On the Same page: Summer reading challenges, summer programs and seed library at RPL

This first week of June is a perfect time for families to visit the Reedsburg Public Library, sign up for the summer reading challenges, pick up a summer program schedule, and explore RPL’s new Seed Library.

As you enter the doors of the library, be sure to check out the watercolor paintings in the front display case created by the Southwest Wisconsin Water Color Society. On Saturday, June 6, the Society will be showing more of their works at a reception in the Library’s Community Room. Come meet the artists and view more of their watercolors.

The Library’s front desk is again the hub for the distribution of summer library information including reading logs and program schedules. During peak hours during the summer, the youth services desk in the Children’s area will also be available for reporting on reading, and checking out books. The Reading Challenges for all ages started on June 1 and will run through Aug. 22. Be sure to pick up your age-appropriate reading challenge, and check out the grand prizes offered this year.

Summer youth programs begin on Monday, June 15, with the return of RPL’s favorites, including Reedsburg Writers (youth able to write independently), Teen Time (Grades 6-12), Babygarten (babies 0-2 and their caregivers and siblings), Time Travelers Club (Grades K-2), Discovery Days (Grades 3-5), and Preschool Storytime. Loganville Little Library for all ages will begin on Thursday, June 25. Discovery Days is the only program requiring registration.

The summer kickoff event will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. in the Library Community Room. J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue will present an entertaining and informative program about exotic animals. J & R Aquatic Animal Rescue is a non-profit group from Neenah, Wisconsin, dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of abandoned exotic pets. No registration is required for the program.

Earlier this year, the Sauk County Master Gardener’s Association generously donated a multitude of seed packets to the Library. These constitute RPL’s first seed library. As the word “library” indicates borrowing and returning, interested library users may simply take seeds they plan to plant in their gardens now, with the intention of returning seeds from the mature plants in the fall. For those interested in learning how to save seeds, there will be a presentation in August. The idea behind seed libraries is to “grow” gardeners, promote this environmentally and ecologically conscious hobby, and help our community share seeds for future growing seasons.

For questions about any library service or program, call the library at 608-768-READ (7323) or email info@reedsburglibrary.org.