MENOMONIE PUBLIC LIBRARY

If the kids are chomping at the bit to get out of the house (or the back yard) pop on over to your local public library for some fun, free programming. No matter your kids’ age or interest, there’s a world of learning and recreation just around the corner. Libraries in the Chippewa Valley offer workshops, reading programs, book clubs, even gaming clubs – all with the added benefit of free air conditioning while you watch the youngsters play.

Altoona

Altoona Public Library, 1303 Lynn Ave. • altoonapubliclibrary.org

Teen Summer Reading Program • Tuesdays 5-6:30pm through July 26, teens grade 7-12 can visit the Altoona Public Library to enjoy a range of activities from henna tattoos to glow-in-the-dark yoga, a catapult launch, and even a late-night lock-in.

Summer Movie Fridays • During the month of August, guests can vote on a movie to watch for free at 3pm.

Kids Summer Reading Program • Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through July 27, stop by the Altoona Public Library for a range of activities and a “Universe of Stories.” Open to all children 11 years and younger, this program features storytelling, doggy cuddles, magicians, LEGO clubs, and more. Check out the library website for a full schedule of activities.

Chippewa Falls

Chippewa Falls Public Library • 105 W. Central St. • chippewafallslibrary.org

Summer Family Storytime • Tuesdays and Friays at 10:30am through Aug. 9, join the Chippewa Falls Public Library for an active, exciting half-hour of storytime.

Teen Writer’s Group • Teenagers come together to write and discuss their work Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm.

In The Dark • Through experiments and activities, kids discover what the darkest places on Earth – and elsewhere – are like. This program takes place Thursdays, 1:30-2:30pm through Aug. 8.

Eau Claire

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St. • ecpubliclibrary.info

DIY Discovery • Drop in to this weekly maker series for kids to make a diorama, a library card holder, or even a kite. Materials are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Program runs 1:30-3pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Thursday Demonstration Series • Free tickets to this variety educational series are available online or at the library up to one week in advance. From 1:30-2:15pm try cool science experiments, learn from professional illustrators, and find out more about bats.

LEGO Club • Mondays from 1-3pm, kids of all ages are welcome to drop by for a free-build session – or to take on this week’s challenge.

Menomonie

Menomonie Public Library, 600 Wolske Bay Road • menomonielibrary.org

Music Over Menomin • Thursdays at 7pm, pop up a lawn chair outside of the Menomonie Public Library and settle in for some great tunes by local artists. This series runs through Aug. 8. Also be sure to check out Music over Menomin Jr. on July 2 with BethJean.

Teen Summer Book Club • Running the third Monday of the month through August, this book club just for teens entering grades 6-12 offers participants the chance to vote on which book to read and disucss. 

Minecraft Club • July 10 and 24, Aug. 14 and 28, stop by the library to play Minecraft with other kids. This program, which runs from 3:30-4:30pm, offers laptops to share, or you can bring your own device. Open to kids entering grades 3-5.