Plant a Seed, Read is the theme of the summer reading program at the Dassel Library this year. This year’s program is all about gardening, farming, and plants.

The summer reading program will begin Thursday, June 4, and it continues through Monday, August 31. Kids ages 3-18 can sign up any time June 4 or after all summer, so families can stop in to get started in June, July, or August — whenever it’s convenient. Everyone who signs up will receive a folder, a bookmark, and a game sheet or reading log. Each child can also choose a book to keep, thanks to donations from the Dassel Community Chest and local community members.

The summer reading program is an activity kids do on their own time, working their way through the reading game sheets by reading or being read to, and by doing other fun activities. Children ages 11 and younger participate by playing the Plant a Seed, Read game.  Children earn “library loot,” the library’s play money, for reaching the end of the game board by doing activities like reading, attending library events, and being creative and active all summer long.  Each time a child turns in a completed game sheet, their name will also be put into a drawing for additional monthly prizes, as well as a prize drawing at the end of the summer.

Participants ages 12 and up will simply use a reading log sheet to keep track of the number of hours they spend reading. They will receive library loot when they have filled out their sheet.  These participants will also be entered in monthly prize drawings as well as an end of summer reading program drawing.

The goal of the summer reading program is to encourage kids to read all summer long, so that they keep up their reading skills and return to school in the fall ready to learn. Kids can do one reading sheet after another all summer until the end of August and continue earning prizes.

The library’s outdoor story hours will start on Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at the Dassel Bandstand, and they will continue through Friday, August 21. In case of inclement weather, story hour will be moved into the community room of Dassel City Hall behind the library. Story hour will not be held on Friday, June 19.

At the first story hour of the summer, 4-H families will help kids plant seeds in pots to take home. For the June 12 story hour, CLIMB Theatre will present a show called “Once Upon a Beanstalk” at the Dassel Bandstand. The short, interactive play is designed for kids under age 10. This program is available to the Dassel Library thanks to funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Dassel Library will offer two craft classes for all ages in June. Learn seed art from Jen Anfinson on Wednesday, June 10, at 1 p.m. Participants will create a mosaic seed art treasure box in this free class that’s great for the whole family. At 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, the library will offer a class on making a block printed tote bag, taught by Meredith Semel. Space is limited in both craft programs, so call the library at 320-275-3756 or stop in to sign up. Children younger than age 8 must be accompanied by an adult or teen caregiver.

The annual Stuffie Sleepover will be held at the library June 26-27. Children can bring their stuffed animals to story hour in the morning or to the library during open hours on Friday, June 26. Families can then follow along on the Dassel Library’s Facebook and Instagram pages to see the antics their stuffed animals get up to throughout the evening. On Saturday, June 27, kids can pick up their stuffed animals during library hours, and each child will receive a commemorative photo and certificate of participation for their stuffed animal.

In July and August, story hours will welcome some special guests. On July 3, a DNR naturalist from Sibley State Park will lead a story hour about trees. On July 10, Dassel Elementary Principal Ryan Weinandt will be the featured reader. On July 24, the Meeker County Dairy Princesses will visit story hour. And in August, the Dassel Ambassadors will be featured guests at a storyhour.

On Wednesday, July 8, the Science Museum of Minnesota will present a program about dinosaurs. On Wednesday, July 15, the library will offer a class on herb planting for kids; watch for registration to open for this program, since space will be limited. Local artist Carol Slinden will teach a painting class on Monday, July 20; watch for information on signing up for this program, as well. The button maker will be available at the library all week beginning July 20. Drop in any time during library hours that week to make a custom pin. Pizza Science at Jimmy’s Pizza will happen again this year on August 12, so watch for information on how to sign up for this kids’ program later in the summer.

Dassel Library’s Adult Book Club continues to meet throughout the summer on the 4^th Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the library, before the library opens. New members are always welcome.

Many other in-library activities and take-home crafts will be offered throughout the summer, so make sure to stop in and check out everything going on at the Dassel Library this summer. Library programs are always free to attend.

Stay up to date with all the library’s activities by visiting www.dassel.lib.mn.us or the Dassel Library Facebook and Instagram pages.