Elkhart Public Library

Little Explorers
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Early literacy fun through experiencing music, stories and hands-on activities. Please note, Little Explorers will pause on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 for the holidays.

Ox Bow Books & Boots
2026-04-10 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-05-08 13:00 - 14:30 | Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13 East, Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Meet Miss Debbie with Elkhart County Parks naturalists for a book discussion and nature activity. Dress for the weather. Books are geared to ages 8-12, and advanced reading is not required.
Upcoming books:

March 13 – “Brighty of the Grand Canyon” by Marguerite Henry
April 10 – “Grand Teton Stampede” by C.R. Fulton
May 8 – “Heartwood Hotel: Family Forever” by Kallie George
June 12 – “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George
July 17 – “The Perilous Performance at Milkweed Meadow” by Elaine Dimopoulos

Storytime with Mr. Manley
2026-04-15 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-04-22 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-04-29 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-06 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-05-13 10:00 - 10:45 | Cleveland Branch, 53715 C.R. 1, Elkhart, IN, 46514, United States
Build early literacy skills through fun and interactive activities. This Storytime pauses on April 8 for spring break. This Storytime moves to two sessions in June.

Kindergarten Gear Up
2026-04-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
(This event is full. Keep watching for more great activities.)
Prepare your soon-to-be-kindergartener with the skills they need in the classroom at this free nine-week program led by a former teacher. Please consider if your child will be entering kindergarten before registering.
Registration for this program starts Feb. 1.

Making Sensory Bottles with Golden Steps ABA
2026-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we’re partnering with Golden Steps ABA to host a sensory bottle-making event. Get hands-on and use creativity and take home what you make.

Preschool Party: Pout Pout Fish
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Stories, games and more based on the misunderstood fish.

Sensory Playdate
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Come in play clothes and let little ones explore and learn through sensory play.

Appreciation Card Workshop
2026-05-04, 2026-05-05, 2026-05-06, 2026-05-07, 2026-05-08, 2026-05-09 | Osolo Branch, 3429 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Drop in anytime during open hours to create a heartfelt card of appreciation for a grown-up in your life.

May the Fourth Be with You Movie Marathon
2026-05-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Osolo Branch, 3429 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Drop in to the branch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the original “Star Wars” trilogy playing. Plus, activities for kids while they watch.
A New Hope – PG, 2:01
Empire Strikes Back – PG, 2:04
Return of the Jedi – PG, 2:11

Friday Night Bingo
2026-05-08 16:30 - 17:30 | Osolo Branch, 3429 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Enjoy themed bingo for the whole family. Win snacks and prizes.
May 8 – Ocean creature bingo
June 19 – Playing card bingo
July 10 – State trivia bingo

Toy Story Preschool Party
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Early literacy activities, crafts and stories inspired by Toy Story characters.

Pigskins & Ponytails: The story of a women's professional football team
2026-05-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Downtown Library, 300 S. Second St., Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
An immersive storytelling program featuring players and coaches of the 2002 South Bend Golden Hawks, a professional women’s tackle football team. Narrated by longtime South Bend Tribune sportswriter and presented in partnership with The Acting Ensemble of Mishawaka, it provides first-hand accounts and reflections on learning the game, challenges they faced and what it means to them today.

Pioneer Toys
2026-05-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13 East, Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
See what kids played with in the settler days with an Elkhart County Parks naturalist. Play with them and then make your own.
