Children Services
🌱 Plant a Seed – Read! 🌻
2026 Summer Reading Program
June 1st through August 21st
We are so excited for our Summer Reading Program here at the Willmar Public Library!
Our theme this year is Plant a Seed, Read! It will run from June 1 through August 21,
and there will be programs for patrons of all ages. Read and attend events to earn prizes!
We will have a number of special events for children, teens, and adults throughout the summer
to keep everyone engaged in reading, learning, and staying active.
The more you read and participate, the better your chances are to earn one of our grand prizes!
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on our website for announcements and registration information.
Prizes and programs made possible with support from our sponsors:
Friends of the Willmar Public Library
Janning ENT
Jennie-O
Lulu Bean’s
Willmar Community Foundation
Prairielands Library Exchange
Healthy Fusion
MN Clean Water & Land Legacy Amendment
Marcus Construction
Wriggle and Read Storytime
Wednesdays at 10 am
This program has stories, songs, and playtime for littles!
Best for kids 0-3.
LEGO Club
Wednesday, July 1 | 3:30 p.m.
Multipurpose Room
Test your creativity and skills! Join us for free-building
or use a kit to make a LEGO creation!
Children’s Matinee:
Hoppers
Friday, July 3 | 3:30 p.m.
“Wood” you look at that? We’ve got a hoppin’
good time scheduled for our matinee this
month with Hoppers!
Popcorn and lemonade will be provided!Â
Dinosaurs, Fossils, and Science!
Tuesday, July 7 | 10:00 a.m.
at the Willmar Community Center
The Willmar Public Library and the Willmar Community Center
are coming together for a dino-tastic time with the
Science Museum of Minnesota! Come to the Community
Center on July 7th at 10:00am to explore how fossil
s get dug up, what we can learn by comparing bones,
and how scientists do science — with dinosaurs! After
the assembly, stay for the Dino Desk activity, where
you can get up close with fun dinosaur and fossil
specimens from the Science Museum during a
facilitated tabling session.
Mandana’s ABC Extravaganza
Friday, June 10 | 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Mandana delights both children and adults with her
combination of impressive balloon sculptures, speed
twisting, great sense of humor, and fun personality!
She talks about the USDA MYPlate Nutrition guide
and will have balloon creations representing the
5 food groups. Interacting with the audience, she will ask
questions and educate. Volunteers will be called up to dance
to the ALIVE WITH 5 (food groups) song. Audience
members will be dancing, taking home cool balloon art –
all while learning!
Mandana is an international award-winning balloon
artist with over 17 years of experience in providing
first-class balloon entertainment!
This program is made possible by a grant provided by
Pioneerland Library System and was funded in part
with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural
Heritage Fund
Tales and Tails
Tuesday, July 14 | 10:00a.m.
Multipurpose Room
Join us for a special event with Hawk Creek Animal Shelter!
We’ll read, talk about animal care, and hang out
with some cuddly pets together!
Tween/Teen Succulent Terrarium
Art with Meredith Semel*
Wednesday, July 15 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Visiting Artist Meredith Semel will teach you how to make
a living work of art in this Succulent Terrarium Art program.
You will be given all the materials you need: a glass container,
rocks, succulents, etc. that you can arrange to make a work
of beautiful design all on your own. This is best for ages 8 – 18.
Please register in advance so we can plan the proper amount
of supplies. Register online here
This project is funded in part or in whole with money from
Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.
Tween/Teen Paint & Pops*
Wednesday, August 12 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of painting! Create your own
individual artwork with acrylic paints on canvas. Enjoy
different flavors of pop and popcorn as a treat. Supplies
are limited so registration is required. This event, for
teens ages 10-18, is made possible by the Prairielands
Library Exchange.
Register online here
This project is funded in part or in whole with money from
Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.
