Media Release
Discover an “Ocean of Possibilities” with JAWsome books and learning at Stillwater Public Library’s (SPL) summer reading program. Most programs will take place outdoors. Participation in the SPL’s annual summer reading program is free, and registration begins May 23, with reading challenges and activities running through July 31. Readers of all ages are encouraged to sign up, read and join the fun.
Elizabeth Murray, children’s librarian, is looking forward to bringing back some interactive programming this year.
“The community really enjoys the performers and programs we bring in for summer reading, and we’re excited to have some of that component back this year,” Murray said. “While we still aren’t back to a full schedule, there is sure to be something for everyone.”
Patrons of all ages are invited to attend the following programs. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged to help staff appropriately plan for events.
· Saturday, June 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Kickoff summer reading by viewing the “In Search of Earth’s Secrets” exhibit, learning with ocean science activities and enjoying a storytime and visiting with author Kevin Kurtz to get a free copy of his book!
· Tuesday, June 7, 10 a.m. – Inspyral Circus displays incredible talents, including juggling, unicycle, bubbles and more.
· Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m. – Magician Kevin Wade takes viewers on an adventure featuring ocean tales, exploration and magic, of course!
· Friday, June 17, 7 p.m. – Attend the Enchantment Under the Sea Family Dance courtesy of the Stillwater Community Center in the library’s north parking lot. Tickets = $25/couple and $10 for each additional child, purchase at tickets.stillwater.org.
· Tuesday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Drop by the Echolocation Grotto (Bat Bus) from Alabaster Caverns State Park to learn all about bats.
· Tuesday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Stop by the Mobile FabLab and learn to design and create with 2D vector graphics software and bring ideas to life with a CO2 laser!
· Friday, July 8, 9 p.m. – Watch “Finding Dory” (PG, 1h 37m) in the library courtyard with free drinks and popcorn. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on.
· Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. – Mad Science amazes with fun ocean facts like, do whales sneeze? Why does an octopus have ink? How many teeth do sharks have?
· Friday, July 29, 5:30 p.m. – End summer reading with a Splash Pool Party! Participants who record at least 10 hours of reading by July 22 will be invited. RSVP required to attend. Limited to the first 125 RSVPs.
· Saturday, July 30, 3 p.m. – Join the Misspent Ukes for a Grand Finale Luau party with ukulele music, dancing and more!
Along with these family-focused events, older teens and adults will have the opportunity to participate in the following programs. Registration is required.
· Thursday, June 9, 6 p.m. – Learn Practical Water Conservation with Blue Thumb to get steps to begin practicing water conservation at home and understand how human actions affect water quality.
· Saturday, June 11, Time TBD – An Ocean Scientist associated with the JOIDES Resolution research vessel visits Stillwater to discuss recent discoveries. More info soon!
· Tuesday, June 14, 6 p.m. – Get tips about the making and upkeep of Water Features in the Garden with horticulture educator Laura Payne from Payne Co. Extension while enjoying the scenery at the Botanic Garden at OSU.
· Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. – Discover Amateur (HAM) Radio for Beginners with the Stillwater Amateur Radio Club. Walk away knowing what amateur radio is, what it isn’t and what can be done with it.
· Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. – Share a 3-5 minute water-themed story at the StorySLAM at Modella. Stories must be true and told from memory. Prizes will be awarded for the best-told stories.
· Friday, July 22, 9 p.m. – Watch “Jaws” (PG, 2h 4m) in the library courtyard with free drinks and popcorn. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on.
Summer readers will sign-up and track their reading using the online system BookPoints. Participants of all ages who read, or are read to, can earn cool digital badges and will be eligible for the following prizes:
· Every 5 hours (300 minutes) – Earn a small prize, including food coupons from local businesses, while supplies last.
· At 10 hours (600 minutes) – Kids (0-5th grade) earn a free book that can be picked up after July 31. One per child.
· At 15 hours (900 minutes) – Teens (6th-12th grades) earn a free book that can be picked up after July 31. One per teen.
· At 20 hours (1200 minutes) – Adults (ages 18+) earn a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library’s book sale that can be picked up after July 31. One per adult.
Additionally, all participants will earn grand prize drawing entries for every five hours of reading. One winner will be selected at the end of the summer in each age division – kids, teens and adults. Winners can choose from a list of prizes including a membership to the Jenks Aquarium, a gift card to a local business of their choice or a lifetime membership to the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library. Grand Prizes will not exceed a $150 value.
This year’s summer reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Science Foundation. The library also thanks local businesses that generously donate prize coupons to provide reading incentives for the community.
Register for “Oceans of Possibilities” and learn more information at library.stillwater.org. Those interested can also stop by the Help Desk, call (405) 372-3633 x8106 or email [email protected]. Follow @StillwaterOKLib on social media channels to keep up with summer reading happenings and other library events.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
