Elkhart Public Library

Storytime with Mr. Manley
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, 2026-05-20 10:00 - 10:45 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | 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
2026-04-22 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.

Little Explorers
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, 2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.

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

Stories in the Garden
2026-05-05 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-05-12 17:00 - 17:30, 2026-05-19 17:00 - 17:30 | Wellfield Gardens, 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN, 46514, United States
Join us on Wellfield Botanic Gardens free Tuesdays for a fun and interactive Storytime in the Children’s Garden area. Watch this page and our Facebook if the weather is iffy. Wellfield Gardens offers free admission to Elkhart County residents on Tuesdays.

Ox Bow Books & Boots
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

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
This unique storytelling program features players and coaches from the 2002 South Bend Golden Hawks, a professional women’s tackle football team.
Author Mark Bradford hosts a panel discussion with former coaches and players from the Golden Hawks to share stories of their season, challenges they faced and how they look back on it.
This after-hours event is free and open to the public.

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.

Rockets Red Glare Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff
2026-05-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Dunlap Branch, 58485 C.R. 13 East, Elkhart, IN, 46516, United States
Get set for the Summer Reading Challenge with popcorn, activities and a film canister rocket. Plus, pick up some great books.

Summer Reading Kickoff: Sundae Spectacular
2026-05-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Pierre Moran Branch, 2400 Benham Ave, Elkhart, IN, 46517, United States
Start the summer reading challenge with a mini ice cream sandwich and toppings, while supplies last. Plus, activities, games and books.
