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Find Your Family Fun at Our Local Libraries Every Day of the Week

By Sarah Hauge, Publisher, Macaroni KID, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial April 18, 2023

Our local libraries are a treasure trove of resources for kids and families. Do you have a teen who is tech-savvy, enjoys writing, or has an interest in theater? How about an early elementary-aged child who likes building, drawing, or playing chess? Well, guess what? The library offers opportunities to explore ALL OF THAT.

The best part? Library programs are FREE and open to the public, so you can find your family fun at your convenience. Please note that some programs are only offered seasonally, and others may change without notice. Pre-registration may also be required.

Find a local library here:
Arapahoe Libraries
Denver Public Library
Englewood Library

Here are some regularly occurring library activities that go beyond storytime:



Virtual D&D with Denver Public Library (Ages 13-18)
Themes and characters will vary. Participants play with a consistent group of players over a pre-determined time commitment. 

Spanish Literacy Spot with a Storytime Specialist, Eloise May Libary (Ages 2-5)
Take a few minutes to drop into the Children's Area with your 2-5-year-old to play and chat with a Storytime Specialist. We will have a short literacy-building activity for your child to try and some of our favorite books to recommend.

Literacy Spot with a Storytime Specialist, Koelbel Libary (Ages 2-5)
Take a few minutes to drop into the Children's Area with your 2-5-year-old to play and chat with a Storytime Specialist. We will have a short literacy-building activity for your child to try and some of our favorite books to recommend.

Resource Connect, Englewood Library
Connect with a variety of local resources. Organizations will be available to help with medical and mental health, food & nutrition, family wellness, employment training/certification, and job placement.


Crafts for Kids!, Eugene Library (Ages 4-12)
Join preschool, elementary, and middle-school kids for a new craft each week at this drop-in program.

ideaLAB Open Lab, Hampden Library (Ages 5+)
ideaLAB is the library's maker space. During Open Lab, you can try out a variety of hardware and software to create music, sew, print 3D designs, make art, and much more. Bring your own ideas and projects - there is staff to help you get started. Reservations are required for 3D printing and laser cutting.

Afterschool Kids Homework Club, Hampden Library (Grades K-5) ~ available during the school year
Drop in and work on school assignments in a supportive group space. Teen Assistants will be available to help answer questions and share resources.

Afterschool Kids Maker Club, Ross-University Hills Library (Grades K-5) ~ available during the school year
Learn new skills and get creative. We’ll provide open-ended art and science exploration materials.

Virtual D&D with Denver Public Library (Ages 13-18)
Themes and characters will vary. Participants play with a consistent group of players over a pre-determined time commitment. 

Literacy Spot with a Storytime Specialist, Southglenn Libary (Ages 2-5)
Take a few minutes to drop into the Children's Area with your 2-5-year-old to play and chat with a Storytime Specialist. We will have a short literacy-building activity for your child to try and some of our favorite books to recommend.

Teen Hangouts, Englewood Library (Middle & High School students)
Join us for weekly hangouts in our new teen room. Most weeks we play games but we also show movies from time to time.



LEGO® Club, Eugene Library (Ages 5-12)
Each week, create building projects with LEGO® bricks. You bring the imagination and the library will provide the bricks

ideaLAB Open Lab, Hampden Library (Ages 5+)
ideaLAB is the library's maker space. During Open Lab, you can try out a variety of hardware and software to create music, sew, print 3D designs, make art, and much more. Bring your own ideas and projects - there is staff to help you get started. Reservations are required for 3D printing and laser cutting.

Afterschool Kids Homework Club, Hampden Library (Grades K-5) ~ available during the school year
Drop in and work on school assignments in a supportive group space. Teen Assistants will be available to help answer questions and share resources.

Plaza Immigrant Resources, Hampden Library (All ages)
Each week, visit this open community space where immigrants from all over the world connect with resources and meet new people. Resources include English, Citizenship, Crafts, and more.

Tech Help Appointments, Ross-University Hills Library (All ages)
Get personalized technology assistance and instruction on your own device or a public computer.

Literacy Spot with a Storytime Specialist, Castlewood Libary (Ages 2-5)
Take a few minutes to drop into the Children's Area with your 2-5-year-old to play and chat with a Storytime Specialist. We will have a short literacy-building activity for your child to try and some of our favorite books to recommend.

Learning on the Go: Stories and More, Castlewood Libary (Ages 18 months - 5 years)
Enjoy storytime and songs, and play with your little one. Leave with books and fun activities to continue learning at home.

Meet and Move: Community Walking Group, Koelbel Libary (All ages)
Join library staff as we explore trails and neighborhoods surrounding Koelbel Library. Meet new people, connect with neighbors, enjoy good conversations, and learn about library resources as we walk in Centennial and Greenwood Village.



ideaLAB Open Lab, Hampden Library (Ages 5+)
ideaLAB is the library's maker space. During Open Lab, you can try out a variety of hardware and software to create music, sew, print 3D designs, make art, and much more. Bring your own ideas and projects - there is staff to help you get started. Reservations are required for 3D printing and laser cutting.

Afterschool Kids Homework Club, Hampden Library (Grades K-5) ~ available during the school year
Drop in and work on school assignments in a supportive group space. Teen Assistants will be available to help answer questions and share resources.

Tech Help Appointments, Ross-University Hills Library (All ages)
Get personalized technology assistance and instruction on your own device or a public computer.

Afterschool Kids Maker Club, Decker Library  (Grades K-5)
Learn new skills and get creative. We’ll provide open-ended art and science exploration materials.

Book Buddies, Castlewood Libary (Ages 5-8)
Books are friends! Join us to celebrate our favorite book characters. Play book-related games, create book character art, and discover similar reads.

Literacy Spot with a Storytime Specialist, Eloise May Libary (Ages 2-5)
Take a few minutes to drop into the Children's Area with your 2-5-year-old to play and chat with a Storytime Specialist. We will have a short literacy-building activity for your child to try and some of our favorite books to recommend.

Music and Movement, Southglenn Library (Ages 2-5)
Join us for a fun program that will get kids singing, dancing, and exploring musical instruments while also helping them develop motor and listening skills.

Technology Assist!, Englewood Library (All ages)
Our staff will help you in the Tech Lab with all sorts of devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, or even the Library's public computers. Bring your technology questions and let's see what we can do.

Children After School Program, Englewood Library (All ages) ~ available during the school year
Programs vary each week.

Messy Process Art, Englewood Library (Toddler/Preschool)
Once a month, in place of storytime, explore art in a FUN and messy way.



ideaLAB Open Lab, Hampden Library (Ages 5+)
ideaLAB is the library's maker space. During Open Lab, you can try out a variety of hardware and software to create music, sew, print 3D designs, make art, and much more. Bring your own ideas and projects - there is staff to help you get started. Reservations are required for 3D printing and laser cutting.

Plaza Immigrant Resources, Ross-University Hills Library (All ages)
Each week, visit this open community space where immigrants from all over the world connect with resources and meet new people. Resources include English, Citizenship, Crafts, and more.

Family Place Play & Learn, Eloise May Libary (Ages 1-3)
Bring your little ones to play and learn together in this four-part program. While your child explores toys, crafts, and more, you can chat with local experts. During each program professionals like speech therapists, child behavior specialists, music teachers, and nutritionists are on hand and happy to answer your questions in this fun and informal setting.

After-Hours Teen Night, Koelbel Library (Grades 6-12)
Join us for our monthly after-hours teen night with a different activity every month.

Toddler Playdate, Koelbel Library (Ages 1-4)
Children and their parents or caregiver are invited to try out new toys and meet new friends at the library. Stop in any time to explore blocks, art, play kitchen sets, and more.

Teen After Hours, Englewood Library (Ages 12-18)
Join us for some after-hours fun at the library. Activities vary each time.

Storytime Extra, Englewood Library (All ages)
Once a month, in place of storytime, enjoy a hands-on learning experience at the library for children of all ages.


ideaLAB Open Lab, Hampden Library (Ages 5+)
ideaLAB is the library's maker space. During Open Lab, you can try out a variety of hardware and software to create music, sew, print 3D designs, make art, and much more. Bring your own ideas and projects - there is staff to help you get started. Reservations are required for 3D printing and laser cutting.

Read with a Therapy Dog, Hampden Library (All ages) ~ monthly
Drop in and join us in reading to dogs on the third Saturday of each month.

Little Explorers, Eloise May Libary (Ages 2-5) ~ monthly
Discover new concepts of science, engineering, math, and art with your Little Explorer. Children will investigate a monthly theme that combines learning and literacy. Bring your curiosity and get ready to discover, play and learn.

Learning on the Go: Stories and More, Eloise May Libary (Ages 0-5)
Enjoy storytime and songs, and play with your little one. Leave with books and fun activities to continue learning at home.

Doggie Tales, Koelbel Library (Ages 6-10)
Tails wag as tales are told! On select Saturdays, kids can practice reading to a therapy dog. Each child will select a fun doggie story to read to a new 4-legged friend with support from Guide Dogs for the Blind - Denver South Puppy Raisers.

Family Flix, Koelbel Library (All ages) ~ monthly
Stay in your PJs, load up on breakfast snacks, and join us at the Koelbel Library movie theater for a family movie for all ages.

Little Explorers, Southglenn Library (Ages 2-5)
Join us for a Little Explorers program as we discover new concepts of science, engineering, math, and art. Children will investigate a theme that combines learning and literacy. Bring your curiosity and get ready to discover, play and learn.

Let's Get Crafty, Englewood Library (Teens & Adults)
Join us on the 2nd Saturday afternoon of each month to learn a new craft. We'll provide the space, supplies, and guidance. 


Register for an upcoming library event:
Arapahoe Libraries
Denver Public Library
Englewood Library

Our local libraries are loaded with family-friendly events each and every day. Visit the Macaroni KID calendar to browse for even more family fun today.