Events

The principal drummer of Kokyo Taiko, the only performance taiko group in Nebraska, will share a basic introduction to Japanese culture and Wadaiko, a style of Japanese drumming that is dynamic, thunderous, powerful and "can be felt in your soul." The group will learn a piece which they will perform at the end of the workshop. Stay for a taiko performance after the workshop ends. This workshop is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Registration is required and open now.

The City Council will be declaring the third Sunday of May as an annual Day of Commitment to Inclusive Water Safety to change perception, provide education, and increase accessibility!​​ Join us to celebrate this amazing declaration with a fun-filled day of games, crafting, and meeting community organizations!

Kokyo Taiko, based in Lincoln Nebraska, will perform Wadaiko, choreographed Japanese-style drumming. Wadaiko has been described as dynamic, thunderous, and powerful; the sound can be felt in your soul. Bring ear plugs if you prefer!

Come listen to the classic Nebraska-Czech sound of European-inspired music known as dechovka (Czech), blasmusik (German) or simply, polka music! You’ll hear vocals sung in Czech and English with a little German as well.

Our Birding program provides educational and citizen science opportunities for all ages and skill levels to identify and observe the birds that live in our woods and wetlands. Take a guided walk through the woods to see and identify the birds that call Gifford Farm home, expand your birding skills and knowledge, and connect with nature! Adults $8, Children 2 and older $7; Pay day of; Cash or Check only. Cost includes price of admission to Open to the Public from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Come and celebrate the great outdoors! The brave and beautiful Miss Jill is going to take us on an adventure with a camping-themed storytime and an exciting craft activity. Everyone will go home with a new love of the wilderness!

Join our Creative Movement Workshop! Perfect for all levels, this fun session explores expressive movement to boost confidence and unique style. Learn a simple dance routine from a teaching artist with Pear Tree Performing Arts. This is a free event for kids 6-12. Registration is required.

Join for a fun storytime at Cup & Cone in Bennington

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join OPL at “Once Upon a Time at the Castle,” a storytime and wildlife adventure in the enchanted gardens. Storytime will feature stories, creative movement, music and more. After storytime, learn about the real creatures we read about through live wildlife interactions and activities. This month we will learn about turtles.

Experience the vibrant rhythms and joyful spirit of West Africa with the Adanu Heartland Ensemble in an engaging performance of music, dance, and cultural tradition. The group will perform “Funga Alaafia” song and dance and the “Banuwa” song with a clapping game. All audience members will be invited to participate in “Wya Wya” with the performers as your teachers!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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.

STEM has never been so sweet! In this hands-on program, kids will explore science and engineering using tasty treats as their tools. From building with snacks to experimenting with edible creations, learning is fun when you can eat your experiments at the end! This is a free event for kids 6-10. Registration is required

Test your sleuthing skills at the library! 🕵️ Follow the clues to find hidden objects and earn stamps. Turn in a full stamp card and receive a prize! Don't worry, the fun doesn't stop there... 🔍 You can grab a new card and keep playing! This activity is aimed at children ages 6-11, but younger siblings and parents can play along too. See you there, super sleuths!

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on the intermediate 3D modeling skills. Participants will be able to ask detailed questions and design more complex items for print. Registration Required.

Celebrate reading with a party all about bookmarks! Kids can decorate a variety of bookmarks using fun supplies and their own creativity. From colorful designs to imaginative patterns, everyone will leave with a collection of unique bookmarks to enjoy with their favorite books. All supplies are included while supplies last. This is a free event for kids ages 6-10, and registration is required.

Are you worn out after a busy work week? Do you need a "pick me up" to kickstart your weekend? Grab your friends, coworkers, or significant other and come wind down during our Sunset Hike!

This summer, step into the magic of Disney and discover the iconic looks of some of your favorite Disney characters in an enchanting, up-close experience for all ages. Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is a showcase of nearly 70 mesmerizing ensembles spanning close to five decades of Disney film and television.