Programs and activities for youth 

Registration Information: Stop by or call the Youth Services Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 500, for more information and to register. Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. July program registration is in progress. Unless otherwise noted, registration for August programs begins July 15. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations.

Advance registration is required for programs designated R

For Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers 

Baby Play ’n’ Learn

Fri., July 7, 10am

Fri., Aug. 11, 10am

0–23 months

Enjoy playtime with your baby, meet other caregivers, and see examples of early literacy activities.

Lap Sit Storytime R

Mon., July 10, 10am

Tues., Aug. 1, 10am

Ages 2–3 with a caregiver

Enjoy stories, rhymes, and more.

Baby Storytime R

Tues., July 11 and 25, 11am

0–23 months with a caregiver

Interactive program for babies with stories, rhymes, and music

 

ABC Storytime R

Wed., July 12, 10am 

Thurs., July 27, 1pm

Ages 3–6

Activities, books, and craft program for children without a caregiver

 

Preschool Play ’n’ Learn

Mon., July 17, 10am

Ages 2–5 with caregiver

Enjoy playtime with your child and explore our early literacy stations, which include activities with letters, numbers, sequencing, and more.

 

Baby & Tot Storytime

Fri., July 21, 10am

0–35 months with a caregiver

Drop in for songs, rhymes, and stories. Please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings. Batavia Public Library card required.

 

For Students

Wed., July 5, 1–2:30pm

Ages 7–14
No hammer and nails are needed to complete this easy-to-make string art picture. Using only string and a needle, students can create a unique art design.

Elephant and Piggie Party R
Thurs., July 6, 11am
Grades K–2
Join us as we celebrate two favorite book characters, Elephant and Piggie. We’ll play games, learn some fun facts about elephants and pigs, make a craft, and read Elephant and Piggie books. Get ready to party!

Book Buddies R

Fri., July 7, 2pm

Tues., July 11, 2pm

Wed., July 19, 11am

Thurs., July 27, 11am

Ages 6–8

Young readers are partnered with junior volunteers for approximately one hour of reading aloud. This program focuses on book-sharing rather than tutoring. Please register for each date student will attend. 

Curiosity Club R

Mon., July 10, 1pm
Grades K–2
Through books, games, and experiments, participants explore a variety of science and nature topics each month. Each participant receives a take-home activity.

 

Yarn & Tale R

Mon., July 10–Aug. 7, 6:30pm
Ages 8–14

Student and parent teams can join us for knitting or crocheting, with beginner instruction available, and a tale. All levels welcome. Please bring #10 knitting needles or G/H crochet hook. We’ll provide the yarn.

 

Duct Tapin’ Time R

Wed., July 12, 2–3:30pm

Ages 7–14

Create a lanyard with card case, step-by-step with the group, then create a duct tape item of your choice. Parents of inexperienced duct tapers are encouraged to stay and help. Bring duct tape and scissors. 

 

American Red Cross 

Thurs., July 13, 9:30am–5pm

Ages 11–15

A 7½-hour training course in which students learn basic babysitting skills and how to deal with emergencies. Participants must attend entire session. Due to the popularity of this program a lottery drawing was held in June. Please call for availability. Priority given to Batavia Public Library cardholders. Sponsored by the Batavia Public Library Foundation.

 

Book Gems R

Thurs., July 13, 11am

Grades 2–3

Ben the Inventor by Robin Stevenson

Book club and activities for young readers. Registration required; reserve a copy of the book when registering.

 

Paws for Tales R

Sat., July 15 and 29, 10–11:30am

Grades 1–4

Students are invited to practice their reading skills by reading aloud to a specially trained therapy dog. The goal of “Paws for Tales” is to create a positive, non-threatening, and fun environment in which reading aloud is enjoyed. Register for a 15-minute time slot. Due to the limited space and popularity of this program, participants can register for only one of the two dates offered. Presented by the Naperville Area Humane Society.

 

Hour of Code R

Mon., July 17, 2pm

Grades 3–6

Are you new to coding or are you pretty good? Practice on code.org with assistance from computer science instructor, Jo Ann Smith. Space is limited.

 

Lego® Fun

Tues., July 18, 11am

Ages 4–10

Use the Library’s Lego blocks to make a creation that will be displayed in the Library. Space is limited. Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Batavia Public Library card required.

 

Cupcake Wars R

Tues., July 18, 2pm

Grades 5–8

You’ve watched the TV show, now try it yourself. Work in teams or on your own to create cupcake masterpieces based on a favorite book. 

 

Anybook Club R

Wed., July 19, 1pm

Grades 4–8

Join us for snacks, games, and book-related banter. You can talk about books you’ve read and we’ll tell you about some you might like. You don’t have to read anything in particular, just come to enjoy book-related activities.

Design a House R
Thurs., July 20, 10am
Ages 8–14
Design and build your dream house using materials provided. We’ll explore a variety of styles and architects.

Pocket Full of Poetry R
Mon., July 24, 10am
Ages 7–10
Join us for a special program all about poetry! We’ll listen to several styles of poetry, from haiku to nonsense poems and everything in between. Then try your hand at being a poet. We’ll share our poems during the last 15 minutes of the program.

Tapping Your Inner Poet R
Mon., July 24, 1pm
Ages 11–14
Explore the various forms and styles of poetry and then experiment with writing your own. Beginners and current poets welcome! Share your writings open-mic style at the end.

Dewey Club R

Tues., July 25, 2pm

Grades 2–4

Through games and activities, students can learn about the nonfiction resources that can help them survive extreme conditions.

 

Mosaic Art R
Mon., July 31, 2pm
Ages 6–14

Students will learn how mosaic art is created, use colorful foam tiles to create fun bugs, and frame their designs. 

 

Board Games

Wed., Aug. 9, 1–2pm

Ages 6–14

Bring your friends and siblings to enjoy board games, chess, checkers, and giant Connect Four. Younger siblings with a parent are welcome.

 

For Families

Family Game Night

Mon., July 3, 7pm

Play a variety of games with your family or challenge another; create a house of cards, domino mazes, and more. 

 

Drop-In Craft

Wed., July 5, 3–6pm

Pinwheel

Thurs., Aug. 10, 10am–1pm

Crazy Craft

Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Chess Knight

Tues., July 11–Aug. 8, 7pm

Ages 8–adult

Participants should have a basic knowledge of the game.

 

Explore!

Fri., July 14, 1–2pm

Science & Nature

Wed., July 26, 11am–1pm

Gizmos & Gadgets

Drop in for hands-on activities.                     

 

Movies at the Library

Thurs., July 20, 1pm

Wed., Aug. 2, 1:15pm

Please call the Library for movie title, length, and rating.

Mr. Freeze
Thurs., July 27, 7pm
Don’t miss our really cool Summer Reading Club finale with Mr. Freeze at Fermilab. Scientist Jerry Zimmerman, a.k.a. Mr. Freeze, will amaze you with his cryogenics demonstration. Fun facts and lots of surprises are in store. Free tickets for this event available at the Youth Services Desk beginning July 1.

Bingo
Fri., July 28, 11am
Mon., Aug. 14, 11am
We will play regular number bingo and our specially designed picture bingo for one hour. Children age 5 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling.

 

Island Party

Wed., Aug. 2, 12:30pm
Wear your Hawaiian shirt and/or grass skirt and join us for games, activities, and fun. A new island adventure feature film follows the party at 1:15pm. 

 

Solar Eclipse Party

Mon., Aug. 21, 12:30pm

Learn about the solar eclipse, enjoy crafts, activities, and experience a safe solar eclipse viewing from the Library’s Reading Garden (weather permitting). Bring a shoebox pinhole projector or bring a shoebox and we’ll help you make one. The first 200 participants will receive free solar eclipse glasses. Note: Maximum eclipse time is 1:18pm.

 

Reading by Design Summer Reading Club 2017-- There’s still time to join Summer Reading Club. Pick up a logbook at the Youth Services Desk. Logbook deadline is Aug. 2, 9pm

Programs for adults and teens

Registration Information: Registration is required for some programs; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations.

Advance registration is required for programs designated R

Feature Programs

A Solar Eclipse is Coming! R

Mon., July 10, 7pm

On August 21, 2017, for the first time in almost 30 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the continental United States. In the Chicago area, about 90% of the sun will be covered by the moon. Learn about eclipses and how to enjoy a partial or total eclipse.

 

The Art of Paul Gauguin R

Tues., Aug. 29, 7pm

In 2017, Chicago hosts a special traveling exhibition of artwork by Paul Gauguin. In this

slide lecture, art historian Jeff Mishur discusses Gauguin’s transition from a collector of

Impressionism to one of history’s most innovative and influential artists.

 

Questions & Ancestors  Genealogy Series

Crafting Genealogical Citations R

Wed., Aug. 16, 7pm

Presenter Laura Street Chaplin explains how to craft professional-quality genealogical citations to document research (and prove each fact) in this interactive session. Chaplin also explores the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS).  

 

Sundays on Stage

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2017 Season Sponsor.

Please Call Me Amy R

Sun., July 30, 2pm

Behind every great man is an extraordinary woman. Amy McCormick—wife of the late Colonel Robert R. McCormick, owner and publisher of the Chicago Tribune—was an extraordinary woman. Ellie Carlson portrays Amy as she talks about her Civil War surgeon father, her Red Cross service during the World War I, her hobbies, and entertaining Winston Churchill and other notables. 

Elvis! R

Sun., Aug. 27, 2pm

Dave Ehlert has been performing and perfecting his portrayal of Elvis since 1965. Ehlert has performed in 44 states, Canada, Mexico, and on the open seas. This exciting tribute to the King of rock ’n’ roll will have you swooning!

 

How-To Community

Shrubs, Switchels, and Oxymels R

Wed., July 19, 7pm

Shrubs, switchels, and oxymels are non-alcoholic drinks spiked with vinegar. Some were developed during prohibition to take the place of alcohol; others had a medicinal purpose. Cooking instructor Mary Krystinak offers detailed instructions, recipes, and samples. Bring a container, knife, cutting board, and apron to participate (optional).

Introduction to Calligraphy R

Thurs., July 20, 7pm

Participants will learn calligraphy basics in this hands-on class and explore the cursive chancery hand.

Refrigerator Pickles R

Wed., Aug. 23, 7pm

Cooking instructor Marty Krystinak offers a quick and easy way to prepare refrigerator pickles. Participants can help prepare the cucumbers and brine, and take home recipes and a small container of pickles. Bring a container, knife, cutting board, and apron to participate (optional).

Hand-Stitched Journals R

Wed., Aug. 30, 7pm

Learn introductory book-binding skills while creating a beautiful hand-stitched journal with Water Street Studios’ artist Sabrina Martin. 

 

Water Street Studios Presents

 Jim Jenkins, Metal Sculptor R

Mon., July 24, 7pm

Geneva artist and inventor Jim Jenkins explains the design process for his work, which is publicly displayed in the Fox River Valley.

Victoria Belz, Flameworked Glass Artist R

Thurs., Aug. 31, 7pm

Victoria Belz, creator of glass art for jewelry and 3D art, demonstrates the process of creating lampwork glass beads in the old Venetian style.

 

Monthly Programs

Adult Anime Club

Thurs., July 27 and Aug. 17, 6:30–8:30pm

Adults ages 18 and older are invited to watch anime and meet other adult anime and manga enthusiasts.

Book Discussion

Tues., Aug. 8, 7:30pm

LaRose by Louise Erdrich

A somber, lyrical novel about a man who honors his family’s Ojibwe traditions by giving his young son to his neighbors after accidentally killing their child in a hunting accident.

September selection: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

 

Teen Programs

Advance registration is required for programs designated R

Inclusion Game Night

Wed., July 12 and Aug. 9, 6:30–8:30pm

Teens and young adults of all abilities—and their families and friends—are invited to meet new people and try out a board game or card game in a relaxed setting. High school volunteers are welcome.

Anime Club

Thurs., July 13 and Aug. 10, 6:30–7:30pm

Teens ages 13 and older are invited to watch anime, play games, and meet other anime and manga enthusiasts.

Inclusion Movie Night

Tues., July 25 and Aug. 22, 6:30–8:30pm

Teens and young adults of all abilities—and their families and friends—are welcome to meet new people and watch a movie in a relaxed setting. High school volunteers are welcome.

 

Escape Room R

Thurs., Aug. 3, 7-8pm

Solve the puzzles to escape the Library before your time runs out! Bring a friend to improve your chances.

 

Eclipse Party R
Find out more about the Aug. 21solar eclipse.