Attention, parents!
If you're like me you probably struggle with how to create a magical summer for your kids. When summer turns up the heat and your brain starts to boil, it can be hard to come up with ideas to fill those long days.
Let the library help! Best of all, everything is 100% free.
Join Our Summer Reading Program, of Course!
We're calling all cowpokes to saddle up for Summer Reading June 3-July 30.
Register here for the “Wanted: Readers” Summer Reading program for all ages – adults included!
Pick up a reading record at your favorite library then lasso up the family and join us for a Summer Reading Event.
Come to a Program
Bring your kids to a program or event and let the library do the work.
It might be Laser Tag for your teen, an Emojis workshop for your tween, fun with a western puppet show for your grade schooler or a pop culture extravaganza for the whole family.
Exploration Pass
Summer outings can be expensive. The library offers prepaid passes to some great local destinations. Have an adventure on us!
Take home a Robot
What could be cooler on a hot summer day than a robot! Put the latest technology in your child's hands by checking out a new friend!
Plan a Party at the Library!
Reserve The Forum at Koelbel Library, bring in your favorite DVD and screen a movie. Or go crazy and have a karaoke party courtesy of YouTube. The Forum has a projector, Blu-ray player, microphones and all the hook ups for you personal device — you can even check out a laptop from the library! The best part is the room is soundproof* so you don't have to be afraid to turn up the volume.
*This has been thoroughly tested by 9-year-old girls hyped up on cookies, so you know it's true!
See a Movie at the Library
Check out one of the movies we're screening this summer.
Two Words: Book Club
Kids always want to do what grownups do. Your child or teen can feel just like Mom or Dad when they use a book club kit with 10 copies of a book to start their own club!
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
Find Something to Read Without Ever Leaving Your Home
You'll feel better about their screen time when they're racking up the hours reading. Use one of our online resources for kids to find the digital books, comics and magazines your kids love.
For a fun, interactive reading experience check out Tumblebooks.
Makerspace
Take a trip to Castlewood Library to learn to sew, make a 3D print, use the lasercutter or just about anything else you can dream up. Talk to a tech specialist if you'd like a helping hand.
Not sure what you want to make? Try a Project Cards to get the ball rolling.
The Studio
Do you have a budding star on your hands? Record a music video or make your own movie at one of our Studios. Want some help to get started? Schedule time with a librarian and they'll help make your dream a reality.
Go Pro
Take home a Go Pro camera and let your kids film their summer adventures. You might be surprised what they're up to!
Show and Tech
Want access to all the cool technology the library has to offer? Host a Show and Tech and let the library bring the fun to you. Google Glass, Oculus Rift and the AR Parrot Drone are just a few of the resources we'd like to share.
Alyx's Guide to Great Websites for Kids
Youth Librarian Alyx put together this great list of websites for kids to explore.
Check Out a Playaway
These all-in-one devices provide hours of digital fun. They're great for road trips, waiting rooms and any other time you need help keeping them occupied. Try out one today!
Playaway Launchpad — a tablet pre-loaded with games and activities so fun, they won't know they're learning!
Playaway View — video players that make their favorite character, show or subject come to life.
Playaway Audiobooks — audiobooks without the need to download or play a CD? Yes, please!
