See all posts in the Libraries series
(Note: Carver County Library branch managers are providing updates on programs and services for Carver County Local News. This month, Chaska location manager Kevin Spencer shares information on upcoming summer programs. Check the library Events Calendar for more details about dozens of options).
Summer has a way of flying by. School supplies have already appeared in the stores (even though it’s only July). Before summer slips away completely, why not make a few more memories at a local library?
Here’s a mid-summer bucket list to help make the most of the season—all for free.
- Join the Summer Reading Program – It’s not too late! Young readers can sign up, log their reading, complete activities and earn prizes. Every page counts: chapter books, audiobooks, graphic novels or picture books.
- Ask a librarian for your next great read – Not sure what to read next? Share what you’ve enjoyed in the past and a librarian can help you discover a next favorite book, audiobook or movie.
- Try Libby – A patron’s library card provides free access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks through the Libby app. Borrow a title from home, on vacation or while relaxing by the pool.
- Attend a library program – From magic shows and crafts, to gardening advice, robotics demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’s something happening for every age throughout the summer.
- Check out a blood pressure kit – All Carver County Library branches now have blood pressure kits available for checkout. Provided through a grant from the American Heart Association, these kits make it easy to monitor blood pressure from the comfort of home. Regular monitoring can help better understand heart health, track changes over time and provide valuable information to share with a healthcare provider.
- Spend an afternoon at the library – Need a break from the summer heat? The library is a welcoming place to read, study, work remotely, play with the kids or simply enjoy a quiet moment. Free Wi-Fi, public computers and comfortable spaces are available to everyone.
- Discover something new – Browse a new section, pick up a cookbook, learn a new hobby, explore local history or try a genre previously overlooked. Looking for an adventure? The Chaska Library is even home to a geocache, making it a fun destination for geocachers visiting the area or anyone looking to try a modern-day treasure hunt.
- Bring a friend – Libraries are meant to be shared. Invite a friend, neighbor, grandchild or anyone who could use a little less screen time and a little more story time. Introduce someone to their first library card or show them one of your favorite library programs.
- Remember library staff is here to help – Perhaps the library’s greatest resource isn’t on the shelf—it’s the staff. Whether a patron needs help finding reliable information, learning new technology, printing documents, using online resources or simply finding the next great read, library staff are here to help. All Carver County Libraries are equipped to send faxes (yes, people still use them!), and at the Chaska Library, librarians can also notarize documents free of charge, providing another convenient service that can save both time and money.
No matter how many items are checked off the list, every visit to the library is an opportunity to learn, connect and discover something new. There’s still plenty of summer left to make the most of your library card.
Find upcoming events, summer reading information, and much more at carverlib.org.
