Summer is already in full swing at the library, with patrons of all ages participating in special activities and programs.
At the Monument branch, over 1,750 children
up to age 12 are enrolled in the Be Creative reading program, over 150 enrolled in the Read to Me Program for ages 3 and under, and over 400 in the Teen Reading Challenge. More than 65 young volunteers are on hand to help enroll participants and give out prizes as they make their way through the programs.
The reading programs end on July 31, so it’s not too late to enroll. Teens can enroll online at the library Web site, ppld.org, and log their books from home. Younger children can come in to register and receive their prizes.
Summer programs continuing through July are Art in the Afternoon, each Monday at 2 at Monument and suitable for ages 6 and up; special programs each Tuesday at 10:30, suitable for all ages; and Stories & Crafts! for ages 5 to 8 on Thursdays at 2 p.m.
For information on specific programs, call the branch at 488-2370.
Another event for our younger patrons is Dewey’s birthday party, honoring our famous fish, with cake, fishy stories and crafts at 10:30 a.m. on July 28.
Monument teens enjoyed a dance at the branch after hours on June 19 and in July will enjoy free skating and free rentals at the Colorado Sports Center (previously Soc-n-Roll) on July 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. Advance registration is required with your library card. Space is limited, so register early.
The ultimate party of the summer is the Monument Summer Reading Party, to be held at Palmer Ridge High School on Friday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be shows, dancing, music, crafts, and treats. A theatrical production featuring young patrons of the library will be part of the show, so contact the branch by July 14 if you are interested in auditioning.
For adult patrons, the AARP Mature Safe Driving class will be offered on Saturday, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Registration is required and a minimum enrollment of 10 is required for the class to be held. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Graduates may present their course completion certificate to their insurance agent for discount rates.
Also during July, Lewis-Palmer High School graduate Wes Cronk will present the award-winning short film, "The Dying Western," about a young actor who is continuously cast as the cowboy who dies in western films. Following the screening, Cronk, who has been involved with over 50 films and was editor, visual effects supervisor, and sound designer of "The Dying Western," will talk about the film and answer questions. This event will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m.
Also for adults, the Monumental Readers book group will discuss "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen on Friday, July 17, at 10 a.m. New members are always welcome.
On the walls at the Monument Branch in July will be "It’s a Hoot," Laurel Bahe’s watercolors and photography featuring owls and dogs. In the display case will be "Toys for the Grandkids," a display of wooden toys crafted by local woodworker Liman Niblack.
