There are still many fun and educational activities at the library before the end of summer reading 2025. The week starts on July 15 and is headlined by a colorful magic show, a slime-making workshop for teens, a presentation about the history of stolen art for adults and a family field trip to the OSU Botanical Gardens. The library is also partnering with Thick Descriptions to host “Crowns Tea,” an event that will feature tea, snacks and meaningful discussions. Readers of all ages can continue to record their reading time on Beanstack (or using paper trackers) through Friday, July 25.
On Thursday, July 15, children can join the library for Kevin Wade’s “Color Your World with Wonder” magic show. There will be three showtimes, one at 10 a.m., a repeat at 2 p.m. and an additional sensory-friendly version at 4 p.m. All shows will take place at the Stillwater Community Center.
Elizabeth Murray, children’s librarian, is pleased to offer a sensory-friendly version of the magic show.
“The magic show always draws a large crowd, which can be overstimulating for some kids,” Murray said. “We want everyone to experience and enjoy the wonders of magic.”
On Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m., teens are invited to a slime-making workshop at the Stillwater Armory, where they will create regular, fluffy and glow-in-the-dark slime. Following the workshop, a few lucky teens will have the chance to dunk the teen librarian in a tank full of slime.
This week’s family field trip takes place on Thursday, July 17, with drop-in hours between 10 a.m. and noon at the OSU Botanic Gardens (3300 W.6th Ave). Families can tour the gardens, explore, play and meet the chickens. The Kind Rock Runner will also be there with a rock painting station. Families are encouraged to bring water bottles and sunscreen. Attendees can find library staff members at the Treewalk Village and the Nature Play Area.
Later that Thursday, at 6 p.m., adults can attend “Restoring Heritage: The Fight for Stolen Arts and Antiquities” at the OSU Museum of Art. Dr. Zachary Qualls, the Digital Collections Assistant at the Gilcrease Museum, will discuss the theft of both Western and Non-Western art. He will also cover forms of restitution and repatriation.
Concluding the week on Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m., the library and Thick Descriptions will present “Crowns Tea,” an afternoon of conversations, cultural connections and tea. Inspired by the book, “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Churches” by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, community members are encouraged to wear a fancy hat and their “Sunday Best” attire and bring a teacup and saucer. This program will take place at the library in the second-floor auditorium. All community members are welcome to attend, but registration is required to ensure enough refreshments for everyone.
Visit stillwaterok.gov/LibrarySummer to register for summer reading, track reading time, earn prizes and discover more events for all ages. Major sponsors for the summer reading program include the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Contact the library with questions about summer reading or assistance with event registration by phone at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or via email at askalibrarian@stillwaterok.gov.