Registration Open For Grand Island Library Summer Reading Programs

— Registration is open for free summer reading programs for all ages at the Grand Island Public Library. The theme for Summer 2024 is ‘Adventure Begins at Your Library.’ Log your Reading Minutes and Win Prizes Readers of all ages can log their reading minutes with the Beanstack website and app (https://gilibrary.beanstack.com) between Sunday, May 19 and Saturday, July 27. Paper reading logs are also available at the library for children ages 0-11. Challenges are available for kids up to age 11, teens ages 12-18 and adults 18-and-over. In 2023, registered readers at the library logged a collective 954,821 minutes of reading time. This year, the library has set a community reading goal of one million minutes. For kids and teens, completing certain reading milestones earns rewards, which include free books. For each reading or activity goal met, readers of all ages will earn virtual “raffle tickets” for a grand prize at the end of the summer. Grand prizes for kids up to age 11 include a Razor scooter, a 48” kite and a telescope. Prizes for teens include an Amazon Kindle, a Stanley tumbler and specialty LEGO sets. Prizes for adults include an assortment of gift baskets. Kick-offs for All Ages Kids up to age 11 are invited to ‘Kick off Your Adventure Story!’ at a special presentation by Chris Hochstetler, the director of Stuhr Museum. It will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 at the library. Teens ages 12-18 can drop by the library anytime between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Monday, June 3 to make a free custom t-shirt in the Makerspace while supplies last. Library staff will be on hand to assist teens in creating or choosing their design. Cotton t-shirts will be provided, but teens are welcome to bring their own in the color and size of their choice. Adults kick off the summer with a Seed and Plant Exchange at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Summer Reading Camp Kids who have just completed kindergarten through 5th grade can sign up for the library’s free seven-session Summer Reading Camp to maintain and boost their reading skills while school is out. Camp meets every Thursday at 2 p.m. June 6 - July 25 (except for July 4). Readers will participate in a fun and educational whole-group activity and practice reading in small peer groups with trained library volunteers. Registration is required by June 6. Call the library at (308) 385-5333 or register online at https://grandisland.evanced.info/ (register for the first session on June 6) beginning May 1. Mega Mondays for All Ages Held at 10:30 a.m. every Monday from June 3 through July 22, Mega Mondays are big allage programs that feature guests like the EPIC Discovery Center (June 3), magician Adam White (June 17), drummer Michael Fitzsimmons (July 1) and trick roper Joan Wells (July 22). A full list of Mega Mondays is viewable at https://grandisland.evanced.info/. Drop-in Weekly Kids’ Programs Each program features new activities every week. Check the library’s online event calendar at https://grandisland.evanced.info/ for details. Programs run June 3 - July 26 (no programs July 4 or 5). - Family Story Night – Held at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays for all ages - Stories & Crafts – Held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for grades Pre-K through 5th - Big Kids Club – Held at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays for grades 3-5 - Baby & Toddler Lapsit – Held at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays for ages 0-2 & the caregivers - Golden Sower Fun Club – Held at 2:00 p.m. on Fridays for grades Pre-K - 2 Tween & Teen Programs Special programs just for tweens in grades 5-8 will be held at 2 p.m. every Thursday from June 6 - July 25 (except for July 4), and special programs just for teens in grades 6-12 will be held periodically throughout June and July. Some programs require registration; please check online at https://www.gilibrary.org or call (308)385-5333 for more information. Tween program highlights include making laser-cut sun catchers (June 6), a LEGO activity (June 20), an Oreo tasting (June 27), a sewing workshop (July 11) and an escape room (July 25). Teen program highlights include Anime Club (Tuesdays, June 11 and July 9 at 4 p.m.) and Adventurous People (Monday, June 24 at 2 p.m.), where teens get to meet beekeeper Kathy Brokaw, author/illustrator Bruce Arant and Nebraska’s own official Bigfoot Lady, Harriett McFeely. Daycares and other large groups are asked to call ahead at least 48 hours in advance of attending any summer program. The Grand Island Public Library serves both residents of the City of Grand Island and Hall County. Anyone who lives in or owns property anywhere within Hall County may apply for a library card at no cost. Keep up-to-date with all Library happenings online and hours at https://www.gilibrary.org, Facebook, and Instagram. Access your library account, search the catalog and discover our digital collections at https://gilibrary.tlcdelivers.com or download the Grand Island Public Library app on your mobile device. For more information on the library’s summer programs, visit the library’s website at https://www.gilibrary.org or call Laura Fentress, Youth & Family Services Librarian (children’s & tween programs), Erica Rogers, Technology & Teen Librarian (tween & teen programs) or Shaun Klee, Reference & Collection Services Librarian (adult programs) at (308) 385-5333.