Albany County Public Library Gears Up for Summer Programs

A rocket launch, a scavenger hunt, legos, movies, puppets and life sized chess are all part of free programs being hosted by the Albany County Public Library this summer. Plus, readers of all ages can read to win prizes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the fun stuff going on at the library this summer.

For the Little Ones

The Children’s Summer Reading Challenge runs from May 29 – August 17. You can sign up at the library, where you’ll also find the summer reading log. Participants keep track of their reading, building up skills and win prizes for each level they complete. Those who complete all six levels receive entry coupons for the Grand Prize Drawing on August 22 with food, fun and music by J Shogren and his band.

After a hiatus in May, story times will return for the little ones. They’ll be held at the library at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. each Thursday. There will also be Stories at the Parks through June and July. On Tuesdays they’ll be at Undine Park at 10 a.m. and LaPrele Park at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday stories will be read at Washington Park at 10 a.m. and LaBonte Park at 10:45 a.m. Then on Thursdays they’ll be at Kiwanis Park at 10 a.m.

There will be plenty of interactive activities as well. On Tuesdays there will be craft at 2 p.m., Wednesdays the Lego Club will meet at 2 p.m. and on Thursdays there will be a special guest with a hands-on activity at 2 p.m. The Thursday schedule will have puppetry with Bob Aiken on June 7; storyteller Indiana Bones on June 14; there will be Explore Science hands-on activities on June 21; Lego Master Curtis Monk will visit on June 28; meet author Karla Oceanak and illustrator Kendra Spanjer, creators of the “Aldo Zelnick” books on July 12; and on July 19 is Things That Fly with UW bee expert Kyle Bolenbaugh.

You can also discover the architectural wonders of Laramie with your children during the Family Scavenger Hunt. All you have to do is pick up a clue card at the library and find the sites around Laramie.

Another fun family activity will be the kids film series. The Laramie Film Society will show three movies on Saturday’s at 2 p.m. The first film being shown is “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over” on May 26, then “Pooh” will be shown on June 2 and “Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.” The library will provide the 3-D glasses and while there is seating available, attendees are encouraged to bring their own comfortable seats.

For Young Adults (11-18)

Seeing as how these kids are pretty much already engulfed in the digital age, the library has decided to meet them there! Teens can download a reading log from the Teen Pad and read to win prizes. They can also have fun at YAK! which will continue throughout the summer on Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Here’s what’s happening at YAK! for the next few months:

- June 7 – Summer Reading Kick Off Party
- June 14 – Storyteller Indiana Bones
- June 21 – Astronomy Day
- June 28 – Lego Master Curtis Monk
- July 5 – Fortune Telling and Tanabata
- July 12 – Life Sized Chess
- July 19 – Time Traveler Day
- July 26 – Summer Olympic Party with Wii Sports
- August 2 – Mars Landing Party
- August 9 – Mars
- August 16 – Make Rockets
- August 23 – Launch Rockets
- August 30 – End of Summer Reading Party and Award Ceremony

For Adults

Yes, even adults can sign up for summer reading at the Information Station and read for prizes. Marjorie Daley reports that Laramie 20/30 is becoming “Laramie After Hours” in July. It will keep the same format of a monthly get together with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages served and beer for sale. On June 30 they’ll have a rocket launch from 2-4 p.m. at the Washington Park soccer fields.

There is a book club that meets one Thursday every month from 7 to 9 p.m. On June 21 they will discuss The Help by Katheryn Stockett and on July 19 they’ll talk about A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

Also, the Laramie Film Society will resume its Summer Film Series every Sunday beginning June 3 at 7 p.m. There is seating available but attendees are encouraged to bring comfortable seats.

The Albany County Public Library is located at 310 S. 8th in Laramie and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.