- Summer Reading
2019 
Summer Reading @ the Library
Summer reading would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors and donors. THANK YOU!
Check out our summer reading programs for Summer 2019:
Children - 1 year - 3rd graders
Tweens - 4th - 6th graders
Teens - 7th - 12th graders
Adults - Pick up your book log at the main desk
Get registered for summer reading!
* Adults do not need to register -- just pick up a book log on/after June 11th
Events
For Toddlers and Preschoolers
Story Time—
Tuesdays: June 18 - July 23* @ 6:30pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
and
Wednesdays: June 19 - July 24* @ 10:30am
Sponsored by Johnson Law Office
(* please note - no story time July 2nd and 3rd.)
Garden Games—
Following each Story Time (evening & mornings!) Outside in the garden —Weather permitting.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library and Johnson Law Office
For Children of all ages and Families
Mime Rob Reider — June 18 @ 1:00pm
Sponsored by Honor Credit Union
Whether on stage or strolling through the audience, his mime, juggling, balloon animals and hilarious improvisation will make your afternoon a truly fun experience.
Sarett - Survival of the Fittest: Nature edition — June 25 @ 2:00pm
Sponsored by Anjum and Kim Gillespie
A Sarett Naturalist will bring a variety of indigenous animals to show attendees all the curious ways they’ve modified their bodies to survive.
Our Universe Rocks — July 9 @ 2:00pm
Sponsored by Dr. Brown-Advanced Skin and MOHS Surgery Center
This space-themed Rock and Roll show is a big hit with earthlings of all ages. Let's dance, clap, twist, and rock, in this fun, interactive, energizing concert. All music and vocals are performed live! A great family event with audience participation and one that is sure to please kids of all ages.
Roz Puppets — July 18 @ 6:30pm
Sponsored by Dr. Brown-Advanced Skin and MOHS Surgery Center
Roz Puppets are reminiscent of Jim Henson’s puppets… colorful, fun, and engaging. Join us for a hilarious retelling of a classic Aesop Fable as Roz Puppets present: The Boy Who Saw Martians.
Happy Birthday Harry Potter! — July 31 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm (open house)
Sponsored by Keller & Keller and Ray and Liz Darato
You are cordially invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (a.k.a. Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library) for a celebration of the birth of the esteemed and beloved young wizard, Harry Potter. This will be an informal “drop-in” afternoon/early evening program with crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt (attendees are encouraged to wear their wizard attire, though it is not required).
For Tweens:
Kick Off Party — June 10th from 3:00 - 6:00pm
Sponsored by Veersma State Farm Insurance and Kathy&Gary Cowall
Get registered, play a game, have a treat. Door Prizes every half hour.
Glow in the Dark Games — June 19 @ 2:00pm
Sponsored by Glenn and Kathy Ward
With various stations of glow in the dark games, via black light, they will get a chance to compete in teams in an environment that glows with the brighter side of the moon! Refreshments, glow in the dark face paint, cosmic dancing and prizes will add to the fun in this tween only event.
NERF Blast! — July 10 @ 4:00pm (combined with teens)
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Back by popular demand! Blast your friends...and have a blast with your fiends! Players will run, dodge, and dive as they try to out wit and out-blast the competition. From “Capture the Flag” to “Eliminator” to “Zombies vs. Human,” players will put their physical and mental skills to the test. This event will be held in our garden, weather permitting.
Also check out our Children and Families programs. They are open to all ages.
For Teens:
Kick Off Party — June 10th from 3:00 - 6:00pm
Sponsored by Veersma State Farm Insurance and Kathy&Gary Cowall
Get registered, play a game, have a treat. Door Prizes every half hour..
Glow On, Moon! — June 26 @ 2:00pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Celebrate the night sky by creating an original glow-in-the-dark piece of art. Make a moonscape stencil or freehand a space design, then use glow-in-the-dark paint on black felt to make a one-of-a-kind wall hanging! Or bring a black t-shirt, and make your art wearable.
NERF Blast! — July 10 @ 4:00pm (combined with tweens)
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Back by popular demand! Blast your friends...and have a blast with your fiends! Players will run, dodge, and dive as they try to out wit and out-blast the competition. From “Capture the Flag” to “Eliminator” to “Zombies vs. Human,” players will put their physical and mental skills to the test. This event will be held in our garden, weather permitting.
Happy Birthday Harry Potter! — July 31 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm (open house)
Sponsored by Keller & Keller and Ray and Liz Darato
You are cordially invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (a.k.a. Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library) for a celebration of the birth of the esteemed and beloved young wizard, Harry Potter. This will be an informal “drop-in” afternoon/early evening program with crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt (attendees are encouraged to wear their wizard attire, though it is not required).
Escape the Library Lock-In — August 3 - 6:00pm-12:30pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Earn your ticket to the all night lock-in! Just finish the reading program, and it's yours! We'll have games, an escape room, movies, lots of snacks, and fun! Ticket Required.
For Adults:
Invasive Species Prevention — June 12 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Terry and Liz Allen
Jared Harmon Outreach Educator of the Berrien Conservation District will be on hand to share his expertise in identifying invasive species as well as how treatment options for affected areas. The hour long program includes a slide show presentation and handouts. Jared will provide information about invasive species that are of particular concern locally such as Japanese knotweed, Flowering Rush, European Frogbit, and Chinese Yam just to name a few.
Hunting for Michigan's Mail Order Homes — June 24 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Did you know that at one point in time you could order an entire home from Sears? Join homeowners Andrew and Wendy Mutch to learn about the history of catalog and kit houses and the role that Michigan played in the industry. Hear tips on how to identify kit homes, see a variety of vintage promotional materials, and take a photographic tour of various models found in Michigan and throughout the United States.
Still Missing: Michigan Mysterious Disappearances — July 10 @ 6:00pm >> At Benton Harbor Public Library
Sponsored by Lisa Bartoszek
Planes that disappear over the water, people who simply vanish, and ships that sail off...never to be heard from again are just some of the topics Michigan author Ross Richardson will discuss in his presentation. The presentation is perfect for the innately curious, anyone who loves history, or those who enjoy mysteries and the Mitten State. NOTE: This is in partnership with the Benton Harbor Library and will take place at Benton Harbor Public Library .
House of David Baseball — July 17 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Darlene Kiessel
Did you know that we have “old school” baseball played in the area throughout the summer? Come and learn about the iconic House of David Baseball team as retired newspaper editor and House of David ballplayer Rick Ast presents the history behind the House of David's defining sports team.
World War II In their Own Words -- July 25 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Terry & Liz Allen Join us as Larry Martin shares the oral history of Fred Bahlau who served in World War II as a member of the 101st Airborne. Fred jumped into France during D-Day, participated in Operation Market Garden, and was surrounded by German forces during the famous Battle of the Bulge. Come and hear the amazing testimony and experiences of one of the members of the Greatest Generation.
