Youth Services
Programs for Children and Teens
From babies to high schoolers, Simpson Public Library offers a variety of high quality programs, materials, and services to the young people of our community! For more information, please call 717-766-0171, email mechanicsburg@cumberlandcountylibraries.org, or stop in and see us!
Event Calendars
All programs are meeting in person. Please visit our online Events Calendar for the most up-to-date information for each program.
Teens | November Teen Calendar | Children | |
December Teen Calendar | December Children's Calendar |
Programs Offered
Solar Eclipse Programs: Attend a program to learn about the solar system and eclipses, and you will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses so that you can safely view the eclipses in October 2023 and April 2024!
For Children:
Weekly Story Times
Rhyme Time (for ages birth to 18 months), Toddler Time (for ages 18 months to 3 years), and Story Time (for those in preschool or kindergarten) are presented several times a week throughout the year. Storybook STEAM is presented every Monday evening. Thank you to the Mechanicsburg Area Foundation for their generous support of our programs in 2021 and 2022!
Interest-Based Clubs
Book Look Club, LEGO Club, STEAM Club, Craft-A-Palooza, and Tween Scene occur once a month from September to May.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
This program is available for any child from birth until he/she enters kindergarten. Make reading time exciting! When your child has reached a milestone, mark it with a sticker from the library. You must register at the library and pick up your reading log. Download a brochure about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (PDF, 1.7MB, 2 pages). Thank you to the Mechanicsburg Area Foundation for their generous support of this program in 2021 and 2022!
Summer Learning Program
From June 1 - August 15, 2023, track reading and do activities to earn many fun prizes in the Summer Learning Program! You won't want to miss the special performances every week and unique programs like Try-It Tuesday and Storybook STEAM!
Kindergarten Readiness Class
Will your child be ready for Kindergarten next year? Our Kindergarten Readiness Class may just be the answer for you! This series of classes is designed for your child AND you to attend. At each class your child will work on activities created to help him or her make a smooth transition from preschool child to Kindergarten student while you create a new readiness game at each class to take home and play with your child.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Children bring their stuffed animals for stories and crafts, and then let them spend the night in the library! Stuffed animal friends had a great time at the 2022 Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Check out the video of their antics: 2023 Stuffed Animal Sleepover.
For Teens:
Monthly Events
Dungeons and Dragons is for anyone who wants to play the game, novice or expert. Third Thursday offers a different craft activity every month. Come to the newest program, Movie Monday, for a movie and crafts on the first Monday of every month.
Teen Squad
Teen Squad is an teen advisory group that recommends books and activities for all teens in our community.
100 Books Before Graduation
Your goal is to read 100 books before your high school graduation. You will receive a prize after every 25 books and a grand prize after finishing the program! Register on Beanstack or by visiting the circulation desk on the Upper Level of the library. Track your reading on your Beanstack account or by using the Beanstack Tracker app.
Summer Learning Program
Summer Learning fun doesn't stop after fifth grade! Teens can also earn prizes for reading and doing activities during the Summer Learning Program from June 1 - August 15.