The Summer Reading Program at Clearwater, Becker, and Big Lake Libraries, Beyond the Beaten Path, is still going strong, with participants able to track their reading and log their progress through August 6. There’s still time for latecomers who haven’t yet signed up for the program, they’re welcome to join the fun.
Along with the Summer Reading Program, each library still has a lot going on this summer for patrons of all ages, from learning about raptors and reptiles to making crafts and learning about history.
Clearwater Library
“It’s a busy summer at the library with lots of fun activities,” said Clearwater Librarian Shelly Kuelbs.
• July 20 and August 3 and 17, Wonder Wednesdays with Jen (a story and an experiment, craft, or game), 6 to 6:30 p.m. For ages 3 to 9.
• July 27, Adventures in Monoprinting with Creative Cart Studio (outside prints made from natural items or stencils), 5 to 8 p.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 5, Mobile Sign Shop will be at Lion’s Park during Clearwater Heritage Days, (create your own carved wooden sign), 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 10, Raptor Center at Sportsman’s Park (the funding for which was raised through patron donations during Locally Grown’), 5 to 6 p.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 25, Singleton Street (the last performance in the Clear Valley Business Connections Music in the Park series), 6 to 9 p.m. For all ages.
Kuelbs added, “Along with these fun events, every two weeks a new exhibit from the Great River Children’s Museum will be on display for children to play and learn with.”
Becker Library
Becker and Big Lake Librarian Jeannette Burkhardt invites everyone to join in the fun at both libraries.
• July 11, Grand Magical Adventure (join Magic Bob and Read Beyond the Beaten Path), 6 to 6:45 p.m. For all ages.
• July 14, Aug. 4, Nature Explorer Take and Make Kits (coordinates with the Summer Reading Program), available during library open hours. For ages 3 to 12.
• July 15 to Aug. 13, Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt (search the library for hidden school supplies and enter for a chance to win some), during library open hours. For ages 5 to 12.
• July 16, Resisting Removal: The Sandy Lake Tragedy and the Years that Followed (presented by Colin Mustful at the Sherburne Co. History Center), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For teens and adults.
• July 18, Legends of the Wilderness (this event is tied to the Summer Reading Program), 6 to 6:45 p.m. For all ages.
• July 27, Raptor Center of Minnesota (learn about a variety of MN raptors), 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. For all ages.
• July 30, Remarkable Reptiles (Jim Gerholdt shares the wonders of the reptile world with real reptiles), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 1, Magic Trash Art with Joan Jacobson (learn about artist Tyree Guyton and recreate one of his most famous pieces) For ages 5 to 12.
• Aug. 4, Mobile Sign Shop (make your own carved wooden sign), 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 16, Funky Zentangle Shoes (upcycle an old or new item), 4 to 5 p.m. For ages 7 and up.
• Aug. 18, Denim Yarn Class (turn an old pair of jeans into ‘yarn’), 6 to 7 p.m. For teens and adults.
• Aug. 23, Adventures in Monoprinting with Creative Cart Studio (outside prints made from natural items). For all ages.
Big Lake Library
• July 5, Aug. 9, Nature Explorer Camp (fun craft make & takes, activities, and experiments), during library open hours. For ages 5 to 12.
• July 15, Dinosaur Fossils Take and Make (create clay dinosaur fossils), available during library open hours. For ages 4 to 9.
• July 15 to Aug. 13, Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt (search the library for hidden school supplies and enter for a chance to win some), during library open hours. For ages 5 to 12.
• July 20, Legends of the Wilderness (this event is tied to the Summer Reading Program), 6 to 6:45 p.m. For all ages.
• Aug. 2, Gee’s Bend Quilt with Joan Jacobson (learn about artistic quilts and create a paper collage quilt square), 4 to 5 p.m. For ages 6 to 12.
• Aug. 9, Be a Balloon Artist, (learn the science and technique of creating balloon animals), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For ages 8 to 16.
• Aug. 16, LEGO Makerspace Challenge (conquer LEGO challenges and design and build your own), 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. For ages 8 to 16.
• Aug. 18, Funky Zentangle Shoes (upcycle an old or new item), 4 to 5 p.m. For ages 7 and up.
To register for these events or for more information, visit Great River Regional Library’s website at GRiver.org.
