- Summer Reading
2023 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 2023:
Children - 1 year - 3rd graders
Tweens - 4th - 6th graders
Teens - 7th - 12th graders
Adults - Pick up your bingo card at the front desk
Get registered for summer reading!
* Adults do not need to register -- just pick up a Bingo Card on June 12th or after.
Events
For Toddlers and Preschoolers
Story Time—
Wednesdays: June 21st - August 2nd @ 10:30am
Garden Games—
Following each Story Time outside in the garden —Weather permitting.
Sponsored by City Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
For Children of all ages and Families
SMSO Symphony — Every Thursday in June at 4:00pm
You are invited to join us weekly in the Library Garden for this music series. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
Caribbean Steel Drums- June 20th @ 5:00pm
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
This interactive concert is a unifying experience of singing, drumming, dancing, and excitement that promotes peace and understanding. Come sail away with us across the clear blue waters of the Caribbean to exotic islands and sandy beaches.
Sarett -Wildlife Wonders — June 30 @ 4:00pm
Sponsored by Sue Plummer
Sarett naturalists will bring a variety of animal ambassadors and taxidermied mounts to discuss animal adaptations, diet and habitat of different animal types.
Black Light Friendship Puppet Show — July 18 @ 2:00pm
Sponsored by Honor Credit Union
Friendship, Citizenship and Anti-Bullying Black Light Puppet Show: Four colorful stories empower students in life skills.
Happy Birthday Harry Potter! — July 31 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm (open house)
Sponsored by Glenn and Kathy Ward
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” program with crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt (attendees are encouraged to wear their wizard attire, though it is not required).
For Tweens:Incoming 4th-6th Grades
Nerf Games — July 10 @ 11:00am (combined with teens)
Sponsored by Judy Felland
Players will run, dodge, and dive as they try to out-wit and out-blast the competition during NERF Mobile Games! From 'Capture the Flag' to'Eliminator' to the 'Zombies Vs. Humans,' players will put their physical and mental skills to the test with several game styles.
Also check out our Children and Families programs. They are open to all ages.
For Teens: Incoming 7th-12th Grades
Kick Off Party — June 14th @ 4:30 - 6:00pm
Sponsored by an anonymous donor
Get registered,check out new books, have a treat.
Comic Art! — June 21st @ 5:00pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Jerry DeCaire, an illustrator known for his work on MARVEL comics will be at the library to give a live drawing demo. Comic art has long been used to bring fantasy to life. Super heroes,orcs, elves, sorcerers, dragons, wizards, and more. As quickly as the eye can follow, art and fantasy are created in this fascinating live drawing performance.
Teen Movie Night —June 28th @ 5:00pm-7:00pm
Sponsored by Sue Plummer
It's teen movie night with the OutCenter as a part of their PrideMonth celebrations! Come enjoy snacks
and a teen movie at the library, and get information about the resources, events, and opportunities OutCenter has this summer.
Nerf Games-Combined with Tweens — July 10th @ 11:00am(Sponsored by Judy Felland)
Players will run, dodge, and dive as they try to out-wit and out-blast the competition during NERF Mobile Games! From 'Capture the Flag' to'Eliminator' to the 'Zombies Vs. Humans,' players will put their physical and mental skills to the test with several game styles.
Teen Tie Dye- July 12th @ 5:00p-6:30p Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Back by popular demand, get into the summer spirit with Tie Dye! Bandanas will be provided.
Galaxy Glitter Jars- July 26th @ 5:00pm(Sponsored by Serendipity by the Shore)
Create glitter jars for stress relief, mindfullness or just for fun!
Teen Board Game Cafe —August 2nd @ 5:00pm-7:00pm Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
End of SRP Party -Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with a teen board game cafe! Snacks will be provided as you enjoy games like Scrabble, Clue, UNO, Throw Throw Burrito or bring a game to share!
For Adults:
Primers, Chalk and Bells— June 15 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Judy Felland & Sue Plummer
Did you know that Berrien County had over 100 One Room Schoolhouses? Rochelle Balkam will present this historytalk at the library.
House Plant Swap — July 13th @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Sue Plummer
DJoin us for an Indoor house plant swap, mocktails, and music in the garden. Bring your own houseplant propagation cuttings or full plants (pest free, please!) to swap for some new and different plants.
The Cheese Lady — July 18th @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
Deb Sailor, The Cheese Lady, returns with her popular entertaining tutorial including making a charcuterie board and more.
Michigan Mutual UFO Network — July 2th0 @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by Glenn and Kathy Ward
Bill Konkolesky, State Director of the Michigan Chapter of MUFON, recounts documented UFO sightings over Michigan.
Creek Stewart-Survival Instructor -- July 24th @ 6:00pm
Sponsored by The Friends of the Library
Outdoorsman, television host, survival instructor, and author Creek Stewart shares life lessons about taking risks, believing in yourself, and the transformative power of connecting with nature
Mysterious Michigan- July 27th @ 6pm
Sponsored by Friends of the Library
Author, researcher, podcaster and cemetery enthusiast Amber rose Hammond shares tales of Michigan's mysterious and supernatural past.
Shipwrecks and Rescues on Lake Michigan
Author Michael Passwater will be here to discuss shipwrecks that have occurred on Lake Michigan.
He will have books available for purchase and will do book signings.
