December/ January Central Library Events Children I Spy Scavenger Hunts
Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!
Come search for pictures of well-known people, fictional characters, and more. Once you’ve found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize! A new scavenger hunt is set up every two weeks. Check the events page for the current theme.
Tuesday, December 16 and January 20, 4–5 PM Practicing reading out loud can feel intimidating when you are learning to read. Visit Central Library to practice with an ARL TheraPet. Interacting with animals helps boost confidence and reduce reading-related anxiety. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver to attend the program.
Stuffy Sleepover Monday, December 8, 4–4:30 PM Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a craft and an overnight adventure! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of their mischief. Pajamas are welcome. Drop-offs are accepted December 6–8 at the Youth Desk. Pick up your stuffed friend on December 9 at the front desk.
Simple Steps to early literacy: read write sing play talk
STORYTIMEs Our DMPL Storytimes incorporate the five Simple Steps:
read write sing play talk These easy steps help prepare your child for learning success.
Little Explorers Saturday, December 20 and January 17, 10–11 AM Bring your children ages 0–5 to our Little Explorers program to discover, learn, and play! Activities are designed to build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk. Please wear play clothes, as some activities may be messy.
Storytimes Baby Rhyme Time Wednesdays, 9:30–10 AM Join us each week for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and playtime. This program is for caregivers and babies ages 0–18 months. A special bilingual session takes place on the first Wednesday of each month.
Find a List of Storytimes at:
dmpl.org/storytimes Schedule subject to change around the holidays. Please check the website. Storytime Break: January 26-31, 2026
Wiggles and Giggles Thursdays, 10:15–10:45 AM Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!
December 2025/January 2026 • Engage 1