Fun and Learning in Kids’ World

A great big world of puzzles, games, books and more awaits in Kids’ World. Just ask Divish Goel, a first grader at Ivy Hill Elementary School in Arlington Heights, who has a penchant for solving Rubik’s Cubes – four types in all –and has this advice on what kids can do at the library.

“If they like to play games, they can play games. There are lots of games to play like Jenga. If they like puzzles, there are puzzles like Rubik’s Cubes. If they like math, they can check out the addition machine. If they like books…”

The list goes on and on for Divish who also includes “division, multiplication, spelling, soccer, swimming and the solar system” among the many things this six-year-old likes to do or learn about.

“Because he has so many interests, we can’t buy everything,” says Divish’s mother Komal Jindal. “The library has been really great. We visit at least once a week, and it has been a big help.”

On a recent visit to the library, Divish brought along some Rubik’s Cubes and solved them, one right after the other, in all shapes and sizes.

“He does as many as you’ll give him,” said Jindal. “He needs a lot of focus, and the library is great for that.”

Next time you visit the library, remember puzzles are just one of the many cool things you can do and learn. There are also games, books, STEM kits, craft projects and all kinds of interactive items to check out to take home or play with in the library. Visit Kids’ World and see all the library has to offer, and don’t hesitate to ask a staff member to help show you around all of the library’s special items.

Globetrotters: Papua New Guinea

Thursday, February 9, 4:15–5:15 p.m. Lindsey Room

Get to know a new country every month by singing songs, playing games and making crafts.

Grades 1 –3. Who Would Win?

Monday, February 13, 4–5 p.m. Lindsey Room

Get ready to debate the strengths of fierce predators and crown the champion of the animal kingdom.

Grades 2-3.

LEGO® Club

Friday, February 17, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Hendrickson Room

Drop in to make incredible models using LEGO® bricks.

Ages 4 and up.

Monday, February 20, 1–2 p.m. Lindsey Room

Create an abstract work of art using sand and Mod Podge. Wear old clothes; this could get messy!

Grades 3–4.

Boredom Busters

Friday, February 24, 4:15–5:30 p.m. Cardinal Room

Looking for something to do? Drop in for a variety of crafts and games. Ages 5 and up.

I Can Read

Sunday, February 26, 3–4 p.m. / Kids’ World Calling all Beginning Readers! Come in and get your picture taken with a book you can read all by yourself! Your photo will be displayed in the I Can Read area. Sign up and bring a familiar book to read aloud to a librarian any time within the hour.

Grades K–3.

Youth Book Me

Looking for your next favorite book? Fill out a Youth Book Me request form with your reading preferences and library staff will put together a list of recommended titles. For kids, tweens and teens.

Book Me for Youth ahml.info/content/youth-book-me

Book Me for Parents, Caregivers and Adults ahml.info/book-me

Tweens

Create and explore.

Sew a Winter Ear Warmer at the Makerplace

Wednesday, February 22 5:15–6:45 p.m.

Makerplace Sewing Area 112 N. Belmont Ave.

Learn how to use a sewing machine and make a cozy winter headband to keep your ears warm throughout the winter and into the spring.

Arlington Heights cardholders only. Grades 4–6.

Tween DIY Kit

Starting February 1 / Kids’ World

Create a unique cardboard string art heart for your special Valentine! Stay and make your string art heart or grab a Tween DIY Kit to take home. Pick up supplies at the Kids’ World Desk or request to pick them up at the drive-up window or bookmobile by contacting kids@ahml.info or 847-392-0100.

Grades 4–6.

Saying Yes to Your Story with Kwame Alexander

Wednesday, February 8, 7–8 p.m. / Zoom

See page 15.

Chocolate Olympics

Wednesday, February 8, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Hendrickson Room Compete against other tweens in challenges and games to see who will take home the gold medal. Grades 4–6.

Tween Advisory Group (TAG)

Friday, February 24, 4:15–5:30 p.m. Hendrickson Room

Join like-minded tweens to work on service projects, plan programs and play games. Grades 4–6.

Teens

Meet up or try something new.

Friday Flicks

Fridays, 6–9 p.m. / Hub

Drop in, hang out and watch a movie on the big screen. Come in early to cast your vote on what to watch.

Grades 7–12.

Teen Advisory Board

Sunday, February 5, 1–2:30 p.m. Lindsey Room

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a high school volunteer group that involves service projects, making your voice heard at the library and having fun. Plan and prepare this year’s projects while earning service hours.

Fill out an application to join TAB at ahml.info/teens/volunteer. Questions?

Email Teen Librarian, Alejandria Galarza at agalarza@ahml.info

For high school students only.

Saying Yes to Your Story with Kwame Alexander

Wednesday, February 8, 7–8 p.m. / Zoom

See page 15.

Teen Sip & Paint: Anime/Manga Glass Painting

Tuesday, February 14, 4:30–6 p.m. Cardinal Room

Learn the art of glass painting by painting your favorite character from an anime or manga while sipping on a tasty drink!

Examples of characters will be provided or visit the registration page for instructions on painting a specific character.

Grades 7–12.

Thursday, February 23 4:40–6 p.m. / Lindsey Room

Book it to the library and create new projects from old books! Their fate is up to you! Will they become secret storage, page art, origami designs, or used for blackout poetry?

Grades 7–12.

Teens

Meet up or try something new.

FourScore High School Reading Program

Twenty books are in the running to be named the top teen book and awarded the 2023 Lincoln Award, and Illinois high school students (like you) are the ones who choose. Join FourScore and read four (or more!) nominated titles for the 2023 Lincoln Award, vote for your favorite and score amazing giveaways.

• Sign up at ahml.beanstack.org and score a snazzy tote bag!

• Read four nominated books and score a free book!

• Read at least four nominated books and score the ability to join other Illinois high school students to vote for your favorite.

• Voting scores you a Bluetooth speaker!

Voting starts February 15 and ends March 15 so make sure you’ve read four nominated books!

Sign up online at ahml.beanstack.org or learn more at the Hub Desk.