Slime: sticky, colorful, and stretchy, every kid’s dream. Luckily this dream can become a reality every month at the Highland Public Library.

The library has been putting on their monthly slime program for over three years, which is around the time slime started becoming popular on social media.

“Slime programs are one of our most popular amongst children in the library,” Caitlyn Stever, Programming Librarian and host of the program, said. “Most of our attendees are slime experts and even offer me tips on how to make the best batch. Everyone ends up having a good time as long as they don’t mind getting a little sticky.”

The event lasts for an hour and attendees are provided a cup and wooden stirrer to mix together their liquid starch and glue. Stever is in charge of giving out the proper amount of each ingredient to eliminate any confusion with measurement. Once the ingredients are mixed it’s time to start kneading it together by hand and that’s where the fun starts. Usually food coloring and glitter is added to make each slime unique.

“In the end, everyone has some time to play with their slime and hang out together,” Stever said.

Along with the usual slime, the library has tried many other variations. Fluffy slime, butter slime, and magnetic slime, the latter of which didn’t turn out so well according to Stever.
“I love playing with slime because you can do so much with it. Like butter slime stays in place and you can use a knife and cut it, like butter,” Alexis Eisgruber, 9, said.

Once the slime has been kneaded enough, you can start playing with it and stretching it. One of the kids favorite things to do with their slime is to stretch it out on one side and quickly drop that side down, creating a slime bubble on the table.

Stever is there as a chaperone and helper but she’s also good friends with the kids who come every month. They chat about their lives as they play with slime and Stever gets the children to talk to one another, creating a safe space to make friends while doing something fun.

Since the slime program allows for children to make slime at the library instead of their home it saves parents the responsibility and hassle of cleaning up the mess.

Recently the library became the proud owner of a new green screen, opening up a program for children to come and wear green shirts to play around with it. The library is always looking for new ways to educate and entertain the community.

“We’re passionate about educating and empowering the community through the fun and informative events we host at the library,” Stever said.

Check out the library’s website for a full calendar of events, including monthly slime. highlandlibrary.org.