Summer reading and more at Evanston Public Library

The Evanston Public Library is offering summer programs to community members of all ages at various locations around the city. Take a look at some of the offerings:

Hear a story in the park

Children’s librarians will be reading aloud in parks around town this summer:

• Family Storytime: The books are perfect for ages 3 to 7, but the storytime is fun for everyone. Head to Fountain Square on the first and third Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 
• The Young & The Restless: A 30-minute storytime for the littlest listeners, at 10 a.m. every Thursday in Brummel Park, located at Brummel Street And Elmwood Avenue. 

Play READO and win prizes with Summer Reading

“Read Beyond the Beaten Path,” this year’s children’s summer reading challenge for toddlers through fifth graders, began on June 1. Children are encouraged to drop by the Main Library, the Robert Crown Branch or at an Evanston Public Library table at community events happening throughout town to sign up. Anyone who registers will get a free book to keep and a scratch-off READO card. Scratch off five in a row for a prize activity kit and get entered to win the grand prize at the end of the summer.

“We’re handing out books first, so everyone gets a book to start their summer,” Librarian Laura Antolin said. “Our biggest goal is to put a book in everyone’s hands. Starting out by giving out books means that we will be able to distribute new books to more families and more kids right away with the idea that that is the book that starts your summer. You pick the book that you love.”

Go to camp at the library

The Library has partnered with organizations throughout the community to develop two camps designed to provide opportunities to BIPOC and underrepresented youth in STEAM fields and entrepreneurship. A STEAM Camp in partnership with Oakton Community College launches July 18, and an entrepreneurial camp with local business owners starts June 13.

• STEAM Camp:In partnership with Oakton Community College, EPL’s Robert Crown Branch will host a two-week STEAM Camp for students ages 8-12. The two-week camp starts July 18. Full and half-day options are available. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
• Innovate Entrepreneurship Camp: Turn your ideas into income! Beginning June 13 at the Main Library, join us for eight sessions to learn from local entrepreneurs how to start, brand and market your business, on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., for students in grades 5 through 8.

For more information, contact Carmen Francellno at cfrecellno@cityofevanston.org.

Hang out at the Teen Loft

Expanded hours at the Loft, EPL’s space for teens on the third floor of the Main Library, begin Thursday, June 9, and last throughout summer vacation. Librarians will have activities to keep teens engaged and exploring new interests and ideas. Teens are invited to stop by from noon to close of library to take part in Pride Month celebrations, learn hydroponic gardening, DIY your own crafts of all kinds and learn filmmaking with the FilmIt! Challenge.

Can’t make it to the Main Library? EPL staff will also be bringing a Taste of the Loft to the community. Watch out for the Bookmobile that will be setting up at Evanston Township High School on Tuesdays, Fleetwood-Jourdain on Wednesdays, and Chute Middle School on Thursdays this summer.

Find us at a pop-up in your neighborhood

Residents will find Library staff at First Fridays at Mason Park on the first Friday of every month, at the Pride Parade on June 5, and at Evanston’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 18. The Library also will host parties on the fourth Friday of each month all summer long, starting with a Dime Dance-Off from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 24, at Brummel Park.

EPL On the Fly! Pop-ups are returning! Find librarians around town for STEAM activities like bottle rockets, beach visits with capture the flag, double dutch and much more.

Information on all of the programs offered by the Evanston Public Library is available at www.epl.org/summer2022. Or drop by the Main Library or EPL’s Robert Crown Branch to grab a summer read and find even more fun.