A Day in Allen County 2008

Get out your cameras, Allen County! Take a photo of anything in Allen County between 12:00 midnight and 11:59pm today, Friday, March 7th. Photos will be displayed during National Library Week.



Click here for more information on A Day in Allen County 2008.


To see the photos from A Day in Allen County 2007, click here.

Ancient Egypt Program

Join us as we learn more about the Ancient Egyptians. We will also be making Egyptian-inspired crafts. You can even learn how to write your own name in hieroglyphics! Saturday, March 1st at 2:30 p.m. Children ages 6-12.

Art Out of the Box: Mail Art

Check out photos from the Art Out of the Box: Mail Art program on Flickr.

You can see the art pieces that kids from across the country sent to ACPL and the response pieces that the kids from ACPL sent back.

National Library Week Bookmark Contest

Design a bookmark! Visit any Allen County Public Library location to pick up a bookmark template, or get it here! Contest ends February 29, 2008.

Art Out of the Box: African American Art

Yesterday afternoon the Art Out of the Box kids met to discuss African American artists. The art box contained a variety of beautiful and interesting art pieces.

After looking through the box, we talked about African American picture book artists and looked at many picture books. Ashley Bryan's Beautiful Blackbird was the inspiration for our collage project.

To see more pictures of the program, including all of the collages, visit Flickr.

Art Out of the Box: African American Art

Homeschoolers in grades 2 to 6, join us for Art Out of the Box: African American Art on Thursday, February 14th at 2 p.m.

You will have the chance to interact with pieces of art, talk about art techniques, learn about a few artists and hear about some great books. Then you can create a piece of art to take home.

Art Out of the Box meets every second Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. through May 2008.

Future topics:

March: Traditional Crafts

April: Wood Art

May: Photography

For more information about this program send an email or call Children's Services at 421-1220.

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka

I always enjoy Bob Raczka's books, and his newest title, Artful Reading, is no exception!

Opening with August Macke's Man Reading in the Park (1914) and ending with The Library by Jacob Lawrence's (1960), the beauty of reading is shown through 23 distinctly different works of art. Simple captions adorn each page: "Read when you're young./Read when you're old./Read all the words you can possibly hold." This is a book to ponder, to admire, and to share.

2007 - The Year in Review

2007 was a big year for Children's Services and the ACPL!

On January 27, 2007 the renovated Main Library opened in downtown Fort Wayne.

In February 2007, Children's Services kicked off the year of programming with many wonderful programs, including Paws to Read.



In March 2007 we sang Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat.

In April 2007 the installation of the Reading Tower began.

In May 2007 many families played together in the Early Learning Center.

In June 2007 we released our painted lady butterflies out on the Library Plaza.

In July 2007, Pinkerton stopped by for a visit.

In August 2007, kids watched a rocket launch out on the Library Plaza as part of the 3, 2, 1, Blast Off! program.

In September 2007 kids met some of the sea dwellers in the aquariums up close during a special program.

In October 2007 the Art Out of the Box participants painted an art car on the Library Plaza.

In November 2007 over 500 people made crafts and shared memories as part of the Day of the Dead program.

On December 31, 2007 we prepared for another year of questions, programs and fun at the Library!

Art Out of the Box: Fiber Art

Homeschoolers in grades 2 to 6, join us for Art Out of the Box: Fiber Art on Thursday, January 10th at 2 p.m.

You will have the chance to interact with pieces of fiber art, talk about different ways to make fiber art, learn about a few artists and hear about some great books. Then we will all work together to create a work of fiber art to donate to a child in need through Project Linus.



Art Out of the Box meets every second Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. through May 2008.

Future topics:
February: African American Art
March: Traditional Crafts
April: Wood Art
May: Photography

For more information about this program send an email or call Children's Services at 421-1220.

Drawing With Objects

Drawing With Objects by Godeleine De Rosamel teaches you how to trace a simple object and turn it into a cool picture. This is the snail that I drew with a little help from a tape dispenser. The book includes instructions for drawing with bottles, tools, spoons, and more. Check out this or other titles in the Drawing is Easy series for great drawing ideas.