(Stillwater, OK) – The Stillwater Public Library concludes its first month of summer reading programs with juggling for kids, teen adventures based on Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson Chronicles,” an author discussion for adults and a family field trip to Couch Park. There’s still time to register, log time spent reading and earn prizes.
Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Murray wants to remind everyone that summer reading is open to all ages, and the library accepts registrations all summer long.
“If your little one can’t read yet, you can still sign them up and count the time you spend reading to them,” Murray said. “Anyone in our community can sign up, whether they’re a baby or over 100 years old.”
The library allows all types of reading to count toward earning prizes, including audiobooks. Registration is online at stillwaterok.gov/LibrarySummer.
“We just want people to find joy in reading,” Murray said.
The upcoming week of activities starts on Tuesday, June 24, with Brian Wendling’s “Paint the Sky with Juggling.” Wendling is an award-winning juggler and comedian with more than 40 years of juggling experience. There will be two performances, one at 10 a.m. and a repeat at 2 p.m. The shows will take place at the Stillwater Community Center.
On Wednesday, June 25, from 2-4 p.m., teens will bring out their inner gods and goddesses with “Camp Half-Blood,” based on the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” book series. Teens will participate in mini-stations to earn beads dedicated to different gods. This program will also take place at the Stillwater Community Center.
Jordan Stine, teen librarian, hopes that attendees will feel like they have gone on their own Greek quest.
“In the book series, ‘Camp Half-Blood’ is a Greek demigod training facility,” Stine said. “It’s a safe place for demigods to go to hone skills like archery, sword fighting and wall climbing.”
Station activities will allow teens to practice these skills using Nerf archery and faux swords, which will all be performed safely. There will be no hitting or physical contact. Attendees will also enjoy blue snacks, which are prominently featured in the book series.
Family field trips return this week on Thursday, June 26, with a visit to Couch Park, located at East 12th Street and Alcott Drive. Attendees are invited to drop by anytime between 10 a.m. and noon to play and enjoy the Storywalk©.
Also, on Thursday, adults will have the opportunity to hear from local author Douglas Miller at 6 p.m. at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar. Miller will discuss his book “Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis,” which was recently nominated for an Oklahoma Book Award.
Miller’s book is the first to highlight Davis, an Oklahoman who helped shape the Tulsa Sound and performed with famous musicians, including Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
Contact the library with questions about summer reading by phone at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or via email at askalibrarian@stillwaterok.gov. 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.