Consider adding some of these free learning activities to your summer schedule:

Springfield-Greene County Library Programs for All Ages

June 2022

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The library has a variety of programs for our community, including in-person, virtual, and offsite. Please check the library’s program page at thelibrary.org/programs for any program updates.

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Everyone is invited to join the 2022 Summer Reading Program for months filled with reading challenges and boredom-busting activities for kids from birth to age 18! Kids and teens who join the free program can grow their reading skills and earn great rewards.

The program runs June 1-Aug. 6. There’s a program for all age groups -- Tiny Tots & Preschool: Birth–Age 5; Kids: Ages 6–11; Teens: Grades 6–12.  Adults have a Summer Reading Program, too, with a sign-up gift and chances for cool prizes in August.

Beginning June 1, participants can pick up a game board at any Springfield-Greene County Library branch or the Mobile Library, or log on to thelibrary.org/summerreading and follow the links to register for the reading program that fits you. Start logging reading minutes and complete the activities to earn great prizes.

There are lots of programs to attend, too. Be amazed by magicians, musicians and mad scientists at events at library branches, community centers and area parks. Then explore our community’s most popular sites at seven Fantastic Fridays.

Visit thelibrary.org/programs for a complete schedule of events, or see the summer issue of Bookends, the free calendar of events at any branch.

The program is funded by the Friends of the Library.

Here’s what else is happening around the library district this June:

Offsite - Fantastic Friday at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

Friday, June 3

10 a.m.-noon for preschool-grade 5 at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Explore the amazing island culture of Japan at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park! Enjoy stories and songs and explore the beautiful gardens with free admission from 10 a.m.-noon. Learn the art of fish printing (gyotaku) and enjoy other activities that celebrate Japan. Bring your library card – the Mobile Library will be parked nearby.

Offsite - Stories & Art in the Park

Saturday, June 4

11 a.m.-noon for ages 3-7 at Living Memorial Park, 4323 S. Nature Center Way. Saturdays are made for family fun! Kick off your weekend with stories, songs and art in the park with your favorite Schweitzer Brentwood Branch librarians. Be sure to dress for messy fun! Provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

Offsite - Preparing the Soil for a Micro Meadow

Sunday, June 5

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for adults at the GLO Center, 518 E. Commercial St. Preparing the soil for wildflowers starts in the summer. Learn the basics and take some supplies home to prepare your own micro meadow! #PlantWildflowers

Offsite - Storytime at Doling Park

Monday, June 6

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for infants-age 6 with an adult caregiver at Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St. Gather 'round for a storytime in the park! Join your favorite children's librarians from the Library Station for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet near the large pavilion behind the Family Center. Provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

Offsite - The Pirate Who Didn't Want to be a Pirate

Monday, June 6

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for preschool-grade 4 at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Yo ho! You may not know that Elliot the Entertainer was born a pirate! But he wasn't sure life on the ocean was for him. He stopped at a library in every port to check out books and learn about the many possibilities open to him - chef, race car driver, scientist and others. Elliott ponders a career change in this hilarious show that will keep kids laughing with juggling, stunts and magic.

Offsite - Stories in the Park

Tuesday, June 7

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infant-age 6 in the J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs & activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.

Offsite - The Pirate Who Didn't Want to be a Pirate

Tuesday, June 7

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for preschool-grade 4 at Ash Grove City Park, 300 W. Parkway St. Yo ho! You may not know that Elliot the Entertainer was born a pirate! But he wasn't sure life on the ocean was for him. He stopped at a library in every port to check out books and learn about the many possibilities open to him - chef, race car driver, scientist and others. Elliott ponders a career change in this hilarious show that will keep kids laughing with juggling, stunts and magic.

Racing to Read Storytime

Tuesday, June 7

For infants-age 6. Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.

·         Strafford Branch Library community room 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

·         The Library Center Story Hour Room 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

·         Willard Branch Library community room 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

·         The Library Center Story Hour Room 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

·         The Library Station Story Hour Room 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Strafford Branch Library - Turn Shopping Bags into Plarn!

Tuesday, June 7

4 p.m.-5 p.m. for adults. Overwhelmed with bags of bags? Stop them from getting to the ocean by learn to turn them into plastic yarn that can be made into tote bags and other crafts. Materials will be provided.

Offsite - The Pirate Who Didn't Want to be a Pirate

Wednesday, June 8

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for preschool-grade 4 at Fair Grove Elementary School, 132 N. Main St. Yo ho! You may not know that Elliot the Entertainer was born a pirate! But he wasn't sure life on the ocean was for him. He stopped at a library in every port to check out books and learn about the many possibilities open to him - chef, race car driver, scientist and others. Elliott ponders a career change in this hilarious show that will keep kids laughing with juggling, stunts and magic.

Offsite - FilmStubs

Wednesday, June 8

7 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults at the Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101. Both novice and seasoned cinephiles are welcome to join our free viewings of classic and cult films at The Moxie with discussion after the films. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

"Her," rated R.

Offsite - Fantastic Friday at the Steam Engine Grounds

Friday, June 10

10 a.m.-noon for preschool-grade 5 at Steam Engine Grounds, 7175 W. Farm Road 170. Heat water and what do you get? Steam power! Explore the amazing possibilities of steam power with our friends from the Ozark Steam Engine Association and the Southwest Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association! They are dedicated to restoring the steam-powered engines used in farming and industry in the mid-19th century around the Ozarks and the nation. Members of the associations will open the Steam-O-Rama event grounds to summer readers for a magnificent visit to the past, with activities and tours of these marvelous machines. Library staff will share stories throughout the morning. Bring your library card – the Mobile Library will be parked nearby.

Offsite - Northview Center Book Discussion

Friday, June 10

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for adults age 55 and older at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. Chat about our monthly title with other readers at this library-sponsored book group just for older adults.

"Life of Pi" by Yann Martel.

Offsite - Downtown Game Night

Friday, June 10

5 p.m.-7 p.m. for adults at Green House Coffee + Affogato Bar, 431 S. Jefferson Ave. Suite 172. Drop in to play various board and card games, and treat yourself to a coffee or affogato. Choose from our selection of games or bring your own.

Offsite - Stories in the Park

Saturday, June 11

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infants-age 6 at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. Meet us at the park for a special outdoor storytime with songs, books and a craft.

Offsite - Storytime at Doling Park

Monday, June 13

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for infants-age 6 with an adult caregiver at Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St. Gather 'round for a storytime in the park! Join your favorite children's librarians from the Library Station for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet near the large pavilion behind the Family Center. Provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

Fair Grove Branch Library - CrafterNoon

Monday, June 13

1 p.m.-3 p.m. for grades 5-12. Learn a new hobby and explore your creative side as you make paper, needle and pop culture crafts using a variety of everyday items in new ways. Materials will be provided.

Offsite - Dive into Science!

Monday, June 13

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for preschool-grade 5 at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Make waves with Mad Science as we explore the vast seas in this rollicking science adventure! You'll be amazed at the experiments and what there is to learn about our oceans.

Offsite - Stories in the Park

Tuesday, June 14

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infant-age 6 at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs & activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.

Racing to Read Storytime

Tuesday, June 14

For infants-age 6. Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.

·         Strafford Branch Library community room 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

·         The Library Center Story Hour Room 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

·         Willard Branch Library community room 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

·         The Library Center Story Hour Room 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

·         The Library Station Story Hour Room 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Virtual - SCORE Tuesdays @ Two

Tuesday, June 14

2 p.m.-3 p.m. for adults. Presented in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE. Register by calling or visiting thelibrary.org/programs; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.

Library Tools for Your Business. The Library offers abundant resources for your business and your life, many of which can be used from your smartphone. Learn how to use your library card to access apps for e-books, audiobooks and magazines; online training in business, creative and technical skills; and powerful tools for business and market research Registration starts May 31; call 417-883-1974.

Fair Grove Branch Library - Book Discussion

Wednesday, June 15

1 p.m.-2 p.m. for adults.

"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig.

Offsite - Fantastic Friday at the Railroad Historical Museum

Friday, June 17

10 a.m.-noon for preschool-grade 5 in the Railroad Historical Museum, 1300 N. Grant Ave. Tracks, switches, signals - there's a lot to get trains moving. Chug along with us to Grant Beach Park, where Railroad Historical Museum volunteers will explain how it all works and families can explore the train engine, cars and depot! Join library staff for train stories, activities and fun. Bring your library card – the Mobile Library will be parked nearby.

Virtual - Percy Jackson Trivia

Friday, June 17

7 p.m.-8 p.m. for grade 4-adult. Are you a true Percy Jackson fan? Show off your Olympian knowledge during our virtual trivia challenge and find out if you're the ultimate fan! Register groups of two or more by visiting thelibrary.org/programs. A link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Registration starts June 1.

Offsite - Preparing the Soil for a Micro Meadow

Saturday, June 18

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for adults at Meador Community Garden (Ray Kelly Park), 2225 S. Fremont. Preparing the soil for wildflowers starts in the summer. Learn the basics and take some supplies home to prepare your own micro meadow! #PlantWildflowers

Offsite - Stories in the Park

Tuesday, June 21

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infant-age 6 at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs & activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.

Strafford Branch Library - Racing to Read Storytime

Tuesday, June 21

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infants-age 6 in the community room. Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.

Offsite - Beach Party with Uke 66

Wednesday, June 22

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for all ages at Fair Grove Elementary School, 132 N. Main St. Rick and Karen Maxson of the international award-winning ukulele band, Uke 66, will jam with beach party songs. Put on your beach clothes, join us in the gym and be ready to dance the hula with Uke 66!

Offsite - Fantastic Friday at the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site

Friday, June 24

10 a.m.-noon for preschool-grade 5 at the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site, 7850 N. State Hwy V. Head out to the homestead to experience what life was like on Missouri's frontier. Take part in hands-on activities and storytime as the past comes to life. You’ll also get a sneak peek of the Missouri State Museum's traveling art exhibit "Benton, A Social History of Missouri," featuring a 70% scale reproduction of Thomas Hart Benton's legendary mural located in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Bring your library card – the Mobile Library will be parked nearby.

Offsite - Storytime at Doling Park

Monday, June 27

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. for infants-age 6 with an adult caregiver at Doling Park, 301 E. Talmage St. Gather 'round for a storytime in the park! Join your favorite children's librarians from the Library Station for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet near the large pavilion behind the Family Center. Provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

Offsite - "Jabari Jumps" Celebration!

Monday, June 27

3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for age 3-grade 5 at Miller Park, 711 E. Miller Road. Dive into storytime with the Library featuring the "Jabari Jumps" StoryWalk®! We'll meet at the Miller Park pavilion and walk through the Storywalk® together, then join us back at the pavilion for crafts and activities. The StoryWalk® will be available at Miller Park from June 21-July 4. StoryWalks® are a fun way for families to enjoy the outdoors while reading the pages of a book posted along a short walking path.

Offsite - Stories in the Park

Tuesday, June 28

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for infant-age 6 at J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic. Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs & activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.

Strafford Branch Library - Water, Water, Everywhere!

Tuesday, June 28

10 a.m.-11 a.m. for grades K-4 in the community room. Have you ever noticed that water is everywhere, not just in oceans? It's around us all the time -- frozen on mountaintops, floating through the sky as clouds and even flowing inside our bodies! Join Dickerson Park Zoo guests to learn why water is so important, what makes it vital for survival and how we can keep our water sources healthy for all living things.