The end of 2025 feels extra special, and we’re so thankful for all the memories we made with you this year. We can’t wait to make even more in the months ahead! January is bursting with fun, learning, and giggles for babies through fifth graders. 

We’ve got some super-special storytimes this month — like a Fire Safety Storytime with the Mount Prospect Fire Department and a Sports Storytime. Click here to see the storytime calendar and join the fun! 

Our tech lineup is cooler than ever — Minecraft Engineers, Gross Science, CodeBuilders, and STEAM appointments are ready for curious minds. Check the online event calendar for details and age requirements. You can register for some programs yourself; for some you’ll need to contact us to register. 

The free family fun keeps rolling with a Fascinating Physics demonstration, Animal Investigators, crafts, and even our Spread Kindness fun fairs for kids! 

We’re so grateful for our amazing, creative, and curious community.

Drop by this month—we can’t wait to laugh, learn, and make new memories with you!

Printable January Programs Calendar | Printable January Storytimes Calendar | Previous News from Youth Services

Programs are always free, and there is no library card requirement. Click on each program date or time for all the details and, if necessary, to register. Registration for January programs begins December 15.

Fascinating Physics: Presented by the Discovery Center Museum of Rockford
Best for ages 5 – 11 with an adult.
Saturday, January 3 | 1:30 p.m. | Registration required.

Crafts-To-Go-Kits
Stop by the Youth Desk and pick up a craft to go!
Best for all ages.
Monday, January 5 | While supplies last.

Snow Much Fun
Best for ages 11 and younger with their families.
Monday, January 5 | 10-11:30 a.m. | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Kids Care Fun Fair
Best for ages 11 and younger with their families.
Saturday, January 17 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Monday, January 19 | 10-11:30 a.m. | 1:30-2:45 p.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

We See Color Party
Best for ages 11 and younger with their families.
Saturday, January 24 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Ready, Set, Read!
Best for ages 3-8 with an adult.
Tuesday, January 20 | 4:15 p.m. | Registration required.

STEAM Club: Cuteness Explosion
Best for ages 4-8 with an adult.
Tuesday, January 27 | 1:30 p.m. |4:30 p.m. | Program begins promptly at the start time. | No registration required.

STORYTIMES

Storytime Playdate: Winter in the Woods
Best for ages 6 and younger with an adult.
Tuesday, January 6 | 6-7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 7 | 9:30-11 a.m. | 1-2:30 p.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Wiggle and Giggle Storytime
Best for ages 5 and younger with an adult.
Monday, January 12 | 9:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 14 | 9:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Sports Storytime
Best for ages 6 and younger with an adult.
Thursday, January 22 | 10 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Cuteness Explosion Storytime
Best for ages 3 and older with an adult. Come dressed to make a mess.
Tuesday, January 27 | 9:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

World Language Storytime Series: Arabic
Best for ages 6 and younger with an adult.
Wednesday, January 28 | 10 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Fire Safety Storytime
Best for ages 6 and younger with an adult.
Saturday, January 31 | 10 a.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Fun with Friends: Winter Animals
Best for ages 5-7.
Wednesday, January 7| 4:30 p.m. | Registration required.

My First Book Club
Best for ages 5-8.
Wednesday, January 14 | 4:30 p.m. | Registration required.

CheckMates Meetup
Best for ages 7-14; children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, January 10 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

Tween Hang
Strictly for grades 4-5.
Monday, January 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Registration required.

Minecraft Engineers
Best for ages 8-11.
Wednesday, January 14 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

Dungeons and Dragons
Strictly for grades 5-6.
Tuesday, January 20 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

A Club for Kids Who Like Books
Strictly for grades 4-5.
Thursday, January 22 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

Pokémon Club
Best for ages 7-11.
Friday, January 30 | 4:30 p.m. | Registration required.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Programs

Fascinating Physics: Presented by the Discovery Center Museum of Rockford
Best for ages 5 – 11 with an adult.
Saturday, January 3 | 1:30 p.m. | Registration required.

Tech Playground
Best for ages 8-11 with an adult.
Thursday, January 8 | 6-7 p.m. | Open house drop-in | No registration required.

STEAM Appointments
Strictly for grades 4-5.
Friday, January 9 | 4:15 p.m. | Registration required.
Tuesday, January 13 | 4:15 p.m. | Registration required.

Minecraft Engineers
Best for ages 8-11.
Wednesday, January 14 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

Gross Science
Best for ages 6-11.
Wednesday, January 21 | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

Animal Investigators: Seals
Best for ages 8-11.
Monday, January 26 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.

Animal Investigators Junior: Seals
Best for ages 6-8.
Monday, January 26 | 4:30 p.m. | Registration required.

CodeBuilders
Strictly for grades 3-5.
Thursday, January 29 | 6 p.m. | Registration required.