Library’s Go Wild Outside program highlights week of KHCPL fun

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A pod of prospective mermaids and mermen paddled their way to the Russiaville branch of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library last week for Mermaid Camp, part of the library's "Go Wild Outside" program.

The guppies got the opportunity to strap on fin-shaped party hats and create some undersea crafts, from watercolor paintings to paper plate shells.

Some swimmers chose to create a scene 20,000 leagues under with stickers, and others delighted in fishing for finny figures in a sensory pool.

The Mermaid Camp will be followed up today with one final Go Wild Outside feature in Russiaville. At 10 a.m., Shark Camp caps off the Summer Reading Program festivities.

The camp combines outdoor play, exploration, and hands-on activities, ensuring children have ample opportunities to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. This event is designed for children ages 0-5.

See additional photos from Mermaid Camp on the Kokomo Lantern Facebook page or group.

Other events taking place at KHCPL locations this week include:

New Baby Bunch

Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group meets each Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. The next meeting is Mon., July 29. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.

Bookmobile Craft and Storytime

Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Bookmobile at Jackson Morrow Park on Tue., July 30, from 9:30-11 a.m. for crafts and storytime. Participants can sign up for the summer reading program and check out items.

Discovery Center: Video Games

Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Tue., July 30, have fun with video games at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 2-4 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.

Discovery Center: 3D Pens

Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Wed., July 31, have fun with 3D pens at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from noon until 2 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.

Storytime with Officer Swan and K9 Max

Spend some time with Officer Swan and the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s favorite police dog, Max! Participants also will get a look at Officer Swan’s police car. This event takes place Thu., Aug. 1, from 10-11 a.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., and is open to all ages.

Amazing World of Virtual Reality

The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host an evening in the Amazing World of Virtual Reality on Thu., Aug. 1, from 6-7 p.m. at its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr. There also will be other fun STEM gadgets to play with. This event is designed for children ages 6-13. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.

Butterflies and Blooms

Come to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road on Sat., Aug. 3, from 10-11 a.m. to explore the Butterfly Garden. This opportunity is free and open to all ages.

Reading with Pet Partners

Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., and at the main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. until noon.

Craft Corner

Lavender is one of the easiest flowers to paint, which makes it a perfect acrylic painting for beginners. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Aug. 3, from 1-3 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, for some painting with cotton swabs. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.