Watch for These MCPL Programs at the Excelsior Springs Branch

Mid-Continent Public Library announced their lineup of programs at the Excelsior Springs Branch from November-January. To view a list of programs at all branches and to register for an event, visit mymcpl.org/events.

Adult Programs

Organize with Style
Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Looking for ways to organize your home without using plastic containers and cardboard boxes? Or maybe you’re tired of looking at piles of stuff on the kitchen counter? Join Lisa Holiman for ideas on how to organize your home and office in practical and visually appealing ways.

The Dickens Carolers
Saturday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a performance by these festive singers dressed in beautiful Victorian attire.

The Eagles Have Landed
Saturday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m.
December and January are ideal months to view bald eagles. Join outdoor writer and sportsman Brent Frazee to learn about these amazing birds and where you can see them in our area.

Family Programs

Around Since the Dinosaurs
Monday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m.
They might not be exactly the same as their ancestors, but some of the animal species we know today shared the world with dinosaurs. Discover how bats, fish, opossums, turtles, crayfish, and others all coexisted with the T-Rex and Hadrosaurids. (Ages 8 and up)

Early Literacy Fair
Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Parents and caregivers, along with their children ages birth through 6, are invited to an open house-style event to explore many of the Library’s early literacy resources. A variety of fun activities will be provided as we play and learn together! (All ages)

Family Book Group: Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin
Tuesday, January 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Family Book Groups explore stories through reading, discussions, games, and activities that bring books to life. Bring the family to listen, follow along, and engage with Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin. Activities and discussions will focus on epic journeys and family team-building. (Ages 6 and up) Registration is required.

Family Dance Party
Monday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s time for an Early Literacy Dance Party! Families of children ages 2 to 6 years can sing, dance, play, and try out a variety of musical instruments to develop their motor skills, express themselves, and just have a great time together. (Ages 2 and up)

Family Movie: Abominable
Saturday, January 14 at 3:00 p.m.
From family classics to new releases, come watch a movie at the Library! (Ages 6 and up)

Jim “Two Crows” Wallen Presents: A Visit with Santa Claus
Wednesday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Get in the Christmas spirit with a story from Santa, and make a simple craft to take home. An adult must accompany each child and may take photos of their child with Santa. (All ages) Registration is required.

Kids Book Group: The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz
Thursday, January 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Kids Book Group introduces children to the idea of reading for fun with their community. This program focuses on talking about The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz in a low-stakes, fun way through trivia, games, and activities that focus on making a business plan. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.

Kids Creative Writing: Battle Bunny!
Tuesday, December 20 at 4:00 p.m.
Battle Bunny! by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett shows children if you don’t like a story, you can rewrite it. We will read the reimagined story before letting kids loose on their own copy of Birthday Bunny. Kids will explore creative writing and drawing in this fun, cheeky program. (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.

Kids Creative Writing: Round-Robin Storytelling
Tuesday, November 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Learn how to write silly stories using our fun and creative prompts. Participants will write a short story together, one sentence at a time, round-robin style. Stories will be read aloud, and hilarity will ensue! (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.

Kids Grow A Creator: Sewing a Holiday Stocking
Wednesday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m.
As the days get shorter, join the Library and get crafty! We invite you to learn to make cozy creations at our Kids Grow A Creator Series. At this event, we will sew a holiday stocking. Register quickly as space is limited! (Ages 8 and up)

Mad Science Presents Dinosaurs
Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
Pretend to be a paleontologist on a fossil dig, and cast your very own T-Rex tooth with the crew from Mad Science. (Ages 4 and up) Registration is required.

Mad Science Presents Dry Ice Capades
Monday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m.
Observe dry ice and its amazing cooling ability. Explore the end product of carbon dioxide by seeing, tasting, and smelling gas. Then watch carbon dioxide pop a cork off a flask, blow smoky bubbles, and see how dry ice makes for a great prop in scary movies! (Ages 8 and up) Registration is required.

Operation Wildlife Presents: Falcons
Saturday, December 3 at 3:00 p.m.
Meet some live falcons and learn about their hunting habits. This program will provide information about the natural history of four species of falcons, including the smallest in North America and the comeback of one that was once endangered (Ages 6 and up)

Play and Learn
Thursday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 12 at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a special preschool playtime that is designed to stimulate young minds and strengthen early literacy skills. There will be exhilarating and fun activities and the opportunity to meet other preschoolers and caregivers. The open playtime allows you to come and go as your schedule permits. (Ages 3 and up)

Storytime for Preschoolers
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Library for an exciting, unique storytime journey. Explore first steps toward reading readiness for you and your preschooler. Designed for preschoolers 3-5 years old and their caregivers. (Ages 3 and up)

Storytime for Toddlers
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Share a fun, interactive journey with your toddler that will engage and encourage next steps into early reading. Designed for toddlers 18-36 months old and caregivers. (Ages 2 and up)

Thanksgiving Tales
Saturday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Join storyteller Jo Ho as she presents some tasty tales in celebration of Thanksgiving. Everyone will want to join in the fun during these sometimes silly, sometimes heartfelt seasonal stories. (All ages) Registration is required.

Tween Book Group: Time Villains by Victor Pineiro
Wednesday, January 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of tween reads. This month we will be discussing Time Villains by Victor Pineiro. The discussion will focus on history and friendship. Titles are typically available at the branch one month before the discussion. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.

Tween Crafts: Figure Terrarium
Wednesday, December 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Get creative at the Library! We’ll make a figure terrarium with felt succulents and small action/animal figures. All supplies will be provided by the Library, but you are welcome to bring a figure of your own. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.

Tween Crafts: No-Knit Scarves
Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Get creative at the Library! We’ll make no-knit scarves. No previous weaving experience is required. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.

Twelve Days of Christmas in Missouri
Monday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Come and hear about all the ways to celebrate Christmas in our great state. Enjoy stories about caves, Santa swimming with the penguins, and the world’s largest pair of underwear. (Ages 4 and up)

Your Next Read Tween: No-Book Book Group
Wednesday, November 30 at 5:00 p.m.
Engage with other tween readers and learn about MCPL book-finding resources at this relaxed book group-style program for youth. Participants should be sure to bring their latest or favorite read to share with the group. (Ages 10 and up) Registration is required.

Teen Programs

Teen Games
Wednesday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Play card and board games at the Library. There are options for everyone. Play as a team or get competitive one-on-one. Try something new or play an old favorite—no matter what, it’s going to be fun!

Teen Games: Dungeons and Dragons 101
Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Want to play D&D but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Learn the basics of playing the game, and get ready for your first adventure. Registration is required.

Teen Role-Playing Games
Monday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Play Tabletop Role Playing Games at the Library! From D&D to Fate, Starfinder to Lasers and Feelings, join us for a campaign-style gaming experience. Talk to your branch for more information about which system will be played. Any character sheets and dice will be provided. Registration is required.