Unearth a Story!!!
Summer Reading Programs
Ways to Win
Grand Prize Drawing
Earn an entry for every book you check out, and select your preferred prize. The more you read, the more you could win. Kids grand prizes include Akron Zoo tickets and dinosaur-themed Lego sets. No pre-registration is required, just come by the library after May 4th, and check out books. You can earn entries through July 31. Grand prizes will be drawn in August.
Weekly Prizes
Kids can earn weekly prizes over the summer starting June 1. These rewards are for visiting the library. Just stop by the circulation desk when you visit the library and you can pick up one prize per week, up to four. Prizes will be available until July 31. Prizes are appropriate for ages 2.5 to 12.
Dinosaur Dig!
Search the library each week for a dinosaur fossil or bone, and help us construct a dinosaur skeleton. Earn an entry for a prize drawing each week. Can you guess which dino we are building?
Weekly Programs
Programs for the very young...
Registration is required, and families can join any time. Siblings are welcome to sit in as needed.
Baby Bugs
Mondays @ 10:30 AM starting June 1.
Baby Bugs is for children ages 6 months to 36 months. Caregivers will participate with children in interactive play, sensory activities and songs. Look out for Sunshine Babies, a fun summer program held outside where we get messy with paint bubbles and water tables. This will be held occasionally during Baby Bugs based on the weather.
Story Time
Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM starting June 2
Story Time is offered for children ages 2.5 to 5. We focus on basic concepts like letter recognition, counting, motor skills and pre-reading skills. These are taught through songs, stories, games and crafts.
Programs for school age kids...
Registration is usually required; see each entry for details. Kids can join anytime. Younger siblings will usually not be able to participate.
Garden Club
Tuesday June 2, 16, 30 and July 14 and 28 at 4:00 PM
Kids will plant, tend and harvest in our library garden. We will meet alternating weeks. Each meeting will include a science experiment. Once plants begin producing, we will taste our vegetables and do some simple cooking. This program is for ages 5-12. Registration is required. Program is only held outside, and will be cancelled due inclement weather.
STEM Club
Tuesday June 9 & 23 and July 7 & 21 at 4:00 PM
Explore the world with new and award winning non-fiction books and participate in hands-on science experiments. Program will be held outside, weather permitting, please dress for the temperature, and be aware you might get messy. Registration is required for this program. This program is for children ages 5-12. Families can pick up a copy of each program's main book one week before the program to read together.
Summer Special
Join us each Wednesday at 2:30 PM for a new and exciting program for ages 5-12. No registration is required.
June 3 - Spelunking! Crawl through our pretend cave system and learn about cave art, hibernation and bio-luminescence. All bats and bears will be stuffed, not live.
June 10 - Cardboard Kingdom! Use our tools and supplies to build anything from a future vehicle to a medieval castle. Don't miss our third annual celebration of creativity and engineering.
June 17 - Unearth YOUR Story! It's time to write your own story. Learn about poetry, journaling and simple sketching, create your own junk journal and write your own story your way.
June 24 - Dinosaur Showdown! Build your own dinosaur from scratch. Choose how it defends itself, attacks and eats. Then battle other kids' creations to become the ultimate apex predator.
More programs will be available in July, keep an eye out!
Chess Club
Thursday, June 4 & 18 and July 2, 16, & 30 at 2:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play chess? Have you been playing for years and looking to polish your chess skills with others? Want to challenge yourself? Join our chess club for ages 8-18. Novice players can learn the basic moves, older players can play at a variety of skill levels to improve their play. Registration is required. Volunteer credit is available for teens.
Relaxed Reading
June 11 & 25 and July 9 & 23 at 2:00 PM
Reading is for everyone and the library is for reading! Join us for an hour of quiet, low pressure reading time in our meeting room. Find a comfy spot, choose a comfy book, take your time, and enjoy. This program is for children of any age. Librarians will be there to help you find just the right book and even read aloud once or twice. No registration is required. Non-readers should be accompanied by an adult who can read to them.
D&D Jr.
June 12 & 26, July 17 & 31 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Have you been waiting to try Dungeons and Dragons? Here’s a great place to start. Join our beginners game and complete a summer quest. For ages 12-15. Registration is required.
Special Programs
Evening programs for families...
Registration may be required. See entry for details.
Akron Mobile Zoo
Wednesday June 3 at 6:00 PM
The Akron Zoo is bringing animal ambassadors to visit. Don't miss your opportunity to see the zoo come to you! Adult and siblings are welcome to watch the show, but animal interactions are limited to children ages 3-12. Please click here to register your 3-12-year old. Space is limited.
Book Petting Zoo
Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family and find the best books for every reader in your house. Use our fun "Choose Your Own Adventure" format to lead you to fun and fascinating books you never knew we had. Here's your chance to find the secret treasure the library has been hiding all along. Adults, bring your ID to get library cards for every member of your family. For families with children ages 3 and up. No registration is required.
Lego Night
Thursday, June 18 @ 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family and build something amazing. Use our Legos to create your own ideas, join in games to jumpstart your creativity, and have a fun family night. For ages 4 and up. No registration is required.
Community Craft Swap
Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 PM
Is it time for a new hobby? Have your kiddos outgrown their art supplies? Are you ready to clean out that craft cupboard and make room for some fresh ideas? Want to share your newest art obsession with your neighbors? Here's your opportunity. Library patrons are invited to bring art and craft supplies they no longer want or need to trade for new materials. Bring your paper and scrapbooking products, yarn and embroidery supplies, beading materials, and unused kits to trade and share with the community. Bring any crafts you are working on to enjoy while we assemble the swap. Visit with other crafters while you wait, then choose something fresh to take home. Please NOTE: Do not bring any dangerous tools or supplies like glass, wood carving or leather tools. Any opened liquid products like glue or paint should be sealed in Ziplock bags to contain any mess. Any tiny loose items like crystals or beads should also be in well-sealed containers. The library will not be storing any excess materials after the event. If you choose to leave extra supplies, they may be thrown away.
More programs are coming in July...