Upcoming Events

Featured Events

board game with pawn photo, red text "Games for All"

Games for All

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Age Group:

All Ages

Event Details:

Grab your friends for an afternoon of competition and collaboration across various video and board games. 

Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Event Details:

Grab your friends for an afternoon of competition and collaboration across various video and board games. 

Library van in front of brick library building. Blue banner at the bottom with white text that reads "library on the go"

Library on the Go: Emporia Farmers Market

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm

Age Group:

All Ages

Library on the Go: Emporia Farmers Market:

Visit the Library on the Go at the Emporia Farmers Market to check out books, sign up for a library card, and explore fun activities while you shop local.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Library on the Go
Purple space background with astronaut and satellite. Text reads 'Signals from the stars: Space Communication"

Signals from the Stars: Space Communication with Mark Brown

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Age Group:

All Ages

Event Details:

Join us for a fascinating look at how we communicate across the vastness of space. Mark Brown, director of the ESU Peterson Planetarium, will guide us through the science, technolo...

Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
Event Details:

Join us for a fascinating look at how we communicate across the vastness of space.

dark blue background. White text reads "Pajama Storytime" over clouds and stars.

Pajama Storytime

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Age Group:

Families

Event Details:

Wear your favorite pajamas and bring along a beloved stuffed animal as we enjoy a cozy time together with stories, songs, and fun.

Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Children's Room
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Wear your favorite pajamas and bring along a beloved stuffed animal as we enjoy a cozy time together with stories, songs, and fun.

Space background with reading astronaut cartoons. Yellow text reads "Family Reading Month Kickoff"

Family Reading Month Kickoff

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Age Group:

Families

Event Details:

Join us as we kick off Family Reading Month in February with a space-themed celebration packed with epic adventures, activities, and fun!

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Join us as we kick off Family Reading Month in February with a space-themed celebration packed with epic adventures, activities, and fun!

The image features a sign that says "baby storytime" in soft brown, rounded letters. Above the text, there is a cute mobile illustration hanging from a curved bar, with three adorable objects: a smiling yellow crescent moon, a white cloud with rosy cheeks, and a cheerful blue star. The border of the image is a scalloped pattern in a soft mint green color, creating a gentle and soothing atmosphere.

Baby Storytime

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 9:15am - 9:45am

Age Group:

Babies (Birth to 18 months)

Storytime:

Join us as we read stories, sing songs, play with rhymes, and introduce families to skills that prepare children for a lifetime of reading and learning.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 18 months)
Program Type: Storytime
A light green background with darker green bushes and colorful music notes. Dark green text reads "Toddler Storytime"

Toddler Storytime

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 9:45am - 10:30am

Age Group:

Toddlers (18-36 months)

Storytime:

Join us as we read stories, sing songs, play with rhymes, and introduce families to skills that prepare children for a lifetime of reading and learning.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Toddlers (18-36 months)
Program Type: Storytime
this image contains a lavender rectangular shape and a child in a dinosaur costume about to destroy a block city. Red text reads "preschool storytime"

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am

Age Group:

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

Storytime:

Join us as we read stories, sing songs, play with rhymes, and introduce families to skills that prepare children for a lifetime of reading and learning.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Program Type: Storytime
Library van in front of brick library building. Blue banner at the bottom with white text that reads "library on the go"

Library on the Go: Emporia Farmers Market

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm

Age Group:

All Ages

Library on the Go: Emporia Farmers Market:

Visit the Library on the Go at the Emporia Farmers Market to check out books, sign up for a library card, and explore fun activities while you shop local.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Library on the Go
Library van in front of brick library building. Blue banner at the bottom with white text that reads "library on the go"

Library on the Go: Emporia Senior Center

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9:00am - 11:00am

Age Group:

Seniors

Library on the Go: Emporia Senior Center:

Catch the Library on the Go at the Emporia Senior Center for a monthly visit filled with books, resources, and personalized library services.

Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Seniors
Program Type: Library on the Go
Filters
Age Group

Meeting Room Closed - Renovations

All Day 1/14–1/17
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Other

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Zoom Room Closed - Renovations

All Day 1/14–1/17
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Zoom Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Other

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Games for All

4:00pm–5:30pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Event Details:

Grab your friends for an afternoon of competition and collaboration across various video and board games. 

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Library Laser Tag

7:00pm–8:00pm
Teens, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Register
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Teens, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Program Type: Games & Gaming
Registration Required

At this after-hours event, the lights will be dimmed and teams will compete using laser phasers.  This event is limited to twenty (20) participants in Grades 6–12. Registration opens two (2) weeks before each event.

Disclaimer(s)

By filling out this form, I acknowledge the following:
 

  • I will provide a phone number where I can be reached in case of an emergency.
  • I will pick up my child immediately if they act in a manner deemed unacceptable by library staff and/or adult volunteers.
  • I will ensure that my child is dropped off no later than 8 PM and picked up promptly at 9 PM.
  • The library accepts no responsibility for any accident/injury that my child may cause to others or themselves.
  • I understand that any photographs taken by library staff may be used to promote the library and library programs. The child’s full name will not appear in any promotional photographs or on social media.
  • If your child is unable to attend, please call the library at (620)340-6462.

Library on the Go: Emporia Farmers Market

10:00am–12:00pm
All Ages
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Library on the Go

Visit the Library on the Go at the Emporia Farmers Market to check out books, sign up for a library card, and explore fun activities while you shop local.

Crafternoons: Cardmaking

1:30pm–2:30pm
Teens, Adults, Seniors
Register
Registration Required
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required

Find your new favorite craft at our monthly event. Sign-up is available for ages 13+; registration opens two (2) weeks before each event.

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

All Day 1/18–1/19
Closing
Branches:
Emporia Public Library

Meeting Room Closed - Renovations

All Day 1/20–1/31
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Other

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Zoom Room Closed - Renovations

All Day 1/20–1/31
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Zoom Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Other

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Art After Hours

6:30pm–7:30pm
Teens, Adults, Seniors
Register
Registration Required
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Discover something creative, colorful, and brand new!

WAWA Book Club

4:30pm–5:30pm
School Age (Grades 3-5)
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Kansas Room
Age Group: School Age (Grades 3-5)
Program Type: Book Club

Bring your friends and read the 2025–2026 William Allen White Children’s Book Award Master List nominees. We’ll have snacks and activities for readers.

Queer Book Club: Hijab Butch Blues

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults, Seniors
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Club

Join us to discuss this month’s selected title! Pick up your copy at the circulation desk today.

Signals from the Stars: Space Communication with Mark Brown

1:30pm–2:30pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
Event Details:

Join us for a fascinating look at how we communicate across the vastness of space.

Friends of the Emporia Public Library Board Meeting

5:00pm–6:00pm
Adults, Seniors
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Board Meeting, Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Emporia Public Library Board meets monthly in an open-to-the-public session.

Staff Meeting

8:00am–9:00am
Adults, Seniors
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Kansas Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Other

WAWA Book Club

4:30pm–5:30pm
School Age (Grades 3-5)
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Kansas Room
Age Group: School Age (Grades 3-5)
Program Type: Book Club

Bring your friends and read the 2025–2026 William Allen White Children’s Book Award Master List nominees. We’ll have snacks and activities for readers.

Pajama Storytime

5:30pm–6:00pm
Families
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Children's Room
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:

Wear your favorite pajamas and bring along a beloved stuffed animal as we enjoy a cozy time together with stories, songs, and fun.

Kansas Day Coloring

9:00am–6:00pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Atrium
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Stop by the library to celebrate Kansas with us! Coloring pages will be available for all ages to enjoy throughout the day.

Family Reading Month Kickoff

6:30pm–7:30pm
Families
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Special Event
Event Details:

Join us as we kick off Family Reading Month in February with a space-themed celebration packed with epic adventures, activities, and fun!

Meeting Room Closed - Renovations

All Day 2/1–2/14
All Ages
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Other

Disclaimer(s)

🛠️ Pardon our dust — we’re sprucing things up for you!

Restroom access will be extremely limited, and noise may carry throughout our building. 

Want to avoid the chaos? Schedule your hold pickup at the Booklocker instead.

Family Reading Month Challenge

All Day 2/1–2/28
Families
Library Branch: Online
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Online
Event Details:

This challenge encourages families to spend time together reading. 

Learn & Play

5:30pm–6:30pm
Babies (Birth to 18 months), Toddlers (18-36 months), Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 18 months), Toddlers (18-36 months), Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Program Type: Lifelong Learning
Event Details:

Join us for a fun, interactive program designed for families with young children!

WAWA Book Club

4:30pm–5:30pm
School Age (Grades 3-5)
Library Branch: Emporia Public Library
Room: Kansas Room
Age Group: School Age (Grades 3-5)
Program Type: Book Club

Bring your friends and read the 2025–2026 William Allen White Children’s Book Award Master List nominees. We’ll have snacks and activities for readers.

Baby Storytime

9:15am–9:45am
Babies (Birth to 18 months)
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Babies (Birth to 18 months)
Program Type: Storytime

Join us as we read stories, sing songs, play with rhymes, and introduce families to skills that prepare children for a lifetime of reading and learning.