Ahhh, the wonderful summer season is approaching fast. Bike rides and beach days, campfires and cookouts, lazy lake days…I love summer for so many reasons. Among all the other delightful things about summer is our annual summer reading program here at the library. This year’s theme is Level Up at Your Library, and we are embracing all things game related.  I am looking forward to a packed summer with guests, activities, and many kids and teens enjoying the library.

Kids and teens may sign up any day beginning June 4^th to participate in the Summer Reading Program, which runs this summer from June 4^th-August 30^th. Upon signing up, kids will receive a bag, a game sheet, and a free book to keep, thanks to funding from the Friends of the Litchfield Library. Children can earn spots on the self-paced game sheets by reading or being read to, and by doing other fun activities at home or at the library. Teens get a reading log to track hours spent reading. When either type of sheet is completed and turned in, kids will earn Library Loot, which in turn can be spent on various fun prizes with various prices. In addition to building literacy skills, participants are learning a little financial management as well.

We have a variety of events planned, as well as many special guests for our regular storytimes.

Baby/toddler storytimes are on Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and will run June 11^th  to August 6^th. These storytimes are geared toward those under age three along with their caregivers, but older kids are always welcome.  On Wednesday, June 11^th at 10:15 a.m., CLIMB Theatre will be here with “Babe the Blue Ox: Color Our World.” This mini play supports reading readiness and early literacy skills, making it a perfect fit for young children. Wednesday storytimes will be held in the children’s area of the library.

Friday morning storytimes are for kids of all ages, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., June 6^th to August 8^th.  Children under age eight need to have an adult or teen caregiver with them. Caregivers are always encouraged to stay and participate, as it is beneficial for both them and the children.  On June 6^th at 10:00 a.m., Science Heroes will be kicking off our storytime season with their “Adventure of the Missing Color” program. This is a wonderfully entertaining interactive science program for all ages.

The library has a variety of guests scheduled for Friday storytimes. Please check out the library’s social media accounts or website, www.litchfield.lib.mn.us, for more information.

We also have our regularly scheduled LEGO nights on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for ages 4-14 and their families.

The library will be hosting a board game evening every 3^rd Tuesday of the month this summer from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.  As with all of our programs, those under age eight need to be accompanied by an adult/teen caregiver.

The Teen Program, which is at 1:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 5^th Saturdays of each month, will have plenty of game-themed activities for teens to enjoy.

Other special events include:

June 18^th, 1:30 p.m.: Teen Trivia at Simply Good coffee shop. Advance sign-up will be required.

June 23^rd, 3 p.m.: The Science Museum of Minnesota will present an engineering program for kids.

July 17^th, 10:30 a.m.: Dragon Keychain Diamond Dots for Teens. Space is limited, so sign-up is required.

June 26^th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Gaming-themed button making. A button maker will available at the children’s desk, and youth of all ages are invited to come and make a button.

July 23^rd,1-3p.m: “Through the Decades” event with games and toys that were popular during various decades. Everyone is invited to come dressed in a decade theme of their choice.

August 8^th,1:00 p.m.: Dragon Academy animatronic dragons program.

Reading game sheets and logs can be turned in throughout the summer, with the last date to collect and exchange Library Loot being August 30^th.

Check our website for the most up-to-date info on what’s happening here at the library. I am so excited for my first summer reading program here at the Litchfield Library, and I look forward to seeing everyone Level Up at Your Library.