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News & Events for Kids

May 2026

Griffin Buddies: A Summer Reading Win for Kids and Teens


Looking for a fun and supportive way to help your child grow as a reader this summer? Griffin Buddies pairs young emerging readers—called Grifflets—with encouraging teen volunteers, known as Big Griffs, for one‑on‑one reading time throughout the summer.


Tell me more about Griffin Buddies


A giraffe standing in front of a tree and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten logo.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten


Looking for a fun and supportive way to help your child grow as a reader this summer? Griffin Buddies pairs young emerging readers—called Grifflets—with encouraging teen volunteers, known as Big Griffs, for one‑on‑one reading time throughout the summer.


Tell me more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten


Holiday Hours


Please note the following changes to our regular hours in May:


  • Sunday, May 10 • Closed

  • Saturday, May 23 • Closed

  • Sunday, May 24 • Closed

  • Monday, May 25 • Closed


Beardie Buck

May Reading Challenge


Read 10 hours this month and earn a Beardie Buck good for $1 toward the purchase of a Friends Book Sale item! Visit the New Children’s Shelf to pick up your log. Track your reading and return the completed log to the desk within the first week of June to receive your Beardie Buck. All ages.


Blue‑tinted image of the Oconomowoc Public Library interior with book stacks. White text reads “Explore Pass Update.

Explore Pass Update


We’re sharing an update regarding our Children’s Play Gallery Explore Pass.


The owner of the Children’s Play Gallery has announced plans to retire, and the Gallery is expected to close by the end of June. While there is currently no buyer, the Gallery may reopen in the future if the business is purchased.


Our Children’s Play Gallery Explore Pass expires today and cannot be renewed. It will be removed from circulation until further notice. Should they re-open, we will do our best to offer the pass again.


We appreciate your understanding and will keep the community informed if there are updates. While we’re sad to see this beloved destination go, we’re grateful for the many wonderful memories it helped create for families in our community.


We still have passes available for other great attractions, like Milwaukee Art Museum, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, Mitchell Park Domes, and more—stop by the Library to explore your options!


Friends of the Oconomowoc Public Library logo.

Join the Friends of the Library!


The Friends of the Oconomowoc Public Library is a nonprofit group created to support the mission of the Oconomowoc Public Library by raising funds for the Library for special programs and purposes including Explore Passes, Loki’s care, and so much more.


Annual membership fees help support the Friends fundraising efforts and give members early access to book sales.


Join the Friends Now!

Programs & Events

Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public, but some may require registration. A waiting list is available if registration is full.


View the full calendar, or keep reading for this month's children's events!

BIRTH-PRESCHOOL (AGES 0-5)

Storytimes

Join us for stories, movement, and songs. No registration required.


Learn more about Storytimes

Toddler Time
Tuesday, May 5 • 10–10:30 am
Wednesday, May 6 • 10–10:30 am


Join us for early literacy storytime and learning through songs, rhymes, books, and movement! Best for ages 2–3; siblings of all ages are welcome. 

Several toddlers sitting on the floor.

Music & Motion
Tuesday, May 5 • 11–11:30 am


Using early literacy concepts, we will dance, sing, and shake our way through storytime! Best for ages 3–5; siblings of all ages are welcome. 

Children's musical instruments.

Baby & Lapsit Storytime
Wednesday, May 6 • 9–9:30 am


Let’s read some stories, bounce to rhymes and songs, and play with our friends! Best for ages birth–2 years; siblings of all ages are welcome.

Two babies sitting with a caregiver.

PreK Power Storytime
Wednesday, May 6 • 11–11:30 am

Stories, rhymes, and concepts to help young learners get ready for school. Best for ages 3–5; siblings of all ages are welcome. 

Several smiling children sitting on the floor.

SCHOOL AGE (AGES 5-12)

Library I Spy

Begins Friday, May 1


Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet anytime this month and keep a sharp eye out for hidden pictures throughout the Children's Area.

Library I Spy

Paws to Read

Tuesday, May 5 • 4–5 pm
Tuesday, May 19 • 4–5 pm


Build reading confidence by practicing with Louie the Pug. Registration is required. One registration per family with up to two readers.


Register for Paws to Read

A pug on a multi-colored background.

Pokémon Kids Club!

Thursday, May 7 • 4–5 pm


Celebrate your favorite Pokémon at our new Pokémon Club for kids! We will meet once a month to play the card game, show off our collections, test our knowledge, and have fun! Registration is required.


Register for Pokémon Kids Club!

Pokemon Kids Club logo.

Homeschool @ the Library

Tuesday, May 12 • 2–3 pm


Homeschool families are invited to gather for a special lesson. Best for ages 8–12. Children ages 5–7 will require assistance from either an adult or older sibling. Registration is required for each child.


This month: Egg Drop


Register for Homeschool @ the Library

Homeschool @ the Library

Dragon Tales

Tuesday, May 12 • 4–5 pm


Build reading confidence by practicing with Clementine the Bearded Dragon. One registration per family with up to two readers. Registration required.  


Register for Dragon Tales

Dragon Tales

Farmers Market
Saturday, May 16 • 8 am–12 pm


Stop by the Library stand at the Farmers Market for a craft and to see what’s new at the Library! 

Fruits and vegetables.

TWEEN (AGES 8-12)

Papercraft Party

Monday, May 11 • 6–8 pm


Looking for the perfect card for a special occasion? Or maybe you ‘d love to create unique bookmarks for yourself—or to share at the Library? Join our monthly Papercraft Party! Explore our extensive collection of high-quality papers and supplies as you design beautiful cards and bookmarks. 
All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own paper, ribbons, and embellishments to make your creations truly one-of-a-kind! 

Papercraft Party

Homeschool @ the Library

Tuesday, May 12 • 2–3 pm


Homeschool families are invited to gather for a special lesson. Best for ages 8–12. Children ages 5–7 will require assistance from either an adult or older sibling. Registration is required for each child.


This month: Egg Drop


Register for Homeschool @ the Library

Homeschool @ the Library

Farmers Market
Saturday, May 16 • 8 am–12 pm


Stop by the Library stand at the Farmers Market for a craft and to see what’s new at the Library! 

Fruits and vegetables.

Graphic Novel Book Club 

Thursday, May 21 • 4:15–5 pm


Join us to talk about a middle grade graphic novel each month. A limited number of copies will be available at the desk for checkout.


This month’s book: Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh

Orange comic-style background with bold black text reading ‘Graphic Novel Book Club.’
A person checking their email.

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Looking for more events & programs?

See Our Full Calendar

200 W. South St.
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 569-2193
oconomowoclibrary.org