Events

They're turning our store into a science lab! Their friend Dr. Oxygen will be there with incredible hands-on, minds-on activities that are sure to get kids thrilled about science. Everyone's sure to go home with a higher IQ and a heightened sense of wonder!

Spark Studio is a hands-on STEAM program for kids where creativity meets technology. Through fun challenges and interactive projects, participants build, design, and explore while developing problem-solving skills and confidence as makers. This is a free event for kids ages 7-12. Registration is required

This interactive experience explores the fascinating world of natural pigments. Using anthocyanin, a special pigment found in red cabbage, you’ll experiment with acids and bases to create a vibrant spectrum of colors. Through simple chemical reactions, watch as your paints shift from bright pink to deep blue and even green! Discover the science behind pH indicators, explore the chemistry of everyday ingredients, and unleash your creativity with nature’s own color-changing palette.

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab will visit the library to talk about the bats native to Nebraska. This presentation includes an overview of basic bat biology, addresses myths and biases about bats, and introduces the a myriad of ways they benefit humans

What if a squirrel had to save its forest, a penguin became an explorer, or a stray dog solved a mystery? Using fun prompts and imaginative exercises, students will craft an original story starring an animal hero and learn how to make readers cheer for their furry, feathered, or scaly main character. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required

Look up and let your imagination soar! Inside a mobile planetarium, kids will journey through space to discover stars, planets, and galaxies, and learn how ancient stories shaped the constellations we see today. While you wait for your show to begin or to continue the fun after, themed crafts will allow young astronauts to further explore constellations. Registration is required

Join for a family-friendly murder mystery at Arbor Lodge Mansion. After a voyage filled with pillaging and plundering, the Jaded Jewel – Arbor Lodge Mansion turned pirate ship – is docked in a cove near Port Royal. 

Journey through a series of thoughtfully designed sensory spaces, each offering a unique invitation to engage. Find grounding in The Commons, move freely in The Motion Room, wander through the responsive beauty of The Light Forest, retreat into the quiet comfort of The Cocoon, dive into imaginative worlds in the Aquarium, and leave your mark in The Workshop Room, where the environment evolves through collective creativity.

Come explore all things icky, sticky, and vile and discover the fascinating science behind everything YUCK! During this family-friendly theme day, the Luminarium is showcasing a museum full of the gross, gunky, and gruesome. Playful experiments invite you to embrace the spirit of a scientist and investigate why so many things make us go “Yuck!”

See fine European cars and motorcycles on display. Imagine models of Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ducati, BMW, Ferrari, Pantera, Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey and others surrounded by the beauty of the fall garden. Admission to the event is included with paid garden admission and is FREE for garden members.

This free, family-friendly event lets kids (and adults) of all ages bring their Tonka truck dreams to life. The Big Dig gives children the chance to get hands-on with real construction equipment-operating machines like lull lifts, scissor lifts, excavators, and more.

Let's make some music! Brains will grow and smiles will shine as kids work together to make some awesome music with Miss Kerry from Kindermusik with Overton Music Studios!

Every Wednesday, Monarch Agents will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities, including outdoor fun, arts and crafts, science experiments, detective work, and more library fun! Please arrive at least 5 minutes early before your first mission to receive your mission log. For those in 1st - 6th grade.

Curiosity Crew is back with a brand new look! Starting this month Curiosity Crew is specifically developed for kids six and under with their parent or caretaker. Each month we’ll cover a brand new science topic and complete an activity or art project associated with it. This month we’re kicking off fall by learning why leaves change colors and making nature inspired leaf prints. This is a free event for ages 2-6. Registration is required.

Curiosity Crew is back with a brand new look! Starting this month Curiosity Crew is specifically developed for kids six and under with their parent or caretaker. Each month we’ll cover a brand new science topic and complete an activity or art project associated with it. This month we’re kicking off fall by learning why leaves change colors and making nature inspired leaf prints. This is a free event for ages 2-6. Registration is required.

In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join OPL at Lauritzen Gardens for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Storytime is geared for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Lauritzen Gardens will offer free admission to families who attend this storytime.

What do you need to be a spy? Crack codes, build gadgets, and test your observational skills. For Grade K-5. Drop in anytime.

Curious George will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

In honor of Fat Bear Week, join in on the Fat Bear Fun at OPL with a special storytime. Enjoy books and songs about bears followed by crafting handmade binoculars to spot the Fat Bear Hall of Champions around the library. This event will be sure to entertain our littlest bear scouts! Parents/caregivers must remain with their child(ren) for the duration of the program and are encouraged to help younger children with the activity.