Grand Island, Neb. — Readers of all ages are invited to “Unearth a Story” at the Grand Island Public Library this summer. The fun kicks off for kids in May, while weekly programs for kids and teens start in June and run through the month of July. Do not forget to enroll in the library’s annual summer reading challenge beginning May 31.
All Grand Island Public Library programs are offered free to the public, and no library card is required to participate. Some programs have limited capacity, so preregistration is required where noted. An interactive version of the summer reading program guide may be accessed online by going to https://bit.ly/GIPL26SRP. For more information or to register for a program, call the library at 308-385-5333 or visit https://www.gilibrary.org.
New this year
People are also reading…
Storytimes at Stolley Park
Thursdays May 14, June 11, and July 9 at 10 a.m.
For all ages
Drop in for a story in the Stolley Park Garden, 2103 W Stolley Park Rd.
Log your reading minutes and win prizes
Readers of all ages can log their reading minutes with the Beanstack website and app (https://gilibrary.beanstack.com) between Sunday, May 31, and Saturday, August 8. Paper reading logs are also available at the library for children ages 0-11. There are separate challenges for kids up to age 11, teens ages 12-18, and adults 18 and up, and registration opens May 1. This year, the library has set a community reading goal of 1.5 million minutes.
For kids and teens, completing certain reading milestones earns rewards, including free books. For each reading or activity goal met, readers of all ages will earn virtual drawing tickets for a grand prize at the end of the summer.
Youth art show
Calling all artists ages 5-18. Express your creativity and showcase your artwork in this year’s juried art show at the library. Artists may submit up to two original works. Submissions are open June 15-26 at the library’s front desk, and the exhibit will be open at the library’s Art Alcove during the month of July.
Summer Reading Camp
Summer Reading Camp
Mondays at 2 p.m., June 1 – July 27 (except June 29)
For kids entering 1st-5th grade
Boost your reading skills while school is out with group activities led by trained volunteers. Registration is required by June 1.
Monday events and weekly programs
Fun activities, presentations, and special guests will be featured at the library every Monday morning from June 1 to July 27 (except June 29). Check the online calendar at http://www.gilibrary.org/megamondays for a full list.
Each program features new activities every week. Check the library’s online event calendar at http://www.gilibrary.org/calendar for details. Programs run June 1 – July 31, with no programs June 29 - July 3.
America 250 programs
America 250 BINGO
Tuesday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.
For ages 11 and under
Kids can play United States-themed BINGO.
Red, White & Blue Galaxy Jar Craft
For ages 10-18
Participants can make a glittering, patriotic galaxy jar. All supplies will be provided.
Weekly tween and teen programs
Tween programs
Thursdays at 2 p.m., June 4 – July 30 (except July 2)
For ages 10-13
New activities are offered every week, including tiny canvas painting (June 11), a taste test (June 25), a laser-cut wooden dinosaur art project (July 9), and DIY excavation kits (July 16 and 23). Preregistration is required for some programs; see the full list of programs online at http://www.gilibrary.org/tweenprograms.
Teen programs
For ages 12-18
New activities are offered every week, including anime club at Pham’s Coffee & Boba (June 8), candle making (June 15), book bedazzling (July 20), and an escape room (July 27). Preregistration is required for some programs; see the full list of programs online at http://www.gilibrary.org/teenprograms.
Library services and contact information
The Grand Island Public Library serves both residents of the City of Grand Island and Hall County. Anyone who lives in or owns property anywhere within Hall County may apply for a library card at no cost. Library updates are available at https://www.gilibrary.org, Facebook, and Instagram. Patrons can access their library accounts, search the catalog, and discover digital collections at https://gilibrary.tlcdelivers.com or download the Grand Island Public Library app on a mobile device.
For more information on the library’s summer programs, call Youth & Family Services Librarian Laura Fentress or Teen & Technology Librarian Erica Rogers at 308-385-5333.
