Interest: Kids & Parents
Interest: Kids & Parents
Celebrate the Holidays with a Library Card
Published: November 29, 2025
During National Library Card Sign-up Month in September, YDL issued more than 500 new library cards. To keep the momentum going, we’re teaming up with Beyond Choir to offer a free concert ticket to anyone who signs up for a new library card by December 20. Beyond Choir is a professional vocal ensemble based in Ypsilanti under the direction of Dr. Brandon Johnson. The choir performs throughout Michigan and has collaborated with ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Through our “Cards & Carols” promotion, anyone who gets a new YDL library card before the concert will receive a voucher …
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Reading is for the dogs
Published: November 20, 2025
Meet our library reading dogs and learn how to sign up for a reading slot.
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Summer Challenge Wrap Up
Published: August 27, 2025
The Summer Challenge wraps up with grand prizes donated by local donors being distributed.
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ABCmouse (in the library)
ABCmouse Early Learning Academy is an engaging online curriculum for children ages 2–8+, including reading and language arts, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music. Enter your YDL card number to create an account.
Spy a Sign, Score a Badge!
Published: July 3, 2025
This summer, keep your eyes peeled. There’s a new way to earn badges in the YDL Summer Challenge! Spot a sign. Crack the code. Make your own.
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Summer Starts With a Win!
Published: June 26, 2025
Meet the First Winners of YDL’s Summer Challenge Weekly Raffle Prizes!
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Summer Challenge Kickoff Party!
Published: June 9, 2025
YDL Celebrates the Start of Summer Challenge with an awesome Kickoff party!
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Finally Back on the Block!
Published: April 11, 2025
Patrons and library staff can let out a collective breath as the downtown branch (finally) reopens.
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2025 Family Read and the Spring Challenge
Published: February 19, 2025
We are thrilled to announce The Puppets of Spelhorst as the 2025 Family Read.
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The Bookmobile Has New Stops
Published: February 7, 2025
Spring is the time of rebirth, so YDL is refreshing some of our Bookmobile routes. Since three of our stops have been unattended for some time, we’re breathing new life into those neighborhoods with brand-new ones! Starting Monday, March 3, we will no longer visit Perry School, Oakbrook Park, or Christ Temple. We’re sad to see them go, but we’re ecstatic to announce new Bookmobile stops at Ainsworth & Ferris, Rue Vendome (between Rue Willette & Rue Deauville), and Wendell Holmes Park (by the baseball diamond) off Wendell Road near Holmes Elementary. The new schedule with those stops looks like …
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Black History Month 2025
Published: February 4, 2025
February is Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance,” which recognizes and celebrates the resistance of Black people, organizations, and institutions to racism in the past and present.
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Play Bigger! Enjoy the new giant dollhouse at YDL-Whittaker
Published: December 13, 2024
Create new worlds at YDL-Whittaker with the new dollhouse in the Youth Department. The four-story structure is located by the rotating toy area, and stocked with furniture and other items to keep your little ones occupied for hours! The Beal family donated the dollhouse to YDL in 2023, and our Youth Librarian Liz spent a year restoring and resurfacing it to get it ready for action. See the photo gallery for pictures of the various stages of restoration. Click to see pictures of the finished dollhouse and the work in progress
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Grant helps YDL Chess Club Level Up
Published: November 5, 2024
Get ready for YDL’s own Queen’s Gambit! Over the next year, the Ypsilanti District Library’s Chess Club will have new ways for players to test their mettle—and inspire even more females and those from underrepresented groups to participate—thanks to a $2,000 grant from U.S. Chess Federation (USCF). Now in its third year, the club is a free, drop-in meetup for grades K-12, led by chess expert Jenny Skidmore Smith. The group meets from 4:30-5:30pm on Wednesdays. To be as accessible as possible, tournament players were not required to purchase USCF memberships, which meant YDL could not host a rated tournament. …
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Access Granted: September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Published: August 30, 2024
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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“Through Darkness to Light” exhibit on display Sept. 1 – Oct. 20
Published: August 29, 2024
From September 1-October 20, an exhibit featuring photography related to the Underground Railroad will be on display at YDL-Whittaker.
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New catalog coming soon
Published: July 15, 2024
Upgrade coming! Catalog services unavailable August 13-21.
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It’s Time for the Summer Challenge
Published: June 7, 2024
YDL is ready to start the 2024 Summer Challenge. From June 15 until August 25, you can log your activities on your Summer Challenge account.
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Celebrate National Library Week with YDL!
Published: April 3, 2024
April 7-13 marks National Library Week 2024, a week dedicated to honoring libraries, library workers, and their impacts on their communities. This year’s theme is Ready, Set, Library!
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Get ready for the 2024 Family Read
Published: February 23, 2024
We are thrilled to announce Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case as this year’s Family Read.
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STEM
STEM Latest News Toyota Motors North America has agreed to a third year of funding for STEM activities and equipment at YDL This year’s grant of $30,000 from Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative will bring even more new STEM tools and activities to children, teens, and families in Ypsilanti through YDL programming. There is a set of VinciBots to help kids practice coding, a light wall at YDL-Superior, liquid floor tiles, a water table and Superspace building blocks at YDL-Whittaker, and more. The goal of Toyota’s initiative is to close educational gaps for all students through innovative, hands-on STEM programming. Through …
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month!
Published: August 28, 2023
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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Cleaning Up the Rain Garden
Published: August 5, 2023
We started the first phase of revitalizing the rain garden at YDL-Whittaker!
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Composting at Whittaker
Published: August 2, 2023
The composting activity allowed participants to learn about the importance of composting to waste reduction and how to start their own compost to get a quality soil!
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Field Journals at Whittaker
Published: July 27, 2023
The field journal activity allowed participants to observe and record their natural surroundings!
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Special Guests Share Their Expertise
Published: July 24, 2023
See a couple of featured organizations that have been at YDL recently.
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Garden-to-table Programs at Superior
Published: July 21, 2023
The garden-to-table program at YDL-Superior offers fresh food to try from vegetables growing in the learning garden!
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Come See What is Growing at Whittaker
Published: July 19, 2023
Check out what the vegetable garden at YDL-Whittaker has to offer!
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Bread-making and Rock Painting
Published: July 17, 2023
We’ve been busy in the gardens this summer with the help of our UM Graham Scholars. See what’s been happening!
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YDL receives $30,000 from Toyota to boost STEM learning
Published: May 2, 2023
A $30,000 grant from Toyota will fund Project STEM@YDL which will bring more kits, activities, and talks from experts in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.
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Celebrate National Library Week 2023!
Published: April 19, 2023
April 23-29 marks National Library Week 2023, a week dedicated to honoring libraries, library workers, and their impacts on their communities. This year’s theme is “There’s more to the Story.”
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Your favorite Superior mural design: REVEALED!
Published: April 3, 2023
We asked, and you answered! Check out your choice for the new Superior mural.
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2023 Family Read brings virtual visit from national award-winning author
Published: March 6, 2023
Lisa Yee, who has won multiple national awards for her writing, will pay a virtual visit in April to Ypsilanti as part of the 2023 Ypsilanti District Library Family Read activities.
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Bring YDL Storytimes home!
Published: February 28, 2023
If you haven’t attended a storytime at the new Superior Branch of the Ypsilanti District Library yet, you’re missing the chance to bring home a free book!
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Winter Fun at YDL!
Published: December 15, 2022
Winter has arrived and YDL has great family-friendly, seasonal events for all ages.
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Toy Blog 2022
Published: December 13, 2022
YDL’s youth librarians share a few toys and kits that they have found particularly fun, educational, and worth buying in 2022.
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ABCmouse (from home)
ABCmouse Early Learning Academy is an engaging online curriculum for children ages 2–8+, including reading and language arts, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music. Enter your YDL card number to create an account.
Celebrate the Winter Season with YDL!
Published: November 29, 2022
Winter has arrived and YDL has great family-friendly, seasonal events for all ages.
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Join us for the Superior Library Book Brigade
Published: August 30, 2022
October 8 is moving day for the collection at the current Superior branch!
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Welcome to Fine-Free
Published: May 31, 2022
Exciting news! Effective June 1, YDL will no longer charge fines for late materials.
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It’s National Library Week 2022!
Published: April 1, 2022
National Library Week is April 3-9! Celebrate with us by using our digital resources and sharing what you love about YDL.
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2022 Family Read Kicks Off
Published: March 7, 2022
This year’s Family Read is American as Paneer Pie. Read, come to programs, meet the author!
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YDL’s New Superior Library, Summer Lunch Program recognized with Children’s Foundation Grant
Published: December 10, 2021
The Children’s Foundation has generously awarded the Ypsilanti District Library $23,100 to help build the kitchenette at the new Superior Library branch (slated to open later in 2022).
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Writing as a Gift
Published: December 8, 2021
Get ideas for how to make a present for someone special using your creativity and words!
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Read to a library plant
Published: October 4, 2021
Drop by YDL-Whittaker and read to a plant in our cozy new reading nook!
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Niche Academy
Niche Academy has online learning and tutorials on everything from Pinterest to Value Line.
Get Your Library Card This September
Published: September 1, 2021
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month
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Garden Gatherings: Healthy Habits
Published: August 11, 2021
Learn how to build healthy habits with nutritional educator Sarah Stone.
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Garden Gatherings: Yarn Sticks
Published: August 2, 2021
Learn how to make a fun stick art project!
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Garden Gatherings: Solar Oven
Published: July 27, 2021
Learn how to build a solar oven you can use to make new crayons out of old ones.
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Garden Gatherings: Nature Art
Published: July 21, 2021
Looking for an outdoor activity? Gather supplies and make a nature collage!
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Garden Gatherings: Backyard Jungle
Published: July 12, 2021
Looking for an outdoor activity? Measure off a square foot and explore.
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Rain Garden Plants
Published: July 9, 2021
Our newly planted rain garden is ready to be explored!
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Garden Gatherings: Dendrochronology
Published: June 25, 2021
Pick up information at the YDL-Whittaker youth desk, then study our tree slices from Matthaei Botanical Garden, or use the resources in this post to learn more!
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Garden Gatherings: Birding
Published: June 19, 2021
If you missed our Birding Garden Gathering, hear the read aloud and find the activities you can do at home!
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Ancient Egypt
Published: April 29, 2021
Travel back in time this week, to Ancient Egypt! Explore pyramids, learn about mummies, write your name in hieroglyphics, and more.
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Microbiology 101
Published: April 27, 2021
What is a Microbe and how can I learn more about? Check out a petri dish demonstration and lots of recommended books that deal with our tiniest neighbors.
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Designing Your Own Dream House
Published: April 15, 2021
Using graph paper, rulers, and pencils design the floor plan for your very own dream house.
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Racism and Diversity in Kids’ Books
Published: April 12, 2021
Read about what we’re doing to make sure out collection is inclusive and learn what you can do to navigate the collection and find what you want to meet your family’s needs.
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Bioplastic
Published: April 3, 2021
What is Bioplastic? Bioplastic, moldable plastic material made up of chemical compounds that are derived from or synthesized by microbes such as bacteria or by genetically modified plants. Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum, bioplastics are obtained from renewable resources, and some bioplastics are biodegradable. Read More Sustainability Riddles Q: Why did the foolish gardener plant a light bulb? A: They wanted to grow a power plant. Q: Why did the foolish gardener plant a light bulb? A: They wanted to grow a power plant. Three Ways to make Plastic at Home Gelatin Bioplastic Materials: Stove Saucepan Spoon …
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Let’s Dig for Fossils!
Published: March 11, 2021
Learn fossil facts and watch fun paleontology videos for this week’s Saturday Afternoon Adventure!
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TAKE A WALK ON MARS
Published: March 1, 2021
Take a walk on Mars for this week’s Saturday Afternoon Adventure!
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Kids at the Table: Food Justice
Published: February 19, 2021
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about food justice!
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The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Published: February 11, 2021
When you are kind, it can spread just like the ripples in water, to help make your home and community a better place!
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Celebrate Black History Month with YDL
Published: February 1, 2021
Black History Month is every month at YDL! Check out some ways you can celebrate in 2021.
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Make Music
Published: January 31, 2021
Explore music, including protest songs. Pick up a kit from the library with supplies to make a hand drum!
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A2SO Virtual KinderConcerts
Published: January 28, 2021
Missing music time at the library with your children? Our friends with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra have KinderConcerts videos!
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Readers Theatre in a Bag
Published: January 16, 2021
Pick up a kit with scripts and simple costume props you can make at home. Then read aloud–together!
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DIY Stress Relief for Kids
Published: January 4, 2021
Get ideas for DIY stress relief you can do at home to help kids cope and stay focused during online school.
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Committing to Compassion
Published: December 29, 2020
Last year brought challenges. It also brought opportunities for compassion, community, and patience. In addition to the pandemic, racial unrest throughout the country forced us to think about how we make a community work for everyone. This year, renew your commitment to personal and community growth. In the spirit of spreading knowledge, here are some tools and tips for achieving your resolutions and becoming a more informed and engaged citizen. Talk to your family about race Research from the American Psychological Association shows some preschoolers may have already developed racist beliefs well before adults start talking about race with them. …
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Finland
Published: December 18, 2020
Let’s visit Finland and see reindeer, as part of our Around the World tour.
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Family Games
Published: December 16, 2020
Stay connected to friends and family this winter with fun games you can play together in virtual meetups!
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The Secret Life of Pine Cones
Published: December 11, 2020
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about the secret life of pine cones!
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Tales of Ikkyu
Published: November 20, 2020
Watch a short animated film about the Tales of Ikkyu and get inspired to make art!
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The Night Sky
Published: November 11, 2020
Our ancestors knew the night sky like the back of their hands.They observed the sky until they found patterns in the stars and utilized them as tools for navigation. They made up stories about mythological creatures and characters which they associated with the star patterns. Astronomers began to make maps of the stars and called them constellations. There are 88 officially recognized constellations in the sky. At different times of the year, different constellations can be seen. Different constellations can also be seen depending on where you are on Earth. Scroll down to learn more about constellations and the night …
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Chapter 2: The Low Cuts Strike Again
Published: October 30, 2020
Hear Chapter 2 of Look Both Ways!
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Pumpkins
Published: October 28, 2020
PUMPKINS–THE ORANGE ICON OF FALL Pumpkins were one of the earliest cultivated foods of the Americas. Over 9,000 years ago the indigenous peoples of North America were growing pumpkins in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pumpkins spread north to the eastern region of the United States by 2700 BCE, where they were grown by the Pueblo tribes of the southwestern United States, as well as the Apaches, Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Papago, Pima and Yuman tribes. The pumpkin’s thick orange flesh was a staple food source for thousands of years, and the seeds can be eaten too. The Tohono O’Odham people ground pumpkin seeds …
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Look Both Ways
Join us for a chapter by chapter read aloud of Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds.
2020 Election for Kids
Published: October 17, 2020
Kids, learn about elections and the book character candidates, then cast your vote!
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Grab an ypsiGLOW poster kit!
Published: October 12, 2020
Feeling artistic for the Fall season? Grab an ypsiGLOW Social Justice poster kit.
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South Korea
Published: October 2, 2020
Let’s visit South Korea, as part of our Around the World tour.
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Creativebug
Thousands of award-winning art and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Roller Girl: Chapter Two
Published: September 25, 2020
Hear chapter two read aloud by a member of the Ann Arbor Roller Derby and make a graphic story of your own with 826michigan.
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Roller Girl: Chapter One
Published: September 5, 2020
Hear chapter one of Roller Girl, get some skating tips, and make a friendship bracelet!
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Look Both Ways
Published: September 5, 2020
The Ypsi Family Read brings our entire community together around one book. This season’s pick is Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds.
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Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Talking with Kids about Race and Racism
Published: September 2, 2020
Our final installment in our family townhall anti-racism series.
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Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Self-Care, Community Care, and Reflection
Published: July 28, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
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YDL to Expand TALK Program with Prestigious IMLS Grant
Published: July 27, 2020
The Ypsilanti District Library, with the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative Library, will expand our early literacy text messaging service, TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten, to reach parents of children birth through five years old across Michigan and Indiana.
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New Zealand
Published: July 27, 2020
Join us on a trip to New Zealand for this week’s around the world stop.
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Nigeria
Published: July 27, 2020
This week we’re touring Nigeria on our Around the World virtual vacation!
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Animal Life in Your Backyard
Published: July 24, 2020
https://www.ypsilibrary.org/2020/07/supplies-available-for-teens-to-get-creative-this-summer/
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Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Community Transformation and Uplifting the Voices of Young People
Published: July 22, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
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Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Youth Empowerment and Radical Imagination
Published: July 13, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
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Resprouting Vegetables
Published: July 10, 2020
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about resprouting vegetables!
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Brazil
Published: July 9, 2020
This week we’re touring Brazil on our Around the World virtual vacation. Learn some capoeira and make happy art!
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Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: The Power of Stories
Published: July 8, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
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Mission Impossible
Published: July 4, 2020
Can you break out of our online escape room? Be a secret agent this week and see if you can complete all of our puzzles, and make some of your own!
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Sweden
Published: July 3, 2020
This week we’re touring Sweden on our Around the World virtual vacation.
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