Marionettes, new pets and a butterfly walk in week three of summer reading
The Stillwater Public Library's summer reading program heads into week three on Tuesday, June 18. The week is full of adventures for all ages and features puppets, pets, movies and more! Note that there will be no teen program as the library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, for Juneteenth.
On Tuesday, June 18, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., elementary-aged children will enjoy a rendition of "Beauty and the Beast Marionettes," performed by master puppeteer Richard B. Elsenpeter. Elsenpeter brings wooden dolls to life in this traditional French fairy tale. Doors will close when the room reaches capacity.
Then, later on Tuesday at 6 p.m., Stillwater Animal Welfare will present "New Pet Adventures." Individuals and families considering adding a new furry friend to the family are welcome to attend this all-ages program. Attendees will learn about the needs of new pets, how long it takes new pets to adapt to a new environment and the differences between getting a young pet versus an older pet. The primary focus will be on cats and dogs and topics related to pet adoption. This program is intended for adults and teens 16 and older, but children may also attend with a guardian. Registration is requested at tinyurl.com/SPLPetAdventure.
Everyone is invited to Summer Cinema on Thursday, June 20. There will be two showings, one at 10 a.m. and a repeat at 2 p.m. The PG-rated film follows the story of a young woman and a ball of cosmic energy as they confront a ruthless ruler who threatens the safety of their community. Popcorn is provided by the Friends of Library (FOL). Attendees are encouraged to bring a water bottle and may bring a blanket and pillow to get comfortable to enjoy the film. Children must be supervised by an adult. Summer Cinema titles can be found on the library’s website.
Following the Summer Cinema that evening, adults and teens (if they attend with an adult) are invited to the Sci-Fi Film Club at 6 p.m. Attendees will watch a classic G-rated film where a young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings. The Sci-Fi Film Club meets on the third Thursday of every month. After the film, participants discuss it just like they would in a book club. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks.
Teen and adult services librarian Jordan Stine is looking forward to the Sci-Fi Film Club.
“Reading science fiction books and watching movies are two of my favorite hobbies,” Stine said. “Sci-Fi Flim Club is something I inherited when I started working here, and the group is a great collection of science fiction and movie enthusiasts. Everyone is kind and welcoming, and we invite anyone interested as we kick off the new summer theme, “Close Encounters of the Youthful Kind.”
Even though there is no teen summer reading activity this week, teens in grades six through 12 may participate in the Summer Anime Club on Friday, June 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At this month's meeting, teens will make unique ramen dishes and then discuss the history of ramen.
Stine is also excited for Anime Club this summer as the group expands beyond watching anime.
“Anime is another one of my passions that goes hand-in-hand with science fiction,” Stine said. “If you’re a teen who loves anime and is interested in Japanese culture, this is the program for you.”
Information and registration for the Sci-Fi Film Club and the Summer Anime Club can be found at stillwaterok.gov/LibraryRegister.
To round out the week, the library and the Payne County Audubon Society are having a Butterfly Walk on Saturday, June 22, at 9 a.m., at the Botanic Garden at OSU. The program is free and open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will learn about butterflies in the area, plants that attract them and best practices for observing them. The Botanic Garden is located at 3300 W. 6th Ave. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/SPLButterfly24.
Visit stillwaterok.gov/LibrarySummer to register for summer reading, track reading time, earn prizes, and discover more awesome events! Major sponsors for summer reading include the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
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.
