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Children's Programs and Events @ Your Library Children's Programs & Events
Special Events
Peoria Library System
Image of the summer reading theme poster with the theme Unearth A Story
2026 Summer Reading Program & Special Events

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: Jun. 1 - Jul 20

Early registration begins May 1!

'Unearth A Story' at the library as the 2026 Summer Reading Program is here! Starting June 1, people of all ages may participate by signing up and reading 20 minutes a day to earn incentives and prizes all summer long. Your local Peoria Public Library also offers several special summer events that can be enjoyed by the whole family! Those attending the events can even earn additional points! The program runs from June 1 through July 20, so be sure to sign up and 'Unearth A Story' at the library today!

  • To learn more about the Summer Reading Program and the special summer events happening at your Peoria Library, Click Here.
     
  • To sign up for the program and enter your minutes, Click Here.

Peoria Main Library
graphic of a family learning math
Family Math Night!

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, interactive math games and hands-on activities! This engaging event is designed to help build a positive math mindset, boost confidence, and show that everyone can be successful in math. Come connect, learn, and have fun - no stress, just math made positive!

  • Play games together!
  • Explore real-world math!
  • Grow a positive math mindset!
  • Learn easy ways to support math at home!

Peoria Library System
Grpahic of a cartoon worm sticking out of a jar full of dirt
Worm Jar Composting

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: See below

Get your hands a little dirty and learn something new! Join us for an all-ages Worm Jar Composting class where you’ll build your own mini compost system to take home. Discover how worms help turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil and learn simple ways to practice sustainability in your everyday life. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!

  • Peoria Main Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 12 p.m. To register, Click Here.
     
  • Sunrise Mountain Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 3 p.m. To register, Click Here.
     

Peoria Library System
A picture of Michael Steele
Michael Steele Variety Show

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: See below

Join us for a fun, interactive show as Michael Steele demonstrates how magicians use techniques, such as misdirection of attention, to succeed at creating illusions of magic and pairs it with humorous commentary that will keep the audience laughing throughout! Also, come to play the name that tune game and watch yo-yo tricks!

  • Sunrise Mountain Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 11:30 a.m.
     
  • Peoria Main Library - Saturday, May 23, @ 3 p.m.

Peoria Library System
Graphic of ABT's Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play poster
Arizona Broadway Theatre presents: Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries
Date: See below

Join us as the Arizona Broadway Theatre visits the library with a special performance of Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” Gerald is a careful, worried elephant. Piggie is a joyful, high-energy pig. Together, they’re “bestus” friends—and today, they’re in a play! Based on Mo Willems’ award-winning, best-selling children’s books, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” brings these beloved characters to life in a vaudevillian musical adventure bursting with laughter, dancing squirrels, and the unforgettable “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance.

  • Peoria Main Library - Tuesday, May 26, @ 10:30 a.m.
     
  • Sunrise Mountain Library - Friday, May 29, @ 11 a.m.

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

Library: Peoria Main Library

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.

  • If interested in upcoming sessions, please call (623) 773-7578 for more information.

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

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.


Peoria Library System
graphic of the Library mascot Pip the Roadrunner
Pip's 1,000 Book Challenge

Library: Peoria Main & Sunrise Mountain Libraries

Pip's 1,000 book challenge is a fun, independent, and self-paced reading initiative designed to promote a strong literacy foundation in children ages 0-5. Start reading now and read 1,000 books by the time they are school ready and entering kindergarten. Track your progress on our reading logs and earn prizes after 100, 300, 600, and 1,000 books!

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/librarypartnerships/. See the 'Sunrise Mountain Library' section to register for the individual sessions.

Dates / Times:

  • Wednesday, May. 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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/librarypartnerships/. See the 'Peoria Main Library' section to register for the individual sessions.

Dates / Times:

  • Check back soon for upcoming dates/sessions.

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:

  • May 4 & 7 - Heart Air Balloon.
  • May 11 & 14 - Flying Honey Bee.
  • May 18 & 21 - Spin Drum.
  • May 28 - Imaginary Zoo.

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: May 2, Jun. 6 & *Jul. 11*
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
    Day: The 3rd Saturday of the Month
    Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
     
  • Sunrise Mountain Library
    Day: The 2nd Saturday of the Month
    Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Peoria Library System
Image of ABCmouse promotion ad
ABC Mouse

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

Library: Peoria Main Library
Date: 3rd Thursday of the month: May 21, Jun. 18 & Jul. 16
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: See below

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:

  • Wednesday, May 6, @ 2 p.m. - 'A Goofy Movie'.

  • 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.