Youth Program
Summer Reading Challenge Instructions
- Starting June 1, pick up a printed reading log on Level Two of the library.
- Return completed reading logs to Level Two staff any time until August 31.
- Complete half the reading log (25 circles of half an hour reading each) and visit Level Two to claim the first prize – a free book!
- Back by popular demand, Read to Ride with the Western Montana Fair! In addition to choosing a free book, kids who complete half or more of their reading logs on or before July 26 can enter into a drawing for free rides at the Fair! Kids have a chance to win 1 of 50 ride booklets containing 6 ride vouchers or 1 of 10 “Golden Ticket” ride wristband coupons for unlimited rides for the whole week of the Fair! Bring your reading log with at least half of your summer reading completed to Level 2 library staff on or before July 26 to get your name in the drawing. Winners are eligible for one of these prizes only and will be notified on July 29.
- Return the completed log (50 circles of half an hour reading each) to Level Two on or before August 31 to receive a $5 Good Food Store gift card.
Don’t forget to check out our events below, happening all summer long! Click here for info about Teen & Adult summer programs.
Everyday This Summer
Library Adventures Scavenger Hunt!
The library must be explored! Pick up a library scavenger hunt sheet on Level Two and start your quest! Follow the clues to find letters hidden throughout the library. Once you find all the letters, solve the puzzle and receive a prize!
June
SUMMER LEARNING WITH KATE DICAMILLO!
Kickoff the Missoula Public Library’s Summer Learning program with New York Times best-selling children’s book author, Kate DiCamillo.
Kate, winner of 2 Newbery Medals and former National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, will join us live via Zoom June 1st at 11am for a conversation about reading and writing with some of her well-loved characters such as Winn Dixie, Mercy Watson, Edward Tulane and many more.
Pick up your summer reading log and start your summer reading adventure with Kate and friends at your library. The event will have craft activities for kids to do as well.
ALTERED BOOKS FOR EVERYONE
Pick out one (or more) of our MANY discarded books and turn them into ART!! LOTS of books, magazines, and art materials provided, and you can bring your own. All ages welcome (so no x-acto knives or hot-glue guns around). You are free to come and go and take home any books you don’t want to transform. Enthusiastic support and problem-solving provided. Music, creativity, and fun for all.
POLLINATORS: MAKE A BUTTERFLY PUDDLER
Join Eliza from the National Wildlife Federation as she teaches us all about pollinators and the Garden for Wildlife program. Make a butterfly puddler to provide water for our fabulous flying friends. We’ll also make a puddler for our Level Two balcony pollinator garden.
MCAT MEDIA SHENANIGANS
Want to picture yourself in outer space or a remote jungle? Or give yourself a spooky or wacky voice? Join our partner Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) as they put you in wacky digital backgrounds and/or give you a hilarious new voice. Get a taste of the many ways MCAT can help you customize your own movie or vlog—or just have some goofy fun for an afternoon.
July
BIRDING JOURNALS FOR KIDS
Bird is the word! Decorate your own birding journal to take home and practice your bird-watching skills with a fun interactive bird scavenger hunt.
THE HEARING DOG
Come see a demonstration about how dogs help those who are hard of hearing, or have other disabilities. Kids will get a chance to interact with the dogs and see them perform helpful acts and fun tricks.
ALTERED BOOKS FOR EVERYONE
Pick out one (or more) of our MANY discarded books and turn them into ART!! LOTS of books, magazines, and art materials provided, and you can bring your own. All ages welcome (so no xacto knives or hot-glue guns around). You are free to come and go and take home any books you don’t want to transform. Enthusiastic support and problem-solving provided. Music, creativity, and fun for all.
MISSION2MARS
This summer, MPL and spectrUM are teaming up to bring you Mission2Mars, an interactive program that invites you to delve into the mysteries of space with fun, hands-on activities. From exploring the Moon and Mars to unraveling the phenomena of solar eclipses, you’ll tackle challenges mirroring those encountered by real astronauts and scientists. You’ll expand not only your knowledge of space exploration but also cultivate essential problem-solving skills and forge connections with fellow young explorers. Join us after the Missoula Farmer’s Market for a fun summer adventure that will expand your horizons and ignite your imagination!
GAME DAY JR. @ MPL
Explore a variety of boardgames 1:00 – 4:30PM in the library’s Imaginarium on the second floor. Show up anytime to play adventure themed games, and show up right at 1PM to start boardgames already setup and ready to play! Feel free to bring your own games or cards from home, as well.
BREAKING SOME MOVES–ALL ABOUT BREAK DANCING!
Come learn about one of the newest events at the Olympics, Breaking (also known as Break Dancing). Join a local break dancer and learn all about this style of dance as she teaches us some moves.