds, especially those coming to a new homeland. -
Salma the Syrian Chef
Newcomer Salma and friends cook up a heartwarming dish to cheer up Mama.
All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn't know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers in her Welcome Home are happy to lend a hand--and a sprinkle of sumac.
With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren't perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration. Syrian culture is beautifully represented through the meal Salma prepares and Anna Bron's vibrant illustrations, while the diverse cast of characters speaks to the power of cultivating community in challenging circumstances.
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Pug's Got Talent (Diary of a Pug #4)
Bub's human, Bella, is putting on a pet talent show! Bub can't wait to wow the audience with his skateboarding stunts, not to mention his snazzy costume. But when dress rehearsal doesn't go as planned, Bub finds that it's up to him -- and his archenemy Duchess the cat -- to make things right. Can he and Duchess work together to make sure the show goes on?
With full-color artwork throughout, this funny and charming diary-format early chapter book is perfect for anyone who believes a furry pal is the best kind of friend. -
Ground Zero
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present.
September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape?
September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger?
Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.
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Claudia and the New Girl (the Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel #9)
A brand-new Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by newcomer Gabriela Epstein!
Claudia has always been the most creative kid in her class... until Ashley Wyeth comes along. Ashley's really different: She wears hippie clothes and has multiple earrings, and she's the most fantastic artist Claudia has ever met.
Ashley says Claudia is a great artist, too, but thinks she's wasting her artistic talent with The Baby-sitters Club. When Claudia starts spending more time with Ashley and missing BSC meetings, it becomes clear that Claudia has to make a decision -- one of them has to go!
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Mothering Heights
A latest entry in the best-selling series by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of the Captain Underpants adventures finds Dog Man tapping the strength of kindness and persistence when he is embroiled in a howling dilemma.
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This Book Will (Help) Cool the Climate
Our planet is heating up, and it needs your help! If you want to learn to reduce your carbon footprint and cool the Earth, here are practical tips and projects that make a difference!
Are you concerned about climate change? The bad news is, global warming is a real problem that won't go away on its own. But the good news is, there are lots of easy ways you can get involved and make a difference! From swapping your stuff to assigning your school some eco-homework, helping to save the planet is within your reach. Arm yourself with info about our changing world, become an eco-hero and take control of your future. It's time to do your part to cool the climate!
Worried about waste? Don't miss This Book is Not Garbage: 50 Ways to Ditch Plastic, Reduce Trash, and Save the World. -
Living the Confidence Code
New from the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling authors of The Confidence Code for Girls!
The best way to understand confidence is to see it in action. That's why bestselling authors Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and JillEllyn Riley have collected 30 true stories of real girls, pursuing their passions, struggling and stumbling, but along the way figuring out how to build their own special brand of confidence.
From Bali to Brazil, South Africa to Seattle, Australia to Afghanistan, these girls took risks, doubted themselves, and sometimes failed. But they also hung in there when things got hard. Along the way they discovered what matters to them: everything from protesting contaminated water to championing inclusive books to the accessibility of girls' basketball shoes, and so much more.
Different goals, different stories, different personalities, all illustrating the multitude of ways to be confident in the world.
Packed with photos, graphic novel strips, and engaging interviews, Living the Confidence Code proves that no matter who you are, or how old you are, nothing is out of reach when you decide to try. Join this growing global community of powerful girls and imagine--what would you like to do, once you tap into your confidence? How will you write your story?
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Latinitas
Dream big with the Latinitas in Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers.
Discover how 40 influential Latinas became the women we celebrate today! In this collection of short biographies from all over Latin America and across the United States, Juliet Menéndez explores the first small steps that set the Latinitas off on their journeys. With gorgeous, hand-painted illustrations, Menéndez shines a spotlight on the power of childhood dreams.
From Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to singer Selena Quintanilla to NASA’s first virtual reality engineer, Evelyn Miralles, this is a book for aspiring artists, scientists, activists, and more. These women followed their dreams—and just might encourage you to follow yours!
The book features Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Policarpa Salavarrieta, Rosa Peña de González, Teresa Carreño, Zelia Nuttall, Antonia Navarro, Matilde Hidalgo, Gabriela Mistral, Juana de Ibarbourou, Pura Belpré, Gumercinda Páez, Frida Kahlo, Julia de Burgos, Chavela Vargas, Alicia Alonso, Victoria Santa Cruz, Claribel Alegría, Celia Cruz, Dolores Huerta, Rita Moreno, Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, Mercedes Sosa, Isabel Allende, Susana Torre, Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, Sonia Sotomayor, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Mercedes Doretti, Sonia Pierre, Justa Canaviri, Evelyn Miralles, Selena Quintanilla, Berta Cáceres, Serena Auñón, Wanda Díaz-Merced, Marta Vieira da Silva, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Laurie Hernandez.
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She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds!
Before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin made the same choice. She insisted on standing up--or in her case, sitting down--for what was right, and in doing so, fought for equality, fairness, and justice.
In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome, readers learn about the amazing life of Claudette Colvin--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton!
Praise for She Persisted: Claudette Colvin
Cline-Ransome brings the teen activist to life with great compassion and impressive brevity . . . A noteworthy start for chapter-book readers wishing to read more about young leaders of the movement. --Kirkus Reviews
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The Rainforest Rescue (Thea Stilton #32)
Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship
The Thea Sisters are off to save the rain forest in Malaysia.