School may be out, but the learning continues with fun and free events as part of Pima County Library’s Summer Learning program — formerly known as Summer Reading.
There’s still the reading aspect of it, of course. But it encompasses so much more, including a field day and 300-plus scheduled events and classes now through July 16.
Families who want to participate in the reading portion can pick up a game board at any library to mark their daily progress with reading 20 minutes a day. Game boards include suggestions for easy ways to build creativity at home.
The theme this year is exercise, says Holly Schaffer, spokeswoman for Pima County Public Library.
A team of librarians from the northwest-side branches have designed the field day, which takes place at 6 p.m. June 4 at the sports field next to Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive.
Activities are slated to include obstacle courses, relays, interactive demonstrations, bike ambassadors, bounce castles, prizes, food and making your own trail mix.
Summer learning isn’t just for little kids. This year, the library is focusing on teens, as well. Some were even involved in the planning.
“One of the things I like about it is it’s been planned in part by the Teen Advisory Boards at some of our branches,” Schaffer says. “We are engaging youth in a way that benefits them later in life. We want to teach them real-life skills. Reaching out to vendors and coordinating an event is one of those things.”
Teens are encouraged to take the library’s classes in subjects geared toward them, such as 3D design, robotics, game design and sewing. Participants will receive a certificate and they’ll be entered to win prizes.
“What’s really neat is for teens who participate, let’s say you make artwork, there’s gonna be a showcase for teens to show it off at our MegaMania event,” Schaffer says.
MegaMania will be held from 1-6 p.m. July 9 at Pima Community College’s downtown campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.
At the event, kids can take anime workshops, play games, make a costume, listen to Arizona authors or enter a cosplay contest.
All library events are free. For more info go online to library.pima.gov
