March 2025
March 2025 Standard News article
By Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
Has your child ever said, “I’m bored”? Probably. Maybe you heard “There’s nothing for kids to do in this town,” in a conversation or read it on a Facebook post. I will answer those with a more important question: “Have you been to the Montgomery City Public Library lately?”
The Montgomery City Public Library has thousands of books, children’s computers, an open-ended play area, STEAM to GO Kits, a Library of Things, and several programs for children and teens that can help with boredom and the ‘nothing for kids to do’ situation.
Story Time Adventures is for babies through preschool-aged kiddos and their caregivers. Each Monday at 10:00 am, we have fun learning early literacy skills through reading, rhyming, singing, talking, and playing. Early literacy skills include alphabet letter knowledge, vocabulary, connections, and more. Not only do we cover early literacy skills, but we also cover early math skills, basic science concepts, and emotions. We share books, sounds, words, rhymes, songs, and stories. After the stories and related activities, the children create a craft or play a related game. They have a great time having fun while learning!
Have you noticed how easily and quickly children take to technology? MCPL has Robotics Classes available for children on the first Saturday morning of the month to help them explore various types of technology and robots. There are three classes for different age groups. The Discovery Class is for children ages two through six and meets from 9:15-10:00 am. In the Discovery Class, the children and their caregivers explore cause and effect and use simple robots. The Sphero Class, for children ages seven to ten, meets from 10:00-11:00 am. The Sphero Class explores basic electrical engineering and coding. They also control the Sphero devices and Lego robots. For children ages eleven to fourteen, the Makey-Makey Class works with Dr. Erik Schettig from North Carolina State University through Zoom to code and build a digital game. This class meets from 11:00 am-12:30 pm. These wonderful classes are fun and educational at the same time.
Another fun monthly event is Books and Bites. This program meets on the first Monday of the month from 2:00-3:00 pm for children ages five to ten. This program was created to combine the love of books with food creation, exploration, and experimentation. Each month, children will hear a story, and then help prepare food that goes with the story. The children are expected to help prepare the food, taste/try the new food, discuss the book and food, and help clean up. Registration is required by the date on the sign-up sheet to ensure we have sufficient materials available. The child does not have to attend each session. Please let us know if you signed up but cannot attend.
The Lego Club meets on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00-11:00 am. Lego Club is for all ages so bring the kiddos, teens, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and anyone who wants to have fun! Sometimes there is a theme based on a book, holiday, or idea. Other times it is a free choice. Either way, Lego Club is an opportunity to showcase your building skills, creativity, and imagination.
Teen Night is a fun night just for teens! This happens on the third Saturday of the month from 7:00-9:00 pm. There’s a PS5, Nintendo Switch, virtual reality, games, snacks, music, dancing, and friends. What more could teens want? Parents must sign their teens in and out.
The Teen Book Club meets on the third Monday of the month from 3:00-4:00 pm. The participants take turns picking the books the group reads. This mighty group has tackled various themes like social media, death, the Holocaust, and eating disorders, as well as different genres like mystery, fantasy, historical, romance, and graphic novels to name a few. We are always looking for new members so teens please join us!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons sessions are available twice a month on specific Mondays at 4:30 pm. The participants decide on the dates during the prior month. The participants play an interactive game that involves different characters, tasks, and missions organized by the Dungeon Master. Call the library at 573-564-8022 for more information or to register to play.
Board games, anyone? MCPL began its new Family Game Night on February 6, 2025. This monthly event will occur on the first Thursday from 5:00-8:00 pm. Various games are placed throughout the Community Room and main library for families and groups to play. Some games played during the first night include Connect 4, Life, Cards Against Humanity FAMILY Version, I Can Do That, and Betrayal at the House on the Hill. You’re also welcome to bring your own (appropriate) game, but you are responsible for it. Teens may be dropped off as long as a parent signs them in and out.
As you can see, there are many options for children and teens at the Montgomery City Public Library. If you hear “I’m bored” or “there’s nothing for kids to do”, take them to MCPL immediately!