(Posted June 9, 2022)
London Public Library has launched its 2022 Summer Reading Program, “Oceans of Possibilities.”
Readers of all ages can register on Beanstack, a virtual summer reading platform, to log their hours and activities, which earns them prizes and contest entries. The Summer Reading Program runs until July 30.
This year’s grand prizes include a bicycle, activity sets, a ukulele, a gift card combo, and tickets to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Get Air Trampoline Park, LEGOLand, and King’s Island. Adults have the opportunity to win $50 gift cards to Walmart or Amazon, or a Kindle Fire tablet.
In addition to the reading challenge, the library is hosting events for children, teens and adults, ranging from games and crafts to escape rooms and live performances.
“We are so excited to finally host an in-person Summer Reading Program again,” said Mary Anne Wood, youth services librarian. “We are looking forward to seeing everyone back in the library this summer.”
Additionally, children, teens and adults can enter their names into weekly prize drawings each day they visit the library.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium brought six ambassador animals to the library for the Summer Reading kickoff event on June 6. Participants learned about the animals, what they eat, and about the zoo’s conservation efforts. Approximately 150 people attended.
For more information about how to register for the Summer Reading Program and to see the full events calendar, visit Events or the library’s Facebook Events page. The library’s hours are: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Upcoming events include:
Mammals of Ohio – June 9, 2-3 p.m. Learn about mammals of Ohio with a wildlife educator from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Flying Falcons – June 13, 2-3 p.m. Learn about falconry with a member of the Ohio Falconry Association, three raptors, and flight demonstrations.
Water Games – June 16, 2-3 p.m. Bring your friends and have fun playing wet and wacky games like Sponge Bomb Toss and Squirt The Tower.
Bill Purk and Friends performing ‘A History of Bluegrass’ – June 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Using guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals, Bill Purk and Friends will perform songs from Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, and other Bluegrass greats. A food truck will be on site.
Rockin’ Pirate Magic Show – June 20, 2-3 p.m. Go on a fun adventure with Erica Carlson and Sedgie the Hedgie to uncover magical, buried treasure. Hedgehog show-and-share time following the magic.
Marbling Art – June 22, 3-4 p.m. Brush Crazy Columbus will help participants make a marbled mug. Registration is required. Go to http://mylondonlibrary.libnet.info/events.
Sidewalk Doodles – June 23, 2-3 p.m. Decorate the library sidewalks with ocean pictures using chalk.
Mike Hemmelgarn’s Comedy Ventriloquism Show – June 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Mike and his zany puppets as he performs a madcap show of juggling, comedy ventriloquism, a splash of magic, and lots of audience participation.
Family Movie Night – June 29, 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a family movie on the library’s big screen. The library provides popcorn.
Spray Bottle Painting – June 30, 2-3 p.m. Create art using spray bottles of paint and water, weather permitting.
Envy Escape Room – July 6, 5-6 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. A 1920s Gatsby-style murder mystery game of debaucherous luxury and deadly feuds. Get ready for a night of velvet glove… blood-stained. Registration is required.
Book Boot Camp – Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Get active and learn a healthy lifestyle.
Boredom Busters – Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Drop in the library every Wednesday to make a new craft. While supplies last.
Wacky Water Show – July 7, 2-3 p.m. Be prepared to get wet! Wear your swimsuit and flip-flops. The Wacky Water Machine makes water disappear, reappear, and move from place to place.
Magical World of Water – July 11, 2-3 p.m. Drop in to do experiments with water. Can you keep a napkin dry underwater? Whose foil boat will hold the most pennies before sinking?
Ocean Stuffies – July 13, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Pick up all the supplies you need to make an 8-inch stuffed animal (shark, penguin or orca), while supplies last.
Movie Night – July 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a movie on the library’s big screen. The library provides popcorn. Movie will be rated PG-13.
Matt Jergens Comedy Juggling Show – July 14, 2-3 p.m. Matt Jergens performs a high-energy show full of comedy and juggling.
Meet Princess Ariel and Prince Eric – July 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hear the story of Ariel and Eric, sing a song with them, get mermaid training, and take your picture with them.
Jewels of Aphrodite Escape Room – July 20, 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. The Jewels of Aphrodite are belived to be hidden somewhere among the salvaged ruins. It is up to you to find the jewels before the Historical Society comes to take custody of the treasure. Registration required.
Ocean Snacks – July 21, 2-3 p.m. Make some snacks that look like the ocean then enjoy eating them.
