Children’s News and Events for December 2023
There is so much for children to do at the Library in December. We have a new children’s audio collection designed for little listeners that just debuted! Additionally, all of your favorite programs are happening this month, including the return of our ridiculously popular Noon Year’s Eve Party. Plus, the Winter Reading Challenge kicks off on December 18. Read on for all the details.
Go on an audio adventure with Tonies!
We are excited to introduce a new collection at Menomonee Falls Public Library. In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, finding ways to engage a child’s imagination can be a challenge. The community is increasingly looking for audio options for children other than books on CD, as car manufacturers move away from including CD players, and Playaways, which skew a bit older (middle graders love this collection). That’s where the Toniebox and its adorable figurines come into play…but what is a Toniebox?
Designed specifically for children aged 3 and older, the Toniebox is a soft, screen-free speaker. Using magnetic figurines called Tonies, toddlers and young children can navigate storytelling and music independently, opening up their world to a library of education and entertainment. And we can’t emphasize this enough, the Tonies are incredibly cute. The figurines, loaded with songs and stories, are some of our favorite characters like Pete the Cat, Curious George, Disney princesses, and more!
The controls are designed with little listeners (and little hands) in mind, allowing kids to take control of their entertainment. They can adjust the volume, fast forward, rewind, and change stories all on their own. It’s a great companion for independent play, empowering children to explore and learn at their own pace.
To launch this new collection, we’ve added three Tonieboxes and 37 Tonies. They check out separately for 1 week and up to 3 renewals. Follow the links to place holds on the new Toniebox and Tonies today!
Winter Reading Challenge
The end of one year and the beginning of another marks a wonderful time to reflect on all that you’ve experienced and learned over the past 12 months.
Cozy up with a book and log your reading and activities all winter long! We invite you to read 1000 minutes between December 18 and February 18 and earn tickets for prize drawings along the way.
Parents, reading to your kids counts towards your own reading challenge!
Find out more about the Children’s Winter Reading Challenge, and sign up starting on Monday, December 18.
Children’s Programs for December 2023
Seating is limited for some programs. Call 262-532-8915 or register online to reserve your seat.
Storytimes
Little One Lapsit
Join us for a special storytime just for little ones! Share stories, songs, bounces, tickles, and giggles, all while building your little one’s early literacy skills. Best suited for ages 0 – 18 months and their caregivers.
Mondays at 9:30 AM
No storytime December 18 – January 4
Community Room
Toddler Tales
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for toddlers (ages 18 months through 3 years) and their caregivers.
Mondays at 10:30 AM
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:30 AM
No storytime December 18 – January 4
Community Room
Stories Alive
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes for preschoolers ages 3 – 5 and their caregivers.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 AM
No storytime December 18 – January 4
Community Room
Evening Story Time
Unwind together with a special evening storytime! Share favorite stories, songs, and activities to end the day. Best suited for ages two to school age and their caregivers.
Tuesday, December 12, at 6:15 PM
Children’s Program Room
Sensory Storytime
Specifically designed for children of all abilities who are not comfortable at a traditional storytime, this program combines traditional storytime components with extra supports to enhance the experience including stories, music, and free play. Best suited for children ages 3 – 6. Registration is required.
Saturday, December 16, at 10:00 AM
Children’s Program Room
Save my seat!
Infant, Toddler, & Preschool Programs
For ages 0 – 5, unless otherwise noted.
Petite Picassos
Little artistsare invited to join us for a short storytime followed by an open-ended art project. Dress for a mess. Best suited for children ages 1 – 3. Registration is required.
Friday, December 8, at 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM
Children’s Program Room
Save my seat!
Stay and Play
We’ll provide the toys, you provide the fun! This drop-in playtime allows for children and their caregivers to explore, read together, and interact with other families. This program is best suited for children under five and their caregivers.
Wednesday, December 20, at 9:30 AM
Children’s Program Room
School-Age Programs
For Ages 5 – 12, unless otherwise noted.
Homeschool Fridays
Head to the Library for a morning of activities, games, and fun! Choose your own adventure: STEAM activities, board games, open building, crafting, and more!
Homeschool Fridays are geared toward ages 5 – 12, but older and younger siblings are welcome, too. Be sure to check out the Early Literacy Play Area near the Children’s Program Room for kids under five.
Teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to hang out in the Library’s Teen Space on the 2nd floor. They will find an assortment of board and card games, craft and creative writing prompts, gaming systems, and comfy spaces to read or work on assignments.
Friday, December 1, at 10:30 AM
Friday, December 15, at 10:30 AM
Children’s Program Room
LEGO Club
Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! Drop in for some creative building time. We’ll have suggested challenges for you to try, or you can build your own creation. Projects will be on display for the following month in the Children’s Department.
Wednesday, December 6, at 3:00 PM
Children’s Program Room
LEGO Club – Special Edition Featuring Mad Science!
Calling all LEGO enthusiasts! Mad Science of Milwaukee will help you reach for the sky when they teach you how to build a working elevator out of LEGOs. This program is best suited for ages 7 – 13.
Wednesday, December 27, at 2:00 PM
Community Room
Family Programs
For families with children of all ages.
Family Fun Night: Nutcracker Edition!
Families with children of all ages are invited to the Library’s Winter Family Fun Night. Enjoy a special treat of hot cocoa and cookies while you make your own nutcracker ornament. Registration is required.
Monday, December 4, at 6:00 PM
Children’s Program Room/Community Room
Save my seat!
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Ring in 2024 at noon with games, crafts, music, and activities for the whole family.
Saturday, December 30, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Community Room, Children’s Program Room
Tween Programs
Intended for ages 10 – 12. Tween programs are sponsored by the Menomonee Falls Library Friends.
Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets Party
Were you lucky enough to snag a ticket to see Taylor Swift this year, or were you left stranded in the queue? Even if you didn’t make it to a show, shake it off and come join us to make some Eras tour style friendship bracelets in honor of Taylor’s birthday! Registration is required.
Wednesday, December 13, at 3:30 PM
Community Room
Save my seat!
Minecraft Club
Mine, explore, and build with other fans in our Minecraft Realm. Bring your own device or use one of ours! Registration is required.
Thursday, December 21, at 6:00 PM
Community Room
Save my seat!
Children’s Events