At the Indian Valley Public Library Youth Services Department, we strive to make our programs accessible to all. If your child needs extra support to attend our programs, please don't hesitate to let us know. Stop by the library or email us at youthservices@ivpl.org.

The library will be closed on Thursday, November 23 & Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. There will be no children's programs on those days.

September 11-November 30

Youth ages birth to 18 are invited to earn tokens for our book vending machine by reading (or being read to). Stop by the library or visit one of the pages below for more information.

Link to Youth Learning Challenge page

Link to Teen Learning Challenge page

Do you have any vending machine tokens at home? We are running low on tokens. If you have any unused tokens, please bring them to the library and exchange them for a certificate. Certificates never expire and can be traded for a token at a later date.

Livestream Program:

A Journey Through the Life of Helen Keller

Wednesday, November 22 at 1 PM

Explore the Life of Helen Keller with her great, grand niece. The livestream will be followed by a brief activity related to the topic. For Grades K-6

Join us in IVPL's Community Room for live-streamed presentations. During a livestream program, the presenter is virtual and the audience can view the program at IVPL.

Homeschool Hangout 

Tuesday, December 19 from 1 to 3 PM

Community Room

Homeschool families of all ages are invited to hang out in the Community Room. IVPL will provide a variety of building materials, including Legos, Duplos, K’Nex, Magna Tiles and more! No registration required.

We are excited to announce that Indian Valley Public Library has a new digital database for our community! Scholastic Teachables provides unlimited remote access to tens of thousands printable educational materials. These high‑quality, ready‑to-use resources to save you countless hours of searching for reliable content.

To use this resource, simply to go www.ivpl.org (from the eResources menu, choose “eLearning & Research”). If you are in Indian Valley Public Library you will be automatically be logged in. If you connecting from home or work, just enter the barcode number on your library card to get in.

If you don’t have a library card yet, it’s no problem! Stop by the library to sign up for your free card today!

Preschool programs do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. You can register for them if you would like to receive reminder emails. Just click on this Calendar Link.

Caregivers of children ages 9 and under must remain in the room during the program and caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program.



Babies Boogie Storytime

(Ages birth-24 months)

Mondays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 9:15 AM

Wednesdays, November 8, 15, 22 & 29 at

10:15 AM

Community Room

Families with children ages birth to 24 months are invited to join us for a brief storytime for our youngest friends, followed by time to play and socialize. Siblings welcome.

Teddy Bear Time (2 year olds)

Wednesdays, November 8, 15, 22 & 29 at

10:15 AM

Stories, songs, and movement activities for 2-year-old children. Bring a stuffed toy or use one of ours. Siblings welcome.

Music and Motion (Ages 3-5)

Wednesdays, November 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 10:15 AM

Community Room

Stories, songs, and movement activities for children ages 3-5. Siblings welcome.

Wee Build

Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM (No program Nov 23)

Story Hour Room

Stop into the Children’s Room for some free play with preschool-friendly building toys. No registration required.

Lunch Bunch Storytime (All ages)

Thursdays, November 9, 16 & 29 at 10:15 AM

Community Room

Join us for a casual outdoor storytime for children of all ages. Feel free to bring a snack or a lunch, though this is not required. We will meet at the pavilion outside. This program may be moved indoors to the library's Community Room due to weather.

Caregivers of children ages 9 and under must remain in the room during the program and caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program.

Not-So-Scary Movie:

Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie

Tuesday, October 31 at 2 PM

Community Room

Roo and Lumpy are excited to trick or treat on Halloween until Tigger warns them of the dreaded Gobloon.

School's Out Movie: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Tuesday, November 7 at 2 pm

Community Room

In the late 19th century, a feisty stallion named Spirit is held captive by a cruel colonel. But Spirit manages to escape, and he befriends a Native American youth and a mare named Rain, and they set out to return to their rightful places in the West.

Rating: G

Runtime: 85 minutes

Pajama Storytime (All ages)

Tuesday, November 7 & 21 at 7 PM

Storyhour Room

Stories, songs, and movement activities before bedtime for children of all ages. Pajamas welcome (not required).

Fun, brain-building, and free! No registration required. Sign up for optional reminder emails through our online calendar.

Family Art Exploration (All ages)

Monday, November 20 at 4 PM

Community Room

Stop by the library for some hands-on art exploration. Together, we will share a story and a mindfulness moment. Then, everyone (adults included) will be invited to create art based on a theme using the supplies provided. Most appropriate for ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome. 

School's Out Movie: Super Mario Bros: The Movie

Tuesday, November 21 at 2 pm 

Community Room

Based on the Super Mario video games, the animated film follows Mario on his adventures with his friends. Mario joins forces with Princess Peach and Toad. The trio is in search of Mario's brother Luigi. Together, they hope to defeat the evil Bowser and save the Mushroom Kingdom from his destructive schemes.

Rating: PG

Runtime: 92 minutes

Chef Zak Makes Snacks: Tea Party!

Wednesday, November 29

Choose a time:

4-4:45 (Registration link) or

5:30-6:15 (Registration link)

Join Chef Zak for a casual and fun cooking class for kids! Bring the whole family and make some creative snacks that are fun to make and fun to eat. Registration required.

Caregivers of children ages 9 and under must remain in the room during the program and caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program.

Beginners Chess

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (No program Nov 22)

Lewis McLean Reading Room

Stop by the library to learn the game of chess or hone your skills. Beginners of all ages are welcome; however, adult supervision is required for players under 13.

Beginner’s Chess Tournament 

Saturday, November 11 at 11 AM

Community Room

Beginning Chess Players of all ages are invited to join us for Indian Valley Public Library's first Beginning Chess Tournament. The event will begin at 11 AM. Registration is required for all competitors. Registration link.

Pokémon Meet-up Club (Ages 5-10)

Monday, November 6 at 4 PM

Community Room

Stop by the library to meet up with other Pokémon fans to trade cards, talk about the game and the show, play the card game, and complete a craft or other activity. The library has a small number of cards available to trade but participants are encouraged to bring their own decks. (The Library is not responsible for lost or damaged cards). No registration required. Have Pokémon cards you no longer need? Consider donating them to the library.

Tinkering Club (Ages 5-10)

Monday, November 13 at 4 PM

Community Room

Stop by the library to complete our tinkering challenge using the materials provided. Most appropriate elementary school but all ages welcome.

This program uses elements from Indian Valley Public Library’s Tinkering Kit. The kit was funded by a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

Junior Engineers (Grades K-5)

Tuesday, November 14 at 5 PM

Community Room

During this program, you will be invited to work in a small group to solve an engineering challenge with provided materials. 

Lego Club (Grades K-5)

Tuesday, November 21 at 5 PM

Monday, November 27 at 4 PM

Community Room

Stop by the library to complete our monthly challenge or just have some free building time. No registration required. For safety reasons, preschoolers MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Ruff, Ruff and Read (Ages 5+)

Saturday, November 25

10 minute time slots between 10:30 and 11:30 AM

Community Room

Independent readers are invited to come and read to a therapy dog. Register in advance to guarantee a reading slot. Registration starts Friday, September 15. Depending on volunteer and dog availability, a small number of walk-in spaces may also be available. Registration link.

Maker Monday: Five Nights at Freddy’s

(Ages 5 and up)

Monday, October 30 at 4 PM

Community Room

Are you excited about the new Five Nights at Freddy's Movie? Stop in the library to play FNAF Bingo and complete some crafts and other activities. No registration required. Designed for elementary school students but older siblings are welcome.

Programs marked with a ** require registration. Registration starts 2 weeks before the event. Use the green button at the top of this page to Register.

Tween Graphic Novel Book Club (Ages 9-12)**

Tuesday, November 21 at 4 PM

In-person (Community Room) or on Zoom

Join us online or in the library to discuss this month's Graphic Novel, Kodi (available on Hoopla).

Link to book on Hoopla

Link to register

STEAM Saturday: HummingBird Kit and Animated Video Game Characters

 (Ages 10 and up)

Saturday, November 18, 10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Using Hummingbird kits for coding offers an engaging and hands-on experience, enabling learners to integrate robotics and electronics into their programming projects, fostering both technical and creative skills. This program was made possible by a PA Smart Grant administered by VGC USA. Caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program. Registration is required and starts two weeks before the program. Registration link.

Programs marked with a ** require registration. Registration starts 2 weeks before the event. Use the green button at the top of this page to Register.

No School Drop-In Crafts for Teens 

YA Room

Stop by the YA Room to complete a quick & easy craft.  

Tuesday, November 7: DIY Magnets 

Monday, November 20: Slap Bracelets

VolunTeen Club**

Wednesday, November 8 at 6 PM

Community Room

Join us to complete projects and activities to support local and nationwide charities and organizations. For young people ages 13 and up. Registration is required. Registration link.

Contact Nicole at nhusbands@ivpl.org with questions. 

Please note: This program may be canceled due to low registration.

Open Mic Night 

Monday, November 14 at 6:30 pm

Lewis McLean Reading Room 

Local music, poetry, storytelling, and more! Join us as a performer or an audience member.

Performer sign-up begins at 6:00 PM. Performers will have a five minute slot to showcase their unique talents.

This program is designed for adults and young adults ages 13 and up. Please keep a family-friendly environment in mind when selecting material to share.

Contact rfischer@ivpl.org with any questions.

STEAM Saturday: HummingBird Kit and Animated Video Game Characters 

(Ages 10 and up)

Saturday, November 18, 10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Using Hummingbird kits for coding offers an engaging and hands-on experience, enabling learners to integrate robotics and electronics into their programming projects, fostering both technical and creative skills. This program was made possible by a PA Smart Grant administered by VGC USA. Caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program. Registration is required and starts two weeks before the program. Registration link.

Teen Maker Lab (Ages 13-18)

Monday, November 20 at 2 PM to 3:30 PM 

Community Room

Stop by the Community Room to explore the different stations of hands-on activities to create a range of projects.

Author Visit: Eric Smith (Ages 15-18)

Monday, November 20 at 6:30 PM 

Community Room

Local YA author, Eric Smith, will be talking about his creative life as an author, editor, and how to make a career as a creative writer. Besides short story collections, he's written these Philly based titles: You Can Go Your Own Way and With or Without You (pub. 11/11/23, all about Philly cheesesteaks).

Three ways to watch: 

1. Watch Party at IVPL: Join us in the Community Room to view a livestream of this event. Snacks will be provided. No registration required. 

2. Watch at home: Enjoy this author talk from the comfort of your own home. Register for the Zoom link. While registering, don't forget to enter "IVPL" or "Indian Valley Public Library" as your home library. 

3. Belmont Hills: Join the author in person at Belmont Hills Library in Bala Cynwyd. Registration required. While registering, don't forget to enter "IVPL" or "Indian Valley Public Library" as your home library.