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The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library invites all ages to its annual Summer Reading Program beginning Friday, June 5.
Each year, the Summer Reading Program challenges readers of all ages to read something every day. Participants who keep up their reading streaks will win prizes throughout the summer, with a grand prize of a free, after-hours pool party at Kokomo Beach on Saturday, July 25. The event is sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union.
This year’s theme is Unearth a Story, with dinosaur adventures planned all summer. The program will kick-off Friday, June 5 with a party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at KHCPL Main, where library visitors can enjoy treats, games, crafts and a dinosaur-themed museum experience. The exhibit will allow attendees to touch real fossils, examine bones and eggshells, explore a collection of dinosaur-themed books and learn about different dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.
The exhibit will be closed for lunch from 3-4 p.m. The exhibit will continue Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
Anyone can participate in the Summer Reading Program. All ages are invited, and participants do not need to have a library card to join the challenge.
The library has several other big events planned as part of the program. Meet the Dinosaurs Presented by Dinosaur Dimensions, an interactive dinosaur event, will take place Thursday, June 11 at KHCPL South from 10-11 a.m. and KHCPL Russiaville from 6-7 p.m., then at KHCPL Main on Friday, June 12 from 10-11 a.m.
Hoosier author Laura Martin will visit the Main library at noon Monday, June 15 to talk about her children’s books. The first 35 attendees will receive a free copy of her book “Edge of Extinction: Code Name Flood.”
Kokochella will return for the second year at KHCPL South at the Firefly Stage. The music festival is designed for children and will feature fun activities and several musical guests throughout the day. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10.
Children can also enjoy dinosaur-themed crafts, story times and activities in June and July. There are several events planned just for teens as well, including skull decorating on June 10, dino taxidermy on July 1 and clay fossil painting on July 8. Each of these events will take place at KHCPL Main from 2-4:30 p.m.
Events for both teens and adults include dino origami and a dragon egg treasure chest craft. A special session of Dungeons & Dragons is planned for Saturday, August 15, where players will take on a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
To learn more about the Summer Reading Program and special events, head to khcpl.org and click on “Events.” Some events require registration, which can be done online or by calling 765-457-3242.