Local library is gearing up

Libraries across North Central Washington are gearing up for a summer filled with reading challenges, theatrical programs, science and technology, crafts and more.

This year, North Central Regional Library is offering a full lineup of programs at all 30 of its public libraries in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan and Ferry counties, as well as its two bookmobiles and bilingual outreach service.

Signups begins as soon as school lets out for the summer.

This year, NCRL will expand its traditional summer program to include a wide array of opportunities people of all ages can experience at the library.

Everyone can earn rewards by reading books, doing activities with their friends and family at the library, attending programs, using online services offered by the library, and getting out and exploring their community.

“The goal is still to encourage pleasure reading, but also to engage everyone with all of NCRL’s resources and to foster a strong sense of community,” said Abby Osborn, children’s services manager for NCRL.

The summer program will feature several returning favorites to the libraries, including Chelan County PUD and Grant County PUD programs and the library district’s STEM specialists doing fun science experiments like galaxy slime. This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories” and many of the programs and crafts are built around astronauts and space.

Additional programs include:

• Book-It Repertory Theatre of Seattle performing “The Odyssey: an Exploration of Myth, Magic and Monsters,” June 24 to 28.

• Dancer Susan Wickett-Ford presents Village Rhythms Around the World, June 24 to 28.

• Knights of Veritas demonstrate medieval astronomy, swords and armor, July 8 to 12.

• Magician Jeff Evans presents his Out of this World Magic Show, July 8 to 12.

• STYLE Music Variety Show offers music inspired by children’s and young adult literature, July 15-19.

• Sean Gaskell offers a musical and educational presentation on the West African Kora — a 21-stringed harp traditionally played by oral and musical historians in Gambia, July 15-20.

•Actress Michele LaRue brings vintage American literature to life with her Tales Well Told series, July 15-25.

• The Burke Museum Dig In! program showcases fossils and prehistoric plants and animals, July 22 to 26.

• Author/songwriter Eric Ode presents a music and poetry-filled space adventure, July 22 to 26.

• Jennifer Pharr Davis, a hiker, author, speaker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, who has hiked more than 14,000 miles on six continents, July 22 to 26.

• The Traveling Lantern Theater Co. presents “My Mother the Astronaut,” July 29 to Aug. 2.

• The Burke Museum Living Traditions program, explores traditions still practiced by contemporary Native Americans of the PNW, Aug. 5 to 9.

• Didgeridoo Down Under, an Australian-themed show that combines music, culture, puppetry, comedy, storytelling and audience participation, Aug. 12-16.

“We have more all-ages programs than ever before so the whole family can attend together,” said Jessica Lynch, teen services manager for NCRL.

Michelle McNiel

Communications Manager

North Central Regional Library