Batavia Public Library

Bilingual Storytime R

Monday, June 5, 10:30 a.m.

Babies through age 6

Explore the Spanish language with songs, dances, games, activities, riddles and rhymes presented by The Language Labs of Hinsdale. Crafts will be provided to create and take home. Storytime at the Caboose

Thursday, June 15, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2-6

Join a Youth Services staff member at Batavia Depot Museum’s Caboose for storytime, weather permitting. Enjoy your favorite books, rhymes, and songs. Co-sponsored by Batavia Depot Museum and Batavia Park District.

Baby Storytime R

Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.

Babies through 23 months with a caregiver Enjoy interactive songs, rhymes, and stories.

Toddler Time R

Tuesday, June 27, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 2-3

Stories and more for toddlers.

Books & Bluey R

Thursday, June 29, 10:30 am

Ages 3-7

Wackadoo! Read books, play Bluey-inspired games and make a craft during this Bluey Bash.

For Students

Chess Night R

Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m.

Tuesdays, June 6-Aug. 8, 7 p.m.

Age 6-14

Capture an evening of fun, not just your opponent’s chess pieces, when you join us for an hour of chess. Participants should have a basic knowledge of the game of chess.

Talent Show Audition Registration

May 22-June 30

Grades 4-8

Can you sing, dance, act, perform magic tricks or juggle? During this talent show, you will show us your talent in 3 minutes or less. Find the link to the Google Form registration on our online events calendar, and we will contact you once your talent has been approved. You must be available for dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 20, and the talent show on Thursday, July 27.

Chess Basics R

Thursdays, June 1-22, 10 a.m.

Ages 6-14

Learn what chess pieces are called, how they move and basic strategy for playing the game. After completing this 4-week session, join our Chess Night program and play with other fans.

Book Buddies R

Tuesday, June 6, 2 p.m. & Friday, June 23, 11 a.m.

Grades K-3

Early readers looking to practice their reading skills will be partnered with junior volunteers for approximately one hour of book sharing. Please register for each date your child will attend.

Twin Rocks R

Wednesday, June 7, 2 p.m.

Grades 5-8

Decorate two identical rocks in this community-driven program. Once they’re dry, we will display one at the Library, and hide the other in the Library Reading Garden. Throughout the summer, we’ll encourage everyone in our community to find the matching rock, bring it to the Youth Services Desk, then either put it in the case with its match or take both home.

Sprouts: How Does Your Garden Grow? R

Thursday, June 8, 11 a.m.

Grades 3-5

Have you thought about the parts of a plant you are eating? Do you want to make your garden grow?

Representatives from the University of Illinois Extension will teach students the different parts of a plant and the soil types required to make plants grow.

Artists Unite! R

Monday, June 12, 2 p.m.

Grades 3-5

Join forces with your friends to create a variety of collaborative art projects to display at the Library.

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course R

Tuesday, June 13, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or Thursday, July 6, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ages 11-15

This 7.5-hour training course teaches students basic babysitting skills and how to deal with emergencies. Participants must attend entire session. Due to the popularity, a lottery drawing will be held. Register for lottery drawings beginning Monday, May 22. Lottery drawings will be as follows: drawing held Thursday, June 1, for June 13 class; drawing held Wednesday, June 14, for June 28 class; drawing held Wednesday, June 28, for July 6 class. Registration begins May 22. Call the Youth Services Desk to register. Priority given to Batavia Public Library cardholders. Sponsored by Batavia Public Library Foundation.

Poetry is Fun – No, Seriously!” R Tuesday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.

Ages 9-12

If you’re in doubt, try this out. You could be a poet and not even know it. We will play games and use fun and unique ways to get inspired to write short poems.

Chapters and Chips R

Wednesday, June 28, 11 a.m.

“Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy” by Tui T. Sutherland

Grades 4-8

Dragons, adventure and friendship, “Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy” has it all. Join us for a dive into book No. 1 of this popular series. Read the graphic novel or chapter book then join us for activities and book chat while snacking on chips, of course. Reserve a copy of the graphic novel or chapter book when you register.

For Families

Free Comic Book Day

Saturday, May 6

Children may stop by the Youth Services Desk for a free comic book today, while supplies last.

Drop-In Craft

Thursday, May 11 & Wednesdays, May 31 & July 5

All ages

Drop-in craft activities. Children ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Crafts are available beginning at 10 a.m., while supplies last. Spin the Wheel for Reading!

Beginning May 15

Ages 0-14

Summer Reading Club is almost here! Don’t miss out on reading fun and rewards. Beanstack is the app-based digital reading and activity tracker you will use to record your summer reading accomplishments, earn drawing entries and rewards. Show us you are registered for Summer Reading Club 2023 on the Beanstack app or register in person at the Youth Services Desk and Spin the Wheel for a reward. One spin per person, please.

Summer Reading Club

2023 – Find Your Voice!

Begins May 26

Summer Reading Club 2023 begins today! Start tracking every day you read on Beanstack: Library books, books from home, online books, audiobooks and any additional formats you read. Record your reading progress on Beanstack to earn prize drawing entries and reading rewards.

Playground Passport

May 26-Aug. 15

All ages

Pick up a Playground Passport from the Youth Services Desk and spend your summer visiting playgrounds in Batavia. Write down what you liked, or draw a picture of your favorite part. Librarians at the Youth Services Desk will stamp your passport. Visit enough playgrounds and you can pick from our prize basket.

Summer Reading Club Kickoff

Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.

Families

Professional magician and Batavian Ken Mate kicks off Summer Reading Club with his sleight of hand and quick wit that will amaze and entertain all ages. Following Ken’s magic show, join us in the Reading Garden for ice cream and face painting by Terri Mate. No registration required.

Little Mermaid Sing-Along

Friday, June 16, 10:30 a.m.

All ages

Find your voice with Ariel and all your friends during our animated “Little Mermaid” sing-along. Enjoy snacks and an ocean-themed craft while you sing your heart out!

Celebrating All Abilities

Monday, June 19, 11:30 a.m.

Families

Anitra Rowe Schulte, author of “Dancing with Daddy,” will read her picture book and talk to children and caregivers about creative inspiration, disability representation in children's literature and mobility equipment. After her presentation, learn about services offered from Fox Valley Therapy Dogs and hear from representatives of Project Mobility about the adaptive bicycles they provide for individuals with disabilities.

The Spoon Man

Monday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.

Families

Jim Cruise, a.k.a. The Spoon Man, brings his one-of-a-kind musical show to the Library. Using spoons and other kitchen utensils, The Spoon Man will make music, lead the audience in a sing-along competition and perform hilarious impressions.

GREAT EVENTS CONTINUE IN JULY! See the events calendar on our website for a list of July events. Unless otherwise noted, registration for July events begins Monday, June 26.

Weekly Wow Activities

All ages

Stop by the Youth Services Desk for special activities each week. Different activities, crafts, scavenger hunts and more will be featured so stop by often. Weekly Wow activities will be available Monday-Saturday beginning Monday, June 5.

Craft at Engstrom Park

Wednesday, June 14 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Ages 3-14

Join Library Youth Services staff at Engstrom Park for an easy dropin craft, weather permitting. No registration necessary. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Thanks to Batavia Park District for co-sponsoring this event.

Story Stroll

Saturday, May 20, “The Hike” by Alison Farrell

Saturday, June 10, “Dancing with Daddy” by Anitra Rowe Schulte 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

All ages

What do you get when you combine fresh air, light exercise, and a good book? A Story Stroll of course! Enjoy a Story Stroll in the Library Reading Garden.

Bingo at Big Woods R

Wednesday, June 21, 11 a.m.

Ages 3-14

Join us at Big Woods Park for outdoor Bingo.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair. We’ll provide the Bingo cards and fun. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Thanks to Batavia Park District for co-sponsoring this event. Weather permitting.