Programs & Events for Kids


The Rolling Meadows Library offers its patrons year-round entertainment with various programs and events. No matter what your interests are, we are sure you will find something that educates, informs, enriches, inspires, and entertains you!

Persons with disabilities can arrange for special assistance by calling the library at least two weeks prior to any program.

 

We are thrilled to welcome you back to in-person programs at the library!
We recommend registering to guarantee your spot, but drop-ins are welcome if space permits.
Come to the Ask Me Desk or call 847-259-6050 x140 for more information.

Program sign-up can be done by phone, online or during your next visit to the Youth Area.


READ!
The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless.
Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler.
The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten.
Get more details & Get Started at the Ask Me Desk!


Ongoing Activities for Children
StoryWalk®
Check-It Out!

Spring is the perfect time to head out to North Salk Park and enjoy the latest StoryWalk® featuring Spring is Here: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand.
The story begins behind the Rolling Meadows Community Center and ends at the library's parking lot.
Note: The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.


Programs for Children (Registration Required, Unless Noted Otherwise)

Drop In Crafts
Ages: All
No Registration Needed

Fridays | 9:00 a.m., while supplies last
March 1st & March 16th

Drop in to the library and create a fun craft! Little ones may need some help.

 


Storytime
Ages: 3 - 5 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Wednesdays | 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. OR 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
March 6th, 13th & 20th

Join us for stories, a simple craft, and lots of fun!
For 3-5 year olds, including those going into kindergarten.
Children should be able to attend without a parent.

 


Puppy Dog Tales
Ages: 2 - 3 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Thursdays | 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

March 7th, 14th & 21st

This program is a time for the two of you, caregiver and child, to enjoy books, songs, and a simple craft.

 


The Cradle Will Rock
Ages: 9 - 24 months
Sign-up here

Storytime

Fridays | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

March 8th, 22nd & 29th

Books, music, songs & fingerplays for caregiver and baby.

 


Junior Picassos
Grades: 3 - 8
Sign-up here

Storytime

Saturday, March 9th | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Be a part of the Jr. Picassos Art Club and channel your creativity through drawing, painting, and crafts.
No experience needed!

 


Minecraft at the Library
Grades: 3 - 5

PROGRAM IS FULL

Thursday, March 14th | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join us for some Minecraft fun in a Jack and the Beanstalk challenge! Jump, climb, and soar your way to the top of a skyscraping beanstalk in hopes of overcoming the giant that lurks above! Work together to stand the best chance at defeating obstacles and securing the treasure.
Space is limited!

 


Hands-On Learning For All: Build an Indoor Bulb Garden
Ages: All
Sign-up here

Saturday, March 16th | 1:00 p.m.

All ages are welcome to try this hands-on activity.
Limited supplies, be sure to register.

 


Sow, Grow, & Learn Bulb Garden Kit
Ages: All
Sign-up here

Pickup March 16 - 26 at the Welcome Desk

Bulbs are a new frontier for you to explore with us, and their bright blooms should help chase away the doldrums. Not edible.
Limited supplies, be sure to register.

 


Kids' Book Club
Grades: 4 - 8
Sign-up here

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Tuesday, March 19th | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Join the Rolling Meadows Library Kid's Book Club, where we all read the same book, then talk about it. If you need help getting a copy of the book, call or stop by the Ask Me Desk.
Come meet other kids who love to read!

 


Messy Time
Grades: PreK - 2
Sign-up here

Tuesday, March 19th | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Come have fun making a messy creation.
Dress for a mess!

 


Middle School Advisory Board
Grades: 6 - 8
Sign-up here

Thursday, March 21st | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Interested in collaborating with other kids and helping your community? Join the Middle School Advisory Board! We discuss program ideas for the library, book purchase suggestions, prize ideas, service projects, and more.
This is a volunteer opportunity and may be applicable for service hours.

 


Crafting Club
Grades: 3 - 6
Sign-up here

Wednesday, March 27th | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Join us at the library for some crafting fun!

 


Cupcake Wars
Grades: 6 - 8
Sign-up here

Friday, March 29th | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Join us for a decorating contest and make your own cupcake creation!
Cupcakes and decorations will be provided.

 


Annual Bookmark Contest for Children's Book Week
Grades: K - 8

Contest begins Monday, April 1
Designs are due on Friday, April 26

Share your creative ideas, promote a favorite book and become a famous Rolling Meadows artist in the process! Winning Bookmarks will be printed and shared with the public
during Children's Book Week: May 6-12.

A gift card to a local bookstore will be awarded in the following categories: K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-6th and 7th-8th.
Entry forms and materials will be available at the Ask Me Desk beginning April 1.

 


Storytime
Ages: 3 - 5 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Wednesdays | 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. OR 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
April 3rd, 10th & 17th

Join us for stories, a simple craft, and lots of fun!
For 3-5 year olds, including those going into kindergarten.
Children should be able to attend without a parent.

 


Puppy Dog Tales
Ages: 2 - 3 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Thursdays | 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

April 4th, 11th & 18th

This program is a time for the two of you, caregiver and child, to enjoy books, songs, and a simple craft.

 


Safe Eclipse Viewing
Grades: 3 - 6
Sign-up here

Thursday, April 4th | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

IT'S NEVER SAFE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN!
But there are ways to safely view the eclipse - and we'll show you how!

 


Drop In Crafts
Ages: All
No Registration Needed

Fridays | 9:00 a.m., while supplies last
April 5th & 19th

Drop in to the library and create a fun craft! Little ones may need some help.

 


Our Solar System
Grades: K - 3
Sign-up here

Friday, April 5th | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Learn about our solar system and make a fun craft showing what happens during a total eclipse!

 


Middle School Advisory Board
Grades: 6 - 8

Thursday, April 11th | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Interested in collaborating with other kids and helping your community? Join the Middle School Advisory Board! We discuss program ideas for the library, book purchase suggestions, prize ideas, service projects, and more.
This is a volunteer opportunity and may be applicable for service hours.

 


The Cradle Will Rock
Ages: 9 - 24 months
Sign-up here

Storytime

Fridays | 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

April 12th, 19th & 26th and
May 3rd, 10th & 17th

Books, music, songs & fingerplays for caregiver and baby.

 


Kids' Book Club
Grades: 4 - 8
Sign-up here

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Tuesday, April 16th | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Join the Rolling Meadows Library Kid's Book Club, where we all read the same book, then talk about it. If you need help getting a copy of the book, call or stop by the Ask Me Desk.
Come meet other kids who love to read!

 


Messy Time
Grades: PreK - 2
Sign-up here

Tuesday, April 16th | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Come have fun making a messy creation.
Dress for a mess!

 


Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets
Grades: 4 - 7
Sign-up here

Wednesday, April 17th | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Make a Taylor Swift themed friendship bracelet while listening to your favorite songs. You'll also have a chance to become a poet just like Taylor!

 


Painting & Planting
Grades: 3 - 6
Sign-up here

Thursday, April 18th | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Do you love gardening? Do you like painting? Come to the library for the best of both worlds: paint a pot and plant your own plant!

 


Build a Better World Storytime
Grades K - 2
Sign-up here

Storytime

Monday, April 22nd | 4:00 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day at the library!
Join us for a storytime and a collaborative art project appreciating the world around us.

 


Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets
Grades: 2 - 3
Sign-up here

Wednesday, April 24th | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Make a Taylor Swift themed friendship bracelet while listening to your favorite songs. You'll also have a chance to become a poet just like Taylor!

 


Día de los Niños
Ages: All
Sign-up here

Tuesday, April 30th | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Día de los Niños is a celebration of children, families, and reading. Our celebration emphasizes the importance of books and reading for all children.
Come join us!
A snack will be served.

 


Storytime
Ages: 3 - 5 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Wednesdays | 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. OR 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
May 1st, 8th & 15th

Join us for stories, a simple craft, and lots of fun!
For 3-5 year olds, including those going into kindergarten.
Children should be able to attend without a parent.

 


Puppy Dog Tales
Ages: 2 - 3 years
Sign-up here

Storytime

Thursdays | 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

May 2nd, 9th & 16th

This program is a time for the two of you, caregiver and child, to enjoy books, songs & fun!

 


Middle School Advisory Board
Grades: 6 - 8

Thursday, May 2nd | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Interested in collaborating with other kids and helping your community? Join the Middle School Advisory Board! We discuss program ideas for the library, book purchase suggestions, prize ideas, service projects, and more.
This is a volunteer opportunity and may be applicable for service hours.

 


Drop In Crafts
Ages: All
No Registration Needed

Fridays | 9:00 a.m., while supplies last
May 3rd & 17th

Drop in to the library and create a fun craft! Little ones may need some help.

 


FREE Comic Book Day
Ages: All
No Registration Needed

Saturday, May 4th | while supplies last

Come and pick up a free comic book at the Ask Me Desk! While supplies last.
We thank Beyond Tomorrow Comics in Palatine for their continued support!
Be sure to check out the library's own comic book collection!

 


Messy Time
Grades: PreK - 2
Sign-up here

Tuesday, May 14th | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Come have fun making a messy creation.
Dress for a mess!

 


Kids' Book Club
Grades: 4 - 8
Sign-up here

Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead

Tuesday, May 21st | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

Join the Rolling Meadows Library Kid's Book Club, where we all read the same book, then talk about it. If you need help getting a copy of the book, call or stop by the Ask Me Desk.
Come meet other kids who love to read!

 


Escape Room
Grades: 6 - 8
Call to Schedule

sign up for a 60 minute session

Friday, May 24th | Sessions run between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Are you good at solving puzzles? Do you have what it takes to escape? Find the clues and solve your way out before your 60 minutes has run out! 4-6 players per team.
Call the Ask Me Desk to reserve your time!

 


¡1,2,3 música y más!
Grades: PreK - 2
Sign-up here

martes, 28 de mayo | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Acompáñanos en este programa lleno de música, canciones, manualidades y juegos tradicionales.
Este programa se llevará a cabo en español.

 


Visit the Library and Check Out a Museum!

Ages: Children of all ages
When: Ongoing

The Rolling Meadows Library is a participant in the Museum Adventure Pass program.
Rolling Meadows Library cardholders will be able to check out passes to participating museums and cultural organizations throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. Passes will be valid for a full seven days from checkout. There will be four (4) passes available per museum per week.

Specifics on entry vary by museum/cultural organization, and this information will be prominently listed on the passes - e.g. 4 people, 2 people, by car (Botanical Garden); if admission/parking is free, or it could be an incentive such as a free audio tour (Oriental Institute).

For a list of participating museums, click here.

Find out which passes are currently available and guidelines for your museum visit by calling the Library at 847-259-6050, extension 140.