Photo credit: Permian Press staff

What to watch: Midland County Libraries are blooming with spring energy in April, featuring the 3rd Annual Genealogical and Historical Fair, Earth Day-inspired recycling programs, a special Tangled movie night, and the ongoing Scooby-Doo! exhibit with themed crafts and games.

The big picture: These are the events recommended for a range of ages between newborn and 17 years old:

  • Toddler Tales (ages 3-5) every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
    Spark a love of learning with stories, rhymes, songs, and movements designed to enhance literacy and cognitive growth. This event is held at Centennial and Downtown on an alternating schedule.
  • Born to Read (ages 1-5) Wednesday, April 15, following Toddler Tales story time (Centennial)
    After Toddler Tales, April birthdays are invited to receive a complimentary book, courtesy of the library, to encourage reading and literacy for years to come.
  • LEGO® Lab (ages 6-11) Thursday, April 2 at 4 p.m. & Thursday, April 16 at 4 p.m. (Downtown)
    Kids explore their creative side with LEGO® bricks through independent building or guided challenges in a fun, open-ended play session that encourages imagination and problem-solving.
  • I Can Recycle (family-friendly, all ages), Monday, April 6 at 11 a.m. (Downtown Library)
    Celebrate Earth Day early with hands-on recycling crafts and activities that teach kids (and adults) how to turn everyday items into fun projects while learning about sustainability and environmental care.
  • Scooby-Doo! Family Game Night (family-friendly) Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30-6 p.m. (Centennial)
    Gather the family for a fun-filled Scooby-Doo! themed board game night. Bring your own snacks and solve mysteries together while enjoying classic games in a spooky-cool atmosphere tied to the Mansion Mayhem exhibit.
  • Scooby-Doo! Beyond the Exhibit Book Club (ages 10-18), Wednesday, April 8 at 1 p.m. (Centennial, Teen Area)
    Teens dive into mystery discussions inspired by the Scooby-Doo! exhibit, including titles like The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Share theories, analyze clues, and connect the stories to the hands-on exhibit experience.
  • Tangled Movie and Craft Night (family-friendly), Friday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. (Centennial)
    Watch the Disney classic Tangled on the big screen and then create a matching craft activity inspired by the film’s lanterns, hair braids, or adventure themes. A perfect family movie night with creative follow-up fun.
  • Baby Rhythm & Rhyme (ages 0-24 months) Sat. April 11 at 11 a.m. (Centennial) and Tue. April 14 at 11 a.m. (Downtown)
    Parents accompany their little ones in this developmental class held at Centennial Library with interactive story time, books, songs, movement, and more.
  • Fine Motor Mondays (ages 1-6+) every Monday starting April 13 at 10:30 a.m. (Downtown)
    Drop in for a self-led playtime with blocks, building materials, and hands-on activities designed to boost creativity, sharing skills, and fine motor development in a relaxed, open-play environment.
  • Scooby-Doo! DIY Dog Toys (ages 2-17 recommended), Tuesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. (Centennial)
    Get crafty creating Scooby-themed dog toys using simple materials. Perfect for animal lovers and mystery fans, this hands-on session ties directly into the popular Scooby-Doo! exhibit.
  • The Artist in You (ages 10-17), Saturday, April 18 at 11:30 a.m. (Downtown Library)
    Unleash your inner artist with creative prompts and supplies in this open, encouraging session designed to spark joy and self-expression.

There are plenty of events for adults as well, such as:

  • Intro to Investments (adult), Thursday, April 9 at 5 p.m. (Centennial)
    Get a clear overview of basic financial principles and investment strategies in this beginner-friendly session designed to build confidence with money management.
  • Echoes of Calm: a Sound Bath (adult), Friday, April 10 at 5:15 p.m. (Downtown)
    Relax and recharge with this soothing sound healing session using therapeutic instruments to promote mindfulness, stress relief, and deep calm.
  • 3rd Annual Genealogical & Historical Fair (adult/family), Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Centennial)
    Explore genealogy resources, view history exhibits, meet experts, and learn research techniques during this popular annual event packed with displays and talks for hobbyists and families tracing their roots.
  • Page Turners Book Club (adult), Monday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. (Centennial)
    We want to help you achieve your reading goals this year! Join the Page Turners as we discuss Persuasion, Jane Austen’s last finished novel, in a welcoming conversation about love, regret, and second chances.
  • Steps in Spanish/Pasos en Español (beginner adult), Tuesday, April 14 at 11 a.m. (Centennial)
    Take your first steps in Spanish with this progressive, beginner-level class. Newcomers are always welcome. Includes guided lessons and friendly conversation practice to build practical speaking skills.
  • Workforce Wednesday (adult), Wednesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. (Centennial)
    Get practical job and career resources, resume help, interview tips, and local workforce support in this dedicated session.
  • Collage Meditation (adult), Wednesday, April 15 at 5 p.m. (Downtown)
    Join us for a guided meditation followed by the creative art of collage. Combine mindfulness with hands-on artistic expression for a relaxing and inspiring evening.
  • Mahjong for Beginners (adult), Thursday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. (Centennial)
    Learn the basics of this classic tile game in a friendly, instructional setting—perfect for newcomers looking to pick up a new social hobby.
  • MCT Choir at Centennial (adult/family), Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. (Centennial)
    Members of the Midland Community Theater choir will serenade, performing musical theater songs.

Go deeper: Keep an eye out for these Bookmobile stops around town in April:

  • Farmers Market – Saturday, April 11 at 8 a.m.
  • Sibley Nature Center: Earth Day Celebration – Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m.
  • Horseshoe Arena: SHARE walk – Saturday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Watersong Wild Space – Wednesday, April 29 at 10 a.m.

All events are free and open to the public but some may require registration. Check the full library calendar for more details and to confirm times and locations. Head to the Downtown or Centennial Library and make the most of spring at your local libraries.