Events

On June 28, the topic will be insects! Bug-out on a hands-on adventure where explorers will catch, observe, and learn about the incredible insects that call Nebraska home. The event will be held at the pavilion east of the Caboose Park.

Rotating schedule of free instructor-lead wellness classes sure to get you moving. This Week’s Activity: FitCamp

Roll on into OPL and roll up some candy sushi! We’ll explore the different types of sushi, make our own out of candy and rice krispie treats, and practice our chopstick skills in this free, interactive program for children ages 8-12. Registration is required

Compete against other teams to complete the same puzzle in the fastest amount of time. All teams will be provided with a puzzle and will have two hours to finish the challenge. The first team to complete the puzzle wins!
Space is limited, and registration is required.

Join OPL for a Super Smash Bros tournament at the Washington Branch. We will be playing the game on Nintendo Switch. This is a free program for ages 11-18. Registration is required

Celebrate International Mud Day on Sunday, June 29 at E.T. Mahoney State Park’s Outdoor Pavillion with excitement, education and mud! Make mud pies & mud art, dig in dirt and discover our slip & slide with a very muddy twist! You will get muddy! You should definitely pack a change of clothes and dress for a muddy mess. We recommend garbage bags to sit on for the ride home and bringing a water bottle. Valid park permit required for entry.

Drop in and get up close and personal with some of your favorite city trucks! In the event of inclement weather this program will be cancelled.

Join OPL as we welcome staff from Papio Natural Resources District. They will teach us all about turtles! Did you know Nebraska is home to 9 species of turtles? With the help of a few animal educators, we will learn all about what makes a turtle, a turtle!

Avast! The cast of Midwest Pirate Fest is setting to land to share booty and tell tales of pirate lore in a presentation which explores the real history of pirates.

Kids are introduced to basic computer programming by exploring codes and programs using the Ozobot! The Ozobot is a miniature robot with color sensors that allow it to follow lines and read color codes to complete commands. In this program, youth will learn and draw basic color codes, integrate color codes into storytelling, and use Ozoblockly - an online coding program to explore sequential block coding. This class is taught by 4-H School Enrichment teachers. Class size is limited, so registration is required.

Poop, vomit, slime, and even more amazing disgusting topics will be explored as we learn about some of the grossest (and coolest) animal traits. Join OPL and educators from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to learn about mammal digestion and discover why scientists use poop to track animal migration patterns.

Penelope has been performing magic for nearly 20 years. Join us for her hilarious family magic show—a unique experience that can’t be missed! In the event of inclement weather this program will be moved to the CB Library.

Bennington Library Community Partners

Here come the trains! Join us for a special storytime featuring a guest presenter from the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.

Get ready to battle with bots! Program Finch robots to charge, spin, and joust in a mini arena—may the best bot win! Registration is required for this event.

Are you in your beaded bracelet era? Join OPL to make these widely popular statement pieces! Use polymer clay beads, letter beads and more to bedazzle your own bracelet or make one for a friend. This is a free event and is suggested for kids aged 6-10. Registration is required

Join OPL for a special storytime featuring the book Harry and Hot Lava by Chris Robertson! At the conclusion of storytime, children will be timed as they jump and hop their way through an obstacle course using various surfaces. Go as fast as you can, but don’t fall in because…the Floor is Lava! This is a free event for children 4+.

Poop, vomit, slime, and even more amazing disgusting topics will be explored as we learn about some of the grossest (and coolest) animal traits. Join OPL and educators from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to learn about mammal digestion and discover why scientists use poop to track animal migration patterns.

Every First Friday of the month in the Benson Creative District for a night filled with art, live music, food, and community! From 5 PM to 2 AM, experience a variety of gallery openings, art exhibitions, local vendors, and live performances at venues across Maple Street and beyond!