As lazy summer days bring plenty of reading opportunities for kids, area libraries are kicking off summer reading programs for all ages.
Besides reading incentives and regular storytimes, libraries will hold a number of special events throughout the summer. Check in with your local library branch or choose from this list of library events to watch for this summer:
Kick-off events. Many of the local libraries start their summer reading programs with a party. The Troy Library has one at 10:30 a.m. today and the Bovill Library has one at 11 a.m. today. The Lewiston City Library will kick off the reading program with a grand opening of their second floor at an event that includes music, crafts and tours 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. The Prairie River Library District Culdesac Branch has a reading program registration and rock painting party starting at 12:30 p.m. next Thursday.
Traveling Lantern Theatre Company. This traveling children’s theater group will present “The Ribbles Build a Residence” at various locations including 2 p.m. at Tekoa Empire Theatre and 6 p.m. June 26 at Malden Park in Rosalia, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Neill Public Library in Pullman and 4 p.m. June 27 at Whitman County Library in Colfax, and 10 a.m. at Lacrosse Park in Lacrosse and 2 p.m. June 28 at the 1912 Center Great Room in Moscow.
Joshua J. Supershow. Comedy, circus stunts and audience participation is what audiences can expect from Joshua J. Superstar who suggests all ages will be “dazzled by his charm, awestruck by his rugged good looks and confused by his overconfidence.” He performs at several local libraries including 11 a.m. July 5 at the Whitman County Library Oakesdale Branch, 1:30 p.m. July 10 at the Asotin County Library in Clarkston, 5 p.m. July 10 at Whitman County Library St. John Branch, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 11 at Neill Public Library in Pullman, 4 p.m. July 11 at Whitman County Library in Colfax, and 6:30 p.m. July 11 at the Whitman County Library Endicott Branch.
Henrik Bothe. This native of Denmark will perform a family-friendly act that includes comedy, fast-paced juggling and magic at several local libraries including 10 a.m. at Whitman County Library Endicott Branch and 1 p.m. June 19 at Whitman County Library St. John Branch, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Neill Public Library in Pullman and 4 p.m. June 20 at the Whitman County Library in Colfax.
Train club. The Lewis-Clark Model Train Club will be hosting N scale model train demonstrations 5 - 7 p.m. Mondays, 1 - 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. - noon Saturdays (except June 24) from June 10 - July 5 at the Lewiston City Library. There will also be a Thomas the Train hands-on model railroad display for kids.
Eclipse events. A few area libraries are holding events in connection with the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. All ages are invited to watch the eclipse through safe eclipse glasses and participate in activities at 9 a.m. at the Asotin County Library in Clarkston and the Whitman County Library St. John Branch. The Craigmont and Winchester branches of the Prairie River Library District will view the eclipse at 10:15 a.m., and then enjoy pizza and bowling at 4 p.m., pre-registration is required by calling (208) 924-5510.
Fun with animals. Latah County Libraries have a lot going on with animals this summer. Hang out with some reptiles at 3 p.m. today at the Potlatch Library and 6 p.m. today at East City Park in Moscow, alpacas at 10:30 a.m. June 15 at the Troy Library and dogs from Palouse Paws with a Cause, an organization that provides comfort visits from trained animals, at 10:30 a.m. July 13 at the Troy Library, 1 p.m. June 15 at the Genesee Library and 10:30 a.m. July 20 at Kendrick Park.
Coding Camp. Kids ages 10 and older can learn to create a game with code by helping Bot conquer the Flatverse. The camp is offered 10 a.m. - noon June 19-22 at the Asotin County Library Asotin Branch or 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. June 19-22 at the Asotin County Library in Clarkston. The camp is free and registration is required; call (509) 758-5454 or register online at asotincountylibrary.org.
For regular storytimes and other events, visit your local library in person or online:
Prairie River Library District - www.prld.org
Latah County Library District - www.latahlibrary.org
Whitman County Library District - www.whitco.lib.wa.us
Asotin County Library District - asotincountylibrary.org
Neill Public Library - www.pullman-wa.gov/departments/neill-public-library
Lewiston City Library - www.lewistonlibrary.org
