Special emphasis on kids programming the for summer

By CARRIE POMEROY

This June and July, the Hamline Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. is serving up a wide range of programming, with special emphasis on programming for kids.

Preschool Storytimes in English happen Fridays from 10:30-11am, with upcoming storytimes on June 9, 16, 23, and 30 and July 7, 14, and 21. These interactive events include fingerplays, songs, stories, puppets, and more, and are a great way for young children to build school readiness skills and bond with their caregivers. Children of all energy levels welcome!

Evening/Pajama Storytimes start up on Tues., June 20, 6:30-7pm. Pajamas, blankets, and stuffed animals are all welcome at this bedtime storytime! Additional evening/pajama storytimes take place June 27 and July 11, 18, and 25.

The Teen Book Club meets on Sat., June 10 from 3-4pm. This discussion group, for Grades 9 and up, focuses on teen books, from Battle of the Books and Read Brave to graphic novels and beyond! The July meeting on July 8, also from 3-4pm.

The Summer Spark program kicks off on Tues., June 13 from 10:30-11:30am with Como Zoo and Conservatory presenting A Journey Through Africa. The program takes children on a “tour” through the African desert, savanna, and tropical rainforest, meeting live plants and animals along the way. Learn to count in Swahili and explore an African folktale, too!

Summer Spark continues on Sat., June 24, 2-3pm, with Hunter Marionettes. Accompanied by music ranging from classical to lively dance tunes, each member of this cast of intricate, hand-crafted marionettes will entertain with their unique talents. You might see a penguin soar on a flying trapeze, an ostrich try to fly, and much more.

On Tues., July 11, 10:30-11:30am, Summer Spark features the Splatter Sisters, an exciting family show filled with music, dance, and a bit of fun with favorite books. Yes, there will be singing and moving in the library!

In addition to arts and science programming for kids and families, the Summer Spark program also offers kids and teens a chance to earn points toward a free book by logging reading time or tracking their activities during the summer. Visit the library or ask a librarian for more information.

On Thur., June 15, 6-7pm, Open Eye Figure Theatre presents “Molly and the Magic Boot.” A city girl named Molly is stuck on Grandma’s farm all summer with no TV, cell phone, or video games. With the help of some fantastical footwear, her fabulous friends, and a little imagination, Molly discovers how fun the outdoors can be.

The Show and Tell Book Club meets Sat., June 17, 1:30-2:15pm. Join librarian Shelly to share books and do fun literacy activities. Best for first, second, and third graders.

On Mon., June 19, 4:30-6:30pm, the library hosts Nature Smart Programming as part of its new designation as one of the St. Paul Library system’s Nature Smart libraries. Join the librarians for fun, hands-on nature-based activities!

Kids and their families can Blast Off into Summer on Wed., June 21, 5:30-7pm. Create a soda bottle jet pack that you can take home to show your friends. The evening will also include a rocket science experiment. How high will your rocket go?

On Wed., June 28, 1-3pm, Jody’s Documentary Series features two short documentary films from PBS’s POV series. “The Jazz Ticket,” directed by Noel True and Rob King, focuses on an inspiring high-school teacher. “Mr. Smith’s Peach Seeds,” by director Stewart Copeland, tells the story of Roger Smith, who’s carved hundreds of peach pits into astonishingly detailed pigs, giraffes, and even entire villages. These events are a co-presentation by POV, the Hamline Midway Elders Association, and the St. Paul Public Library.

The movie fun continues on Wed., June 28 with Teen Movie Night from 5:30-7:30pm. Come and join other teens for the animated masterpiece “Iron Giant,” directed by Brad Bird, the acclaimed writer-director of “The Incredibles and Ratatouille.”

The Saints and Sinners Mystery Book Club meets Sat., July 1 from 1-3pm. This month’s book is “A Vintage Murder” by Michele Scott. Contact volunteer G. Balter for more information at gerribalter@gmail.com or 651-224-5570.

All libraries will be closed on July 4 for Independence Day.

On Wed., July 12, 4-6pm, kids, teens, and families are invited to Decorate a Backpack. Supplies provided—make and take!