The Pflugerville Public Library is offering a host of fun events, programs and activities for people of all ages to enjoy this June and July. The youth services staff will take a programming break in the last two weeks of May to have time to plan, but never fear, there’s a Scholastic bookfair from Friday, May 22, to Thursday, May 28, to tide you over.
After then, we’ll start the summer off with a bang at the 11th annual Maker Pfest on Saturday, June 6, from 2-5 p.m. Makers and creatives of all sorts are invited to join us that day for an afternoon of hands-on activities and demonstrations by local artisans, featuring techniques from quilting and lacemaking to bookbinding and Legos. Be sure to get information about the summer reading program while you’re at the library for Maker Pfest.
Speaking of the summer reading program, the library offers an All-Ages Summer Reading Challenge to motivate readers to keep the pages turning all summer long. Choose one of the four teams — Blue, Red, Green or Yellow — and log the time you spend reading between Monday, June 1, and Monday, July 20. New this year is our guest display initiative, in which one reader randomly drawn from each of the four teams will be invited to create an exhibit for the display cabinet in the Great Hall in August. Furthermore, the readers who log the most reading hours across all four teams in the youth and adult categories will earn an ultimate reader’s prize basket containing books, refreshments and goodies sure to warm every book-lover’s heart. As if these tempting prizes aren’t enough of an incentive, logging reading time also advances your team’s efforts in the friendly reading competition.
At the end of the summer, the winning team’s color will determine the décor at Pay it Forward Pflugerville on Saturday, July 25, from 2-4 p.m. Pay It Forward Pflugerville provides opportunities aplenty to learn about how you can get involved in giving back to the Pflugerville-area community through volunteering and other charitable efforts. Don’t miss this fun way to commemorate an unforgettable summer of reading and memory-making at the library, and find a way to make the world a better place while you’re at it.
Between Maker Pfest and Pay It Forward, there is no shortage of opportunities for meeting new friends, learning new things and having fun at the library. Storytimes for kiddos up to age 5 resume Monday, June 1, and feature books, songs, rhymes and many opportunities to bond with your little ones over a shared love of reading. Occasionally, performances with children’s musicians or special guests replace the storytimes — check the online calendar for details about shows by Staci Gray, Amber Blue and for the dates and times of Wiggle and Giggle with Ms. Sandi. Not to be forgotten, Baby Times specifically for children 3-18 months take place on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Families with children ages 5 to 8 are invited to join us for Kids Club meetings on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. — be sure to register in advance to let us know you’re coming. Tweens ages 8 to 12 will enjoy meeting others their age and doing fun activities at Tween Hangouts on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., and teens can look forward to participating in the Teen Tiny Art Contest, Hygge Night and the after-hours Hollywood-themed Murder Mystery on Friday, July 3, from 6-8 p.m.
In addition to the All-Ages Summer Reading Challenge, there is a reading challenge specifically for adults. Read books in at least eight categories between June 1 and July 25 to get a branded zipper tote with surprise swag. Four participants will be randomly selected to win a $25 gift card to the Book Burrow.
Adult programs in June and July include ongoing Pfab lab trainings and appointments and a Pfab Lab craft of the month, Senior Crafternoons, adult craft nights, movie matinees (there’s a showing of "Project Hail Mary"), Crafty Cafes, Pfiber Artists and Friends, Crafts and Conversations, and genealogy discussion group meetings. The Summer Book Buzz is sure to be an exciting way to learn about upcoming books for adults. Register early to get your hands on some library swag or a free Advanced Reader Copy of a forthcoming novel or nonfiction read. Not to be missed are the Afterhours Community Paint Night on July 17 at 6:30 p.m. and the Craft Supply Swap on July 23 at 6:15 p.m.
Library staff are particularly excited to introduce the library’s first True Crime Mini Conference for adults on Sunday, July 26, from 1-5:30 p.m. This event will feature author talks, podcasters, a book swap and special guests from the Pflugerville Police Department’s spectacular group of crime scene techs. Mark your calendars, true crime fans.
No matter which program appeals to you most, there are tons of ways to get involved with the Pflugerville Public Library this summer. This article highlights some of them, but there are more to be found at library.pflugervilletx.gov. Be sure to check our online calendar for details about events before you show up, paying particular attention to whether or not registration is required. It’s not a bad idea to set reminders on your phone to register for a highly anticipated program.
At the end of the day, whether you are a reader, a maker, a do-gooder, just beginning your library journey or a seasoned bibliophile, a true crime buff, a youngster, or simply young-at-heart, there is a place for you at the Pflugerville Public Library. We look forward to seeing you at the library this summer!