Let’s explore together
Library Adventures for Parents, Caregivers, & Kids
What’s Coming Up
Outdoor StoryWalk®
StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and exploration. Starting near the entrance of the library, laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes and installed along an outdoor path through our beautiful Patrons Park.
Dec: (indoors) Bear Can’t Sleep by Karma Wilson
Jan: (indoors) Benita and the Night Creatures/Benita y las criaturas nocturnas by Mariana Llanos
Kiwanis Family Nights
Once a month, the West Bend Library hosts a fun, family-friendly special performer for free thanks to the Kiwanis Early Risers. Programs typically run about 45 minutes.
View our upcoming events below.
Storytime
Join us for our weekly storytimes.
Preschool Storytime: Tuesday/Weds at 10am
Stories and songs geared for ages 2-6. Craft after storytime! You can work on it at the library, or take it home!
Baby/Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:15am.
Stories and songs geared for ages 0-24 months. There will be a variety of experiences – songs, books, scarves, shakers, parachute, bubbles, and more!
Adventure Passes
We have passes to several local attractions that are able to be checked out for free admission. Passes circulate for 3 days, no renewals.
Passes are not holdable from our catalog. We are able to hold passes for 1 hour by phone 262-335-5151 ext. 5257. Please check the Monarch Catalog to see what passes are available.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Free entrance for one family, with up to 6 guests. Discounted parking.
2 Passes: Check Availability
Mitchell Park Domes
Free admission for one family. Parking is free.
3 Passes: Check Availability
A place in Milwaukee with animals
free entrance for up to 8 in one vehicle (and includes free parking for one vehicle). We aren’t allowed to advertise which attraction, but it’s a popular place off W. Bluemound Avenue. It is open 362 days a year.
2 Passes: Check Availability
Schlitz Audubon
Free admission, parking is free.
1 Pass: Check Availability
Kettle Moraine YMCA (Adventure Pool)
Free admission for 2 adults and minor children, parking is free.
2 Passes: Check Availability
City of Horicon Aquatic Center (Discher Park)
Free Family Admission (7 people). 2023 season runs June 3- August 20. Check Horicon Aquatic Center Facebook for open swim and up to date information.
1 Pass: Check Availability
STEAMKITS
STEAMKITS are funded by generous donations from community businesses. STEAMKITS are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and/or Math. The kits circulate for 7 days. They may be checked out only in West Bend, and returned to the West Bend circulation desk during normal business hours. The kits may not be returned in the book drop. There is a limit of TWO STEAMKITS per library card.
Bongos
Contents | Place Hold
E-Blox Burp & Fart Machine
Contents | Place Hold
Euler’s Disk
Contents | Place Hold
Force & Motion
Contents | Place Hold
Gravity Maze
Contents | Place Hold
Ice Age Trail Explorer Backpack
Contents | Place Hold
Jumbie Jam Steel Drum
Place Hold
Keva Planks
Contents | Place Hold
Makey Makey
Place Hold
Metal Detector
Place Hold
OSMO Steam Maker (iPad)
Contents | Place Hold
OSMO Steam Maker (Kindle Fire)
Contents | Place Hold
Oucles Stacking Rocks
Contents | Place Hold
Problem Solving – 3 Billy Goats
Contents | Place Hold
Road Builder
Contents | Place Hold
Robotics and Coding Kit
Contents | Place Hold
Snap Circuits, Jr.
Contents | Place Hold
Sphero
Place Hold
Weather Forecasting/Kestrel 3000
Contents | Place Hold
Share a story with an animal!
Reading to our furry friends is not just fun; it’s a fantastic way to:
• Help increase relaxation and reduce stress.
• Offer non-judgmental animal companionship.
• Allow children to read at their own pace.
• Practice reading aloud in a way that is less intimidating than reading in front of peers.
Rescue Readers – Join our Rescue Readers program (off-site at Humane Society) and embark on a heartwarming journey offered in the summer months every week as we bring the joy of reading to the wonderful animals at the Washington County Humane Society. Children typically read to cats during Rescue Readers. (On hiatus during school year, stay tuned for dates for Summer 2024!)
Reading with Lenny – This program takes place on-site at the library with Lenny, an adorable cockapoo puppy, and his handler. Youth can sign up to read with him on select dates!
This program is perfect for independent young readers. Sign up at the library or contact our front desk for a 15-minute time slot.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
This free program encourages you to read 1000 books with your child before they enter Kindergarten. This goal was set by experts who say children need to hear at least 1000 books to help them learn to read for themselves. One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books each and every day. Take every chance to read with your child. You will share many special moments along the way.
Kiwanis Early Risers Family Programs
Once a month, the West Bend Library hosts a fun, family-friendly special performer. Music, magic, comedy, and more come to the West Bend community for free thanks to the Kiwanis Early Risers. Programs typically run about 45 minutes. Check our calendar to see more information about what’s coming soon!
Kiwanis International, a global volunteer organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and communities worldwide. The West Bend Early Risers Kiwanians unite their efforts to achieve more together than one can alone. Through fundraising events such as the Souper Bowl Saturday Soup and Chili Cook Off, the Duck Derby, and Go-Kart racing, they support a range of youth-focused community programs, all with the aim of making West Bend, Wisconsin, an even better place to call home. For over a century, Kiwanians have been making a lasting impact on children and their communities, always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
Upcoming Kiwanis events
- There were no results found.
- There were no results found.