Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching The Secret World of Arrietty. Register using the form below to reserve your spot.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!

No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!

Create your own mini bookshelf in this fun, hands-on library program! Participants will design and decorate a small bookshelf that’s perfect for holding tiny books, trinkets, and keepsakes.

Use a variety of craft materials to customize your shelf and make it uniquely yours with decorative touches and creative details. Whether you love books, crafting, or both, this program is a great way to make something special to take home!

Plant a seed of magic! Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the River Valley District Library presents an incredible live magic show with the one and only Zach Percell of TnZ Magic!

Prepare to be amazed as Zach brings the impossible to life with a thrilling mix of jaw-dropping visual magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, mind-bending mentalism, daring escape artistry, and masterful sleight-of-hand.

This isn’t just a magic show, it’s an interactive adventure that will leave audiences of all ages wondering… “How did he do that?!”

Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder, the laughter, and the magic at River Valley District Library!

Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching The Jungle Book Register today to reserve your spot.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Plant a seed of art! Join the River Valley District Library and the Figge Art Museum for a hands-on class you won’t want to miss.

Travel through time as you explore the stories behind some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, and then bring those techniques to life with your own creative twist! Perfect for curious minds and budding artists alike!

Plant a seed of gardening! Step aboard the QC Botanical Center’s Plant Discovery Bus and dig your hangs into learning! Create your own miniature Green House while discovering what it takes to help plants grow and prosper!

Join us for a stimulating conversation and coffee! The River Valley Readers meet on the 4th Saturday of every month on the second floor of the library, after regular library hours. This month’s book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Pick up a copy at the circ desk today!

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Ferdinand. Register today to reserve your spot.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!

No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!

Kids Dance Class with Abbey Gustaf!

Get ready to move, groove, and shine! Kids ages 6–12 are invited to join a fun and energetic dance class taught by Abbey Gustaf.

What’s Included:

• Three exciting practice sessions where kids will learn new dance moves

• Opportunities to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork

• A final showcase where students perform for family and friends

This class is perfect for beginners and experienced dancers alike—come ready to learn, have fun, and show off your skills on stage!
Dates & Times: July 1st, 15th, & 29th (Showcase TBD)
Ages: 6–12

Spaces are limited, so sign up today and get ready to dance your heart out!

Get ready to celebrate with a burst of creativity! Join us at the library for a special Cookies & Canvas class where kids will paint their very own fireworks masterpiece, just in time for the 4th of July!

What’s Included:

• Step-by-step painting of a colorful fireworks scene

• Delicious cookies to snack on while you create

• A fun environment perfect for young artists

This festive program is a great way to spark imagination, celebrate the season, and take home a dazzling piece of art!

Best for children age 6 and older

Spots are limited so be sure to register!

Create your own unique mosaic in this fun, hands-on program for tweens! Using air-dry clay as a base, participants will design patterns and pictures, then decorate them with a variety of seeds to build colorful, textured designs.

Experiment with shapes, arrange your materials, and bring your ideas to life one piece at a time. It’s a relaxing and creative way to explore art while making something special to take home. This program is intended for tweens age 8 to 12.

Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Spiderwick Chronicles. Register today to reserve your spot.

Create colorful, light-catching art in this fun, hands-on program for teens! In this workshop, participants will design and craft their own faux stained glass décor using simple materials and easy techniques—no glass cutting required.

Choose your design, add vibrant colors, and outline your piece to mimic the look of real stained glass. The result is a unique decoration perfect for windows, lockers, or your room.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Get ready to explore the wild side of nature at Dorrance Park! Join River Valley District Library there for a hands-on, outdoor adventure where kids will become nature detectives, searching for animal signs and discovering what wildlife leaves behind.

What We’ll Do:

• Go on a scat scavenger hunt to identify animal tracks and clues

• Learn how to tell which animals live in our area

• Take part in an exciting owl pellet dissection to uncover what owls eat

This interactive program is perfect for curious kids who love nature, science, and a little bit of messy fun!

Best for children age 6 and older

Plant a seed of environmentalism! Get ready for a wild, up close encounter with nature! Join the River Valley District Library and the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, along with their incredible feathered ambassadors, for an unforgettable adventure into the world of Birds of Prey.

Come face-to-face with owls, eagles, hawks, and more as you discover what makes these hunters of the sky so extraordinary. Learn how they live, how they hunt, and why protecting them, and their habitats, matters more than ever.

Kids of all ages are welcome!

Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Shrek. Register today to reserve your spot.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!

No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!

Embrace the unexpected with Chaos Embroidery, a laid-back, creative program where there are no rules—just thread, fabric, beads, trinkets, and your imagination! Instead of following a pattern, participants will stitch freely, layering colors, shapes, and textures to create something totally unique.

Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or already love to stitch, this is a great chance to experiment, relax, and see where your creativity takes you. The result might be abstract, colorful, a little messy—and completely your own.

Plant a seed of curiosity! Join the River Valley District Library and the National Mississippi River Museum for an unforgettable adventure into the hidden heroes of our ecosystem. Discover how tiny invertebrates play a BIG role in growing the food we eat! Meet a variety of critters such as beetles, roaches, and tarantulas and learn about their amazing adaptations. All ages welcome!

Get ready to buzz, bloom, and create at our exciting Pollinator Party! Kids will discover the amazing world of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators through hands-on fun.

Activities Include:

• Bubble Flower Art – Create colorful, blooming masterpieces

• Flower Crowns & Wings – Make your own flower crown and wings

• Bee Hotels – Build a cozy home for helpful bees

• Nectar Relay Game – Race to collect nectar just like a pollinator

• Clay Bee Creations – Sculpt your very own buzzing friend

• Bee Sensory Bins – Explore textures and play in a pollinator-themed station

This program is perfect for kids who love to craft, play, and learn about nature. Come celebrate the tiny creatures that help our world grow!

Join us for Monday Movie Matinee all Summer long! Every Monday we will screen a family friendly movie in the community room of the library, paired with a craft and snacks. This week we’re watching Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. Register today to reserve your spot.

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up!
In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books.
This program is all about choice and creativity. Writers can create whatever inspires them, including graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, poetry collections, or short story anthologies. The workshop will provide these authors time to write, share, and give each other feedback in a supportive group setting.
In the final weeks, we’ll polish and prepare each project for publication. Library staff will format books for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and during our last session, families will help their child upload their books and hit “publish”!
No writing experience is necessary. Every participant will leave a published author, and will be acknowledged at the reading and signing at the end of the Summer.

Plant a seed of community and get ready for a PBS powered adventure!

Join River Valley District and WQPT PBS for a lively storytime where your favorite characters jump right off the screen and into the fun! Spend time with Daniel Tiger, the Wild Kratts crew, Molly of Denali, and more as we explore exciting stories together.

Sing, create, and discover through hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and playful learning moments. It’s a joyful celebration of imagination, friendship, and fun you won’t want to miss!

Celebrate an amazing summer of reading with a splash of fun at our End of Summer Foam Party by Absolute Science!

As we wrap up our “Plant a Seed, Read” program, it’s time to celebrate all the growth, imagination, and stories you’ve discovered with the ultimate foam-filled party!

What to Expect:

• Mountains of cool, fluffy foam to play in

• High-energy music and outdoor fun

• A one-of-a-kind experience led by the experts at Absolute Science

This is our BIG finale! It’s time to celebrate all your hard work and reading achievements with friends, laughter, and lots of bubbles!

Make sure to wear clothing that can get wet, and don’t forget to bring a towel! Goggles will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

Join us for a stimulating conversation and coffee! The River Valley Readers meet on the 4th Saturday of every month on the second floor of the library, after regular library hours. This month’s book is While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger
Pick up a copy at the circ desk, or find it on Hoopla or Libby

Have any questions? Contact Holly!

Publishing Day has arrived!

Great job writing all Summer long. Share your work with your friends and enjoy some pizza. Parents will be required to attend this session to publish their children’s manuscripts on their Amazon KDP accounts. Please bring a laptop if you have one available!

Join us for an exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventure designed just for preteens ages 8–13! Whether you're brand new to the world of dragons, dice, and daring quests or already have some experience, this program is the perfect place to jump in. Library staff will guide players through character creation, storytelling, and gameplay in a fun, welcoming environment. Work together, solve problems, and let your imagination lead the way!

No experience necessary, and new players are welcome.
Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot on the adventure!