Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Black Americans have created amazing innovations, incredible art, and more. The Fond du Lac Public Library’s youth services department invites teenagers and children to honor their accomplishments during Black History Month through a series of programs.

Masks are required for participation in these and all other programs at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Black History Month events include:

  • Monday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.: Learn about important Black artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold, and more, then create masterpieces inspired by their work. No registration required. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
  • Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m.:  Teens are invited to learn about Black “artivists”  (artist-activists) like Kara Walker and Elizabeth Catlett, and create their own social justice art. Registration required; registration opens Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. Space is limited.
  • Monday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.:  Without Black inventors, we wouldn’t have ice cream scoops, Super Soakers, and more. Celebrate the accomplishments of these curious minds while completing activities related to their famous inventions! No registration required. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
  • All month long: Join the Black History Month scavenger hunt in the Children’s Room to learn about important people and events in Black history. Find all the clues and win a special prize!

February also will mark the return of the Winter Olympics, and the Fond du Lac Public Library will celebrate these athletes’ achievements with two fun, Olympic-themed activities:

  • Friday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.: Youth ages 7 and older are invited to join the Chocolate Olympics! No registration is needed to participate in a series of chocolate-filled games.
  • Friday, Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m.: Preschoolers may participate in the Nursery Rhyme Olympics for a chance to win a medal. They’ll get moving with special games inspired by their favorite nursery rhymes. No registration required.

Also scheduled for February are:

  • Kit of the Month: Stop by the library starting Feb. 1 to pick up this month’s free kit: Build A Bird Feeder. Supplies are limited; one kit per child.
  • Paint-Along: Try your hand at painting a cheerful dog as Miss Katie takes you through painting it step-by-step. Wear clothing that can get messy; best for children ages 5 and older. Register at calendar.fdlpl.org.
  • Sturgeon Spectacular: Drop in anytime that weekend, Feb. 11 to 13 to answer sturgeon trivia, try your hand at fishing, or to see how you measure up against an average-sized sturgeon.
  • Drawing Lessons with Katie: Drop in on Monday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. as Miss Katie helps kids ages 5 and older to draw “things that go.”
  • Storytimes continue: Drop in with your young ones for Storytime in the Storytime Room! Programs scheduled weekly include:
    • Baby Storytime: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. for children ages 0-12 months and their caregivers.
    • Toddler Storytime: Mondays at 9:30 a.m. for toddlers ages 1-2 and their caregivers.
    • Preschool Storytime: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers

Teens also may register for the monthly Book with a Snack: Teen Book Boxes. Register from Feb. 6 to 12 to pick up the book boxes between Feb. 20 to 26.