By Kathryn Millhorn
Like summer itself, Timberland Regional Library’s “Summer at the Library” program is almost here at last! Featuring activities, prizes, events, and books for ages 0-18, young readers in five counties can begin an exciting excavation into their local library.
This year’s theme is “Dig Into Reading” and will focus on farms, gardens, fossils, dinosaurs, undersea life, secrets and mysteries, underground societies, and the inner self. Through reading lists, programs, art projects, and performances, readers (and pre-readers!) will learn and explore all summer long. Kits and registration begin in early June and the program is free and open to everyone.
Summer programming also correlates with existing story times held at the various libraries. Books and activities will tie the two together and provide children and their parents with “an exciting summer destination, alive with performers, hands on programs, story times, family events, books, games, computers, and welcoming staff,” according to Ellen Duffy, the TRL Youth Services Coordinator.
Upon enrollment, readers receive a kit which includes a calendar of events, age-appropriate and themed reading lists, activity logs, coupons, and prize entries. The last week of June, there will be a drawing for three one day passes to any Washington State park in honor of the park’s centennial celebration. Other prizes and coupons include free books, passes to the Hands On Children’s Museum, free Papa Murphy’s pizza coupons, vouchers for Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo, and coupons to local businesses and restaurants.
Throughout the summer there will be many special performances and events as part of the program. Each of the 27 Timberland branch libraries will sponsor at least 2 events, featuring puppetry, music, juggling, comedy, online gaming, mime, art, storytelling, scavenger hunts, stuffed animal sleepovers, and author readings. Date, time, and event specifics are available online at www.TRL.org.
Older readers will enjoy author/book talks by Marissa Meyer (www.marissameyer.com), author of the featured story “Cinder.” In July, six libraries will host events focusing on her science-fiction retelling of Cinderella starring a Prince, a cyborg, and a deadly plague. Other teen events include online activities, contests, Minecraft parties, book-tracking websites, and movies.
The summer reading program also highlights TRL’s “Read & Feed” initiative, where donations of non-perishable food received at any Timberland library are distributed to and by local food banks.
Full details on Timberland’s “Summer at the Library” will be available on site and online by the second week of June. All materials and events are free, and TRL makes wi-fi available from 6am until midnight for its visitors…an extra bonus for parents attending events!
As Ms. Duffy says, “summer is a time when kids and teens can dig into things they’re interested in” and Timberland Regional Library’s the place to start, rain or shine!
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.
