This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Summer in Longmont has long signaled fun and reading at the Library, and this summer continues that strong tradition. The highlight of the summer is the Children and Teens Summer Reading Program, which will again employ the super easy and fun participation system first used two years ago and popular with parents.
Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins Thursday, May 23 and is available online and at the Information Desk in the Children and Teens area. Kids have lots of ways to earn prizes and fight summer reading loss. The last day to register for the Summer Reading Program is Saturday, July 13 and the last day to claim prizes is Saturday, August 3.
First, Say Hello to Summer!
Summer at the Library will kick off in the usual fashion -- with a big POOL PARTY! (Cue the splashing sound effects!) That's right, the Library will again be teaming up with the Recreation Department to offer an evening of free swimming and fun at Sunset Pool on Thursday, May 23, from 5:00 to 8 pm.
Say goodbye to school, play pool games, picnic, and generally shout out a big hello to summer! Plus, swimming is no fun when you're hangry, so we'll have food trucks from local restaurants to fortify all your fun-making. Look for many community partners, too, who will share information about all the cool things happening in Longmont throughout the summer. Don't miss it! (If the weather decides not to embrace summer, the event will be rescheduled - please watch our website and social media outlets for updates.)
This event requires advance registration, which can be accomplished online. No internet access or email address? Please call (303) 651-8477 now to register.
Kids Belong at the Library All Summer Long!
The summer fun doesn't stop after the party, though. In fact, it's just the beginning. Even before summer officially arrives, we're celebrating diversity on Monday, June 17 with our annual "Rainbow Storytime," at 6 pm, featuring books that include diverse families and same-sex parents.
Later that same week, Mayor Brian Bagley will be returning to the Library for another fun, live taping of his Mayor's Book Club on Thursday, June 20, from 11 to 11:30. The Mayor will be reading stories in English and Spanish, and although the books are aimed at preschoolers, kids and families of all ages are welcome. No registration is necessary for either of these storytimes.
In July, the Library will welcome a touring family musical group from Down Under, The Hollands! The Hollands! will bring their intimate merrymaking to kids and families of all ages on Thursday, July 18, from 7 to 8 pm on the Library's West Patio (weather permitting). Known for engaging audiences with rousing sing-a-longs, The Hollands! are sure to entertain. Registration is required for this program, and can be accomplished online.
Saturday, July 20 marks the 50th anniversary of the America's Lunar Landing, and the Library is celebrating with a Dance Party on the Moon. From 1 to 2 pm on the 20th, join us for a viewing of that monumental achievement and dance like it's 1969 to a special moon-themed playlist. No registration is required, but bring your out-of-this-world dance moves.
July will wrap up with an extra special performance by LMNOPuppets on Saturday, July 27 from 1 to 2:30 pm. This is no regular puppet show; this is an interactive mystery designed for children in grades K through 5. Big Ben Bermuda, the world's greatest thief, has stolen the Library's most beloved item. World famous detective Jessica Gumshoe will need everyone's help to solve the mystery and recover the lost item! Registration is required and is available online.
In addition to these special offerings, some of your favorite summer programs are returning! We'll have Maker Mondays in June and July from 2 to 4 pm, with fun make-and-take projects for kids 10 and younger, and there'll be live performances again every Thursday morning on the West Patio from 10 to 10:45 am with our Live! at the Library series. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the weekly shows.
Finally, on Fridays you'll want to catch the free Family Film series starting at 2, with tickets given out beginning at 1:30 pm. Popcorn, friends, and family film favorites - it doesn't get much better than this. Get all the details for all these events and programs on our Children's Programs webpage. No registration is necessary for these weekly programs.
Of course, most of our beloved regular storytimes will continue, including Yoga Storytime on Mondays, Toddler Storytime on Tuesday, and Baby Storytime on Wednesday mornings. Family Storytime will continue every Friday, as will Bedtime Storytime on Thursday evenings at 7 pm, and Bilingual Storytimes on second Mondays of the month at 6 pm.
In addition, your favorite clubs are continuing over the summer, too. Chess Club will be exercising strategic brain muscles every first and third Monday of the month at 7 pm, and, of course, our extraordinary LEGO club will be full of building energy on the first Fridays of the month at 6 pm.
Registration for these programs, where necessary, is available on either our Children's Programs or Children's Storytimes webpages. No internet access or email address? Please call (303) 651-8477 to register. Unless otherwise noted, registration for all of these children's programs will open at 10 am on Thursday, May 23. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by a dedicated caregiver at library programs.
We've Got Cool Stuff for Teens, Too!
We haven't forgotten about our awesome teens and tweens, and we've planned some special events just for them!
Summer starts before school is even out for Teens, with the class series, Dungeon Master Academy, beginning Tuesday May 21, from 6 to 8:30 and recurring each Tuesday through June 11. This 4-week program is for experienced 6th through 12th graders who have previously played Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition and are ready to level up and become a Dungeon Master. Register online for this fun class series. D&D fans can also register for the popular Dungeons & Dragons Drop-in Adventure, which will be held every other Tuesday, beginning June 23. Again for 6th through 12the graders, this drop-in club favors any and all things D&D. Registration for the summer session will open on Wednesday, May 22 at 10 am.
Teen Tuesdays are back with two fun programs: DIY Craft Afternoon on Tuesday, June 18, from 2 to 4, and a Choose Your Own Adventure Challenge on Tuesday, July 16, from 2 to 4. These programs are intended for kids in 6th through 12th grades. Registration is required and can be accomplished online.
A new program, Teen Café, will premiere this year on Tuesday, June 18 and continued each Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm through July. Sixth through 12th graders are invited to drop in to hang out, listen to music, drink a hot or cold beverage, eat snacks, read, play board games, or just relax. This is an adult- and little kid-free zone, with no registration required.
Then, on Saturday, July 13 join us for another great Teen Takeover Saturday, celebrating summer with a black light party, games, and of course, pizza and soda to fuel the fun.
Next, author Laura Resau will be hosting a fun book release party to celebrate her latest endeavor, Tree of Dreams, on Friday, July 19, from 2 to 3 pm. This party, intended for tweens and teens in grades 3 and higher, will include Laura talking about her fascinating research in the Amazon rain forest and chocolate factories. She'll follow that up with a special Chocolate Flight 'n' Write Workshop for 6th through 12th graders that same evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Registration is required for both events and can be accomplished online.
For those more interested in anime than D & D, we offer up a Saturday afternoon dedicated to the best anime movies. It's an AniMovie Afternoon on Saturday, July 29, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. Register online for this super fun movie experience.
Finally, our summer programming for teens will wrap up with our annual Volunteer Fair for Adults & Teens on Saturday, August 17, from 10 am to 12 pm. Nonprofits and volunteer groups from around the community will be on hand to distribute information and the work they do and how you can help out. No registration is required, so grab your friends, get to the Library, and make our world a better place.
Also, don't miss out on Chess Club on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 pm.
Many of these safe, fun, and supervised events for teens and tweens require advance registration. Visit the Just for Teens webpage for all the details and to register. No internet access or email address? Please call (303) 651-8477 to register. Unless otherwise noted, registration for all of these teen programs will open at 10 am on Thursday, May 23.
Can't Get to Us? We're Coming to You!
Watch for the Library's BookCycle around town this summer at parks, parades, and markets! Our pedaling librarians will be again supporting the Summer Free Community Lunch Program, bringing books and stories to Longmont's children across town. Watch our website for locations and times around town. All BookCycle appearances are weather-dependent. If in doubt, check our social media outlets. And, if you see the BookCycle around town, be sure to stop and say hello!
With all this excitement at the Library, you'll want to turn those vacations into stay-cations this summer. Stop by and join the fun. We can't wait to see you!
Please always be sure to check the Library Calendar for any schedule changes.
