Port library to kick off reading program on June 6, host summer programs

The Niederkorn Library in Port Washington will celebrate the start of the summer reading challenge on Saturday, June 6.

From 10 a.m. to noon people can sign up for the challenge, which this year follows the theme “Unearth a Story.”

Those attending will receive a lanyard, have a chance to add their dinosaur design to the windows on the front of the library and say hi to Booker the Library Dog.

There will be treats, as well as a program at 11 a.m. about the life of a paleontologist with the Dinosaur Discovery Museum.

Museum Curator Nick Wiersum will talk about dinosaurs, where they are found and the tools and techniques used to excavate their fossils. He will also discuss some of the most interesting discoveries that have been made and get hands-on with both real fossils and fossil casts.

Other activities at the library during June include:

Youth activities

The library will host storytimes at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The themes change each week, and most are suitable for preschoolers.

The Lego Building Club will meet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 22. Youngsters may use the library Legos to design and build things, then put their creation on display in the library.

The program is geared for children 5 and older.

A sensory playtime will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, June 26.

A variety of tactile, sensory activity stations for children younger than 13 and their caregivers to explore. Those attending are urged to dress to make a mess.

A Paws for Reading program where children read to Gracie, a certified therapy dog, will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays. The program helps youngsters practice reading skills and build confidence in a low-stress and positive environment.

A fossil scavenger hunt will be held throughout downtown Port from June 6 to Aug. 8.

Nine fossils can be found in the windows of local downtown businesses during that time. Youngsters who find them, write down their locations and turn in their sheet to the library will receive a prize. Scavenger hunt sheets will be available at both the upstairs and downstairs circulation desks.

STEM-osaurus  programs will be held on alternate Mondays at 12:30 p.m.

On June 15, participants will crochet mini triceratops and on June 29 they will use dino molds to create Crayon candles.

The program is for children ages 8 to 18, and each event is a different STEM activity that’s guided, with all supplies provided. Participants may then take home their creations.

A dino disco dance party will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Those attending will get a glow stick bracelet and temporary tattoo, decorate their own disco ball and visit the punch bar for refreshments during the dance, which is intended for youngsters through age 13.

“Diggin’ It! with Science Heroes” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25.

Those attending may participate in crazy science experiments like the Toilet Tornado, Disappearing Polymer, Hydro-Cannon and more.

Adult and teen activities

A grief support group will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 and 17.

The group is facilitated by Compassus Hospice.

  The D&D PW Bookwyrms group meets from 5 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays.

Local game enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcomes.

  Assistance to those seeking jobs will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, June 10 and 24.

Free employment tools and resources from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Job Center of Wisconsin will be explored.

Those attending are asked to book a time slot in advance.

  A short story hour will be held at the Port Senior Center at 1 p.m. Wednesday , June 10.

The Friday Morning Book Talk group will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 12.

The Novel Ideas Book Club , which specializes in fiction, meets at 6:30 p.m. The library will have copies of the featured books available for checkout.

The Bring Your Own Book Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Cavelier Wine Bar.

Those attending are asked to share the book they are currently reading or just finished, no matter the genre.

Work in Progress Wednesday, where people can bring in whatever they are creating, be it knitting, crocheting, painting, drawing or writing, will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24.

A Mystery Date With a Book Bedazzle with PW Pride will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

Those attending may choose from a number of wrapped LGBTQ+ friendly books, unwrap their selection and bedazzle the cover.

Those attending may come in pajamas or their comfy clothes to enjoy crafting to some music and light refreshments.

All supplies are provided, and advance registration is requested.

The Veteran Creative Arts Festival award ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 29. Refreshments will be provided.

Artwork by veterans and their families will be on display for voting at the library from June 1 to 29.

The winners will be notified, and their pieces will be displayed at the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center in Milwaukee on July 1.

The library is at 316 W. Grand Ave .

For more information, call (262) 284-5031.