9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Main Library, 304 S Main St, South Bend, IN 46601

The St. Joe County Public Library is pleased to welcome children and families to its annual Explore-a-Story program at Main Library. On Saturday, November 4, participants can immerse themselves in a story and explore their library while taking part in early literacy activities based on the book I Am You by Refiloe Moahloli. Explore-a-Story supports the Library’s goals to grow and sustain readers and spark curiosity to learn.

This year’s program focuses on the book, I Am You: A Book About Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli. “It is a charming story based on the Ubuntu philosophy that ‘we are all connected.’ This Explore-A-Story event is an engaging way to teach early literacy while celebrating kindness and friendship with fun activities,” said Wanda Dudley, Programming Coordinator for the library.

At this year’s Explore-a-Story, children ages 0-5 will enjoy making music, art, and participating in fun, engaging activities with Rhythm to You, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, and Children’s Museum of South Bend.

Parents and caregivers can also bring their children to a special Storytime and Babytime in the Story House. “Storytime will be a celebration of community and kindness. We will read the book I Am You, move to rhymes, sing along with the ukulele and dance with shakers & scarves. It will be a high energy experience for all,” says Sandy Francoeur, Youth Programming Specialist at the library.

View the full schedule for Explore-a-Story. 

The St. Joe County Public Library will host Explore-A-Story, a day-long event for children that brings stories to life. Fischoff’s award-winning ensemble, WindSync, will perform at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. as they read the book, Interstellar Cinderella. The program will be held at Main Library on Saturday, November 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children, parents and caregivers can spend the day at Main Library exploring space-themed activities, interactive storytimes and musical performances as they expose themselves to the magic of storybooks, learning and curiosity. 

The schedule is as follows:

Between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, children and parents can participate in the following activities:

• Visit the smART Box exhibit to view the history of space exploration and engage in STEM challenges.
• Discover a planet! Participate in a scavenger hunt in Youth Services and win a space sticker!
• Engage in interactive programs with the Notre Dame Aviation Association, Marian High School Robotics, and the Notre Dame Rocket Team in the Ballroom.

Committed to music education, Fischoff partners with its distinguished Competition alumni to deliver free, innovative music programs to Michiana’s children and youth. Fischoff distinguishes itself from all other music competitions by remaining true to its core mission to encourage and educate young musicians in the discipline and expression of chamber music. 

WindSync has established itself as a vibrant chamber ensemble performing wind quintet masterworks, adapting beloved music to their instrumentation, and championing new works by today’s composers. The quintet creates an intimate connection between themselves and their audience by often performing from memory, and is staunchly dedicated to pushing the boundaries of wind quintet performance with a youthful, pop-rock sensibility.

The Explore-a-Story program is free and open to the public. A limited number of books, including Interstellar Cinderella and other space-themed books will be given away after each performance.