Summer Experience kicks off at ImagineIF Libraries

Summer Experience at ImagineIF Libraries launches on June 12 and encourages children and teens to enjoy books, explore science, and discover new adventures all summer long.

There is no cost to participate.

The library will be celebrating by hosting a Kids Summer Kickoff Party at the Ark Building, which is the future home of ImagineIF Bigfork, located at 162 Bridge Street on June 10 from 1-3 p.m. Experience the traditional folktale of Vasilisa and Baba Yaga with local storyteller, Katie Carey, especially for kids in grade K-5. Children can get their faces painted by Fancy Face Design, decorate a summer experience scrapbook, explore fun interactive activities, and pick out a free book to take home.

This year’s summer experience for children invites kids to document what they read and do this summer using a DIY scrapbook and uniquely designed stickers. They can pick up a scrapbook, sticker sheet, and a special writing tool at any ImagineIF location beginning June 12. During the month of August, kids can share a picture of a finished page in their scrapbook in ImagineIF’s online gallery at imagineiflibraries.org and be entered into a grand prize drawing.

ImagineIF will be offering several scrapbook design workshops for kids in June to help them get started with their scrapbooking adventure.

At the Kalispell branch, workshops will be held June 12,13 and 14, from 10 a.m.- noon; June 15 and 16 from 4-6 p.m.; and June 17, noon-3 p.m.

At the Columbia Falls branch, workshops will be June 12,14 and 15 from 10 a.m.- noon, June 13, 4-6 p.m.; and June 17, noon-2 p.m.

Workshops in Bigfork will be at the Bigfork Libary on June 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Bigfork Library on June 14 from 3-5 p.m. and on June 15 at the Ark building from 10 a.m. to noon.

ImagineIF invites teens entering grades 6-12 to get ready for a summer adventure with a new Teen Expedition Gameboard. Starting June 12, teens can pick up a gameboard at any ImagineIF location to begin their journey.

With the gameboard, teens will take on a series of reading and learning challenges, navigate their way across a map, and stay up-to-date on all the exciting teen summer programming happening at the library. Teens who complete the map by Aug. 12 earn a prize, including a Woodland Water Park Splash Pass, gift certificates, a solar-powered USB device charger (while supplies last), and more.

Teens are also encouraged to attend ImagineIF Teen Workshops at all locations, including Quick Printmaking, Adventure Notebook Painting, and Survival Gear DIY. In addition, the library will be hosting two special events for teens this summer: A Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament at the Ark Building in Bigfork on July 15 at 2 p.m., and an anime viewing on the big screen at the Anime at Dusk event at Creston Fish Hatchery on Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m.

The library will also be offering a Teen Repurposed Reads bookshelf this summer. Teens can browse a collection of books previously housed in the young adult collection and take home a new read that they don’t have to return. All books are in good condition and are ready for a new home.

ImagineIF locations will offer a variety of events for children and teens all summer. For details, call 758-5822 or visit imagineiflibraries.org/events/summer-experience. Summer Experience concludes on Aug. 12.

ImagineIF Libraries thanks the ImagineIF Library Foundation, Applied Materials Foundation, Town Pump Charitable Foundation, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Creston National Fish Hatchery, Kalispell Parks and Rec, and Signature Stadium 14 for generously supporting the library’s summer experiences.

ImagineIF Libraries' mission is to provide safe and fair access to information for everyone in Flathead County. For more information, visit www.imagineiflibraries.org.