June is almost here, and good weather has finally arrived.  Everyone has their summer bucket list and is ready to start checking off the adventures.  It’s also time for summer reading fun, and this “Adventure Begins @ Your Library!”

Summer reading programs at all six Lincoln County Libraries take place in June and July and are designed to motivate people to read for fun (and for prizes). This tradition actually started over 130 years ago as a way to encourage school children to read during their summer vacation. 

But today “summer reading” is about reading books and much more. Summer at the library includes parties, movies, slushies, book clubs, storytimes, teen get-togethers, as well as the traditional reading challenges. Summer reading is not only for kids! Every library in Lincoln County offers a reading challenge for adults of all ages as well as a diverse lineup of programs.

Benefits to participating in library programs during the summer include creating the lifelong habit of reading, preventing the “summer slide” (where kids can lose some of their achievement gains from the previous school year), as well as meeting new people and learning new skills.

We have created events that we hope will draw people into the library to engage with fellow community members, learn new things and have a great time. Here are just a few of the adventures we have planned:

• A Medieval Day at the Park in Kemmerer. There will be sword fights and dancing on June 21, from 4-6 p.m., at Archie Neil Park.

• Slushies every Tuesday and a movie every Thursday in Cokeville.

• Growing community gardens all summer at the Star Valley Branch.

• An escape room at the Thayne Branch, July 17-18, at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., both days.

• Exploring the World of Bees & Beekeeping with High Mountain Pollinators & Bees, in Alpine, on July 9, at 6:30 p.m.

In case it isn’t already obvious, our summer reading theme this year is “Adventure Begins @ Your Library,’’ and we really believe this is a true statement! Whatever your idea of adventure may be, we can help you get started. 

So, we hope you make it to your local library to enjoy what we have planned. We’re excited to see you all. Let the adventures begin! Check out our online calendar at linclib.org/events for dates and times of programs at your library.