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things to do
Peoria libraries planning fun for all ages this summer
Metro Creative Connection
The Peoria city libraries have all kinds of things going on this summer.
Posted
As summer approaches, Peoria is gearing up for a summer filled with reading adventures.
The Peoria Public Library system has several free and fun programs to encourage readers of all ages to dive into the world of literacy.
Maricopa County Summer Reading Program
The Peoria Public Library system is one of 65 libraries taking part in the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program.
Staring June 1 and ending Aug. 1, participants of all ages can earn points by reading physical or electronic books, listening to audiobooks and attending events hosted by librarians and local performers, completing summer reading challenges, and participating in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County.
Prizes will be awarded based on the number of points earned, with options including a free book for personal use or donation to a local Head Start classroom. This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” inspiring readers to take new literary journeys. The county-wide goal this summer is an impressive 65 million minutes read.
In addition to the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program, both Peoria libraries will be hosting a series of free events for youth/families, teens and adult readers.
The following are summer events at the Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street:
Youth/Family
• Kick-Off Adventure with Wildman Phil – Thursday, May 30 at 9:30 & 11:30 am
• Michael Steele Variety Show – Friday, June 7 at 3 pm
• Dino Mania – Saturday, June 15 at 3 pm
• Storytime at Peoria Pool, 8501 W. Cholla St. – Friday, June 21 at 11 am
• America Hurrah! with Jan Sandwich – Saturday, June 29 at 3 pm
• Dr. T-Rex Science Show – Friday, July 5 at 3 pm
• Learn with Aloha – Saturday, July 13 at 3 pm
• Storytime at Peoria Pool, 8501 W. Cholla St. – Friday, July 19 at 11 am
• James the Juggler – Friday, July 19 at 3 pm
• Arizona Rick the Balloon Cowboy – Saturday, July 27 at 3 pm
• Epic Magic Show with John Fitzsimmons – Friday, August 2 at 2 pm
Teen
• AKDC K-Pop Dance Workshop – Saturday, June 22 at 10 am
Adult
• Where Arizona Meets Disney with Marshall Shore – Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 pm
The following are summer events at the Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Ave.:
Youth/Family
• Michael Steele Variety Show – Friday, June 7 at 11 am
• Storytime at Sunrise Pool, 21321 N. 86th Dr. – Friday, June 14 at 11 am
• Lovely Buttons the Clown – Saturday, June 5 at 11 am
• Bubblemaniacs – Friday, June 21 at 11 am
• America Hurrah! with Jan Sandwich – Saturday, June 29 at 11 am
• Dr. T-Rex Science Show – Friday, July 5 at 11 am
• Storytime at Sunrise Pool, 21321 N. 86th Dr. – Friday, July 12 at 11 am
• Learn with Aloha – Saturday, July 13 at 11 am
• James the Juggler – Friday, July 19 at 11 am
• Arizona Rick the Balloon Cowboy – Saturday, July 27 at 11 am
•Epic Magic Show with John Fitzsimmons – Friday, August 2 at 11 am
Teen
• Phoenix Virtual Reality Game Truck – Monday, June 17 at 11:30 am
Adult
• Self-Care: 10 Ways to Take Better Care of You – Tuesday, June 4 at 5:30 a.m.
Library Card Design Contest
For young aspiring artists, the library is also hosting a Library Card Design Contest for kids ages 5-11 and teens ages 12-17. The winning design will be featured on library cards and the winner will receive a $100 gift card. The theme for this year’s contest is “Adventure Begins At Your Library.” Entries are accepted June 1 to July 31. The winner will be announced in September.
Contest guidelines:
• One entry per person. You may only enter in your own age range.
• Please use the entire space within the borders of the template on the application.
• All art must be hand-made. Crayon, marker, colored pencils and/or paint may be used. Digital or photo manipulated artwork are not be accepted.
• Entries are judged on content, color, creativity, relevance and reproducibility.
• ORIGINAL ARTWORK ONLY. We cannot accept artwork that may be an infringement on copyrighted work.
• All artwork must be done by the individual entering the contest and be of reproducible quality for printing. All entries are property of the City of Peoria.
• Download the print the application here, https://peoria.polarislibrary.com/polaris/custom/content/2024_Library_Card_contest_Application.pdf or pick one up at your local Peoria Public Library.
StoryWalks Writing Contest
Additionally, the Peoria Public Library system is bringing back the Peoria StoryWalks Story Writing Contest. Kids may submit original picture books to be featured in all three StoryWalks locations in Peoria. There are three age categories (6-8, 9-10, and 11-12) and submissions must be received by July 31.
