Grand Island Public Library Hosts Hundreds for “Noon Year’s Eve” Party

Grand Island Public Library Hosts Hundreds for “Noon Year’s Eve” Party

Grand Island, Neb. — Laughter, cheers and falling balloons filled the Grand Island Public Library as hundreds of children and their families gathered for the library’s annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration.

The midday event gave families a chance to ring in the New Year early with a lineup of hands-on, kid-friendly activities throughout the library. Children created and colored their own “2026” crowns, which many proudly wore as they moved from activity to activity. Board games, crafts and interactive play stations were set up to keep kids engaged and moving.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a large parachute activity that brought participants together for group play and high-energy fun. The event concluded with a Noon balloon drop, counting down to noon as balloons rained down to cheers and applause, marking the New Year in a way designed especially for younger children.

Library staff said the event continues to be one of the most popular family programs of the year, offering a safe, welcoming space for children to celebrate while introducing them to everything the library has to offer. The Grand Island Public Library regularly hosts free programs for children and families throughout the year, encouraging learning, creativity and community connection.

Laura Fentress Interview