Racine Public Library programs (2024)

The following programs are available for children and adults at the Racine Public Library.

Closed for Fourth of July

The Racine Public Library building and Bookmobile will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Fourth of July. Both will reopen for normal hours on Friday, July 5. Social services and phone support will not be available during the closure.

2024 Summer Reading Program

The library is hosting reading challenges, book discussions, craft times, and movie viewings through Aug. 31. It all begins with the Amazing Library Race kick-off Saturday, June 1, where participants will travel around the world (aka, around the library) to complete feats of ingenuity. Visit RacineLibrary.info/AdventureBegins to register your team for the race, to sign up for reading challenges and to find other summer reading activities.

Summer Bookmobile Schedule

The Bookmobile’s summer schedule of stops will be in effect through Aug. 31. The complete schedule is listed below and is available at RacineLibrary.info/library-go.

Monday: 11 a.m. to noon, 2211 S. Green Bay Road, in the parking lot of the old Kmart; 1-2 p.m., 2700 Yout St., at Wadewitz Elementary School; 2:30-4:30 p.m., 4 Mile Road and Douglas Avenue, the north end of the Greentree Shopping Centre; 5:30-7:45 p.m., 3701 Durand Ave., at Elmwood Plaza.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. to noon, Lasalle and High streets, by Red Apple Elementary School; 1-2 p.m., 5500 Washington Ave., in the parking lot of the Kohl’s near the intersection of South Green Bay Road and Washington Avenue; 2:30-4:30 p.m., Mount Pleasant Avenue between 93rd and 95th streets in Sturtevant, by South Park; 5:30-7:45 p.m., 7130 Spring St., in the parking lot of Roma Lodge.

Wednesday: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wright Avenue and Ohio Street, by Starbuck Middle School; 12:30-1:30 p.m., 21st Street and Blaine Avenue, by Humble Park; 2-3 p.m., 2406 S. Green Bay Road, in the parking lot of Regency Point; 3:30-4:30 p.m., Dombrowski Boulevard west of Chicago Street, by Community Christian Church; 5:30-6:30 p.m., Virginia Street and Kinzie Avenue, next to Racine Christian School; 6:45-7:45 p.m., Emmertsen Road and Washington Avenue, at Western Village Shopping Center.

Thursday: 1-7 p.m., 3 Mile Road and Erie Street, at the north end of the Shorecrest Shopping Center parking lot.

Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., North Green Bay Road and Spring Street, at the southeast area of the Pick ‘N Save parking lot.

Saturday: 9-11 a.m., Ohio Street and Washington Avenue, the parking lot of US Bank; noon to 1:30 p.m., the old US Bank on Northwestern Avenue in Franksville.

Sunday: No stops — Bookmobile is closed.

All-Ages Programs

Pride 365 Reading Challenge: RacineLibrary.BeanStack.com, registration required. Pride 365 is about celebrating and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community all year round. Earn badges by reading books and completing activities that honor the unique ways we love each other and express ourselves.

Watersheds & Water Pollutants Poster Exhibit: Through June 29, Adult Services, second floor. What we put on our land often makes its way into our rivers and lakes. This is a watershed: an area of land from which water flows into a larger body of water, carrying pollutants with it. Think about the spray on your lawn, the ice prevention methods you use, or plastics used or left outside our home. When it rains, these pollutants can end up in your drinking water. Stop into the library during June to learn more from Root Pike WIN’s poster exhibit.

Family Storytime with Miss Gail: 10-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through July 31 (except July 3), Youth Services, first floor. When you witness Miss Gail’s storytime, you will meet friends like Mrs. Wishy-Washy, a magic apron that holds wonders within, and a big and gentle spider. Hurry on in for an adventure that is sure to delight listeners. This program is designed with kids in mind, but all ages are welcome.

Lunch Break at the Library: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 11, outside the first-floor entrance on Library Drive. Each week, stop in to see what vendor is serving tasty dishes.

Chess Mates: 5-7 p.m. every other Wednesday, Community Room-Adult Services, second floor, registration encouraged. Chess Mates meets are casual chess sessions led by U.S. Chess Federation member Jeff Garcia. Sessions will be open play, meaning that we will provide chess boards for players to use to play against anyone available. Garcia or a facilitator from the Racine Library Chess Mates may be available to facilitate, teach and play, but boards will always be available with or without a facilitator. Racine Library Chess Mates is a U.S. Chess Federation affiliate club of the Racine Chess Mates, which is a nonprofit partnership between RUSD Extended Learning and EL Chess Academies. It teaches social and emotional learning through chess and hosts Chess Piece Summits at community centers throughout the Racine area.

Maker Monday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. second Monday of every month, The Innovation Lab, second floor. Stop in to try different STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities. Make something new, try out fun games and experiences, or spend some time at the Just Dance or Switch Sports station. The sound studio will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin: 3-5 p.m. second Tuesday of every month, Study Room 1-Adult Services, second floor. Do you have a question about your orientation or gender? Want an affirming space to hang out and do homework or work on projects? Need some pride stickers? Then drop in to meet the staff of the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin. The center offers advocacy, hybrid support groups and affirming community for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Se habla Español.

STEAM Workshops — Tinkering with Tech: 1-2 p.m. every other Saturday, The Innovation Lab, second floor, registration required. Spend some time tinkering with robots, games and other fun tech toys.

Kids’ Programs

Coding Classes—Coding Blocks:4-5 p.m.Monday, June 24, The Innovation Lab, second floor, grades K-4, registration encouraged. Coding isn’t just about a pageful of text and symbols. You can code even using hands-on tools like physical blocks and games. These methods are fun, easy ways to start learning coding.

Lapsit Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays (except July 1), The Martin Room-Youth Services, first floor, ages 0-2 years. Introduce your child to the library through books, songs and activities with Miss Ali and Miss Carrie! This program is designed with kids 2 and younger in mind.

Ruff Readers: 4-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday through Aug. 22 (except July 4), The Martin Room-Youth Services, floor, kids K-5, registration required, call 262-636-9217. Snuggle and pet a therapy dog while practicing your reading skills at the ear of our gentle, non-judgmental canine friends.

Young Writers Guild: 5-6 p.m. first Monday of every month (except holidays), The Martin Room-Youth Services, first floor, ages 8-18. Writing your next story or crafting a new poem? How about working on the storyboard for a graphic novel or the script for a screenplay? If you’re a writer, you’re invited. Share your work, gather ideas and hang out with other young writers.

Make Some Noise— A Musical Craft Time:2-3 p.m.Tuesday, June 25, Youth Services, first floor. Create musical instruments from around the world.

Minecraft Club — Grades 2-5:4-5 p.m.Tuesday, June 25, The Innovation Lab, second floor, kids entering grades 2-5, registration required. Join a session of multiplayer Minecraft. We'll try a little bit of everything, from creative to survival. This club is open to players of both Bedrock and Java editions.

Tuesday Tales Storytime: 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays through July 30 (except July 2), Youth Services, first floor. Listen to stories, sing songs, and join in some easy activities with Miss Ali and Miss Carrie.

Summer Craft Time — Adventure Begins at Your Library: 10:30-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Wednesday through July, Youth Services, first floor.

Storywagon:10-11 a.m.Thursday, June 27, Youth Services, first floor. Experience the wonder of a Storywagon adventure. Stop in to witness magic, discover snakes and enjoy folk tunes.

Coding Classes — Scratch 101: 5-6 p.m. every other Thursday, The Innovation Lab, second floor, kids and tweens, registration required. Get started on your coding journey. Learn the basics of coding using Scratch, an intuitive, beginner-friendly coding game for young ages. No supplies are needed; everything you need will be in the lab.

STEAM Workshops—Robotics Lab:Noon to 1 p.m.Saturday, June 29, The Innovation Lab, second floor, grades K-4, registration encouraged. Explore how different robots work by trying them out yourself.

STEAM Workshops — Tinkering with Tech: 1-2 p.m. every other Saturday, The Innovation Lab, second floor, kids and tweens, registration required. Let STEAM surprise you! Spend some time tinkering with a variety of robots and fun tech toys in our Innovation Lab.

Tween and Teen Programs

Hangout Hour— Paper Airplane Fest:5-6 p.m.the fourth Tuesday of every month, TeenScene, second floor. Planes must be built on site and will be judged on distance, accuracy of flight and aesthetics. Prizes go to the winners.

Community Safe Zone Training with the LGBT Center of SEWI:5:30-6:30 p.m.Tuesday, June 25, The Community Room-Adult Services, second floor, teens and adults. Learn more about our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors through the LGBTQ+ Center's Safe Zone trainings.

Teen Craft & Chat — Squishy Cupcakes: 5-6 p.m. the second Thursday of every month, TeenScene, second floor. Play mad scientist and make your own adorable, slow-rise, colorful, squishy cupcakes. All materials are provided.

Smash Bash! 5-6 p.m. every other Thursday, The Innovation Lab, second floor, grades 6-12, registration required. Meet for a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate showdown on the Nintendo Switch. Our stock of controllers is limited, so feel free to bring your own if you have any.

Hooks & Needles Club: 1:30-2:30 p.m. third Wednesday of every month, TeenScene, second floor. Welcome to the teens-only club for knitters, crocheters and other fiber artists. Are you a complete beginner? We have extra supplies and can help you get started. Homeschoolers and virtual schoolers are welcome.

A-Brie to Disa-Brie: 6-8 p.m. third Thursday of every month, The Martin Room-Youth Services, first floor, teens and adults. Do you like talking about books, movies and music? Do you also like eating cheese? Discuss content you’ve enjoyed while sampling a unique cheese.

Teen Talk with NAMI Racine County: 4:30-5:30 p.m. second Monday of every month, TeenScene, second floor, registration required. This group is a safe place for teens to share and help each other navigate life’s ups and downs. Participants can express any thoughts, feelings, or ideas they have without fear of repercussions. Learn more about the group at NAMIRacineCounty.org/TeenTalk.

Teen LEGO Club: 4-6 p.m. first Wednesday of every month, TeenScene, second floor. Love LEGO? We do, too. Come make something cool, or bring in a build to show off.

Adult Programs

Senior Art —Paint with Ken:Noon to 2 p.m.Tuesday, June 25, The Community Room-Adult Services, second floor, adults 50-plus, registration required. Depict an incandescent sunset behind a sailboat on the lake. Paint, tools and aprons will be provided. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early; this session begins promptly at noon.

Childhood Development Screening and Activities:10:30 a.m. to noonWednesday, June 26, The Martin Room-Youth Services, first floor, registration required. Meet with a licensed therapist to discuss any questions you have about your child's development. Through a series of fun activities and a parental interview, we'll let you know if your child is meeting the right milestones for their age and give you advice for how to advance your child's developmental skills.

Anti-Racism Zoom Book Club: 1-3 p.m. every Monday (except holidays), Zoom, registration required. This cover books and conversations on the topic of racism.

Afternoon Book Club: 2:30-3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of every month, The Martin Room-Youth Services, first floor, registration required. Enjoy and discuss works of literary fiction in the company of other readers.

Career Help Pop-Up with EQUUS Workforce Solutions: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. second Wednesday and Friday of each month, Adult Services, second floor, teens and adults. Getting ready for a job hunt or furthering your skillset? EQUUS can assist with job hunts, skill trainings and education, finding new connections and opportunities, and transportation assistance.

Racine Fiber Arts — Facts on Fabric: 10-11 a.m. first Tuesday of every month, The Business Center-Adult Services, second floor. Learn about fiber arts through hands-on crafting, zines and recounting history. Bring your crochet, knit, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilt or other fiber projects, and learn about the legacy of these fiber and fabric marvels.

Navigating Unemployment Insurance with UMOS: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. second and third Tuesday and 1-4 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Adult Services, second floor. UMOS’ Unemployment Insurance Navigator Program is here to make it easier for you to access unemployment insurance and other social services. Se habla Español.

Explore Continuing Education with the Educational Opportunity Center: 3-5 p.m. third Monday of every month, Adult Services, second floor. Stop by the Educational Opportunity Center table at the library for free guidance and information on how you can make continuing education work for you.

Classes for English Citizenship Exam with Voces de la Frontera: 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, The Business Center-Adult Services, second floor, registration required: Contact Jeanette Arellano at 414-236-0415 or Paola Barragán at 262-346-4027. Get ready to take your English citizenship exam with the help of Voces de la Frontera. Participants must have had a residency card for 5-14 years or have been married to a U.S. citizen for 3 years. Se habla Español.

Senior Bingo: 10-11 a.m. first Thursday of every month, The Business Center-Adult Services, second floor, adults 50 and older. It’s bingo time! Join us for five free rounds of bingo, and maybe even win a prize if you’re one of our best players. Our best players will win scratch-offs from the Wisconsin State Lottery.

Tech Intros — iPhone 101: 5-6 p.m. every other Thursday (except July 4), The Innovation Lab, second floor, registration required. How do I send a photo? Where do I find my emails? What’s an app? If you have questions about how to use your iPhone, bring them in (along with your phone), and we’ll help you learn your way around the device.

Computer Basics — Virus Prevention & Correction: Noon to 1 p.m. every other Friday, The Innovation Lab, second floor, registration required. From prevention to correction, we’ll show you how to avoid catching a computer virus and how to resolve it if you do.

Senior Dominoes: 10 a.m. to noon second Thursday of every month, The Business Center-Adult Services, second floor, adults 50 and older. Come try a game of chicken foot dominoes! Beginners are welcome; it’s easy to play and lots of fun. Dominoes are provided.

Feeding America through FoodShare: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month, Study Room 1-Adult Services, second floor. Learn about FoodShare benefits and connect with someone in person to discuss how Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services can support you. There will be representatives onsite to answer questions and assist with applications.

Transition to Senior Living 101 — Community Touring & State Licensure: Noon to 1 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month, Community Room-Adult Services, second floor, RSVP encouraged. Making the move to a senior living community for yourself or a loved one can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be thanks to this informative traveling four-part series created by Waterford Place. A free lunch and refreshments are provided.

Seasonal Screams: 5:30-6:30 p.m. last Wednesday of every month, The Lee Room-Atrium, first floor, registration required. Need an excuse to read more horror? Each month, we’ll pick a new book to try, then discuss your reading experience and all things horror. Email Rebecca.Leannah@RacineLibrary.info to register and get the title of the next book.

Coffee and Conversation: 12:30-1:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursday of every month, Community Room-Adult Services, second floor. Enjoy coffee and conversation with people of all backgrounds who can listen, laugh, learn and exchange ideas. This is an open space to meet people with diverse views and a shared passion for engaging with others. Each month will offer different topics, activities and possible guest speakers.

Anime Night for Adults: 6-8 p.m. the last Thursday of every month, Twin Dragon Games. Watch and discuss your favorite anime, or even discover something new. Meet other anime fans over some fun activities. Learn more about Twin Dragon at Facebook.com/TwinDragonGamesWI.

STEAM Workshops — 3D Resin Printing: Noon to 1 p.m. second Friday of every month, The Innovation Lab, second floor, tweens and teens and adults, registration required. 3D printing with resin is a fun way to make an ultra-detailed print. Learn about how the process works and how to safely print your own items.