If you’re looking for free, family-friendly fun in Springfield this spring, you’ll definitely want to check out what’s happening at Greene County Library District.
With branches across the Springfield area, the library offers so much more than books. Their spring calendar is filled with engaging programs for babies, toddlers, kids, teens, and even parents, and the best part? Most events are completely FREE.
🎨 Hands-On Fun for Kids
Kid Librarian Initiative
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a librarian? Kids ages 10-13 can apply to be a Kid Librarian for a week at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch. Create your own book display, explore behind-the-scenes library work and ask questions about what the librarians do. Pick up an application at the Youth Services desk between March 9-21. Completed applications are due Sunday, March 22.
🎮 Just for Teens
Teen Poetry Contest
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch
Celebrate National Poetry Month by entering the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Teen Poetry Contest. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to submit an original poem exploring the theme, Growing Up, whether it highlights the hard parts, the happy parts, or the moments in between. Submissions will be accepted March 1-23. Send original poems to bwdys@thelibrary.org. Entries will be judged by the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Teen Volunteer Council. The winning poet wil receive a prize, and all submissions will be displayed throughout April as part of the library's National Poetry Month display.
🌸 Special Spring Events
Spring StoryWalks
Various Locations
For infants - age 9. Spring StoryWalks are wonderful opportunities to enjoy the warming weather! StoryWalks are accessible during park hours. For details, please contact the host site.
- April StoryWalk: April 8-21 at Field Elementary School, 2120 E. Barataria St., Springfield "A Big Mooncake for Little Star" by Gracie Lin.
- April StoryWalk: April 22-May 5 at Owen Park, 440 N. Bailey Ave., Republic. "Weeds Find a Way" by Cindy Jenson-Elliott.
- May StoryWalk: May 6-19 at the Howard Smith Community Park, 408 E. Bumgarner Blvd., Strafford. "Look and Listen" by Dianne White.
- May StoryWalk: May 20-June 2 at the Watershed Center, 2400 E. Valley Water Mill Rd., Springfield. "Hey, Water!" by Antoinette Portis. This StoryWalk is along an unpaved path.
The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.
🖼️ Art on Exhibit
Library Center
- Spring Has Spring: Collection courtesy of library staff Concourse, March
- Artwork by Visual Arts Alliance/Studio 55 Arts Guild Reading Room, March-April
- "The Briar Club" I Spy: A One Read Display, courtesy of library staff Concourse, April
- Assistive Technology by the Arc of the Ozarks Concourse, May
- Intimate Perspectives: Whispers of Detail, Photography by Southwest Missouri Camera Club Reading Room, May
- Paintings by Meike Aton Hatch Auditorium, March-May
Library Station
Appreciation of Book Covers: Reimagined in Felt, Embroidery and Canvas by Aurora Baca, March-May
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library
A Vivid Existence: Mixed Media Drawings by M. Scott Phifer, March-May
Park Central Branch Library
- Get Your Kicks: Through the Lens Along Route 66, Photography by Southwest Missouri Camera Club, March
- Native Masks and Headresses of the Americas: Exhibit, coordinated by Dr. Billie Follensbee, March-May
- Between the Lines: "The Briar Club," featuring works of art by submissions from the public, April
- The Mother Road's Memory: Photography by Vance Clark and Andrew Mann, May
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library
Colors: Artwork by Justin Loudermill, March-May
At Macaroni KID Springfield, we’re always looking for budget-friendly, enriching activities for local families, and the library consistently delivers. It’s a welcoming, inclusive space where kids can learn, explore, and grow.
Be sure to check our full event calendar for specific library events like storytimes, STEAM days, and DIY Workshops. You can even search by age or event type.
Happy spring reading! 🌷📖
