Library programs available for all ages
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POSLON – During the summer months, the library in Polson will provide programs to inspire reading, imagination, and scientific inquiry.
Abbi Dooley became the library director in January. She said library staff organize events and programs to encourage youth to engage with the library. The summer reading program helps young students to maintain their reading skills during the summer. Adult programming also provide educational value.
“We want to encouraging lifelong learning as a lifestyle in Polson,” Youth Services Librarian Kendra Mullison said.
Mullison added that library programs are great resources for families and child caregivers because they provide engaging activities in a welcoming environment, free of charge.
The national theme for this year’s summer reading programs is “Libraries Rock.” The program will take this theme both literally and figuratively by focusing on the study of rocks and rock music. Mullinson said the science-related theme aligns with the library’s new focus on providing educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Registration for the summer reading program starts on Monday, June 11. Last year, more than 1,000 people took part in the program, and participation has been growing in recent years. Readers of all ages can register and participate in weekly events whether they have a library card or not. Reading logs must be returned to the library by August 10 to be considered for rewards.
The library will hold events related to the theme each Thursday at 10 a.m. for the duration of the program including presentations from the Audubon Society, Flathead Lake Biological station, the SciNation Truck, and a movie screenings. Specifics on weekly programming can be found on the library’s website: northlakecountylibrary.org.
Participants will receive prizes for completing reading benchmarks. The program will culminate in a prize drawing and ice cream social on August 16. Those who complete at least 32 hours of reading will be invited to ride on the Happy Hippo amphibious vehicle on August 14.
The annual North Lake County Library-sponsored bug race will be held at the Polson Elks Lodge on July 19. This year, for the first time, participants will race plastic bugs, provided by the library, rather than live bugs. Participants will use their thumbs to make the bugs “jump” to the finish line. Attendees will have opportunities to learn about bugs at the event.
Besides the summer reading project, regular weekly programs will continue through the summer. Each Monday at 10 a.m., young library visitors can gather for the Mother Goose program, which includes storytelling, finger plays, and nursery rhymes. This summer the library will collaborate with Lake County Public Health on Mother Goose programming. The Makers Space area will be open for creative creation on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. Through the Friday Flicks program, visitors can watch a movie at the library on the first and third Friday of each month at 3:30 p.m. A full list of the films can be found at northlakecounty.org. Game night will be held on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
Special one-time children’s events include the Montana PBS Clifford Library Tour, which will occur on June 16 at 10 a.m. Canine Officer Brody will visit with the library on June 15 at 10 a.m.
The North Lake County Public Library will hold its first Adulting 101 series for young adults this summer. The three-part series aims to teach teens that are approaching college-age about skills for succeeding as an adult. Topics include car care, etiquette, and finances. According to Mullinson the sessions will be “informal and entertaining introductions” about life skills. The first session will be held on June 19 at 1 p.m.
Adult programs include Humanities Montana with Homes & Honkey Tonks: Post WWII Women in Country Music at 6:00 p.m. on August 15. Two local authors will have book signings at the library in July.
The Jocko Valley Library in Arlee will also have a summer reading program. People of all ages are welcome to participate. It runs from June 12 to August 7. The library will hold summer reading program events from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each Tuesday. Registration is available between May 31st and June 12th.
The Ronan summer reading program will run from June 18 to August 17. For more information, visit the library or call 406-676-3682.
