It's finally summer and we're here for it!
This year's summer reading challenge runs June 9-August 9. We're exploring "The Truth is Out There" with our area park partners, Ottawa County Parks and the City of Holland Parks and Recreation. The line between fact and fiction can be fuzzy, so we're tapping into our curiosity! This summer, we're celebrating the joy of discovering what's real while playing with make-believe mythologies, sci-fi and fantasy. Join us as we embark on a fun-filled journey of exploration, critical thinking, and the thrill of uncovering the truth - one story at a time.
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A classic reading log where readers list books they've completed and rate them
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An interactive "trail map" with activities to complete in order to progress along the path including reading books or attending events at the area parks or at the library.
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An author visit, concert, and book signing with Eric Litwin, opens a new window and a special appearance by his character Pete the Cat, opens a new window on Wednesday, July 16. Litwin visits the Main Library (300 S. River Ave.) with two options at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and a book signing between the two concert sessions at 12:00 noon. A third concert option will be available at the North Branch (155 Riley St.) at 3:00 p.m. with a book signing to follow.
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Summer Maker-in-Residence Alynn Guerra, opens a new window, a printmaker and illustrator whose work uses black and white images with accents of color inspired by nature-human relationships, the environment and her Latin-American background. Guerra will offer six drop-in sessions throughout the summer for visitors to observe her at work and ask questions. Several "Intro to Printmaking" programs for different age groups will be offered as part of her residency.
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A Spooky Summerween, opens a new window Celebration wrap-up to the summer challenge will take place at the Main Library on Saturday, August 9, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. For one day only, HDL will transform into a spooky, haunted space filled with fun and games, tricks and treats, and some summer twists on your fall favorites - like carving watermelon jack-o-lanterns.
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Fun events related to the theme of "The Truth is Out There" such as a cryptid crawl, opens a new window , opens a new windowat area parks, cryptid related crafts, opens a new window and maker programs, opens a new window, and a series of events for writers, opens a new window with local Sci-Fi/Fantasy authors.
HDL will offer lots to explore inside the library so be sure to visit our "Experience the Library" page to plan your summer trips.
Find great events at our area parks this summer!
The Library isn't the only place to experience this summer. Check out events at the library or visit local parks to make the most of every week all summer long:
Look for HDL at these City of Holland events this summer:
- Farmer's Market Storytime: Wednesdays, 9:30 AM at 150 West 8th Street
- Kids' Concert Series at Kollen Park: Wednesdays June 11, July 9 and August 13 at the Kollen Park Bandshell
- Park Play: Fridays June 13 at Moran Park and July 11 at Kollen Park, 12:00 PM
Learn what's out there from naturalists at Ottawa County Parks:
- Introduction to Bird Watching with Curtis Dykstra on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:00 PM, Main Library Auditorium
- Family Nature Day: Myths & Mysteries Saturday, June 28, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
