Youth Services at WPL

Thursday, January 26th 3:00-4:30pm

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tired of winter? Come enjoy some fun in the sun in January @ the library! Join us for limbo, hula contests, some refreshing treats, and just lei back by the beach. No registration required.

Pajama Time!

2011-12-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Join us for a night of stories, songs, and Pajama Jammin'! Wear your PJ's to this special story time with our new children's librarian, Miss Betsy! All are welcome! Monday, December 19 from 6:30 - 7pm

Tales of Greek Mythology

2011-07-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today's Terrific Tuesday program was wonderful! We saw the Traveling Lantern Acting Troupe from Portland, Oregon perform Tales of Greek Mythology. Check out a few of our favorite photos from this fun event!

Zoo Mobile!

2011-07-06T09:20:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, July 5th the Henry Vilas Zoo Mobile made a special stop at the library. Here are a few of our favorite pictures from the event.

One World Many Stories!

2011-06-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

A slide show of our fun so far!

Drop-in Crafts at the Library - Pinwheels!

2011-06-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

We made pinwheels this week at the library!
Here are a few of our creations!

Library Drum Circle

2011-06-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Our library drum circle was a wonderful success! Thank you to everyone who came and played with us. Check out a few of the pictures we took.

Disney at the Library!

2011-06-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Did you see a dog in the library? Today we had a very special visitor, Disney the PAWS to Read Dog! Disney and his owner Staci told us all about the ways that Disney helps people. Disney visits hospitals, dorms, nursing homes and more! He helps people feel better when they are sick or scared.
Disney also loves to listen to stories. Staci even read us one of Disney's favorite books. Disney also listens to stories in our popular PAWS to READ program. Thank you Staci and Disney for visiting us!

Summer Kick-Off Celebration - Drum Circle!

2011-06-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

One World, One Sound
Drum Circle
Tuesday, June 21
2 p.m. AND 6:30 p.m.

Come be a part of a drum circle – No experience necessary! We’ll all have fun playing together as we learn some basic rhythms, chants and more with our special guest Elmore Lawson. Drums and rhythm toys are provided. This program is for families and children preschool and up.

PLEASE NOTE:

Our special performances are completely free, but we do require a ticket to enter. Tickets will be available in the children’s area of the library beginning two hours before the start of each “Terrific Tuesday” program. Due to space limitations we recommend arriving early to claim your ticket. We also ask that large groups be limited to 10 or less per event. Please note age restrictions for each program.

Meet Disney!

2011-06-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Come meet Disney,
the PAWS to Read Dog!
Friday, June 17
2 p.m.
Grades K - 4
Come meet Disney, a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) who loves books and people! Disney is a very busy dog with many important jobs. He is a certified Pet Partner therapy dog with Delta Society and a member of Dogs on Call. He visits hospitals, college dorms, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and many special charity events throughout Dane County! Staci, Disney's owner, will tell you about all the fun and interesting things Disney does. Plus, hear one of Disney’s favorite stories. Registration is required. Register by calling the library at 849-4217 or click here.

Teen Art Contest

2011-06-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd annual Teen Art Contest is going on right now! Stop by the library to pick up an entry form and start creating. Enter your artwork in the contest before August 6 and you could win a $50 Target Gift Card! The theme this year is "You Are Here". The contest is open to artists 12 to 18 years old. Pick up an entry form for more information!

Movies @ the Library

2011-05-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Remember, early release days are movie days at the library!

May 27, 2011
2 p.m.

A super villain's (Will Ferrell) dreams have come true when he conquers the city's protector Metro Man (Brad Pitt) gaining control of Metro City. But when a new villain (Jonah Hill) is created and chaos runs rampant, the world's biggest "mind" and his comic sidekick Minion (David Cross) might actually save the day. With an all-star cast - including Tina Fey - and amazing animation, this movie is packed with high-flying action and non-stop laughs.

Rated PG
Running time: 95 minutes

Summer Programs

2011-05-17T14:23:00.001-07:00

Summer is a great time to be at the library! We have many wonderful events planned from a drum circle kick-off to puppet shows, story times, science experiment shows and more! You won't want to miss a thing.

Stop by the library and pick up a copy of the newsletter today!
Registration for summer library events begins June 6.

Newspaper Correction

2011-03-24T10:34:00.001-07:00

Newspaper Correction

Our “Love That Music” After School Adventure on March 10 was a fun study of music through the ages with special guest, Janet Jones. There were a total of 29 children and adults who took part in the program. Unfortunately, there was a misprint made in the Waunakee Tribune that incorrectly stated the number of people who attended.

It was a fun program for those of us who had the chance to learn more about Mozart, Beethoven and Bach! Next month’s afterschool adventure will be “Sport Stacking” on Thursday, April 14 at 3:10 p.m.

And the winner is...

2011-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

The "People's Choice Winner" of the 2011 WPL Poetry Contest is...

Snow Dog by Alexis Slowik

Congratulations Alexis!

Remember, all ten finalists are invited to the program on March 2nd and will receive a copy of one of Mr. Lansky's books of poetry. We hope to see you there!

Poetry Contest Voting ends Monday!

2011-02-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hurry, you only have a few more days to vote for your favorite poem! Voting will end Monday, February 28 at 10 a.m. The winner will be announced and notified that day.

Poetry Contest Top Ten Finalists!

2011-02-14T17:05:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2011 WPL Poetry Contest! We had many wonderful entries and the competition was tough. It was a difficult decision for the judges, but we are ready to announce the top ten finalists. The writers of all ten will receive a copy of a book by Bruce Lansky to be autographed during his library visit on March 2nd. One of these ten will also be chosen by YOU as the People's Choice Favorite.

Top Ten Finalists in the 2011 WPL Poetry Contest
(in alphabetical order by title)

Frost by Katie Gumley
Gum by Lauren Doescher
If I Were... And If You Were by Grace Johnson
I Love You by Miranda Iljazi
I'm Running a Race by Madelyn Van Hollen
Lemonade by Nathan Stevens
Orange by Joe Miller
Snow Day by Jedidiah Mayhak
Snowdog by Alexis Slowik
The Village by Rebecca Swenson

Congratulations to all ten poets!

Now it is time to choose YOUR favorite.
Read all ten poems by clicking on the titles above. When you decide which poem is your favorite, click here to vote! Remember, the winning poem will be declared "People's Choice Favorite" and the author will be given the honor of introducing Mr. Lansky when he visits the library. Not able to vote online? Ballots are also available at the library. One vote per person, please.

Happy Birthday Laura Ingalls Wilder!

2011-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 7
4 p.m.

Come celebrate the birthday of Wisconsin author and pioneer, Laura Ingalls Wilder! We’ll share a story about Laura and her family, craft a pioneer toy, make some butter for a snack and more.
Recommended for K-4th grades.
Registration is required and space is limited.
Please register here.

Poets Wanted!

2011-01-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Waunakee Public Library is sponsoring a Poetry Contest for students in K-6th grades! Write an original poem, enter it in the contest and you could win a copy of a book by our guest author, Bruce Lansky. Ten poems will be chosen for publication on our website and all of Waunakee will be invited to vote for a favorite. The writer of the winning poem will have the honor of introducing the "King of Giggle Poetry" when he visits the library on March 2. This entry form has more details. Print one off today and start writing!

Fantasy Series Trivia

2010-11-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Series Trivia
Wednesday, November 10
4 - 5 p.m.

Grades 4 - 6

Will you take Percy Jackson for 500 points? How about Harry Potter for 1000? Come to the public library on Wednesday, November 10 at 4 p.m. and play a "Jeopardy" game show style trivia game with questions about some of your favorite fantasy series books! We'll have quetions about Harry, Percy, Gregor, Eragon, Warriors, Narnia and more! Don't worry if you haven't read them all - that is part of the fun. The game will be played in teams AND we'll have prizes! Registration is required, so please let us know if you plan to attend by clicking here.

Scary Story by Molly Langheim

2010-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today's scary story is by third grader, Molly Langheim. Molly's story is all about an evil vampire who is trying to take over the world by turning children into his minions! MWHAHAHAAA!!!!

Read Molly's story here.

Scary Story by Reed Ryan

2010-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today's Scary Story of the Day is "My Daughter is a Demon" by Reed Ryan. Scroll down to read the story and see Reed's illustrations!

Scary Story by Emma Nelson

2010-10-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today's scary story of the day is "Mummies in the Mansion" by Emma Nelson. Scroll down to read Emma's story!

Scary Story by Jedidiah Mayhak

2010-10-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

Today's scary story of the day is by fifth grader, Jedidiah Mayhak. Jedidah's story is all about a close call with some big sharks. Click here to read "Shark Attack in the Pacific Ocean" by Jedidiah Mayhak.

Scary Story by Elana Dresen

2010-10-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today's scary story of the day is by fifth grader, Elana Dresen. Elana's story is a scary tale of a chain-letter email that no one wants to receive! Click here to read Elana's story "The Disappearance"

Waunakee Kids talk about conserving energy!

2010-10-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

During the summer, Waunakee Public Library hosted a MaGic Energy Show with Bob Kann. The show was sponsored by MG&E. After the show many children were interviewed about ways adults could help save energy. Now you can watch those interviews by clicking on the video below!

Scary Story by Lydia Miller

2010-10-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

"The Footprint" by 4th grader, Lydia Miller is today's scary story. Lydia's story is a spooky tale of two brothers and a few ghosts!
Read "The Footprint" here.

Scary Story by Katia Wanish

2010-10-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our scary story of the day is about a tiny mouse and a ghost... or is it? "A Mouse Kiss" is by Katia Wanish who is a 4th grader. Read Katia's story here.

Scary Story by Danika Wanish

2010-10-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

Today's scary story of the day is "A Shake of Pepper" by Danika Wanish. Danika, who is a first grader, wrote about her two giraffes and their visit to Dinosaur Land. Unfortunately for Danika's friends, the king of Dinosaur Land does not like giraffes!

To read Danika's story, click here.

Scary Story by Alex Janis

2010-10-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today's super scary story is by 4th grader, Alex Janis. Alex's story is about four friends in a very scary house with giant spiders and snakes!

Click here to read Alex's story.

Scary Story by Stephanie Wallen

2010-10-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

The scary story for today is by Stephanie Wallen. Stephanie's story "Finding Uncle's Tractor" was the first place winner in our 5th - 6th grade category. Congratulations Stephanie!

Click here to read the story.

Scary Story by Micah Mayhak

2010-10-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today's scary story by Micah Mayhak is all about what happens when a guy named Nick decides to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Micah writes about the scary moments that follow when Nick's parachute doesn't open!

Read Micah's story here.

Scary Story of the Day by Ellen Finnel

2010-10-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today's Scary Story is a spooky tale of a haunted house and was written by Ellen Finnel. Ellen's story was the first place winner in our 3rd - 4th grade category. Congratulations Ellen!

Click here to read Ellen's story.

Scary Story of the Day!

2010-10-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our Scary Story of the Day is "Werewolf" by Sydney Jezik. Sydney's story won first place in our K-2nd grade category. Congratulations Sydney!

Click here to read Sydney's story.

Scary Story Writing Contest Winners

2010-10-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winners of our Scary Story Writing Contest!

K-2^nd Grade
“Werewolf”
by Sydney Jezik

3^rd – 4^th Grade

“There’s only three more days till Halloween…”
by Ellen Finnel

5^th – 6^th Grade

“Finding Uncle’s Tractor”
by Stephanie Wallen

Each winner will receive a certificate and a prize from the library. Plus, a portion of each winning story will be read at our Scary Story Afterschool Adventure on Thursday, October 14.

COMING SOON.... Scary Story of the Day! One contest story per day will be published on this blog from now until Halloween.

Teddy Bear Time Thursdays! - New Session

2010-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just added to our calendar - a Thursday morning Teddy Bear Time!
The program takes place Thursdays at 9:15 a.m.
Teddy Bear Time is a 30 minute program full of songs, activities, stories and fun especially for 2 and 3 year olds and their caregivers. If you would like to join us for this new session, please register here

Second Toddler Time Session Added!

2010-09-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Our Toddler Time program has been so popular this season that we have added a second session! Toddler Time will now meet at 10 a.m. AND 10:40 a.m. on Thursdays. Toddler Time is a fun and active 20 minute program for toddlers (ages 1 and 2) and a favorite adult. We share stories, songs and rhymes each week. There are still a few spots available for the 10:40 program. For more information or to register for the program, click here.

New Storyboxes!

2010-09-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Check out some of our new storyboxes here at the library!
Each storybox centers around a different theme and includes fun books and toys.

How to Draw Manga Style Workshop for Teens

2010-09-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

How to Draw... Manga Style
with Nick Katzfey

On Wednesday, October 13 at 4 p.m. the library will host a how to draw program with artist and illustrator Nick Katzfey. Nick will show us years of art school tricks, tips and techniques in a FREE one-hour workshop. Come learn to draw people, poses, characters, costumes, and other cool stuff. Bring your sketchbooks and pencils!

This program is presented by the Waunakee Public Library and the Waunakee High School Manga and Anime club and is recommended for grades 7 and up.

To save your space in the program, register online or with a librarian.

This program is supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the DPI by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Reading Champion Grand Prize Drawing Winners!

2010-09-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Summer Library Program
Grand Prize Winners, Reed and Zoe!

Both Zoe and Reed won Waunakee Public Library book bags and $25 Borders gift cards. The grand prize drawing was for readers who completed at least one full reading log this summer which means that both Zoe and Reed read at least 20 hours. Thank you to all our reading champions who entered the contest and congratulations Reed and Zoe!

Movies @ the Library!

2010-09-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Join us for some great movies in our library programming room. We’ll serve (free!) lemonade and popcorn, or you can bring your own snack. We aren’t allowed to publish specific movie titles but movie descriptions and ratings can be found below. Please call the library for more details, if needed.

Friday, September 17 at 2 p.m. (Early Release Day)
See the new movie about wimpy kid, Greg Heffley and his attempts to survive middle school. Based on the book by Jeff Kinney. Rated PG

Wednesday, October 27 at 2 p.m. (Early Release Day)
Just in time for Halloween! See the spooky story of a curious girl named Coraline who unlocks a mysterious door in her family's new home and enters into an adventure in a parallel reality. Based on the book by Neil Gaiman. Rated PG.

Thursday, October 21 at 3:45 p.m.
Celebrate Teen Read Week “Books with Beat”. Join us for this new movie starring Miley Cyrus. The story follows Ronnie (Cyrus) and her estranged father as he tries to restore the loving relationship they once had. But reconnecting with his rebellious daughter isn’t easy, so he chooses the one thing they still have in common — music. Based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. Rated PG.

Monday, December 6 at 2 p.m. (Early Release Day)
Bah Humbug! Join us for the newest version of a beloved Christmas classic. Jim Carrey stars as Scrooge. Based on the story by Charles Dickens. Rated PG.

Scary Story Writing Contest

2010-09-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Waunakee Public Library is hosting a Scary Story Writing Contest for Kindergarten through 6th graders! Judges will choose a winning story in three age level categories. Entry forms for the writing contest have all the details and can be picked up at the library or downloaded here.

Winning stories will be read or told at our Scary Story After School Adventure on October 14 and published right here on this blog!

New Reading List on our Book Bag Blog - 50 great picture books!

2010-09-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

We've compiled a list of 50 classic picture books and newer favorites that are so great, we think everyone should know about them! The list is on our new Book Bag Blog which features book reviews and recommended reading lists. You can see it here: 50 Picture Books Everyone Should Know

WPL Teens: Mockingjay is coming!

2010-08-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

WPL Teens: Mockingjay is coming!: "Are you a Hunger Games fan who is eagerly waiting for Mockingjay, the third and final book in the series by Suzanne Collins? Here is a cou..."

Fall Newsletter - Get yours today!

2010-08-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

With summer winding down, it is time to start planning a great Fall at the library! Our programs for children and families have been added to the online Events Calendar. Also, our new fall newsletter is now available at the library! Some highlights for the coming season include preschool storytimes, a special BabyTime for our youngest pre-readers a Scary Story Writing Contest and more.

WPL Store

2010-08-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

The WPL store is OPEN! If you have completed at least 8 lines of your reading log, come choose a prize during library hours August 13 - 19. The "store" is located in our program room on the downstairs level of the library. It is stocked with books for children and teens, plus posters and more. Everyone (with 8 lines or more completed) gets to shop around the store and choose the one item of their choice! Come take a look and be sure to bring your reading log!

Teen Art Contest Winners!

2010-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

This summer, Waunakee Public Library hosted a "Make Waves" Teen Art Contest sponsored by our Teen Advisory Board and the Friends of Waunakee Public Library. We had 12 wonderful entries from teens in the community. Making a decision was not easy for our judges but we are ready to announce the top 3 submissions. Congratulations!

1st Place Winner
"Peachy Beach" by Jessica Murphy.

2nd Place
"Uniek Splash" by Corban Mayhak

3rd Place
"Saltwater Tears" by Gwendolyn Haag

Congratulations to these artists and thank you to all of the talented teens who entered the contest. All of the artwork, including the top three winning pieces remain on display at the library through the end of this month. Please stop by and take a look!

WPL Store and More

2010-08-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where did the summer go? It may still be hot outside, but school is fast approaching and our Summer Library Program is coming to an end. You have until Saturday, August 14 to claim your regular reading prizes. Be sure to stop by the library this week and pick something from our prize buckets!

Already claimed prizes this week? Great, but don't throw away your reading logs yet! You may be eligible to choose a prize from our Waunakee Public Library (WPL) store! At the WPL store, we have books, posters and more. Everyone who has completed at least 8 lines of a summer reading log may "shop" in the store and choose something to take home. The store will be open during library hours August 13 - 19. Be sure to bring your reading log, it will be your ticket to choose a prize!

MaGic Energy Show Video

2010-07-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Waunakee Public Library is proud to be the host site for the program in this video! Thank you MG&E and Bob Kann for a great show!

Remnants of the Rainforest - Second Show Added!

2010-07-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

We are adding a second end of summer celebration! Remnants of the Rainforest will take place on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at both 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! We are adding the morning show to help accomodate more children and families since our summer programs have been so popular this year. Below is more information about the program.

Remnants of the Rainforest
Tuesday, August 10
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Bring the family to meet “Dino” of Nature’s Niche and his animal friends! We’ll see tropical animals such as live spiders, insects, amphibians, snakes, turtles, lizards, tropical birds, and mammals found in rainforests. Registration is not required, but you may want to arrive early, this is sure to be a popular program and space is limited!

Library Reading Champions

2010-07-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed a "Library Reading Champion" sign in your neighborhood? Students from all around Waunakee are meeting the challenge to read at least 20 hours this summer and they have a sign to prove it! We know how important reading is, but did you know that studies have shown that students who don't read over the summer can lose those important reading skills? Library Summer Reading Programs try to make sure that does not happen. So far this summer more than 1600 children and teens in Waunakee have registered to read! So, if you know a Library Reading Champion be sure to say "Congratulations" and let's work to keep Waunakee a community of readers.

Battleship Tournament

2010-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Fifteen players spent the afternoon of July 12, 2010 battling for Battleship glory at the library.

Congratulations to these winners!

1st place - Alex

2nd place - Derek

3rd place - Samuel

Teen Beach Party - Smoothie Showdown!

2010-07-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

On June 21, teens from around Waunakee gathered to play some beach games and battle in an iron-chef (like) smoothie showdown. Four teams competed to create a smoothie that would impress our judge - but only one team could win!

Congratulations to Breana, Baylee, Sammi and Taylor who created the winning recipe. Want to try it at home? Here is the recipe, enjoy!

What you will need:
Blender
Milk
Frozen Strawberries (about 1 cup)
1 Mango (sliced)
1/4 cup Pineapple (canned is fine)
1 Banana (whole, peeled)

Place the fruit in the blender, add some milk (a little at a time) and blend. Add milk until the smoothie is the thickness you like!

Makes enough for about 4 people.