First month of summer reading wraps up with a roar
It’s hard to believe that the Stillwater Public Library’s 2024 reading program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” is reaching its halfway point! The last week of events in June include dinosaurs, character design and a popular Pixar film featuring a grumpy old man, a boy scout and a bunch of balloons.
Elizabeth Murray, children’s librarian, wants everyone to remember that there’s still plenty of time left to read, earn small prizes and food coupons and get entries in the grand prize drawings.
“Even if you haven’t registered and started tracking your reading time yet, you still have more than enough time to earn prizes and take part in summer reading fun,” Murray said. “You earn a prize for every five hours read, and it only takes 15 hours to earn a free book!”
The week’s festivities kick off on Tuesday, June 25, with a roaring adventure with “Dino Science.” Mad Science, a library favorite, will excavate the boldest, oldest and silliest creatures. There will be two presentations, one at 10 a.m. and a repeat at 2 p.m. “Dino Science” is best suited for kids entering Kindergarten through the fifth grade. Adults must accompany their kids, and doors will be closed when the auditorium reaches capacity.
Then, on Wednesday, June 26, at 2 p.m., teens in grades six through 12 begin the first of a two-part series in “Create Your Own Adventure.” Working with the OSU Art Museum, teens will design a unique character and the beginning of a story idea. The library will provide sketchbooks, art supplies and snacks. Stay tuned for part two on July 10, when teens will create spooky campfire stories. Both events will take place at the library.
On Thursday, June 27, summer reading festivities continue with “Summer Cinema,” featuring two screenings, one at 10 a.m. and a repeat at 2 p.m., of an Oscar-winning PG-rated film. Carl Fredricksen is a 78-year-old balloon salesman who dreams of seeing the wilds of South America, and it looks like he may get there after tying enough helium balloons to his house to take flight. The only kink in his plan is an 8-year-old stowaway on his front porch. Popcorn will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. Librarians encourage bringing refillable water bottles as well as cozy pillows and blankets.
The following week, which starts on July 1, the library will not have any summer reading programs.
“Since Independence Day falls on Thursday, July 4, we will not have performers, teen events or movies,” Murray said. “Lots of people tend to go on vacation that week, and the library will be closed on Thursday, July 4. We’ll still have storytimes and you can still come in to collect summer reading prizes and borrow lots of books!”
Learn more about summer reading and register at stillwaterok.gov/LibrarySummer or call the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.
The library appreciates all of the organizations and local businesses that make the summer reading program possible: the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Chris' University Spirit, Everyman, Fired Up Stilly, Jimmy's Egg, OSU Athletics, Red Lobster, Ross Stores Foundation, the Stillwater Public Library Trust, Blue Spruce, Boom-a-rang Diner, Chick-fil-a, Del Taco, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Frontier Lanes, Grandy's, Hideaway, HTeaO, Louie's Bar and Grill, Mazzio's Pizza, McAlister's Deli, McDonald's, Old School Bagel, Raising Cane's, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Smitty's Garage Burgers, Stillwater Sweets, Texas Roadhouse and Youth Fitness Zone.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
