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StoryWalk® "Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race" by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Monona Public Library

StoryWalk® "Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race" by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison

Located along the sidewalk by the green space outside of the library off of Nichols Rd.

Check back often for other locations in the community!

• location updates coming soon!

•

•

StoryWalk® provides an innovative and delightful way for children (and adults) to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s picture book are installed along an outdoor path. As you walk the path, watch for the next page in the story.

If you would like to see more StoryWalk® books, contact angelika@mononalibrary.org

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Summer Reading Program: Oceans of Possibilities!

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Monona Public Library

READING & ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR ALL AGES!

Read books and sign up for virtual events. Have a great summer!

SUMMER READING PROGRAM!
JUNE 1 to AUGUST 15
Once again, our Summer Reading Program will be run through Beanstack, an online system that is easy to use! Read instructions and sign up by clicking the "Summer Reading Program" link above!

Return to In-Person Programs!

JUNE to AUGUST

Monona Public Library hosts a multitude of events for adults, children, tweens, teens, and families. We are transitioning back to in-person programming for all ages for summer 2022. When possible, programs will be held outdoors. To keep up to date with upcoming events:

Check the Calendar of Events
Follow our social media accounts
~ Facebook
~ Instagram
Sign up for our e-newsletter - published twice a month
Accessibility: Library staff make every effort to ensure programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Registration is closed

Hybrid, Creative Quarantine: Leafprint Catchall Trays

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Create a botanical-inspired catchall tray to hold your keys, change, jewelry, or random doodads. We’ll use simple supplies, including leaves from our trees, gardens, and houseplants, to make a delicate looking dish with natural detail.

*** This is an in-person program with a live-stream option for those that prefer remote participation. You will be asked to indicate your preference in the registration form so staff can prepare supply kits for remote participants.

Information about kit pickup and joining the live stream will be shared with registered participants the week before the program. A list of basic supplies to gather at home will also be provided.

Adults, teens, and tweens are welcome!

Cancelled

Community Read Storytime with Tiffany Helgerson & Kyla Beard

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Greetings, Unfortunately we are needing to cancel this community read storytime. If you would like a copy of our community read books, feel free to stop into the library to receive one!

Drop-In Event: masks recommended

Location: Bridge Road Park

Alternate Location (in the event of rain): Forum Room at Monona Public Library

For Community Read Storytime reminders & alerts about location changes and parking, please register for this event! You can also check our Facebook Page for any event updates.

Join Monona Public Library's Youth Services Coordinator Tiffany Helgerson with Kyla Beard, a member of the Ho Chunk Nation, as we read through “Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race” by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas.

Our storytime will open up conversations about race & racism with children and provide guidance and modeling to families, caregivers, and educators. After storytime, there will be family activities that explore the concept of skin tone & identity. Families will also receive extension kits and resources to support antiracist conversations at home.

Drop-In Event: masks recommended.

Registration is open

Makerspace Kids: Lil' Robot Buddy (ages: 8-12)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Ages 8-12 | Registration Required

Location: Outdoors at Main Library Entrance | Alternate Weather Location: Forum Room

Make a cute, little Robot Buddy out of wood, string, and metal trinkets! Please note: this is a beginner wood workshop for kids and we will be using small hammers as a part of our creative process!

ArtStudio Kids! (ages 4-8)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Ages 4-8 | Drop-In Event, Registration Not Required

Location: Outdoors near Schluter Rd. Entrance | Alternate Weather Location: Forum Room

Masks Strongly Recommended

ArtStudio can get MESSY! Make sure your children are dressed accordingly!

Join us for our very first open-ended, heart-led, process art program for kids! Each session, we will focus on unique materials and art skills, rather than specific project outcomes. This allows children to explore their creativity, discover their favorite art materials, create their own techniques, and have fun! Kids will also have a chance to listen to some sweet beats while they work to open up their mind to inspiration.

We will occasionally feature artists from the community to come in and lead us in our artistic pursuits. Check each event listing for special guest announcements!

Registration is open

In-Person: Sea of STEM - "Stained Glass" Sea Scapes (Ages 8-15) Masks Strongly Encouraged

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

Sea of STEM is designed for ages 8-15 and will feature fun, hands-on activities.

Details: Create your very own "stained glass" artwork in this program. We will have some design ideas for you to use, or bring your own! Use glue to create a see-through art project you can take home and hang in a window.

This program will be held in person at the Monona Public Library. Masks are strongly encouraged for everyone attending this event.

Supplies are limited. Registration is required for this event and closes the Thursday before the time listed on the event.

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Other

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

An excellent way for children (ages 2-5 yrs old but younger and older siblings/friends are always welcome) and their adults to socialize. We start with a short storytime followed by activities that may include but are not limited to open-ended play, blocks, puppets, scavenger hunts, and more!

Please fill out this new Google Form for important updates like cancellations due to inclement weather and location changes.

Drop-in!

No registration is needed.

In-Person Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 8-12)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Join us for an awesome Graphic Novel reading adventure! Each session, we will discuss a pre-selected book! To participate and receive updates about book selections, please fill out this form.

Drop-In Event; masks strongly recommended. Our program will take place either outdoors and will move indoors pending weather.

For parents: Despite contrary belief, research has shown that Graphic Novels are incredibly beneficial to children and their literacy skills! Graphic novels often contain more advanced vocabulary than chapter books, are helpful to readers with dyslexia, and are a way to encourage reluctant readers to engage in reading! If you have any questions about this, please feel free to reach out to Tiffany at the contact information below.

Registration is open

Online Adult Community Read Book Discussion: "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi, Chapters 7 - 12

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Monona Public Library

“Ibram X. Kendi’s book, How to Be an Antiracist, couldn’t come at a better time… Kendi has gifted us with a book that is not only an essential instruction manual but also a memoir of the author’s own path... How to Be an Antiracist gives us a clear and compelling way to approach, as Kendi puts it in his introduction, ‘the basic struggle we’re all in, the struggle to be fully human and to see that others are fully human.’ ”—NPR

We will discuss the book in three sections, this is discussion number two, chapters 7 - 12. By slowing down our path through How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, we will create a space to process the book slowly, explore the concept of antiracism, and move toward individual and community action.

A discussion of each of the sections will be offered twice, once as an online discussion on a Tuesday evening, and once as an in-person discussion on a Thursday morning. Please double-check that you are registering for the intended session. Register for one, two, or all three!

Full list of discussion dates:

Session 1, Chapters 1 - 6

Tuesday, June 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, June 9, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

Session 2, Chapters 7 - 12

Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, July 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

Session 3, Chapters 13 - 18

Tuesday, August 9, online, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, August 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

In-Person Busy Bee Baby Storytime (Masks required for ages 2yrs+)

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Busy Bee Baby Storytime for our youngest patrons (ages 0-2yrs old) and their caregivers.

Join us for 15 - 20 minutes of fun singing, rhymes, fingerplays, and reading together!

Stay and play afterward to practice early literacy tips and social-emotional learning skills.

Siblings and friends are welcome.

No registration is needed. Pick up a ticket before joining us in the Forum Room - accessible from the parking lot entrance. A limited number of tickets will be available in order to maintain a safe distance during the pandemic.

Free drop-in program.

Mask required for ages 2yrs+

In-Person Friendly Foxes Storytime (2-5yrs old) Masks Required for ages 2+

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Enjoy 20-30 min of Storytime with Angelika as she reads books, sings songs, and shares early literacy tips. Ages 2-5yrs old but younger and older siblings/friends are always welcome. Our goal is to provide an opportunity to introduce children to reading and language in a fun way.

Stay aftward to play and socialize.

No registration is needed.

Pick up a ticket before joining us in the Forum Room - accessible from the parking lot entrance. A limited number of tickets will be available in order to maintain a safe distance during the pandemic.

Free drop-in program.

Mask required for ages 2yrs +

Registration is open

In-person Adult Community Read Book Discussion: "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi, Chapters 7 - 12

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

“Ibram X. Kendi’s book, How to Be an Antiracist, couldn’t come at a better time… Kendi has gifted us with a book that is not only an essential instruction manual but also a memoir of the author’s own path... How to Be an Antiracist gives us a clear and compelling way to approach, as Kendi puts it in his introduction, ‘the basic struggle we’re all in, the struggle to be fully human and to see that others are fully human.’ ”—NPR

We will discuss the book in three sections, this is discussion number two, chapters 7 - 12. By slowing down our path through How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, we will create a space to process the book slowly, explore the concept of antiracism, and move toward individual and community action.

A discussion of each of the sections will be offered twice, once as an online discussion on a Tuesday evening, and once as an in-person discussion on a Thursday morning. Please double-check that you are registering for the intended session. Register for one, two, or all three!

Full list of discussion dates:

Session 1, Chapters 1 - 6

Tuesday, June 7, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, June 9, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

Session 2, Chapters 7 - 12

Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, July 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

Session 3, Chapters 13 - 18

Tuesday, August 9, online, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, online

Thursday, August 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am, in-person

Registration is open

Teen Makerspace: Antiracism Zine Project w/ Rachel Werner | Session 1

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

Join Monona Public Library and Rachel Werner to help in a collaborative project to publish a Zine that includes YOUR voice in the work of antiracism in Monona.

So what's a Zine? It's a super-cool, independently published booklet from a collection of voices that originated from punk subculture in the 70s and 80s.

The awesome thing about zine making is that it embraces multiple mediums--writing, art, collage, creating puzzles, poetry, etc. You don't have to be an artist or a talented writer to get involved, you just need that amazing voice that's within you.

Register for both slots in this two-part series to uplift your voice in addressing racism and antiracism in the Monona community. Rachel will teach us the different methods you can use to create your page in our first session, and in our second session, we will be putting your page together.

Submissions to the zine can be anonymous or you are welcome to leave your name. The biggest thing? We want you to have an opportunity to elevate the voice of youth in Monona in this work.

Registration is open

Friday Morning Book Group

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

The Friday Morning Book Group focuses on thought-provoking and enjoyable reads in a variety of genres, including both fiction and non-fiction.

For Friday, July 15 we will read How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue. Copies will arrive to the library in mid-June.

This meeting will take in-person in the lower level of the library.

Registration is open

In-Person: Sea of STEM - Submerging Soda Submarines (Ages 8-15) Masks Strongly Encouraged

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

Sea of STEM is designed for ages 8-15 and will feature fun, hands-on activities.

Details: Dive on into the Monona Library to create your very own working submarine. Using recycled bottles we will create miniature working submersibles. Wind them up and watch them speed through the water.

This program will be held in person at the Monona Public Library. Masks are strongly encouraged for everyone attending this event.

Supplies are limited. Registration is required for this event and closes the Thursday before the time listed on the event.

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Other

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

An excellent way for children (ages 2-5 yrs old but younger and older siblings/friends are always welcome) and their adults to socialize. We start with a short storytime followed by activities that may include but are not limited to open-ended play, blocks, puppets, scavenger hunts, and more!

Please fill out this new Google Form for important updates like cancellations due to inclement weather and location changes.

Drop-in!

No registration is needed.

Registration is open

"How Was Your Day?" Advocating For Your Child in School w/ Lisa Berry

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

When your child comes home troubled by something that happened in their school environment (perhaps a teacher or a peer said something offensive about a person's gender or racial identity), and they can't figure out how they want to approach the situation--this session will help you learn tangible steps to help you and your child create the best outcome.

Join Lisa Berry for a parent session about effective ways to connect and communicate with your child so they may feel open to share. Lisa will talk about strategies to manage dialogue that may help with building dialogue with your child to share not only the good things, but also the tough things they may encounter at school.

In-Person Busy Bee Baby Storytime (Masks required for ages 2yrs+)

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Busy Bee Baby Storytime for our youngest patrons (ages 0-2yrs old) and their caregivers.

Join us for 15 - 20 minutes of fun singing, rhymes, fingerplays, and reading together!

Stay and play afterward to practice early literacy tips and social-emotional learning skills.

Siblings and friends are welcome.

No registration is needed. Pick up a ticket before joining us in the Forum Room - accessible from the parking lot entrance. A limited number of tickets will be available in order to maintain a safe distance during the pandemic.

Free drop-in program.

Mask required for ages 2yrs+

In-Person Friendly Foxes Storytime (2-5yrs old) Masks Required for ages 2+

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Enjoy 20-30 min of Storytime with Angelika as she reads books, sings songs, and shares early literacy tips. Ages 2-5yrs old but younger and older siblings/friends are always welcome. Our goal is to provide an opportunity to introduce children to reading and language in a fun way.

Stay aftward to play and socialize.

No registration is needed.

Pick up a ticket before joining us in the Forum Room - accessible from the parking lot entrance. A limited number of tickets will be available in order to maintain a safe distance during the pandemic.

Free drop-in program.

Mask required for ages 2yrs +

Registration is open

Teen Makerspace: Antiracism Zine Project w/ Rachel Werner | Session 2

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

Join Monona Public Library and Rachel Werner to help in a collaborative project to publish a Zine that includes YOUR voice in the work of antiracism in Monona.

So what's a Zine? It's a super-cool, independently published booklet from a collection of voices that originated from punk subculture in the 70s and 80s.

The awesome thing about zine making is that it embraces multiple mediums--writing, art, collage, creating puzzles, poetry, etc. You don't have to be an artist or a talented writer to get involved, you just need that amazing voice that's within you.

Register for both slots in this two-part series to uplift your voice in addressing racism and antiracism in the Monona community. Rachel will teach us the different methods you can use to create your page in our first session, and in our second session, we will be putting your page together.

Submissions to the zine can be anonymous or you are welcome to leave your name. The biggest thing? We want you to have an opportunity to elevate the voice of youth in Monona in this work.

In-Person S.T.E.A.M Saturday "Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes" (Masks strongly recommended for ages 2+)

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

S.T.E.A.M Saturday! Fun Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math tailored activities for children in Kindergarten – 5th Grade!

Special guest Anne Moser from the University of Wisconsin Water Library will present information about "Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes" as part of our "Ocean's of Possibilities" Summer Reading Program.

No registration is needed.

Free drop-in program.

Pick up a ticket before joining us in the Forum Room - accessible from the parking lot entrance. A limited number of tickets will be available in order to maintain a safe distance.

Masks strongly recommended for ages 2yrs +

Registration is open

In-Person: Sea of STEM - Kandi Keychain Kreature Kreations (Ages 8-15) Masks Strongly Encouraged

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Municipal Room

Sea of STEM is designed for ages 8-15 and will feature fun, hands-on activities.

Details: Wrap your arms around these adorable little tentacled creations. Make a beaded octopus or jellyfish (or both if there is time!) to clip to your keys, backpack, or clothes. We even have special beads to use that change colors, just like a real octopus!

Warning: This program will take a bit of time and a lot of patience, but the results are worth it!

This program will be held in person at the Monona Public Library. Masks are strongly encouraged for everyone attending this event.

Supplies are limited. Registration is required for this event and closes the Thursday before the time listed on the event.

Registration is open

LGBTQIA+ Tween Book Club (ages 10-16)

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Monona Public Library

Forum Room

Ages 10-16 | Registration Required

Location: Forum Room @ Monona Public Library

Masks Strongly Recommended

In partnership with GSAFE, we are creating our first-ever LGBTQIA+ book club for tweens and teens! Join Tiffany (Youth Services Coordinator) and Jo E (GSAFE Middle School Coordinator) as we read queer-focused lit in the form of graphic novels, novels, and may explore a movie or two! Our goal is to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and we also welcome allies to our group.

We will discuss books, hang out, and have fun with some art and activities. Register for each session so you can receive alerts for when books are ready for pickup.

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Monona Public Library

Other

Outdoor Storytime & Playgroup!

An excellent way for children (ages 2-5 yrs old but younger and older siblings/friends are always welcome) and their adults to socialize. We start with a short storytime followed by activities that may include but are not limited to open-ended play, blocks, puppets, scavenger hunts, and more!

Please fill out this new Google Form for important updates like cancellations due to inclement weather and location changes.

Drop-in!

No registration is needed.