Library Events

Filtering by: “Summer Reading”
One Act Play Director Search
May
6

One Act Play Director Search

River Valley District Library is excited to host a One-Act Play program for students! Applications for student directors are due by Wednesday, May 6. Participants may choose to write their own short play or collaborate with library staff to select an existing script.

Selected directors will receive guidance from library staff to refine their original work or choose a pre-written play that fits their vision. Directors will also partner with staff to cast their productions through auditions held Wednesday May 27th.

Throughout June and July, students will bring their productions to life during weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays from 3:30–5:00 PM. The program will conclude with a public performance on July 31, where directors and their casts will showcase their hard work.

View Event →
Director Workshop for One Act Plays
May
13

Director Workshop for One Act Plays

Student directors will receive guidance from library staff to refine their original work or choose a pre-written play that fits their vision for our summertime one-act play production.  Please note, director applications are due by May 6!

This program is only for selected play directors. For information about cast and crew, please visit the auditions event page.

View Event →
Director Workshop for One Act Plays
May
20

Director Workshop for One Act Plays

Student directors will receive guidance from library staff to refine their original work or choose a pre-written play that fits their vision for our summertime one-act play production.  Please note, director applications are due by May 6!

This program is only for selected play directors. For information about cast and crew, please visit the auditions event page.

View Event →
Summer Reading Kickoff: Barnyard Boogie
May
30

Summer Reading Kickoff: Barnyard Boogie

Summer Reading Kickoff: Barnyard Boogie!

Get ready to plant the seeds of fun and reading at our Barnyard Boogie, the official kickoff for our “Plant a Seed, Read” Summer Reading Program!

What’s in Store:

  • Meet adorable animals at our petting zoo

  • Bounce, jump, and play in our bounce house

  • Get creative with flower pot painting and other hands-on crafts

  • Eat incredible food provided by River Cities Rotary

  • Enjoy games, music, and fun activities for the whole family!

This exciting celebration is the perfect way to start a summer full of imagination, exploration, and reading. Come plant your first seeds of adventure with us!

Bring your friends, family, and a love of reading—let’s boogie into summer together!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
1

Become a Published Author

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.

View Event →
Tween D&D
Jun
2

Tween D&D

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!

View Event →
DIY Chia Pets and Nature Art for Kids
Jun
3

DIY Chia Pets and Nature Art for Kids

Let your creativity bloom at the library with our DIY Chia Pet and Nature Art program for kids! Explore the beauty of the natural world through fun, hands-on art projects.

Activities include:

DIY Chia Pets – Decorate your own creation, add chia seeds, and take your new pet home! We will be using paint and clay, so dress for mess!

Plant Prints – Create beautiful designs using real leaves and plants

Seed Mosaics – Build colorful art using a variety of seeds

Rainforest in a Jar – Make your own mini ecosystem to take home

Chlorophyll Painting – Discover the natural colors inside leaves

Mini Yards – Design and decorate your own tiny outdoor scene

Kids will learn, create, and connect with nature while making one-of-a-kind masterpieces to take home!

All Ages Welcome!

View Event →
One Act Play Rehearsals
Jun
3

One Act Play Rehearsals

The community room will be reserved for student one-act play rehearsals throughout the summer. Participants will use the space to practice scenes, collaborate with their cast, and prepare for a culminating public performance at the end of the season. Library staff may assist with scheduling and provide basic support as students work toward bringing their productions to life.

View Event →
Local Mushroom Identification with WAPSI
Jun
3

Local Mushroom Identification with WAPSI

Join Naturalist Becky Baugh from the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center and learn how to identify local mushrooms and which seasons and habitats they can be found. You will also learn recipes and ways to preserve the mushrooms for future use.

View Event →
Incredible Bats
Jun
5

Incredible Bats

Plant a seed of wonder! Join us for Incredible Bats, an exciting live animal program where you’ll meet fascinating creatures from around the world—up close and in person.

Meet the Animals:

  • Fruit Bats 🦇

  • Fennec Fox 🦊

  • Armadillo

  • Rabbit 🐰

  • Short-Tailed Possum

  • Hedgehog 🦔

  • Sugar Gliders

  • Dormice

  • Box Turtle 🐢

  • Bearded Dragon 🦎

  • Leachianus Gecko

  • Leopard Gecko

  • Ball Python 🐍

  • Corn Snake

  • Tarantula 🕷️

Learn amazing facts about bats and their important role in our ecosystem, along with all their animal friends. This interactive presentation is perfect for curious kids who love wildlife, nature, and a little adventure!

Part of our “Plant a Seed, Read” summer program, this event will spark curiosity and help you discover how even the smallest creatures make a big impact.

View Event →
Tween Scene: Art Roulette
Jun
5

Tween Scene: Art Roulette

Take a spin on creativity with Art Roulette! In this fast-paced, collaborative program, participants will start their own piece of art—then pass it along for someone else to continue. Watch your creation change and grow as it moves around the room, with each person adding their own unique touch.

You never know how your artwork will turn out, and that’s part of the fun! This program is all about creativity, surprises, and letting go of perfection. This program is open to tweens age 8 – 12.

View Event →
Cakefy It!
Jun
6

Cakefy It!

Get ready for a delightfully deceptive art experience! Join professional artist and baker Miss Alice for a hands-on workshop where creativity meets illusion. Participants will learn how to use lightweight spackling and cake decorating tools to transform everyday objects into realistic “cake” creations that look good enough to eat (but definitely aren’t!).

Miss Alice will guide you step-by-step through techniques for piping, texturing, and adding decorative details, helping you turn ordinary items into eye-catching works of art. Perfect for teens and adults of all skill levels, this program is a fun way to explore mixed-media art and learn something totally unique.

View Event →
Plushie Faux Taxidermy
Jun
8

Plushie Faux Taxidermy

Give old plushies a cute new life in this fun, creative program for teens! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll turn stuffed animals into unique decorative wall mounts using simple crafting techniques and lots of imagination. Participants can mix and match colors, fabrics, and accessories to create something totally their own. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own beanie-baby sized plushies if they prefer. It’s a playful way to reuse old favorites and make something new to display and enjoy!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
8

Become a Published Author

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.

View Event →
Skippy The Drum Machine: A Music Show For All Ages
Jun
10

Skippy The Drum Machine: A Music Show For All Ages

Plant a seed of music! “Skippy The Drum Machine” is an educational concert showing how music is made through the voice, body, and beatboxing, the art of making drum sounds with your mouth. Led by Luke “Skippy” Harbur, you’ll learn something new, make silly sounds, wiggle your body, and leave with tools for how to make your own music! No experience necessary: no matter your age, this program proves we are all smarter, kinder, and better together!


View Event →
One Act Play Rehearsals
Jun
10

One Act Play Rehearsals

The community room will be reserved for student one-act play rehearsals throughout the summer. Participants will use the space to practice scenes, collaborate with their cast, and prepare for a culminating public performance at the end of the season. Library staff may assist with scheduling and provide basic support as students work toward bringing their productions to life.

View Event →
Family Museum Presents: Seeing is Believing
Jun
12

Family Museum Presents: Seeing is Believing

Plant a seed of science! Join River Valley District Library and The Family Museum for a fun and educational program! Learn how our eyes work and how they help us to see. Experiment with optical illusions that show how parts of how vision works.

Best for kids in grades 2-6th

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
15

Become a Published Author

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.

View Event →
Tween D&D
Jun
16

Tween D&D

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!

View Event →
One Act Play Rehearsals
Jun
17

One Act Play Rehearsals

The community room will be reserved for student one-act play rehearsals throughout the summer. Participants will use the space to practice scenes, collaborate with their cast, and prepare for a culminating public performance at the end of the season. Library staff may assist with scheduling and provide basic support as students work toward bringing their productions to life.

View Event →
Mini Book Shelves
Jun
17

Mini Book Shelves

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!

View Event →
Magician Zach Percell
Jun
19

Magician Zach Percell

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!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
22

Become a Published Author

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.

View Event →
Figge Art Class for Kids
Jun
24

Figge Art Class for Kids

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!

View Event →
One Act Play Rehearsals
Jun
24

One Act Play Rehearsals

The community room will be reserved for student one-act play rehearsals throughout the summer. Participants will use the space to practice scenes, collaborate with their cast, and prepare for a culminating public performance at the end of the season. Library staff may assist with scheduling and provide basic support as students work toward bringing their productions to life.

View Event →
Quad City Botanical Center: Miniature Green Houses
Jun
26

Quad City Botanical Center: Miniature Green Houses

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!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
29

Become a Published Author

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.

View Event →
Tween D&D
Jun
30

Tween D&D

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!

View Event →

Become a Published Author
Jul
31

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Absolute Science Foam Party
Jul
25

Absolute Science Foam Party

Level Up with Absolute Science! Celebrate the last day of Summer Reading with a foam party! Turn in your reading logs and have a blast getting foamy. Wear clothing that you are comfortable getting wet! All ages welcome!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jul
24

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Painting with 3 Dragons Designs
Jul
22

Painting with 3 Dragons Designs

Join us for a creative and relaxing evening with 3 Dragons Designs! Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, this guided painting event is the perfect way to unwind, connect, and create something beautiful.

All materials will be provided, and step-by-step instructions will make it easy to follow along. The featured painting will be revealed soon—stay tuned for a fun surprise!

Space is limited, so be sure to register early.

All skill levels welcome. Come solo or bring a friend!

View Event →
Teen Movie: Dungeons & Dragons
Jul
21

Teen Movie: Dungeons & Dragons

🎬 Teen Movie Monday
Join us for a summer full of big screen fun! Each week, we’ll be showing a different teen-friendly movie to help you cool off, kick back, and enjoy some time with friends. Whether you're into comedies, action, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone. Snacks will be provided, and all movies are rated PG or PG-13. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and don't miss out!
This week’s movie is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Learn more about the movie here!

View Event →
Monday Movie Matinee: A Minecraft Movie
Jul
21

Monday Movie Matinee: A Minecraft Movie

Join River Valley District Library for a movie and a meal! This week we will be watching A Minecraft Movie (PG, 100 minutes, mild violence, language, and peril - Zombies, spiders, skeletons). A Minecraft Movie tells the story of four misfits who are pulled through a portal into a cubic world, and must embark on a quest back to the real world with the help of an 'expert crafter' named Steve. We will have an interactive script and props for children to use as we watch along.

Meal: Pizza Bites, Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Cookies, Lemonade, Water

View Event →
Tween Scene: Head Planters
Jul
18

Tween Scene: Head Planters

Join us for Tween Scene! This week’s activity is designing head planters! Paint and plant in a Styrofoam head!

View Event →
QC Botanical Center Presents: Plants Vs. Zombies
Jul
18

QC Botanical Center Presents: Plants Vs. Zombies

Level up with the QC Botanical Center! Jump aboard their new Plant Discovery bus for a program based on the game Plants Vs. Zombies! For this lesson, children will meet the real plants that inspired the game characters!

View Event →
CANCELED: Become a Published Author
Jul
17

CANCELED: Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, published author will not take place on July 17th. Pubali will be holding additional office hours on Saturday, July 19th from 10am-12pm for participants who are interested in conferencing this week.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Teen Movie: Warm Bodies
Jul
14

Teen Movie: Warm Bodies

🎬 Teen Movie Monday
Join us for a summer full of big screen fun! Each week, we’ll be showing a different teen-friendly movie to help you cool off, kick back, and enjoy some time with friends. Whether you're into comedies, action, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone. Snacks will be provided, and all movies are rated PG or PG-13. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and don't miss out!

This week’s movie is Warm Bodies. Learn more about the movie here!

View Event →
Monday Movie Matinee: The Bad Guys
Jul
14

Monday Movie Matinee: The Bad Guys

Join River Valley District Library for a movie and a meal! This week we will be watching The Bad Guys (PG, 100 minutes, mild peril, violence, and language). The Bad Guys is based on the Graphic novel series of the same name and tells the story of a criminal group of anthropomorphic animals who, upon being caught, pretend to attempt to reform themselves as model citizens, only for their leader to find himself genuinely drawn to changing his ways for good as a new villain has his own plans. We will have an interactive script and props for children to use as we watch along.

Meal: Chicken Nuggets, Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Cookies, Lemonade, Water

View Event →
Figge Art Museum Art Class for Kids
Jul
11

Figge Art Museum Art Class for Kids

Level Up with The Figge Art Museum! Join Miss Kelsey to learn about art history and experiment with hands-on art lessons! Great for children of all ages!

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jul
10

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Dan Gogh's Color Game Show
Jul
9

Dan Gogh's Color Game Show

Level Up with Dan Gogh! Artist-Magician Dan Gogh uses comedy, magic, and art to unlock the mystery of creativity. Life is like a game and the more you know, the more you increase your odds of winning! Dan Gogh’s new show is full of color and excitement with fun challenges along the way.
Magic, puppets, and comedy are a part of the fun, join us on this colorful adventure and let the games begin!

View Event →
Teen Movie: The Fault in Our Stars
Jul
7

Teen Movie: The Fault in Our Stars

🎬 Teen Movie Monday
Join us for a summer full of big screen fun! Each week, we’ll be showing a different teen-friendly movie to help you cool off, kick back, and enjoy some time with friends. Whether you're into comedies, action, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone. Snacks will be provided, and all movies are rated PG or PG-13. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and don't miss out!

This week’s movie is The Fault in Our Stars. Learn more about the movie here!

View Event →
Monday Movie Matinee: Wonka
Jul
7

Monday Movie Matinee: Wonka

Join River Valley District Library for a movie and a meal! This week we will be watching Wonka (PG, 117 minutes, mild peril and violence). Wonka, the prequel to the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, tells the story of Willy Wonka's early days as a chocolatier while contending with his future rivals. We will have an interactive script and props for children to use as we watch along.

Meal: Mac and Cheese, Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Cookies, Lemonade, Water

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jul
3

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Owl Pellet Dissection and Scavenger Hunt at Dorrance Park
Jul
2

Owl Pellet Dissection and Scavenger Hunt at Dorrance Park

Level up with a Scavenger Hunt! Join River Valley District Library to dissect and learn about owl pellets! Then venture into the woods for a scavenger hunt!

All Ages Welcome

View Event →
Whimsical Moss Mirrors
Jul
1

Whimsical Moss Mirrors

Join us for a hands-on, nature-inspired craft session where creativity meets reflection! In this unique workshop, patrons will have the opportunity to decorate their own mirrors using moss, cloth flowers, and other elements. Whether you’re going for whimsical woodland vibes or a touch of fairy-tale charm, this project is sure to reflect your creativity! All materials will be provided, and library staff will guide you through the process. Come ready to get crafty, connect with your community, and leave with a beautiful botanical mirror to take home! 

View Event →
Teen Movie: Twilight
Jun
30

Teen Movie: Twilight

🎬 Teen Movie Monday
Join us for a summer full of big screen fun! Each week, we’ll be showing a different teen-friendly movie to help you cool off, kick back, and enjoy some time with friends. Whether you're into comedies, action, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone. Snacks will be provided, and all movies are rated PG or PG-13. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and don't miss out!

This week’s movie is Twilight. Learn more about the movie here!

View Event →
Monday Movie Matinee: How to Train Your Dragon
Jun
30

Monday Movie Matinee: How to Train Your Dragon

Join River Valley District Library for a movie and a meal! This week we will be watching How to Train Your Dragon (2010, PG, 93 minutes, Mild peril and violence.) How to Train Your Dragon is loosely based on the book by the same name, and tells the story of a young Viking teenager named Hiccup who aspires to follow his tribe's tradition of becoming a dragon slayer. We will have an interactive script and props for children to use as we watch along.

Meal: Hot Dogs, Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Cookies, Lemonade, Water

View Event →
Ekim's Karate Class for Kids
Jun
27

Ekim's Karate Class for Kids

Level Up with Karate! Join River Valley District Library and Ekim’s martial arts instructors for a fun and interactive class that teaches children discipline, integrity, and most importantly, lessons on self-defense and when to use it. Build confidence, fitness, and self-control skills for children ages 4 and older.

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
26

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Update: Published Author will end 1 hour early on June 26th. Pubali will be hosting office hours from 4:00-5:00 for anyone looking to receive extra help with their draft.
Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Family Museum Presents: Gadgets and Gizmos
Jun
25

Family Museum Presents: Gadgets and Gizmos

Level up with the Family Museum! Join teachers that will lead participants in exploring simple machines - levers, wedges, pulleys, inclined planes, gears, screws and more on their amazing "Tennis Ball Bowling Gizmo". Students create a new contraption that will push, pull, roll and do work.

Best for children in 3rd-5th grades

View Event →
Teen Movie: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Jun
23

Teen Movie: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

🎬 Teen Movie Monday
Join us for a summer full of big screen fun! Each week, we’ll be showing a different teen-friendly movie to help you cool off, kick back, and enjoy some time with friends. Whether you're into comedies, action, romance, or adventure, there's something for everyone. Snacks will be provided, and all movies are rated PG or PG-13. Bring a blanket, bring a friend, and don't miss out!

This week’s movie is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Find out more about the movie here!

View Event →
Monday Movie Matinee: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Jun
23

Monday Movie Matinee: Harold and the Purple Crayon

Join River Valley District Library for a movie and a meal! This week we will be watching Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG, 90 minutes, mild peril and language) Harold and the Purple Crayon is based on the books of the same name, and tells the story of an adult Harold drawing a door into the real world and the antics that follow. We will have an interactive script and props for children to use as we watch along.

Meal: Pizza Bites, Chips, Apple Sauce, Fruit Cups, Cookies, Lemonade, Water

View Event →
Tween Scene: Mini Book Shelves
Jun
20

Tween Scene: Mini Book Shelves

Join us for Tween Scene! This week we will be creating mini bookshelves!

Ages 9-12

View Event →
Ekim's Karate Class for Kids
Jun
20

Ekim's Karate Class for Kids

Level Up with Karate! Join River Valley District Library and Ekim’s martial arts instructors for a fun and interactive class that teaches children discipline, integrity, and most importantly, lessons on self-defense and when to use it. Build confidence, fitness, and self-control skills for children ages 4 and older.

View Event →
Become a Published Author
Jun
19

Become a Published Author

Calling all young storytellers ages 10 and up! In this 8-week workshop, kids and teens will turn their ideas into real, published books—building writing skills, confidence, and creativity along the way.

The first half of the program is all about writing. Through fun and engaging lessons, participants will learn key storytelling techniques like narrative structure, character development, and sensory detail. Writers can choose the format that inspires them most—whether it's a chapter book, short story collection, poetry anthology, picture book, or even a graphic novel.

In the following weeks, we’ll focus on revising and editing. Each participant will receive personalized feedback and one-on-one writing conferences to help refine their work and bring their story to life.

After final manuscripts are submitted, library staff will format each book to meet Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) requirements. During the final session, we’ll celebrate with a pizza party while families set up their child’s KDP account. This ensures all royalties go directly to the author’s family. Once the manuscript and cover are uploaded, participants will press “publish” and officially become authors!

Books are typically available online within a week, and authors can earn royalties for each copy sold.

No prior writing or publishing experience is needed. Every participant will leave this workshop as a published author—proud, empowered, and inspired to keep writing.

Have any Questions? Contact Pubali!

View Event →
Pokémon Party
Jun
18

Pokémon Party

Level up with Pokémon! Join River Valley District Library for a fun Pokémon party with crafts, games, trading, and more! All ages welcome!

View Event →