Special Events

This summer, the St. Charles Public Library is hosting many family-friendly special events.  See below for more details on what we have scheduled.

The summer fun at the St. Charles Public Library begins on Tuesday, June 6 with a special kick-off event.  Registration for summer reading will be held from 5 – 8 pm.  At 6 pm, special guests Z Puppets Rosenschnoz will perform their show: “A La Carte: In a Fool’s Kitchen.”

A La Carte is a comic battle between a clown French Chef and a wily lobster set to live accordion music.  This playfully interactive comedy features clowning, puppetry, music and a few unruly vegetables.  This program is made possible by a Library Legacy Grant.

Come to the St. Charles Public Library for a Story Time with local author Jamie Becker.  Becker is the author of the children’s books: Wise Grandma B, Creative Grandma J, and Calm Grandma M.  During her visit to the library, she will read from her books.  Afterwards, kids will be able to complete a craft, plus enjoy a treat.

Enjoy hands-on activities while learning more about the great state of Minnesota!  Pat Bauer (author) and Dave Geister (illustrator) will share Making Minnesota, an activity book recently published by the Minnesota Historical Society.  The book will be available for free at this family event, thanks to generous funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

Fifteen of Minnesota’s 17 species of snakes, including the timber rattlesnake, live in the blufflands of southeast Minnesota.  Come learn about these fascinating creatures and how we can live, work and play alongside them.  Bring your camera for photos of live snakes.  This program is brought to the St. Charles Public Library courtesy of Whitewater State Park.

In a special storytelling program, Tom Muschler will visit the St. Charles Public Library to tell both classic and “brand new” fairy tales.  Preschoolers through young elementary kids are especially welcome.  There will be a tale of fairies!

Come try your hand at an ancient art form while learning more about the fish that live in southeast Minnesota.  You’ll get to make a fish print card to bring home.  This program is free of charge.  Ages 3 and older.  A parent or caregiver must be present.  This program is brought to the St. Charles Public Library courtesy of Whitewater State Park.

Let your imagination run wild with magical realist painter, Leah Ode Kiser. Leah will share a book of her whimsical paintings and lead a drawing activity that is entertaining for all ages.  In her book, There Will Be Nonsense, Leah’s fanciful and carefully composed paintings are paired with short thought-provoking questions. The proceeding drawing activity will encourage participants to come up with their own imaginative drawings and questions.  Leah grew up in St. Charles, and currently lives near Phoenix, Arizona.

Marvel at the amazing creatures of the reptile and amphibian world during this fun, safe and educational program.  RAD Zoo is dedicated to connecting people to nature through engaging, interactive experiences.  The program includes turtles, lizards, snakes, and a small alligator.  This program is made possible by a Library Legacy Grant.

Hey kids! Want a chance to be like a real scientist? Come learn how scientists use field journals to study nature. Make your own journal to take home!  This program is brought to the St. Charles Public Library courtesy of Whitewater State Park.

For National Night Out at the St. Charles Public Library, we have invited TaikoArts Midwest to perform.  Taiko is the Japanese word for drum and refers to the modern style of playing these drums. Wadaiko (in Japan) and kumi daiko (in North America) is movement infused, heart-pounding, dynamic group drumming.  Enso Daiko is a Taiko ensemble from TaikoArts Midwest that offers loud, energetic performances that combine music, dance, culture, and pure athleticism.  The group regularly premieres new work adding their unique voice to the expanding canon and innovation of North American taiko.  This program is made possible by a Library Legacy Grant.

Jackie Fallon, with the Midwest Peregrine Society and the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program, will help kids understand the past, present, and future of peregrine falcons in Minnesota and the region.  Come and discover the wonder of raptors, why they are important, and what you can do to help them survive.  Make sure to bring a camera to get a special photo of your experience and take home some special items to celebrate peregrine falcons!