Local libraries bring the free fun this summer

If you’re looking for free family activities this summer, look no further than your local library.

Kasson Public Library and Dodge Center Public Library have full rosters of activities this summer for kids and adults. “Come to the library this summer to have a wonderful reading adventure,” said David Greenfield, library director at the Kasson Public Library.

“We have a lot going on this summer,” said Ingvild Herfindahl, library director at the Dodge Center Public Library. “We have quite a few programs for all ages.”

At the Dodge Center Public Library, behold! These free activities are scheduled:

For ages 0-5, Mondays at 10 a.m. storytime

Wednesdays at 10 a.m. storytime outside at Lions Park

Wednesdays at 11 a.m., sensory play

Fridays at 10 a.m., playdate at the library

For elementary age kiddos, Tuesdays at 10 a.m., building club

Tuesdays at 1 p.m., slimy science

Wednesdays at 1 p.m., STEM adventures

Thursdays at 1 p.m., game club

Fridays at 1 p.m., craft club

For tweens and teens, Tuesdays at 1 p.m., slimy science

Wednesdays at 1 p.m., STEM adventures

Thursdays at 1 p.m., game club

Fridays at 1 p.m., craft club

Special events for all ages:

National Eagle Center on June 18 at 10 a.m. at the Dodge Center Community Cneter

Chicken painting on June 24 at 1 p.m. at the Community Center

Ice cream making on June 27 at 4 p.m. at the library

Jim Jayes Magic Show on July 16 at 10 a.m. at the Community Center

Doubletree Leatherworks on July 22 at 1 p.m. at the Community Center

Cat Castles on Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. at the library

Jim Jayes puppet show on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Community Center

The Dodge Center Library also has a summer adventure reading challenge whereby kiddos can earn special library merit badges by completing reading, activity and math challenges all summer long. Kids can collect 20 badges or more to earn a free sketchbook, Herfindahl said.

“We have activities both in the library and at home to keep everyone excited and learning through the summer,” she said. “Everything is free and open to everyone.”

And not to be outdone, the Kasson Public Library has the following offerings this summer:

A summer kick-off party will be held June 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and lemonade will be served as well as popcorn. There will be a petting zoo outside, along with yard games.

“Since it’s an Olympic year, at our 5 p.m. opening ceremony, we’ll have people walking around with a makeshift torch lighting the Olympic cauldron,” Greenfield said.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., there will be storytime.

Every Friday in June and July at 10:30 a.m. there will be an activity.

Prizes for reading will be given out for kids ages 0 through 15+.

Where’s Rocket? Correctly guess where Rocket was each week for a chance to win a prize!

There will be a weekly coloring contest.

All summer reading materials can be picked up from the summer reading table at the library.