Our 6th annual Welcome Kindergarten! event took place on August 22. Thirty-one kindergarteners came for a fun-filled story time featuring local kindergarten teachers Julie Cawood, Emily Dunn, and Nancy McFee. These energetic teachers read stories and led the children in action-packed songs. Before leaving the children were invited to create a cute project that related to the last story, Eliza's Kindergarten Surprise.

To view photos of this event on the library's Flickr account, click here.

Is your child entering kindergarten this fall but was unable to attend our program?

The East Lansing Public Library has many picture books about getting ready to go to kindergarten that you can share with your child. Click here for our Welcome, Kindergarten! booklist.

To read a helpful article about getting your child ready for kindergarten on the SchoolFamily.com site, click here.

Use our LEGOs® to create a masterpiece for display in the library.

Ages 4+

 Join us to welcome MSU international students and families to the East Lansing community!  

The event will feature food, live music, children's activities, community information, mingling and more.

Community ambassadors are needed to help set up and greet students and families as they arrive.  If you are interested in being a community ambassador, please contact Mary H. at mhennes@cityofeastlansing.com or Jennifer at jamormi@cityofeastlansing.com.

Did you know that ELPL has a Storyline phone line that you can dial anytime, day or night, to hear a story?  This week enjoy library page Alivia Knol read Dream Big, Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics and ELPL's summer reading theme Dream Big, Read!  To listen to the story put on your jammies, grab a cup of cocoa and dial 517-319-6915. 

The ELPL's first-ever Reader's Theater was a huge success!  Thanks to the help of 2010 Michigan Teacher of the Year Rob Stephenson and his family, and our own Miss Karrie, participants were invited to act out some favorite stories.  Jan Thomas was the winning author - her stories lend themselves to being silly, having fun and lots of expressive reading!  Rebecca and Ed Emberley's Chicken Little was a hit as well.  Plan to be a part of our next Reader's Theater on Tuesday, August 7, 10:30-11:30 in the North Foyer Meeting Room.  Families welcome!

A parent attending Reader's Theater with his children shot some great video footage of the program - check them out:

Only two more days left to register!  

Is your child entering kindergarten this fall?

The East Lansing Public Library has many picture books about getting ready to go to kindergarten that you can share with your child. Click here for our Welcome, Kindergarten! booklist.

You will also want to mark your calendar for our 6th annual Welcome Kindergarten! event on Wednesday, August 22, 2-3 pm. Come for a story time featuring local kindergarten teachers and finish with a craft. Please register for this event starting August 8 in person or by phone, 351-2420, ext 5.

To read a helpful article about getting your child ready for kindergarten on the SchoolFamily.com site, click here.

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games open in London on July 27 and run through August 12.

The East Lansing Public Library has many interesting books about the Olympics written for children.

Click here to see available titles or put one on hold today!

Books and Bagels will start back up in October 2012.  Until then check out ELPL's Summer Reading Program for events, prizes and more.  Here's a list of past Books and Bagels titles if you need a list of great books to read this summer.

Re-use and recycle our leftover craft supplies to create something unique.

Ages 3+.

Keep skills sharp with informal group tutoring.  Provided by high school & college volunteers.

Grades K-6.  Tuesdays 10:30am - 12:00pm.  No tutoring on July 3.

A storytime and craft for children entering kindergarten this fall with a visit from local kindergarten teachers.

*Register starting August 8.

Sign up to read to a therapy dog!  Bring your own book or choose one at the library.

Ages 5+.
*Register starting June 13.

Come see a Dr Seuss classic that was recently on the big screen!

Free popcorn while supplies last.
Parents of preschoolers must remain with their children.  Parents of children in grades 1-2 must remain in the library.

Bring a cardboard box to build and create whatever you imagine.  Markers, scissors, rulers and more will be provided.

Ages 4+.

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. 
The village will remain on display until July 28 at 1pm when children are encouraged to pick up their creations.