This year’s summer reading program theme at the Dassel Library for ages 18 and under is Read, Renew, Repeat! The Read, Renew, Repeat theme encourages summer reading program participants to carefully use the resources they have and think about ways to treat nature kindly, while reading and participating in activities at the library.

Summer Reading will kick off on Monday, June 3! Every child or teen who signs up for the summer reading program will receive a folder, a bookmark, and a game sheet or reading log. They will also be able to pick out a book to keep, thanks to donations from the Dassel Community Chest and other local community members.

For ages 11 and under, the program consists of doing the Read, Renew, Repeat game.  Children will earn “library loot” for reaching spots on the game board by reading, attending library events, and being active all summer long.  They can use their play money immediately to get a very small prize, or they can save up for slightly larger prize they want. Each time a child turns in a completed game sheet, their name will be put into a drawing for additional monthly prizes as well as prizes at the end of the summer.

Participants age 12 and up will keep track of the number of hours they spend reading. They will receive library loot for every 16 hours spent reading.  These participants will be in monthly prize drawings as well as an end of summer reading program drawing.

The library’s outdoor story hours will start on Friday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at the Dassel Bandstand. Outdoor Story Hour will run through Friday, August 23. In case of inclement weather, Story Hour will be moved into the community room of the Dassel City Hall behind the library. The library has several special guests planned throughout the summer who will help teach us all about nature, gardening, farming, and birds!

Remake It Wednesdays will occur in the community room in the Dassel City Hall behind the library on Wednesday, June 12 and Wednesday, July 17 at 1:00 pm. Children ages 5 and up can come to the library and choose between several types of crafts using common items from home that can be made into something new! Children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by a caregiver over the age of 12. The class is free, but registration is required.

A special Stuffie Sleepover will happen at the library June 14-15. Children can bring their stuffed animal to Story Hour in the morning or to the library during library hours on Friday, June 14. They can then follow along on the Dassel Library Facebook page to see the antics their stuffed animals get up to throughout the evening. On Saturday, June 15, they can pick up their stuffed animal during library hours, and they will receive a commemorative photo and certificate of participation for their stuffed animal.

Join Science Heroes on a treasure-hunting adventure deep within the jungle on Tuesday, June 18 at 2:00 pm in the community room in the Dassel City Hall behind the library. Along the way, the audience helps the performer conduct exciting science experiments that bring this story to life. Experiment with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions, and more! Thanks to Dassel Community Chest for the funds to sponsor this unique STEM program!

The Science Museum of Minnesota will be bringing a program to the Dassel Library on Monday August 5 at 2:00 pm. A museum educator will present an interactive program about the history of water on earth and the life cycle of a drop of water in Minnesota. The program is designed for older elementary and middle school students, but all ages will be welcome!

The library has two programs planned for the summer thanks to funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund:

On June 21 at 10 am, CLIMB Theatre will present “County Mouse & City Mouse: Adventure in the Suburbs” at the Dassel Bandstand. In this short play for children, a pair of mouse cousins visit the suburbs. Country Mouse wants to explore the new area, while City Mouse wants to read, renew, and repeat for a relaxing vacation. Will conflict tear apart their relationship, or will they learn to “compro-mice” and celebrate their differences. This interactive show is designed for kids under age 10 and will be in place of regular Story Hour programming that day. No registration is required.

On July 11 at 3 pm, students ages 8 & up can register for an Upcycled Art class with local artist Aina Jane. Children will be invited to repurpose items from home as they create their own work of art on canvas. Registration is required as class space is limited.

There will be many in library activities as well as weekly curbside crafts that families can pick up on Fridays.

Stay up to date with all the library’s activities by visiting www.dassel.lib.mn.us.