Lil' Bookworms Story Time & Craft
2026-03-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-02 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-03 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-09 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-10 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-16 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-04-17 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-23 17:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | Bellaire Public Library, 330 32nd Street, Bellaire, OH, 43906, United States
BPL’s Lil’ Bookworm Story Times and Craft are designed for children ages 3 through Pre-K, though all ages are welcome. These programs typically run about half an hour. Join Miss Bri for a story, a craft, and lots of fun on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm and Friday mornings at 10:30 am.
Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule:
➤ Download a printable brochure schedule

Thurs., Jan. 15 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 16 at 10:30 AM
Let it snow! Through cleverly positioned die-cut windows, little readers can watch Flip the penguin build a snowman—then pull a tab to make it snow so he can start another. Following, we will build our own marshmallow snowmen.
Thurs., Jan. 22 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 23 at 10:30 AM
When you have a pair of warm mittens and a great imagination, a snowy day is an invitation to explore and have fun. So Zoey the daring chicken and Sam the loyal pig are headed to the North Pole! We will then make our own watercolor resist mittens.
Thurs., Jan. 29 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Jan. 30 at 10:30 AM
A little groundhog named Tess tries every trick to avoid going to sleep for the winter. . . and almost misses Groundhog Day! Afterwards, at our craft time will make a little groundhog to hibernate.
Thurs., Feb. 5 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 6 at 10:30 AM
After a variety of animals get stuck one by one in bubble gum melting in the road, they must survive encounters with a big blue truck and a burly black bear. Join in the fun by making a craft fingerprint bubble gum machine.
Thurs., Feb. 12 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 13 at 10:30 AM
From frilly hearts and silly hearts to growing hearts and glowing hearts, there’s plenty of love to go around. Will you join the peas in giving away some valentines? Any kind will do… Every hap-pea heart says, “I Love You!” Go home with a heart gnome.
Thurs., Feb. 19 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 20 at 10:30 AM
Eigen’s mom has come to talk to Mrs. Connor’s class about a special holiday called Lunar New Year. She tells them all the fun ways that the holiday is celebrated around the world. After reading the book, we will make Chinese paper lanterns.
Thurs., Feb. 26 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Feb. 27 at 10:30 AM
They say a leopard can’t change its spots—but Spot sure can! There will be a special treat at today’s story time: polka-dot cookies (allergy note: sugar cookies with yellow, blue, red, and green frosting).
Thurs., Mar. 5 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 6 at 10:30 AM
The Duckling asks for a cookie—and gets one! It isn’t fair! The Pigeon NEVER gets what he asks for. Do YOU think the Pigeon should get a cookie, too? C is for cookie will be the craft because everyone should get a cookie.
Thurs., Mar. 12 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 13 at 10:30 AM
We’ll be wearing green this week. Will you? Celebrate with us by reading Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons and making your own handprint rainbow.
Thurs., Mar. 19 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 20 at 10:30 AM
Illustrations of puddles, peeping birds, blooming boughs, sunshine, and kites are brought joyously to life in a lyrical and colorful celebration of spring. A rain-themed art project will round out today’s story time.
Thurs., Mar. 26 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Mar. 27 at 10:30 AM
Velvet tries to persuade Bamboo not to be afraid of dragonflies. Will it be a successful effort? After we read the story, we will make tissue paper dragonfly friends to take home.
Thurs., Apr. 2 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 3 at 10:30 AM
When Pete wakes up Easter morning, ready to check out his basket of goodies, he discovers the Easter Bunny needs a little extra help. Our favorite groovy blue cat puts on his bunny ears and finds a way to collect, paint, and hide the eggs all in time for Easter. Puffy paint marshmallow bunnies will then be created.
Thurs., Apr. 9 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 10 at 10:30 AM
We will read the hit book about a willful young frog with a serious identity crisis and his heard-it-all-before father. Frog wants to be anything but a frog, but learns that being himself isn’t bad. After we read, we’ll create frog headbands to complement the story.
Thurs., Apr. 16 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 17 at 10:30 AM
A charming ode to a toddler’s love of trains, whether sending toy animals on a journey around a model track or driving a cardboard-box locomotive, this little puppy really likes trains. All aboard! Go home with your own paper train.
Thurs., Apr. 23 at 5:00 PM and Fri., Apr. 24 at 10:30 AM
Celebrate National Library Week with Daniel Tiger and Prince Wednesday. They are so excited for story time at the library! But first they have to learn how to be calm and quiet. Can they calm down before story time starts? We’ll make paper bookworms to celebrate.

Bright Minds Book Club
2026-03-31 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-28 16:00 - 17:00
The Bright Minds Book Club is a little different than your standard book club. Instead of picking a single book that everyone reads together, we will announce a theme, and students in grades 1-8 can select a book related to that theme to read. On the last Tuesday of each month, we will meet for a discussion about that topic and how the books everyone chose relate to it. Each month, we will also engage in a craft or activity at the book club that reflects the theme. Miss Bri will lead the monthly discussion for the younger kids and Mr. Chad will lead the conversation with the older students.
Bright Minds Book Club Winter Schedule:
January 2026:

Theme: Winter
Book Club Date: Tuesday, January 27 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Blizzard in a jar

February 2026:

Theme: Red
Book Club Date: Tuesday, February 24 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Candy Hearts

March 2026:

Theme: Green
Book Club Date: Tuesday, March 31 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Grow a Rainbow

April 2026:

Theme: Spring
Book Club Date: Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 pm
Book Club Activity: Save Fred the Worm

Homeschool Learning Club
2026-04-15 14:00 - 15:00
Our Homeschool Learning Club is a welcoming, hands‑on learning program designed for homeschooled children ages 5–10. Each month, young learners dive into engaging literacy and STEAM activities—exploring reading, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in fun and creative ways.
Through interactive projects, experiments, stories, and problem‑solving challenges, kids build skills, confidence, and curiosity in a supportive environment. Whether they’re crafting, investigating, building, or imagining, participants get a chance to learn by doing—and to connect with other homeschool families along the way.
Join us each month for a blend of discovery, creativity, and community!
Winter/Spring 2026 Schedule:
❄️Wednesday, January 21: Eskimos
The Inuit are a unique indigenous group in Canada, mainly residing in the Arctic regions. They possess a rich cultural heritage and a distinct lifestyle. Engage with a Canadian who has lived in the Arctic to experience authentic clothing, traditions, and daily life.
🐔 Wednesday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 24: Chickens
ChickQuest: We’ll be incubating chickens! From monitoring living eggs to observing fluffy chicks, students will learn about animal agriculture and egg production with help from the Ohio State University Extension Office. Ohio is the second-highest state in national egg production, and Ohio’s soybean crop provides food for chickens.
💧 Wednesday, March 18: Capillary Action
The walking water science experiment highlights how liquids can move through materials illustrating fundamental concepts in chemistry and biology.
🎨 Wednesday, April 15: Art
Dive into the world of splatter art and create unique masterpieces reminiscent of famed artists like Jackson Pollock and Shozo Shimamoto.

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Puppet Discover Show
2026-06-05 13:00 - 14:00
🦖 Step into the prehistoric world with Dino Academy! 🌋

Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops 🧑‍🔬, this action‑packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts 📚 that will wow even the biggest dinosaur fans.
Featuring life‑like, colorful dinosaur puppets 🦕🦖 that stomp, roar, and charm 🎭 their way into every heart, this show blends science 🔬, storytelling 📖, and imagination ✨ in the style of your favorite nature programs.
It’s an unforgettable field trip through time ⏳—without ever leaving your seat! 🎉

Family friendly. Kids of all ages welcome.
Summer Reading 2026

Summer Reading Club: Unearth a Story
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-22 13:00 - 14:00
🦖 Summer Reading Club: Unearth a Story 🦕

Dig into summer fun at the Bellaire Public Library! Our Summer Reading Club programs take place Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and are designed for kids in grades 1–6.
Using the 2026 CSLP theme “Unearth a Story,” this exciting series runs from June 10 through July 22 and features a variety of hands‑on programs, with many focusing on dinosaurs, fossils, and prehistoric adventures. Participants can expect stories, activities, crafts, games, and special programs that spark curiosity and bring ancient worlds to life.
Whether your child is a dino expert or just loves to explore, our Summer Reading Club offers a fun and engaging way to learn, imagine, and read all summer long!
📚🦕 All programs are free, and everyone is welcome.

Programs: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm

June 10: 🦁 Zoo to You
A zoo educator introduces you to some of our favorite animal ambassadors, from birds and reptiles to amphibians and small mammals (sorry, the zebra just won’t fit in the van!)
June 17: 🦖 Dynamic Dinosaurs
T. Rex and other amazing dinosaurs will be explored in this interactive program with large fossil replicas and actual fossils. Find out how big these creatures were, what they ate, and other interesting information.
June 24: 🏺 Archeology
Dig into the past! Kids will excavate, paint, and engrave their own plaster “petroglyph” while discovering how archaeologists uncover prehistoric art.
July 8: 🚂 Toys & Trains
The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum’s Educational Outreach Program offers interactive experiences with toys, dinosaurs, and everyday life.
July 15: 🦕 Dino Zipline
Dino Ziplines is a hands-on STEM program where students design an build a transporter to safely deliver a dinosaur egg to its nest using a zip line system. Participants will test and improve their designs while exploring basic engineering principles and problem-solving concepts.
July 22: ⚒️ Interactive Fossils
Witness the magic of learning through virtual activities. Students get up close and personal with genuine fossils, sparking their curiosity and fostering a love for science.

Summer Reading 2026

Lil' Bookworms Story Time and Dino-craft
2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-26 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-03 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-07-24 10:30 - 11:00
📚🦖 Bring your little ones for a cozy, joy‑filled time at the library—with a prehistoric twist! Lil’ Bookworms Story Time & Dino‑Craft is perfect for children ages 3 through Pre‑K, but all ages are welcome to join the fun. 🦖📚

Each 30‑minute session includes a delightful reptile or dinosaur‑themed story and craft, with plenty of giggles, imagination, and discovery. Spend time with Miss Bri as stories come to life and little hands create something special to take home—often inspired by dinosaurs, fossils, and the world long ago.
It’s a fun and gentle way to celebrate summer, spark curiosity, and build a love of books during our Summer Reading Program!

Programs: Fridays at 10:30 am

June 12: 🐍 Snakes
We’ll read “Snakes on the Job,” a story filled with sibilant sounds and wordplay. The snakes slide into trucks and roll out slowly, operating various construction vehicles like bulldozers and diggers, while building a surprise.
Craft: Spiral Snakes
June 19: 🚫 No program — Library closed for Juneteenth
June 26: 🐘 Mammoths
Does your wooly mammoth need a wash? It’s not very easy to do… Find out exactly how when we read, “How to Wash a Wooly Mammoth,” a hilarious instruction manual.
Craft: Woolly Mammoth Handprint
July 10: 🦕 Pet Dinosaur
What would you do it, instead of a cat or a goldfish, you had a dinosaur for a pet? Well, that’s exactly what happens to the little boy in, “How to Take Care of Your Dinosaur,” where an enormous egg appears one day.
Craft: “Hatch” your own pet dinosaur
July 17: 🦅 Pterodactyl
Teddy the T-Rex is jealous that his best friend Pete the Pterodactyl can fly. Pete can catch balls that fly high in the air, he can help the teacher with things she can reach, and basically, he just seems cooler than Teddy at “Dino School.”
Craft: Toilet Paper Roll Pterodactyl
July 24: ⚒️ Fossils
Rhythmical text and lively, well-researched illustrations follow a paleontologist and his crew as they find, clean, assemble, and exhibit dinosaur bones in, “Dig Those Dinosaurs.”
Craft: My Dinosaur Fossil

Summer Reading 2026
