The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will host two learning programs for kids and their families: Under the Sea, April 12 and 13, and BLOCKfest™, April 15. Reservations are required for both classes.

Children ages 8 months to 8 years will enjoy BLOCKfest™, at 9am, 10:30am and 1pm, April 15, in Marvin Auditorium. During BLOCKfest™, an initiative aimed at increasing children’s interest in math and science, kids will interact with different building blocks, or learning stations, that will generate excitement and knowledge in those subjects. Parent educators will be on hand to answer questions, and caregivers will go home with a book to continue the learning (and fun) at home. This program is presented by Topeka Public Schools Parents as Teachers. Call 785-271-3662 to make reservations.

Under the Sea is a special preschool storytime on Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13, both at 10am. Marvin Auditorium becomes an underwater paradise, with reading, crafts, and activities for kids 2–5 years old. You will also want to visit the children’s library to see the fishies in the salt-water aquarium. This program is supported by ERC Resource & Referral. Both parents and home childcare providers are encouraged to attend.

Both events are held in observation of Week of the Young Child, April 10–16. The national celebration, now in its 40th year, focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their familes and recognizes early childhood programs that meet those needs.

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is a 21st-century, landmark library, and features the Alice C. Sabatini Art Gallery, the Millennium Café, Chandler Booktique, meeting rooms, and free computer and Internet access and training. Visit us online at www.tscpl.org.

Library hours are Mon. through Fri. 9 am to 9 pm, Sat. 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm.