Pflugerville librarian: Summer Pfun offered for all ages
Yes, it’s already time to start making summer plans! Be sure to include some time at our wonderful public library. In addition to cool books to read, numerous electronic resources to explore online and a wonderful space to hang out in, the Pflugerville Public Library will offer a myriad of events, special guests and programs for all age groups as part of Summer Reading 2023.
Summer Reading Challenge
The entire family is invited to compete in our friendly team-based reading challenge in Beanstack. (The library uses this online reading tracker for all our reading challenges.) With Beanstack, you can track the books or minutes you read over the summer, log activities and more. Our Summer Reading Beanstack site is now live at pflugervilletx.beanstack.org/reader365.
Starting June 3, choose one team challenge (Blue, Red, Green or Yellow) for the summer. Family members can choose to be on the same team, or they can each choose a different team. After you register, be sure to stop by the Host Desk in the front of the library to pick up a free book while supplies last.
Keep track of all the time you spend reading this summer in Beanstack to earn points for your team. At the end of the summer, we'll declare a winning team and decorate the library in that team's color. Join us at the library for Pay It Forward Pflugerville on July 29 when we announce the winning team.
Adult Summer Reading Challenge — yes, there is one just for adults (that is, those ages 18 and older). Read at least eight books between June 3 and July 29 and you are eligible. Finish the challenge by completing the required "Favorite 2023 Reading Challenge Book" badge. (If you read more than eight books, feel free to log them all.) The first 125 participants to finish the challenge will get a library duffel bag with swag. Note: Space is limited. If we run out of prizes before July 29, the challenge will end early. Special thanks to the Friends of the Pflugerville Library for sponsoring this challenge.
Kickoff
We'll kick off Summer Reading 2023 with our annual Maker Pfest on June 3 from 2-5 p.m. Join local makers and artisans for an afternoon of demos, hands-on learning activities, make and take projects, and Pfab Lab tours. All ages are welcome to attend. No registration required. Guests include the Pflugerville Quilt Guild, Austin Book Arts Center, Math Happens, Mad Science, Texas LUG Lego group, and more.
Adults
Special events for adults this summer include a Plant Swap on June in the library courtyard. Bring unwanted plants, pots, seeds or other gardening items to swap with other plant enthusiasts. The Travis County Master Gardener Association will be in attendance with their Plant Clinic, so bring all your gardening questions! Space is limited and a ticket is required to attend. Anyone 18 and older can pick up a ticket at the checkout desk between May 27 and June 9.
Looking for some great new reads? Join our librarians at Book Buzz on June 22 for a review of new and upcoming fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels for adults. The first 50 registrants will receive a box with surprise library swag, and they'll get first pick from our stash of advance reading copy books. Those who register for the waiting list may also attend and pick from our extra supply of books and swag.
Make a beginner-friendly embroidery project with Celeste Johnson, author and owner of Lemon Made Shop, at Adult Craft Night on July 13. Materials will be provided for registrants, as will a copy of Celeste's latest book, "Sunny Stitches."
This summer will also feature a new book club: Barks and Books, happening on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Bring your pup and discuss what you're reading. Anyone 18 and older is welcome.
Are mysteries your thing? Check out the Summer After Hours Mystery event on Friday, June 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Can you solve the mystery or are you the culprit? Anyone 18 and older is welcome to register beginning June 10 for this space adventure-themed after-hours mystery event.
Teens
Do you want to have a say in what teen programs are held at the library? The Teen Advisory Group will have open meetings the second Tuesdays of June and July at 6 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the group. Applications to join TAG will be available through the library’s website in August.
Two special workshops will be just for teens this summer. On June 20 at 6 p.m., David Pitts will lead a Manga Drawing workshop. Practice quick thinking on July 25 with the Move Your Tale comedy troupe as they host an improv workshop at 6 p.m.
Library After Hours program for June will be a Movie Night on June 16. On July 21, teens ages 12-18 can enjoy a Summer Hygge Night, an evening of cool comfort. Select a new book, listen to some soothing music, do a craft, all while enjoying some summer-time refreshments.
Regular programs for teens will take place in June and July as well. Be sure to check the Teen monthly calendar often.
Tweens
Wednesday afternoons from 4:40-5:15 p.m. will include workshops such as Paint Pouring, Cookie Decorating, Young Rembrandts, and Juggling.
Kids
Storytime (ages 0 – 5 years) and Baby Time (0 – 18 months) will be moving to the Storytime Room in the Kids area beginning Monday, June 5. Additionally, two sessions of each will be offered: one at 10 a.m., repeating at 11 a.m. Storytime features stories, songs, finger plays and a hands-on learning activity. Baby Time offers stories, songs, finger plays, and a read-together time.
PJ Storytime continues the first and third Tuesday evening of each month. Families with kids from 0 – 8 are welcome to enjoy stories, songs and a light snack.
A special Baby Time featuring “hands on” fun music with actions and American Sign Language will be shared by Georgia Frawley on Saturday, June 24at 10 a.m. Singer Staci Gray will entertain guests at Storytime (0-5 years) on Monday, July 17. Magician and puppeteer David Pitts will visit Kids Club (ages 5-8) on Monday, June 20.
Family programs
Family Craft Night on Mondays from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. continues throughout the summer. Check the calendar for a listing of the crafts being offered for families with children 5-12 to enjoy together during this time.
Mark Thursdays at 2 p.m. on your calendar. The library will be offering programs and special guests for families with kids ages 5-12. Daniel G. Benes will present an science show on June 15. Having fun doing a Summer Scavenger Hunt in the library on June 22. Bonzo Crunch: Fool at Large will provide giggles and grins on June 29. In the mood for some music? Join us on July 27 when Hot Toast will engage the audience with catchy lyrics and fun sing-alongs inspired by kids.
The city of Pflugerville will be celebrating Pride Month in recognition of our LGBTQ+ community on Saturday, June 10. When you need a break from the summer heat at Pflugerville’s second annual Pride Pfestival, stop by the library for our Family Pride Celebration. We will have some family friendly crafts, a selfie station, air conditioning and a prize drawing for free books.
Other special Saturday events will include Cowboy Ken on June 24 at 2 p.m. The whole family can watch some fancy roping and sing some songs. Lots of bubbly fun will take place on July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon with a Bubble Foam Party.
Be sure to check the calendar for other Family events such as Fuse bead crafts, Shrinky dinks, Legos, and movies.
Close out the Summer Reading 2023 with Pay It Forward on July 29 from 2-4 p.m. Stop by this come-and-go event to learn about local volunteer opportunities and work on a quick charitable craft, like making a pet toy for the animal shelter or decorating a kindness rock to leave at a park.
Remember, even though our events are free, many of them require advance registration. Be sure to check our website calendar for details, including when registration opens, at library.pflugervilletx.gov/events-classes/event-calendar/-curm-6/-cury-2023.
Diane Sikkenga is a youth librarian at the Pflugerville Public Library.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Pflugerville librarian: Summer Pfun offered for all ages
