Summer at the Washington County Libraries is shaping up to be a bonanza of activities for kids and teens, with a rich lineup of events scheduled throughout July that promise to entertain and educate. All branches will take a brief pause on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth, but the celebration of culture and community continues with events ranging from Brazilian music concerts to interactive science shows.
Music enthusiasts of all ages can experience the "Ticket to Brasil" outdoor concert, featuring the vibrant histories and rhythms of Brazilian music, thanks to COMPAS teaching artists at Hardwood Creek Library on July 13 and Ojibway Park on July 24. When families stroll in for some storytelling and hands-on wool working at the "From Sheep to Scarf" event on July 18 at Valley Library, they'll have a chance to see what's so cool about wool.
Teens with a thirst for fantasy can dive into "Intro to Dungeons and Dragons" at the Park Grove Library, spread across sessions beginning July 8. Those with a craftier bent might prefer to crochet their own accessories on July 10 at Oakdale Library, while aspiring yogis and artists can merge their practices at the "Yoga and Art" session on July 13 at the R.H. Stafford Library. Poké-fans can mold and paint their own clay Pokémon on July 17, while budding detectives can solve a Wonderland Murder Mystery on July 19.
Younger kids aren't left out of the fun, with the libraries hosting numerous themed parties. Valley Library celebrates "Paw Patrol" on July 8, embraces the world of "Dog Man" on July 10, and delves into Greek mythology with a "Percy Jackson Party" on July 18. Flight and aeronautics enthusiasts can marvel at the wonders of air and flight at R.H. Stafford Library's "Aeronautics Extravaganza" on July 11 and "Crazy Colin's Air Show" on July 12. For nature lovers, "Snake, Rattle, and Roll" brings local reptiles to the Oakdale and Valley libraries on July 14 and 23, respectively.
Cultural enrichment continues with Siama’s Congo music experience at Hardwood Creek Library on July 13 and a bilingual theatre show, "Martina the Cockroach and Perez the Mouse," by ArtStart on July 26 at Lake Elmo Library. To blend entertainment with education, the libraries offer sessions like "STEM Lab: Algorithms and Codes" on July 25 and hands-on Monarch butterfly conservation on July 15. As the month draws to a close, kids can get moving with a Latin Dance Class at Park Grove Library on July 26, which is suitable for those aged 6-12 and requires registration. With an array of free events across Washington County libraries, families have ample opportunities to keep young minds active and engaged throughout the summer.
