![pictures from school visits for summer reading](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-06/SRC%20post.jpg?itok=NYksgrgw)
Why Read During the Summer?
Did you know that librarians from the Youth Services Department visit Wilmette schools throughout May and June to promote reading during the summer?
![A stack of colorful picture books, spines facing out](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-05/Pride%20Books.jpg?itok=f1KSqsaP)
Let's Learn Together about Pride
How do we help children understand the meaning of Pride – a joyful celebration that commemorates decades of struggle for human rights?
![anaya playing piano at different ages](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-05/Music%20Appreciation%20Blog.jpg?itok=xUXqdfPz)
Music Appreciation Program
My name is Anaya Brainch and I am a rising junior at New Trier.
![a variety of photos from Eid Celebration](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-05/Eid%20.jpg?itok=K0hl4Lon)
Eid al-Fitr Celebration
On Saturday, April 20, we hosted an Eid al-Fitr Celebration in collaboration with the South Asian Families of Wilmette.
![Four picture book covers featuring Asian American people](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-04/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.jpg?itok=24YHTC_a)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is Celebrated in May
Each May our nation celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to recognize the enormous diverse and cultural contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made throughout American history. The official designation of May as AAPI Heritage Month was
![Four "Ready, Set, Library Crawl" bookmarks.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-03/2024%20library%20crawl%20bookmark.png?itok=iQ3A5Dfe)
Ready, Set, Library Crawl!
Join our Library Crawl this April in celebration of National Library Week. Starting April 1, pick up a Library Crawl bookmark at either Glencoe Public Library, Wilmette Public Library, or Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District.
![Transgender flag with books scattered in the foreground](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-03/YS%20Transgender%20Day%20of%20Visibility%20Blog%20Image.png?itok=DY8uiBv-)
March 31 Is Trans Day of Visibility
March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, which celebrates transgender identities while also drawing attention to the discrimination transgender people face. Here are just a few recent books for young people that explain gender diversity or feature transgender characters.
![Librarians Eti and Diane take a photo with Romona Elementary School students in the school auditorium. Librarians Sarah Jo and Eti pose with the library beasties on a school stage.](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-02/WRAD%20School%20visits.png?itok=qozbu0_Q)
World Read Aloud Day
![twelve colorful picture book covers in a grid](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/Great%20Gift%20Books%20blog%20jpg.jpg?itok=XtcAu6Zv)
Great Gift Books for Kids
Whether you’re shopping for your own child or hoping to find a great match for a kid you barely know, the books on this year’s list offer something special.
![a librarian is unboxing a box of books with 3 kids](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/IMG_6863.jpg?itok=vVjeLfYX)
5 Reasons to Join Caldecott Club!
Youth Services librarians Sarah Jo and Eti are hosting our Caldecott Club, a program where we explore amazing picture books and choose our favorite from the entire year.
![Mother Goose Songs, mouse in front of clock](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-09/YSmothergoosesongs_1.jpg?itok=RJ4-nM-n)
One Interesting Thing About Mother Goose
One interesting thing about Mother Goose is that she’s alive and well! Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes are still popular around the world and for good reason. They develop a child’s ear for language and that is the cornerstone of literacy.
![schoolhouse](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-09/District_63_schoolhouse-inside_0.jpg?itok=NMWWOUvz)
The Good Old School Calendar
The school year is revving up again—but why now? The truth is more complicated than you might think.
![Colorful wooden booth with smiling person inside](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/PXL_20230718_230813282.jpg?itok=LBsSAX6C)
The Benefits and Joys of Summer Reading Club
As a life-long children's librarian and Youth Services Manager at Wilmette Public Library, I've been running Summer Reading programs for over 25 summers. Here are a few reasons why I'm really proud of our library's Summer Reading Club:
![Two caterpillars milkweed leaf](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/YStwocaterpillarsmilkweed.jpg?itok=eLW4afJ5)
What is the library staff up to?
![Three felt billy goats, a felt troll, and a felt wooden bridge](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-05/YS3BillyGoatsGruffFelt.jpg?itok=lDseB3nK)
What Do Children Learn in Storytime?
Felt Stories
Behind the smiles and laughter of storytime, serious work is being done. Your child is learning and practicing many different skills. But which ones exactly?