Stories and crafts planned for library week

Mark your calendars for National Library Week starting April 12.

Since 1958, libraries have participated in library week to celebrate and promote their services. The Children’s Department of the Newport Beach Public Library has planned a week of events suitable for the whole family.

Kick off the celebration by meeting world-renowned swimmer and author Lynne Cox. Listen to stories of her swim across the Bering Strait from the U.S. to the then-Soviet Union, across the English Channel and more. She’ll also be discussing her new children’s book “Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas,” illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winning Brian Floca and based on a real-life elephant seal who settled in the Avon River in New Zealand. Info: 2 to 3 p.m. April 12 in the Central Library Children’s Room, 1000 Avocado Ave.

On Monday, we begin an extra special week of our regularly offered storytimes, many of which will feature a special guest member from either the City Council or the Newport Beach Board of Library Trustees. We have storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families, as well as storytimes that focus on music and movement, or even winding down with a story before bedtime. A full list of storytimes offered, along with dates and times, is available on the children’s website at newportkids.org.

Feeling crafty? Come by after school for crafts and games. There will be a variety of things to make and play with, ensuring that everyone will have fun and go home with a handmade memento. Info: 3 to 5 p.m. April 14 in the Central Library Children’s Room.

If you have a budding Harry or Hermione on your hands, swing by the Corona del Mar branch for a hilarious magic show with Eli the Magician. This is guaranteed to be a lively show, with many chances for audience participation. Info: 3 to 4 p.m. April 15 at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 420 Marigold Ave.

Do your kids love puppets? Join us for the Jack and the Beanstalk Puppet Show, presented by Noteworthy Puppets, featuring handmade puppets and original music. Info: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 16 at the Balboa Branch Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd.

Wrap up the celebration with balloons. Annie Banannie, Balloon Storyteller Extraordinaire, will delight you with her comedy storytelling and balloon twisting. Info: 3 to 4 p.m. April 18 at Crean Mariners Branch Library, 1300 Irvine Ave.

While the National Library Week celebrations end there, have no fear — you can always find fun and enriching events at the library. Hop online and check out our event calendar to learn more about upcoming concerts, lectures, craft events and more. We hope to see you soon.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.