Free events and activities for kids, teens and adults all summer at Kawartha Lakes Public Library

Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites the community to embark on a cosmic adventure with a variety of free events and activities at all 14 library branches this summer.

Blast off into the universe of reading this summer with Kawartha Lakes Public Library's stellar Summer Reading Program, where young adventurers can explore the cosmos through the pages of their favourite books. With an exciting outer space theme, this year's summer programs promise an out-of-this-world experience for readers of all ages.

"We are thrilled to launch our Summer Reading Program with an outer space theme this year," said Marieke Junkin, manager of library programming and public services. "Reading is an adventure that knows no bounds, and what better way to inspire young minds than by inviting them to explore the wonders of the universe through a wide array of events and activities at their local library branch?"

This summer, Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites kids, their families and caregivers to embark on a journey through galaxies far, far away with an array of captivating books, engaging activities, and cosmic events. From thrilling space adventures to fascinating tales of alien encounters, events and activities planned this summer offer something for every budding astronaut, explorer, and stargazer.

"The Summer Reading Program is not only a fun way to spend the summer months; it also helps prevent the 'summer slide' by keeping kids engaged and motivated to read," added Junkin. "We look forward to inspiring a love of reading and learning in our community while fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos."

The interstellar fun all starts Saturday, June 22. Space explorers of all ages are encouraged to visit their local branch and embark on their cosmic journey.

Highlights of this summer’s exciting lineup includes:

• Summer Reading Club Passport: Children of any reading level are encouraged to sign up for the Summer Reading Club Passport program. The passport will take kids on a summer-long journey that encourages them to keep reading and take part in special library programs and activities. Children can bring their passport to their local branch each week to collect beads and special tags that can be strung on a necklace that they can proudly wear to show off their love for reading.
• Space Explorers Club: The library’s team of space enthusiasts will lead children ages 4 to 10 through fantastic games, activities and out-of-this-world crafts that promote a love of reading with lots of take away ideas for them to explore at home. Check the library’s Events Calendar for more details and program times.
• StoryWalks: The ever popular StoryWalks continue this summer with new titles being put in place at several outdoor locations. Families can go for a nice walk around local sites while finding and reading pages of a kid’s book placed along the route. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. This summer the library will be hosting StoryWalks at nine locations across Kawartha Lakes.
• Weekly crafts and hands on fun activities: Children, their families and caregivers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, curiosity, and imagination every week. From arts and crafts to hands-on experiences, each weekly activity is designed to encourage children to ask questions, explore new concepts, and learn through play. All of these activities are free and are available whenever the branch is open.
• Crafting and Lego challenges: Kids can embark on a creative journey to design and build their own space creatures and environments through the library’s “Make an Alien” and “Lego Mania” challenges. Using crafting materials and Lego bricks on hand at all library branches, kids can unleash their imagination to create unique spaceships, alien worlds, and cosmic landscapes. Prizes will be awarded to best creations!
• Branch scavenger hunts: Each branch will continue to have a Scavenger Hunt that has a variety of hidden images lurking about the branch waiting to be discovered by kids. Join us this summer for special space themed versions of this ever popular adventure, designed especially for our littlest explorers.
• Immersive Space Experience (new this year!): Step into the cosmos and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the universe with our immersive space-themed experience. Space explorers of all ages will be transported to the far reaches of outer space as they explore a multi-sensory environment filled with stunning projections, captivating films, and even a virtual spacewalk. Young adventurers can also explore a variety of activity stations that prepare them for a trip into outer space.
• Special events: There are a variety of exciting special events planned at each branch this summer. Library visitors can enjoy animal shows featuring woolly creatures, local turtles and birds of prey. The Paddling Puppeteer will portage through some local library branches and share his gift of storytelling, songs and puppetry. The library’s popular Touch a Truck events take place again this summer at all 14 branches. Kids and adults can see a variety of vehicles up close and meet the people who operate them. Fire trucks, police cruisers, ambulances, garbage trucks, city buses and heavy equipment will be on display at all branches throughout the summer. Dates and times for all special events are listed on the library’s online Events Calendar.
• Pop-up StoryTimes: Stay tuned to the library’s social media platforms (follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram) for some exciting “pop-up” events such as StoryTime programs taking place at some of our local parks and beaches.
• Programming for Teens and Adults: The library has made sure that it’s not just kids who are having fun this summer. Our “Reading Bingo” for adults is designed to add a fun twist to your reading journey, Reading Bingo encourages participants to explore new genres, authors, and themes while enjoying the thrill of completing challenges and earning rewards. More information about the library’s Reading Bingo is available on the library website. The summer edition of the library’s Teen Subscription Box is a treasure trove of celestial delights curated to ignite the imagination and fuel a passion for reading. Teens can enjoy captivating reading recommendations, cosmic goodies and a chance to connect and engage with other teen readers in Kawartha Lakes. More information about the Teen Subscription Box program is on the library website.

For more information on these and other library programs visit the Kawartha Lakes Public Library website or contact your local library branch.