Ripon, WI- Ripon Public Library is excited to announce its April lineup of events and offerings for all ages! Thanks to the Friends of the Library and other generous partners, programming is always free, and registration is not required unless noted.
EARTH MONTH SCAVENGER HUNT
Throughout April drop in to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet, for all ages, or print one from the library’s website/event calendar. Head outside to enjoy the physical & mental health benefits of nature right here in Ripon! Enjoy your own yard or discover something new at local gems, from nature preserves and trails to city and county parks! SCAN THE QR CODE on the scavenger hunt for links to: Best Hikes & Trails in Ripon, Ceresco Prairie Conservancy, City of Ripon Parks, South Woods Park Association.
MON APR 8 | 2PM | MONDAY MATINEE
In this 2023 remake, based on an award-winning novel by Toni Morrison, a woman faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. –IMDB (PG-13 | 2h 21m)
MON APR 8 | 6-7:30 PM | ALL NATURAL: PLANTS IN YOUR SPACE
Staff from Bloch’s Farm of Green Lake, a top garden center in America, will share the best plant tips & tricks. Your ideas and questions will be entertained during the Q&A session afterwards.
SUN APR 14 | 1-4PM | D&D and MORE! | AGES 11+
Join us for an afternoon of Dungeons and Dragons and other roleplaying games in which you immerse yourself in a world and character, problem-solve and collaborate with others! Beginners welcome. Recurs the second Sunday of each month.
WEDS APR 17 - MAY 8 | 10 AM | STORYTIME FOR KIDS & CAREGIVERS
Welcome to active learning and fun, where early literacy and STEM concepts come to life through stories, music, movement, and enrichment activities. It’s a happy place for kids and caregivers to learn and play. Stay and Play in the Romper Room after Storytime. This active space allows kids to release their excess energy and advance their physical skills all while supporting social connections for adults and children.
APR 3 & 10 | AM | DIY Books + Romper Room Keep your weekly library habit! Come on in for a stack of books & enjoy social time in the Romper Room.
WED APR 17 | 6-8 PM | GAME NIGHT | AGES 16 +
Calling all strategists, team players, and those who like to test their luck—enjoy an evening of tabletop board games! Staff will be on hand to teach and guide players through a variety of entertaining and easy-to-learn games with no experience necessary. Can’t make it? This recurring adult event (ages 16+) will be held in the Silver Creek Room on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
THU APR 18 | 6-7:30 PM | CRAFT CLUB: Mason Jar Oil Lamps | AGES 10+
Make beautiful floral mason jar oil lamps for a spring project. Create one for yourself or give it away as a great gift! Youth require supervision.
FRIENDS’ FAMOUS BOOK SALE | APR 18-20
The Friends’ renowned sale offers huge selections across many genres, all at great prices! Payments are accepted by cash, check, or credit/debit card.
THU APR 18 | EARLY BIRD SALE! | 4-7 PM | $3 ENTRY FEE (Fee is waived for Friends Members.)
FRI APR 19 | 10 AM-5 PM
SAT APR 20 | 10 AM-2 PM | $3/BAG SALE!
PLANT SWAP! | APR 18-20 DURING BOOK SALE HOURS | HOSTED BY EMMA DeVRIES
Let us help you get ready for summer with this bring-a-plant, take-a-plant event! Healthy, pest-free houseplants and perennials are welcome. Please bring plants ready to swap—labeled and in a bag or pot.
SAT APR 20 | 10AM- NOON | TEEN PROGRAM: POETRY WORKSHOP | AGES 11-17
Work with Ripon College poet-in-residence, Sonya Lara. Names carry a lot of meaning in our lives. In this poetry workshop, we'll examine how attention to sound, the stories we were told growing up, and the places we've lived impact how we see and identify ourselves. Together, we'll learn about lyrical literary devices, read some poetry, and write a poem of our own.
SAT APR 20 | 1-4PM | TABLETOP CHALLENGE | AGES 10+
Show off your board gaming prowess at our second semi-annual Tabletop Challenge! Players will compete in two rounds of modern board games for a shot at valuable prizes. Those who don’t make it to the finals table can still win their way to a second-chance prize drawing! Space is limited! Reserve your seat at the table by calling the library or registering online.
MON APR 22 | 2PM | CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAY
In this 1969 classic, starring John Wayne, Glen Campbell, and Kim Darby, a drunken, hard-nosed U.S. Marshal and a Texas Ranger help a stubborn teenager track down her father's murderer in Indian Territory. –IMDB (G 2h 8m)
MON APR 22 | 6:30-7:30 PM | ADULT BOOK CLUB: The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Books are available for check out prior to the discussion date. Stop at the library to get your copy. Join us in person or online for a lively discussion! Zoom link for online participation can be found on the library website.
TUE APR 23 | 10AM & 6:30PM | UNLOCK THE KEY TO ONLINE LEARNING
Work with library staff to set up an account to access online classes through Gale and Gale Presents: Udemy. These online resources offer classes in finance, business, computers, language, technology writing, and more! Learn how to navigate the website to get the most out of your experience. Please bring your library card and device if possible. Don’t have a device of your own? A limited number of laptops will be available for use. Stop by the library or call 920-748-6160 to register.
SAT APR 27 | 10AM – NOON | DISCOVERY ZONE FOR KIDS & CAREGIVERS
Welcome to a morning of discovery in the Silver Creek Room! Delve into a host of activities designed to foster exploration, engagement, learning and fun. Content is geared toward ages 4-8 years, but enjoyable for older and younger. Bring the whole family to enjoy:
· Discovery book nook
· Yoga
· Free play with Duplo & Lego
· Romper Room
· Games, games, games
· STEAM Kits
· Puzzles
· Personalized reading recommendations
Repeat Discovery Zone on May 18 offers fresh twists!
DROP-IN BOREDOM BUSTERS
· Come play in the Romper Room. Physical activity and human connections are important for healthy, happy human beings, and the Romper Room facilitates both! Focusing on active play, the room features trikes, foot-to-floor vehicles, a balance bike, tunnels, tumbling mats, balance beams, and more. The Romper Room, which is open during regular library hours, is most engaging for ages 2-6 years, though younger/older kids are welcome.
· Enjoy the always-available board games, toy library, and activity sheets located in the youth department.
· Visit the community table where there is always a puzzle in progress! Stay for a bit and place a few pieces or settle in for a longer session.
Visit the library’s website or follow Ripon Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for detailed information and the latest library news on programs and resources, or call a friendly librarian, 920-748-6160.