Latest news with #SummerReadingProgram
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Peoria library's summer reading program: Fun and prizes await
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)–Peoria Public Library summer reading program starts by picking up a bingo card and ends with a couple parties in traditionally quiet places. Elise Hearn, Manager of Programming at Peoria Public Library, and Jennifer Davis, Manager of Public Relations stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk more about the program. The theme of the annual program is 'Level Up,' a nod to gaming. People can jump in the game at any time by picking up a 'bingo card' at any Peoria Public Library. Once complete, that card becomes a ticket to the parties. Davis said there are many ways to fill a spot on the bingo card and there are engaging options for people of all ages as well as families. 'We actually have two parties this year. We'll be at the Riverfront Museum on Wednesday July 16. We'll take over the entire museum that evening,' Hearn said. The museum party is for families. The party on July 18, is at the Main Library, and for adults only. That one includes live music, and a D-J and prizes. Some of the prizes people are eligible to win upon completion of the program include a Nintendo Switch, a virtual reality headset, gift cards and more. People can also attend either party for $5 if they don't have a bingo card. The Summer Reading Program started June 2 and runs through July 15. Get all the details about the Peoria Public Library Summer Reading Program on their web site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summer reading program returns to the Bloomington Public Library
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — People of all ages can participate in the Bloomington Public Library's Summer Reading Program. The program started on May 27 and will continue through July 28, according to library spokesperson Rhonda Massie. Those interested in participating can pick up a reading log from the library or the Bookmobile. They can also be printed out at home by visiting the library's website. Kids, teens and adults have their own reading logs to fill out, which will get them the chance to take home prizes if they complete the log before the end of the summer. Prizes will be distributed from June 9 to the end of the program in July. Last year, the library set a record with 5,330 people completing the program. Massie said that was a more than 16% increase over the previous record. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. The digital guide, available online, introduces Valparaiso's services, provides a map of neighborhoods and shares city highlights. The Guide also includes a handy quick links page connecting residents to city departments, pathways maps, city calendars and educational opportunities. The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide. It also is available online at or on the Community Engagement page at New summer hours are in effect at the Gary Public Library Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., through Aug. 9. The branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Friday. The Kennedy Branch is currently closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Hours at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., remain the same, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to attend a special Water Safety Talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Main Library. Special guest speaker will be a representative from Blue Flow Great Lakes Organization. The program is free. For more information contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 104. The annual Summer Reading Program 'Color Our World' begins June 14 at all units of the Gary Public Library. The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library units or on the library's website, A special Summer Reading Program Kick-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 in the parking lot of the Main Library. The event will feature food, games, face painting, author Ben Clement, The Gary Literacy Coalition, the Gary Police and Fire Departments as well as a variety of local vendors. All units of the Gary Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Holiday. Library service will resume on June 20. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease' with Nikky Witkowski at 6 p.m. June 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The session will explore effective prevention strategies that help reduce the risk of plant disease before it starts. From choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and maintaining proper watering techniques to improving soil health and ensuring adequate air circulation, the program will cover practical, eco-friendly methods that support long-term plant wellness in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@ to reserve a space or register at Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. State Road, La Porte. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music with a live DJ, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at or by calling 219-488-1380. Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 8 through 29 at the Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Adults with type 2 diabetes and those who are at risk as well as family members, caregivers and support persons are invited to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department there is no cost to Lake County Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. Taught by Health and Human Sciences Educator Linda Curley, the program includes: planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes; cooking demonstrations and food sampling; motivation and support by connecting with others who are living with diabetes; ideas for staying active; and an understanding of how diabetes affects overall health. Register by calling Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. The digital guide, available online, introduces Valparaiso's services, provides a map of neighborhoods and shares city highlights. The Guide also includes a handy quick links page connecting residents to city departments, pathways maps, city calendars and educational opportunities. The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide. It also is available online at or on the Community Engagement page at New summer hours are in effect at the Gary Public Library Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., through Aug. 9. The branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Friday. The Kennedy Branch is currently closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Hours at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., remain the same, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to attend a special Water Safety Talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Main Library. Special guest speaker will be a representative from Blue Flow Great Lakes Organization. The program is free. For more information contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 104. The annual Summer Reading Program 'Color Our World' begins June 14 at all units of the Gary Public Library. The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library units or on the library's website, A special Summer Reading Program Kick-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 in the parking lot of the Main Library. The event will feature food, games, face painting, author Ben Clement, The Gary Literacy Coalition, the Gary Police and Fire Departments as well as a variety of local vendors. All units of the Gary Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Holiday. Library service will resume on June 20. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease' with Nikky Witkowski at 6 p.m. June 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The session will explore effective prevention strategies that help reduce the risk of plant disease before it starts. From choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and maintaining proper watering techniques to improving soil health and ensuring adequate air circulation, the program will cover practical, eco-friendly methods that support long-term plant wellness in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@ to reserve a space or register at Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. State Road, La Porte. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music with a live DJ, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at or by calling 219-488-1380. Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 8 through 29 at the Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Adults with type 2 diabetes and those who are at risk as well as family members, caregivers and support persons are invited to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department there is no cost to Lake County Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. Taught by Health and Human Sciences Educator Linda Curley, the program includes: planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes; cooking demonstrations and food sampling; motivation and support by connecting with others who are living with diabetes; ideas for staying active; and an understanding of how diabetes affects overall health. Register by calling Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@
Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
One for the Books: Naperville Public Library's reading program a great way to start summer
Hold on to your tokens because Naperville Public Library's Summer Reading Program is back! We invite you to celebrate the digital age of play with this year's theme: Level Up at Your Library. Readers of all ages are encouraged to register for the Summer Reading Program. You don't need a library card to sign up. Just head to your nearest library location or go online at to start your summer reading adventure. The children's Summer Reading Program is open to children from birth to fifth grade. The program gives children an opportunity to explore new books and maintain their reading skills, even when school is not in session. Once registered, children can pick up a Summer Reading Kit at the library, which will include a reading log and prizes for the first three levels of the program. Depending on the child's age, they can win pixel-perfect prizes like bubbles, a puzzle eraser, a fortune teller origami craft and more. With the help of an adult, children set their own daily reading goals. They can choose the number of pages, chapters, minutes or books they aspire to read each day, depending on their age and reading level. The program has four levels with 12 days of daily reading per level. Once a child has completed a level, they can pick a prize from their kit. Once they've filled their entire reading log, children can head over to Naperville Public Library to pick out their final prize: a new book to keep. They'll also be entered into the grand prize giveaway for a Summer Reading Program prize basket. Adults and teens can create an online account to track their summer reading progress through the library's Beanstack platform or print reading logs from the library's website. Teens are encouraged to read at least 15 minutes a day. For every five hours they read, they'll earn a prize. This includes print books, audiobooks, graphic novels, eBooks and more. Trying for a new record? Teens can earn an extra entry into our end-of-summer grand prize drawing for every five additional hours they read. Adults can join in the fun as well. The adult program is made up of three levels. Each level is completed by reading three books, and participants can choose a prize after each level. Prize options include a flashlight, zippered tech travel case, aluminum water bottle or a new book to keep after completing the last level. Prizes can be picked up at any library branch. Get your game on this summer with special storytimes and programs. Sing, dance and celebrate summer with a Summer Kickoff Concert with Jim Gill. Known for songs like 'Hands Are for Clapping,' 'Jumping and Counting' and 'Silly Dance Contest,' Jim's music is sure to have everyone on their feet. Gather the family and head over to 95th Street Library at 6 p.m. Friday, May 30. For even more fun, join us for a Pokémon GO Lure Party, video game-inspired crafts and plenty of outdoor storytimes this summer. While you're at the library, explore the bookstacks and join the hunt for Bigfoot. We've heard he's been hiding around in the Children's Department while he waits for you to find him. We can't wait for you to level up your summer with us at Naperville Public Library!
