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.

March 1-May 31

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

Hanafuda: Japanese Flower Cards 

Friday, May 3 at 1 PM

Community Room



May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join Penn Museum educators as we learn about hanafuda, a style of traditional Japanese playing cards dating to the 1600s. The cards are intricately designed with different flower patterns connected to the months of the year and used to play different games. Students will learn about hanafuda cards, design their own card, and watch a brief play session of koi koi, a popular hanafuda game.

IVPL’s Homeschool Science Fair 

Tuesday, May 21 at 12 PM

Community Room



Homeschool and cyber school students are invited to display and present their science fair experiments to judges on Tuesday, May 21 from 12 pm to 2 pm. Ribbons will be awarded. Registration required.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a response within 5 business days. Your project will be given one of three statuses: accepted, pending (clarification/modification required), or rejected.

Questions? Contact Nicole Husbands at nhusbands@ivpl.org

Forms & rubrics can be found on the Homeschool Resources page.

Homeschool Debate Event

Are you an older homeschool student interested in debate? We are exploring the possibility of organizing a debate event for the fall of 2024. Your input and participation would be greatly appreciated as we gauge community interest to see if there is enough enthusiasm to host the event.

Please take a moment to fill out this form if you are interested: https://bit.ly/3Wacj0e

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!

Most 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 the calender link above .

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)

Wednesday, May 1

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.

Baby Prom (Ages birth-24 months)**

Monday, May 6

10 AM

Community Room

Music, dancing, and cute photo ops!

For children ages birth - 24 months (siblings welcome). Registration required. Registration link.

Teddy Bear Time (2 year olds)

Wednesday, May 1

9:30 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)

Wednesday, May 1

11 AM

Community Room

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

Wee Build

Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM

Story Hour Room

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

Stay and Play (Ages 1-5)

Friday, May 17

10-11:30 AM

Community Room

Stop by our big Community Room for some fun indoor play with friends. No 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.

Live Animal Table Talks 

Monday, May 6

6:30 PM to 8 PM

Lewis McLean Reading Room

Delaware Valley University Students are visiting Indian Valley Public Library and bringing some friends with them. Spend the evening learning about different wildlife at the library by visiting different tables. This is a free event for all ages.

Family Art Exploration (Ages 3-8)

Monday, May 20

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.  

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.

Supported STEAM Program (Ages 5-10)

Tuesday, May 7

4 PM

Community Room

Join us for a supported program for children who need smaller group sizes, fidgets, a sensory schedule and other supports.   Registration is required.  Adults should plan to stay in the room during the program, but please register children only.

Registration 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.

Beginners Chess

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (No program Feb 7)

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.

Pokémon Meet-up Club (Ages 5-10)

Monday, May 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 is required. Have Pokémon cards you no longer need? Consider donating them to the library.

Supported STEAM Program (Ages 5-10)

Tuesday, May 7

4 PM

Community Room

Join us for a supported program for children who need smaller group sizes, fidgets, a sensory schedule and other supports.   Registration is required.  Adults should plan to stay in the room during the program, but please register children only.

Registration link.

Tinkering Club (Ages 5-10)

Monday, May 13 at 4 PM

Community Room

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

Junior Engineers (Grades K-5)

Tuesday, May 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, May 21 at 5 PM

Community Room

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

STEAM Saturday: Video Game Soundtrack Design (Youth Ages 10+)

Saturday, May 4

10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Designing video game music involves composing and arranging audio tracks that dynamically enhance gameplay, evoking emotions, and immersing players in the virtual worlds through carefully crafted soundscapes and melodies.   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.

Tween Reading Club (Ages 10-12)

Tuesday, May 21

4 pm 

Community Room

Let’s take a journey through the Dewey Decimal System. Read one book that can be found in the Dewey Decimal System under the 100s section then join us to share the title and your thoughts. Loved it? Tell us why we should read it. Disliked it? Tell us how the book could be better. Need some help finding a book? Ask a librarian for some recommendations.

STEAM Saturday: How to Podcast Like a Pro (Youth Ages 10+)

Saturday, May 25, 10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Starting a podcast involves creating audio content on a chosen topic, recording and editing episodes, and then distributing them to online platforms, allowing you to share your expertise, stories, or discussions with a global audience.  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.

Longwood Gardens Inspired Teen Photography Contest

In your photograph, explore “...the meaning, beauty, and solace we can find in gardens..”

We encourage you to venture outside to capture this theme.

• Open to students in grades 6 to 12
• All contestants will be entered into a drawing to receive a pass to visit Longwood Gardens.
• The winner will receive a $20 gift card.

Contact Nicole at nhusbands@ivpl.org with any questions.

How to Submit:

• Submission will be accepted via email to nhusbands@ivpl.org and should include "Digital Photo Contest" in the subject heading
• Entries will be accepted until May 10, 2024, at 11:59:59 pm
• A high-resolution JPEG or PNG file should be attached to the email
• Include the title of the photograph, your full name, and your grade with your submission

Limit one photograph per person. The photograph must be original. Violators of copyright will be disqualified. Graphic editors may be used to manipulate the photograph. By entering the contest, you are granting Indian Valley Public Library permission to use your photograph and first name. It is the responsibility of the contestant to obtain written or verbal release on individuals in the photograph.

STEAM Saturday: Video Game Soundtrack Design (Youth Ages 10+)

Saturday, May 4

10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Designing video game music involves composing and arranging audio tracks that dynamically enhance gameplay, evoking emotions, and immersing players in the virtual worlds through carefully crafted soundscapes and melodies. 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.

Open Mic Night 

Monday, May 13 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.

VolunTeen Club**

Wednesday, May 15 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.

STEAM Saturday: How to Podcast Like a Pro (Youth Ages 10+)

Saturday, May 25, 10:30 AM to 1 PM

Community Room

Starting a podcast involves creating audio content on a chosen topic, recording and editing episodes, and then distributing them to online platforms, allowing you to share your expertise, stories, or discussions with a global audience. 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.

Looking for a good book but don't know where to start? Want a selection of books on a topic but don't have time to stop by the library? The Youth Services Department is here to help you. Just fill out our Book Finders request form and we will do the rest. Please allow 3-5 business days for us to fill your request.

Book Finders Request

Would you like to borrow a librarian for your class or group? We can offer a pre-recorded or live virtual story time or introduction to library resources as well as in person visits to schools and tours of the library. The staff at IVPL needs at least TWO WEEKS notice. You can request this service ONCE per month. This service depends on staff availability. You can also take your group on a virtual tour of the library. Click the buttons to the left to find out more or book a visit today!

Borrow a Librarian Request