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JANUARY
Expand your reading choices
Make a resolution this year to read more diversely in 2020. Sure, check out those well-loved favorites, but add some new genres and authors, too. From board books to older fiction, there are great authors to be discovered. Here are just a few (ask at the Youth Desk for more recommendations): Monique Gray Smith, Jason Reynolds, Jacqueline Woodson, Grace Lin, Yuyi Morales, Kyle Lukoff, Connie Schofield Morrison, Oge Mora, Christian Robinson, and Juana Medina.
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FEBRUARY
Plan a party to ward off those winter doldrums
Some people dread February because they are tired of the weather, but as someone with a February birthday, I think of it as a month for a party! You don’t have to have a birthday to celebrate though. How about hosting a Leap Year party?! Every four years, February gets an extra day – and 2020 happens to be one of those years. Why does that happen? Read this article to find out. Then, plan your Leap Year party for February 29.
MARCH
Develop a hobby or special collection
Stamps, rocks, National Park patches, Beanie Babies, LEGO, Shopkins, art work, scrunchies. What do these all have in common? They are items that children have displayed at the library. Now is a great time to explore a new hobby or add to your current collection. Don’t forget to sign up for a display space in the Youth Department (it’s never too early to put your name on the list).
APRIL
Do something good for the environment
April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day . Learn ways to make changes around your home to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Check out a gardening book from the library and learn how to plant a butterfly or bee garden when it gets warm.
MAY
Have an adventure
Is there someplace in your community you’ve been wanting to visit? Or maybe there’s somewhere in the world you are curious about. When I wanted to learn more about Japan, I checked out books from the Youth Department. This one from the graphic novel section was one of my favorites . I learned that there are vending machines for everything! I hope to find one that sells knit costumes for cats.
JUNE
Sign up for Paint Your Story: Summer Reading Challenge
Read and join us at the library for fun activities and programs. Everything you do will help you earn prizes and earn points toward a contribution for our 2020 charitable partner, the Glen Ellyn Children’s Resource Center .
JULY
Sing “Happy Birthday” U. S. of A.
This year, plan to celebrate the 4th of July from the tip of your toes to the wheels on your bike. Paint your nails, dress up the dog, wrap streamers around your bike, fly the flag, pack a picnic, or make a sign to take to the parade. However you celebrate the 244th birthday of the USA, make it a red, white, and blue day.
AUGUST
Celebrate the end of summer
Have you checked off everything on your bucket list this summer? August is a great time to plan one last BBQ or sleepover with your neighbors and friends. Gather together and put on a play, dance, watch a movie under the stars, or sing karaoke (soon you’ll be able to borrow a karaoke machine from the GEPL Gizmo collection).
SEPTEMBER
Create a work of art
One of my favorite childhood memories is starting off the school year with new supplies. A new box of crayons still has the power to make me smile. Take some time in September to make art. Try something new, find an art book at the library or go to Creativebug for inspiration. And, if you have old crayons, you can donate them to SCARCE in Glen Ellyn. Find out what they do with donated crayons here.
OCTOBER
Volunteer your time and talent
Giving to others is good for everyone. Before the chaotic holiday season begins, take some time to volunteer. Search for a local organization that fits your family’s interests. Check Giving DuPage for a list of local groups that can use your support.
NOVEMBER
Remember those who served and give thanks for those currently serving
November 11 is Veterans Day. Writing cards or baking cookies for a local veterans organization is one way to say thank you to those who have served in our military. For those who are currently serving, you can write cards or gather donations to be sent through a group like Operation Support Our Troops – America.
DECEMBER
Reflect on the year gone by
The first year of the decade is coming to an end. What was the highlight of the year for you? December is a great time to spend with your friends. How about hosting a tea party? Talk about the things you did this year and plan for next year. Then you’ll be ready to say goodbye to 2020 and Happy New Year to 2021!