Phoenix Public Library is inviting families to slow down and celebrate kindness next week, with a full lineup of programs inspired by the enduring legacy of Fred Rogers running March 16th through the 21st at library branches across the city.
The week honors Rogers’ March birthday and draws from the values he wove into more than three decades of television — empathy, emotional honesty, creativity and the simple but radical idea that every child is worthy of being seen and understood. Those themes will come to life through themed storytimes focused on emotional awareness, puppet-making workshops inspired by Daniel Tiger and his neighbors, STEAM and art activities, and a neighborhood watch party screening a classic episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
The programming is designed primarily with young children and elementary-age students in mind, though the library is welcoming participants of all ages. Beyond the fun, each activity is tied to early literacy and social-emotional learning goals — the kind of foundational skills that help children build confidence and curiosity long before they set foot in a classroom.
The week closes with a standout event: Be My Neighbor Day, a free community celebration on Saturday, March 21st from 10 a.m. to noon at South Mountain Community Library. The event will feature two special guests — Mychal Threets, host of Reading Rainbow, and puppeteer Stacey Gordon, whose work with characters and inclusive storytelling has earned her national recognition.
All events are free and open to the public. Families can find the full schedule of participating library locations and program times at PhoenixPublicLibrary.org.
