St. Charles library offers activities for kids

This winter, the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave., is offering a variety of programs for kids. Sign up for the events at scpld.libnet.info/events.

• Kids in kindergarten to eighth grade can get an interactive STEAM kit with all supplies and instructions included at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. The kids will be available on the Youth Services maker table while supplies last.

• All-ages storytime is offered at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, except Dec. 22, 25 and 29 and Jan. 1, in the Miller Haase Community Room. Join this story time for kids and grown-ups alike.

• Kindergarten to third-graders can join the "Reading with Rover" from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on one Wednesday a month in the Helen Gale Story Room, 1. S. Sixth Ave. Register for a 15-minute time slot with a trained therapy dog. Children will discover the joy of reading while developing literacy skills and confidence in a fun environment. Children must be able to read independently. The next offerings will be Jan. 12 and Feb. 16.

• Join a weekly virtual storytime at 10 a.m. Thursdays, except Dec. 23 and 30. Join them on Zoom for a storytime that you can watch live.

• Watch anime and enjoy different activities each month during "Anime Night" for sixth to eighth grade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 16, Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, in the Miller Haase Community Room. Participants will vote on which anime they would like to watch at the start of the program and are expected to stay for the duration of the program. Feel free to cosplay! Weapons, food and drink are not permitted.

• Take home a small plush fish toy in the "Adopt a Plush Fish Friend" for ages 3 or older from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20. Pick up your new friend anytime within the hour. Check out the library's YouTube channel to watch a short video about what the fish have been up to at the library. Register at scpld.libnet.info/event/5718811.

• Starrytime for all ages is posted at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 to Feb. 22. Get your bedtime wiggles out with this virtual evening story time. Starrytime will be available on the library's YouTube channel for one week here: youtube.com/c/SCPLD.

• Join "Twinleaf Tales" for nature-inspired stories and a take-and-make craft kit from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles. Head outside on your own after the program to play on Hickory Hideout, the nature play area, or enjoy a short hike. Register all attending children with the St. Charles Park District online at stcnature.org/twinleaf-tales or by phone at (630) 513-6200. It is offered in partnership with the St. Charles Park District.