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Children's Programs and Events @ Your Library Children's Programs & Events
Special Events
Peoria Main Library
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Fall Fest

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

It is that time of the year again, time for the annual Peoria Main Library 'Library Fall Fest'! Join us for this fun, free family event and learn about all what the Peoria Libraries have to offer. There will be games, crafts, bounce houses, a scavenger hunt, food trucks, community partners and so much more. Stop on by and see all that the Peoria Public Library has to offer!


Sunrise Mountain Library
graphic of a sleeping dragon
Fantasy Fest

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Sunrise Mountain Library will be celebrating all things fun and fantasy with our first ever Fantasy Fest, on November 2nd from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join us for trivia, crafts, face painting and more! Dress in your finest family friendly cosplay costume and join us for a morning of fantasy fun, there will be something for everyone!

If you would like to participate as an exhibitor/vendor, please fill out the following form by Clicking Here.


Peoria Library System
graphic of Smokey the Bear and the number 80
Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: Sept. 24 - Oct. 19

Kids, join Smokey in learning about wildfires and the environment! Help Smokey celebrate his 80th birthday by learning how to prevent wildfires and help the environment. Read 3 books and earn 4 badges to complete the challenge and earn your prize! Start by taking Smokey’s Pledge. Badges are earned by completing at least one activity in each section. Get a stamp for each badge you complete. For ages 4 to 10. This program is in collaboration with USDA Forest Service.

Pick up your Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge Log at your local Peoria Public Library starting Sept. 24.


Peoria Main Library
graphic of a small child reading a book
Book Buddies

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Sept. 11 - Oct. 23, Oct. 30 - Dec. 18

Does your child need help reading? Book Buddies is a program where we pair your child with a teen volunteer to help gain confidence while reading aloud. This program is suited for students in grades K-5.

  • 2nd quarter sessions will be held on Wednesdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 18, from 4:15 p.m. - 5 p.m.
    To apply, Click Here. Applications are due by Oct. 16.

Teens - for more information about becoming a Book Buddy mentor, Click Here.


Peoria Main Library
IMAGE ALT TEXT
Sensory STEAM Adventures

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Thursdays
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Parents/guardians, looking for something educational for the kids to do after school in a nonjudgmental space? Families are invited to join us for special STEAM edition of Sensory Adventures! Peoria Main Library won a #GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant from Kids Gardening and Scotts Miracle-Gro. With this award, 'How Does Your Garden Grow' offers a six-week STEAM series focused on gardening starting mid-September. All are welcome to these programs, including families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory needs. Activities will vary from session to session and will engage all five senses. Please call the library at (623) 773-7578 for more information.

Dates/Activities:

  • Oct. 17 – Budding Flowers: Flowers, Pigments.
  • Oct. 24 – Fruit of our Labors: Fruits vs. Vegetables, Pollinators.

Sunrise Mountain Library
picture of the earth's moon
Observe the Moon Party

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
Time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

West Valley Astronomical Club (WVAC) is partnering with the Library for a special after-hours stargazing program! WVAC is bringing professional grade telescopes so participants can observe the moon and stars in style. Registration is required for each family member, so we know how many people to expect.


Peoria Main Library
Graphic of a penguin reading a book
Storytime in the Garden

Location: Peoria Old Town Community Garden - 10225 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Join the Library as we take Toddler Time outside! Come to Old Town Peoria’s Community Garden located along 83rd Avenue and Jefferson Street for garden themed songs, stories and activities with Miss Jenni.


Sunrise Mountain Library
Graphic of the words Start with Music
Start With Music

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Wednesdays: Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30 & Nov. 6
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

“Start With Music” is a research-based parent-child developmental music program for all children aged 5 and under. Participants in this program engage in a variety of songs and music games designed to support aspects of healthy development including socialization, communication, and pre-academic skills. For children aged 0-5.


Peoria Main Library
graphic of the ABT Simply Simply Shakespeare poster/ad
Arizona Broadway Theatre presents "Simply Silly Shakespeare"

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Friday, Oct. 18
Time: 3:30 p.m.

Join us as the Arizona Broadway Theatre presents "Simply Silly Shakespeare"! Originated by Flagstaff Shakespeare and created by Matthew Windham, Simply Silly Shakespeare is a delightful, forty-five minute comedy for all ages full of Shakespeare related songs, scenes, and hilarious interactive opportunities. This show is sure to please young and old alike. No previous Shakespeare experience needed! Worried your child is a bit young for their first play? Have no fear! The show is fidget friendly. Come out to the show: chatter from young’ins and hip-bopping mothers and parents are welcome! To learn more about the Arizona Broadway Theatre, Click Here.


Sunrise Mountain Library
Picture of Jan Sandwich as Wendy the Friendly Witch
Wendy the Friendly Witch

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturday, Oct. 26,
Time: 2 p.m.

Join us as Jan Sandwich visits Sunrise Mountain Library as the beloved Wendy the Friendly Witch! She will have the entire family screaming with delight as she shares her special Halloween stories!


Peoria Main Library
graphic of a pumpkin
Harvest Fest

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 29, & Thursday, Oct. 31
Time: 10: 30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

It is time for the Peoria Main Library's yearly “Harvest Fest”! Come enjoy snacks, crafts, and fun activities outside in the Prickly Pear Courtyard, located just off the Youth Services area. Costumes are encouraged. Please note, this program is happening instead of our regularly scheduled storytimes.


Sunrise Mountain Library
graphic of a penguin reading a book about squid
*NEW*
Storytime Saturdays

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: Saturdays
Time: 11:15 a.m.

Visit Sunrise Mountain Library every Saturday for a fun family storytime! For children 2 - 6 years of age.


Peoria Main Library
graphic of penguins dancing on a book
*NEW*
Music and Movement Storytime

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Saturdays
Time: 12:30 p.m.

Help your kids practice their motor skills and spatial reasoning with this movin' and shakin' storytime! For children 2 - 6 years of age.

Storytimes
Peoria Library System
Picture a penguin reading a book with the words Storytime
Storytimes @ Your Peoria Libraries

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries

Both libraries offer a number of different storytime opportunities for a variety of audiences, including Family Storytimes, Toddler Times, Baby Storytimes, Sensory-Sensitive Storytimes and much more! Each storytime emphasizes the importance of forming a strong basis of literacy and creating a life-long love of reading.

Discovery Learning
Sunrise Mountain Library
graphic of a robot
Ecorobotik Workshops

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Dates: See Below

Interested in robotics? Join us as Gabriela Gabaldon from Ecorobotik hosts different robotics workshop, where students will discover robotics and its applications. Learners will build a basic electronic circuit and be introduce to the usage of Tinkercad. For kids grades 4 - 8. Registration is required as is a parental consent form.

Registration and the consent form can be accessed via the EcoRobotik website at: https://ecorobotik.com/workshops/. See the 'Sunrise Mountain Library' section to register for the individual sessions.

Dates / Times:

  • Monday, Oct. 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. - Robotics in Motion.
  • Monday, Nov. 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. - Designing and Prototyping.
  • Monday, Dec. 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. - Robotics Illuminated.

Peoria Main Library
graphic of a robot
Ecorobotik Workshops

Library: Peoria Main Library
Dates: See Below

Interested in robotics? Join us as Gabriela Gabaldon from Ecorobotik hosts different robotics workshop, where students will discover robotics and its applications. Learners will build a basic electronic circuit and be introduce to the usage of Tinkercad. For kids grades 4 - 8. Registration is required as is a parental consent form.

Registration and the consent form can be accessed via the EcoRobotik website at: https://ecorobotik.com/workshops/. See the 'Peoria Main Library' section to register for the individual sessions.

Dates / Times:

  • Monday, Oct. 28 – from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Robotics in Motion.
  • Monday, Nov. 25 – from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Designing and Prototyping.
  • Monday, Dec. 16 – from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Robotics Illuminated.

Sunrise Mountain Library
graphic of the icode logo
iCode

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: 4th Thursday of the month: Oct. 24 and Dec. 26
Time: 4 pm. - 5 p.m.

iCode partners with school districts, private schools, libraries and clubs to provide a comprehensive after-school STEAM program. Our Sunrise Mountain Library partnership is FREE to register and learn something new in STEAM education. Knowledgeable instructors help students to become comfortable with technology in a fun approach that enhances learning in math, science, engineering, and the arts. Registration required.


Sunrise Mountain Library
graphic of the Brain Powers logo
Brain Powers - Open Workshop

Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
Date: 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month: Oct. 19, Nov. 2, Nov. 16, Dec. 7 & Dec. 21
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Brain Powers partners with libraries and community organizations to provide introduction to fun after-school social activities for students that develop/reinforce critical thinking, problem solving, depth of thought, situational awareness, & a range of other concepts, in order to achieve the best results when problem solving using applied tactics & techniques. Using in-person strategy/puzzle games, students learn through play. Our experienced & entertaining Instructors guide student learning through challenges for lifelong intellectual benefits! For kids aged 6-14. Registration is free, but required.


Peoria Main Library
Graphic of ainfinity symbol
Sensory Adventures

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Parents/guardians, looking for something for the kids to do after school in a nonjudgmental space? Families are invited to join us for various fun and interactive activities every Monday and Thursday starting at 3:30 p.m. All kinds of crafts, STEAM challenges, games, and activities will foster these students' creativity, exploration, and team working skills. All are welcome to these programs, including families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory needs. Activities will vary from session to session. Please call the library at (623) 773-7578 to find out which activity we will be doing that day.
The Peoria Public Libraries are IBCCES Certified Autism Centers.

Upcoming Schedule:

  • Oct. 21 - Paper Spiderwebs.
  • Oct. 28 - Haunted House Treat Bag.
  • Oct. 31 - Haunted House Treat Bag.
     
  • Please check the Sensory STEAM Adventures listing above for special STEAM-themed activities on Thursdays happening through Oct. 24.


    Peoria Main Library
    graphic of the words lego club with a lego robot
    Lego Club

    Library: Peoria Main Library
    Day: Fridays
    Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

    Kick off the weekend with Legos! Let your imagination run wild, or complete one of our challenge prompts. Legos will be provided by the library.

    Since not everyone thrives in loud, high-energy environments, an adapted room will be available in tandem to provide an inviting space for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory needs.


    Sunrise Mountain Library
    graphic of lego bricks and the words lego club
    Lego Club

    Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
    Date: The 1st Saturday of the month: Nov. 2 & Dec. 7
    Time: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

    Join Luke and Brandy Daukas to build some incredible Lego projects. Each month features a new theme to inspire the imagination! Registration is required. For kids ages 6 - 12.


    Peoria Library System
    Image of a child reading to a Dog
    PAWS 2 Read @ Your Peoria Libraries

    PAWS 2 Read is an on-going program which allows children to read aloud to therapy dogs in order to improve reading skills. When children practice reading individually to trained therapy dogs (and their handlers) they become more confident readers, while having fun! After all, a dog will not correct them or make them feel awkward if they stumble.

    • Peoria Main Library
      Date: The 3rd Saturday of the Month
      Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
       
    • Sunrise Mountain Library
      Date: The 2nd Saturday of the Month
      Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

    Peoria Library System
    Image of ABCmouse promotion ad

    Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries

    ABCmouse.com: The award-winning ABCmouse.com curriculum is designed to help young children (ages 2–7+) build a strong foundation for academic success. ABCmouse.com is 100% educational, with more than 4,000 learning activities across all major subject areas-reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Best of all, kids love it. And it’s free to use in this library! From Age of Learning, Inc.

    Family Fun
    Sunrise Mountain Library
    Graphic of a cell phone and the words family trivia night
    Family Trivia Nights

    Library: Sunrise Mountain Library
    Date: The 3rd Monday of the month
    Time: 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

    Gather your family and friends once a month for a Family Trivia Night at your local Peoria Public Library for an evening of brain-teasing fun! Whether you’re a trivia buff or a first timer, everyone’s welcome!Families will tackle a variety of trivia questions across different categories. From history to pop culture, science to sports, there’s something for everyone. Winners will take home prizes that include candy bars and children's books. But remember, it’s not just about winning—it’s about having a blast together! Bring your phone as we will be using Kahoot.

    Dates/Themes:

    • Oct. 21 - Theme: Spooky Halloween Trivia!
    • Nov. 18 - Theme: TBD.
    • Dec. 16 - Theme: TBD.

    Peoria Main Library
    Graphic of a video game controller
    Family Video Gaming Nights

    Library: Peoria Main Library
    Date: 3rd Thursday of the month: Oct. 17, Nov. 21 & Dec. 19
    Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

    Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, competition, and bonding with your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete newbie, there’s something for everyone! Come check out a range of fun video games from Spiderman 2, Lego Brawls, and Princess Peach Showtime! No need to sign up, just show up and have some fun!


    Peoria Main Library
    Graphic of a movie strip spiral and the PPL autism logo
    Sensory Screenings

    Library: Peoria Main Library
    Date: 1st Wednesday of the month
    Time: 2 p.m.

    A movie theatre experience for all families, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory needs. Sensory Friendly Screenings include brightened light levels, reduced sound volume and room for guest interaction.

    Dates/Titles:

    • Nov. 6 - 'Monsters, Inc.'.
    • Dec. 4 - 'A Very Merry Pooh Year'.

    Peoria Library System
    Image of a ticket
    Culture Passes @ Your Peoria Libraries

    Check out a Culture Pass and get free admission for 2 people at one of fourteen popular venues around the valley. Enjoy the arts, museums, performances and more for free! They are available at both The Peoria Main Library and Sunrise Mountain Library, cannot be placed on hold and are subject to availability.

    Available at your library's Circulation Desk

    Peoria Public Library hours, closures and events/programs are subject to change.
    Please contact your local Peoria Library with any questions.

    Content Statement
    The beliefs and opinions expressed within the Peoria Public Library and/or the literature, materials, programming and web-content accessed through the Library do not represent the viewpoint of the Peoria Public Library or the City of Peoria.