SPEARFISH, SD – Dive into fun during Grace Balloch Memorial Library’s Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program, which begins June 5!
“We are excited for everyone to get involved with the many activities and reading challenges we have planned for this year’s summer reading program,”
Library Director Amber Wilde said. “We have programs for all ages, so every generation is welcome to participate!”
For the reading challenges, participants may track their minutes/pages read using the ReadSquared app (available to download to your device or track online on the website) or a paper reading log, available to pick up at Grace Balloch Memorial Library. The following challenges apply to the age categories below:
- Birth to age 12 – For every 200 minutes read, participants will receive a prize. When 1,000 minutes is reached, participants will receive a prize bag and be entered into the grand-prize drawing. For every 200 minutes read after the initial 1,000 minutes, participants will get another entry into the drawings.
- Teens and Adults – For every 200 points earned (either by tracking minutes or pages read), participants will receive a prize. Once participants have earned 1,000 points, they receive a completion prize and are entered into the grand-prize drawings. For every 200 points earned after the initial 1,000 points, they will receive another entry into the drawings.
The deadline to turn in minutes/pages, to be eligible for prizes and grand-prize drawing entries, is July 31.
In addition to the reading challenges, there are weekly and special events planned from June 5 through July 30:
Story Times
- Toddler Story Time, for ages 1-3, takes place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Story Time for ages 4-8 is 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tween Activity Days (for ages 8-12)
- June 8 – Seashell Turtle Canvas Art, 1 p.m.
- June 22 – Ocean Slime, 1 p.m.
- July 6 – Noodle Rocket Activity, 1 p.m.
- July 20 – Up-cycled T-shirt Bags, 1 p.m.
Special Events
- June 10 – Nature Mindfulness Experience & Tea – Learn how to experience mindfulness while enjoying nature with Madison Ferguson. Meet at Spearfish City Park bridge.
- 9:30 a.m. for families (all ages/abilities)
- 2 p.m. for ages 16 and older (all abilities)
- June 15 – D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery event for all ages from 1-3 p.m. – Enjoy various activities and learning opportunities with the Hatchery employees, Northern Hills Mater Gardeners, and artist Jo Powell.
- June 23 – Chill Teen Read & Hangout at Spearfish City Park, 1 p.m. – Bring a blanket/hammock and a book. Snacks and refreshments provided.
- June 30 – Irrigation Ditch Talk with Paul Higbee at the Old City Hall (722 Main Street), 6 p.m. – Learn about how historic waterways impacted the growth of Spearfish.
- July 7 – Spearfish Hydro Plant Tours from 9-11 a.m. – Join us for a tour of the Hydro Plant to learn its history and importance to Spearfish Creek. Multiple tours will be offered. The Hydro Plant is located at 1000 South Canyon Street, and participants may park either at Spearfish City Park or at the Winterville Road parking lot and walk the rec path to the site (the road is closed during camping season).
- July 11 – Cody Landstrom Magic Show, 6 p.m. at the City Park Bandshell – Bring a picnic and enjoy the show!
- July 21 – Teen Seaside Vibes Craft, 1 p.m. – Create your own seaside wind chime with sea glass and shells.
- July 27 – Spearfish Creek Boat Races, 5:30 p.m. – Build your boat over the summer (or at the event) and show off your watercraft creation! Boat materials must be environmentally friendly, for the sake of Spearfish Creek.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, call the library at 642-1330, follow Grace Balloch Memorial Library on social media, or visit www.cityofspearfish.com/library.