Summer Reading is almost here! Sign-up for the reading part of the program begins Thursday, May 25, 2023. Just drop by any kid, teen, or adult service desk to pick up a paper reading log. You can also keep track of your reading online via Beanstack. Then, the very next day, we'll have our HUGE Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival! This year's theme is All Together Now, so we want everyone to join us on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. for tons of fun that celebrates our community. There will be A LOT happening both inside and outside the building, so here's a breakdown to help you navigate.
AS YOU ENTER
You can move-and-groove through an interactive hopscotch course, pose for a selfie, and meet our library director and assistant director for a Summer Reading Kickoff refresher course in front of the building. Then, as you enter the lobby, learn more about or drop off donations for our Community Pantry. When you enter the main level of the library, head left to play an early round of Stump the Librarian with our Nonfiction staff and pick up a take-home bracelet craft with our Circulation Staff.
PLAZA
As you head down the hall to the Plaza, pause at the Fiction Desk to grab a cool vinyl sticker and enter a raffle. Once you make it to the Plaza, create a strip of commemorative pictures in the Photo Booth and use some colorful supplies to Build a Balloon. East59 will also have a drink special to celebrate Summer Reading. If you step onto the Plaza Patio, you'll find lots of free tasty carnival treats -- popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream from Whole Scoop -- and a chance to Chalk the Block with sidewalk chalk.
KID ZONE
On your way to the Kid Zone, stop by the Teen Department to get an airbrush tattoo. Then, once you've made it to the children's department, you can play for prizes at a variety of classic carnival games -- giant ring toss, duck pond, football throw, and basketball shootout. You'll also be able to navigate the House of Mirrors and take a dip in the Baby Ball Pit. Then follow the stars to the Youth Program Room to complete your dot -- a piece of art inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds -- that will be incorporated into our big Summer Reading display in the picture book room.
THEATRE LEVEL
Make sure you hit all the fun on the Theatre level, too! The oh-so-amazing Roger Day will be performing 4 mini-concerts on the Theatre stage. There will also be several low-key play opportunities in the meeting rooms: pattern block community build, puppet petting zoo, scarf juggling, and summer stretch yoga. If anyone needs a break from the intense fun in the rest of the carnival, we'll have a sensory room set up in the conference room. Then head outside to the Theatre Roundabout to take part in a Community on Wheels (local fire truck, school bus, and police car), get another chance to Chalk the Block, and take a turn or two on the giant inflatable double slide.
So much is happening! And it's just the beginning! We hope we'll see you all summer long. Make sure you take a look at our calendars so you don't miss a moment.
