Storytime with Maryam and Dave: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Join us on Facebook at Gays Mills Public Library for a Virtual Storytime. We had our first one on February 2nd, 2021 (Groundhog Day) and we’re eager to do more. We’ll read some interesting and beautiful books, share some music, and do a little catching up. Maryam Khalil is a teen from Gays Mills who has volunteered to help out with children’s programming, and we’re looking forward to her further involvement with our in-person Story Hour as soon as we’re able to start that again.

This event is on Facebook Live the first and third Tuesdays of every month.

Outdoor Story Hours with Mr. Dave: Wednesday, Oct. 7 & 21

Outside Story Hours at the Gays Mills Public Library with Andreas Transo and Ilana Pestcoe were big hits! Come back for two more on Wednesday, October 7^th and 21^st at 10:30. We’ll have more songs, games and stories, this time with Mr. Dave. Please RSVP to hold a spot for your group on one or both dates. Call 735-4331 or email dgibbs@swls.org. Dress warmly because we’ll meet, rain or shine, since there’s a roof over part of the play area. There will be a Story Walk you can read while exploring the area next to the slough. We’ll have snacks and send you home with a cool project.

Two Singing and Dancing Story Hours with Ilana: Wednesday, Sep. 16 & 23

Call to reserve a spot for your family group for two Singing and Dancing Story Hours with Ilana at the Gays Mills Library.

On two Wednesdays, September 16 and 23 at 10:30 a.m., Ilana Pestcoe of rural Soldiers Grove will have you cooing like a turtle dove and dancing like a chicken.

For years, Ilana has been taking kids of all ages on journeys with mirthful music, dance and imaginative play. Her fun and sometimes zany play times allow kids, and their grown-ups, to experience the joy of using their voices and bodies in creative ways.

Ilana has some charming songs to share. We’ll harmonize our voices on “Bella Mama,” and do a call and response on “I Knew A Chicken.” We want to offer two sessions so that participants can come to the second session with the songs already in their ears. Call 735-4331, or email dgibbs@swls.org to reserve a spot for your group. The fiestas will take place outside behind the library, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, though you won’t be doing much sitting.

Outdoor Story Hour with Andreas Transo: Wed., August 26 at 10:30 AM

Come join local musician and storyteller Andreas Transø for a joyous outdoor event on Wednesday, August 26 at 10:30 AM. We’ll meet out behind the Gays Mills Library for a socially distanced Story Hour for children of all ages – that means unaccompanied adults are welcome.

You’ll get a spoons lesson from a master spoonsman, and learn some word games and silly stories using – you guessed it – spoonerisms! You may also get the chance to give a family member a ‘spoons haircut.’

Andreas will regale us with some amusing stories of the Rolling Ground Irish (names will be changed to protect the innocent). And of course we’ll listen to some great songs and join in on the classic “The Rattlin’ Bog” since we’ll be right next to the slough. No need to worry about mosquitos though, since most are resting at that time of day.

Summer is winding down and school is right around the corner. This session with Andreas will be a great way to get your kids excited about language, stories, music, and the fun that can be had learning new things.

Spoons will be provided, but be sure to bring a chair, blanket or 5 gallon pail to sit on. The rain date is Thursday, Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. If you have any questions, please call 735-4331, or email dgibbs@swls.org.

Here is Andreas giving a ‘spoons haircut’ to a bemused customer: