Springfield Public Library invites readers all of ages to participate in their 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, which begins on Friday, June 14th. This year’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat” and participants will be able to explore books and activity challenges about taking care of the earth, learning ways to reuse and repurpose things, renewing themselves, and more! This is an engaging way to read and complete interesting challenges throughout the summer, earning raffle entries along the way. No library card is needed to participate! Register for free starting on June 14th at www.wheremindsgrow.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack phone app. The challenges run until Saturday, August 24th.  

Young children, kids, and teens who sign up receive a free book to keep, immediately. Teens can earn small incentives all summer long. Adults receive a free book once they have read five books. All readers can participate to earn points and entries towards our grand prize drawings.

Don’t miss the wildly popular weekly outdoor multicultural events on the fountain plaza throughout the summer presented by the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum. The Summer Reading Kickoff Event begins at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 18th with an African Summer Showcase featuring Seattle-based artists of Gansango Music and Dance. The weekly programs that follow will be hosted every Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. through August 14th with the support of many regional partners. The series features an inclusive lineup of performing artists and culture keepers from the Siletz to New York City, from Portland to Michuacán, Mexico. Audiences of all ages, abilities and backgrounds will enjoy a range of experience from Bollywood to Ballet, aerial circus arts to Brazilian Samba. More information about all summer events can be found at wheremindsgrow.org/events.

With engaging outdoor events, and Summer Reading challenges for young children, kids, teens, and adults, there is something for everyone this summer at the Springfield Public Library!