All children's programs are free, and do not require a library card to participate!
Summer Reading helps keep your brain active when school is out for summer break! Building a reading habit will also help you for the rest of your life. Reading is great for mental health, intelligence, empathy, and entertainment. Try to read a little every day!
Sign up to track your reading and earn prizes at Beanstack. And join us in the library for fun events where you can hear stories, make cool projects, learn new things, and make friends! No registration or library card are needed to attend any of our events!
Solarity Puppet Show with Jan Hanson
Friday, June 21 10:30 AM
Former Longview Library children's librarian Jan Hanson returning to Longview with Solarity Puppety, a solar-powered 1954 Cub traveling puppet theatre caravan! Come for a special Universe of Stories puppet performance to kick off our 2019 summer reading events.
Rocket Babies
Wednesdays 10:30 AM, June 19 - July 24
Rocket Babies is our space-themed summer story time just for babies, wobblers and toddlers, 0 - 2 years, with their grown-up(s). Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with Jennifer and Becky, Wednesday mornings at 10:30 in the MJO Room, June 19 - July 24. Be sure to sign up for our summer literacy challenge for babies and toddlers in Beanstack. You can earn points toward rewards by attending Rocket Babies and getting the weekly code.
Outdoor Stories & Crafts
Fridays 10:30 AM, June 28 - July 26
Bring a blanket to sit on and join Becky, Jennifer, and Jakob outside on the west library lawn (weather permitting) for stories, activities and crafts on this summer's Universe of Stories theme, each Friday morning at 10:30, June 28 - July 26. (The weekly craft is appropriate for kids 3 years and up).
Space Camp
Wednesday June 26, 3 PM
Prepare to be an astronaut with fun crafts and activities that help kids imagine what life could be like in space!
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Wednesday July 3, 3 PM
Watch the Lego Movie 2 with the whole family - we provide the popcorn! This movie is rated PG and its runtime is 1 hour 47 minutes.
Jedi Academy
Wednesday July 10, 3 PM
Celebrate Star Wars with a variety of crafts and activities, including making a pool noodle light saber! We may even have special guests from a galaxy far, far away.
Growing Up Moon
Wednesday July 17, 3 PM
Learn about the moon as you visit different activity stations. How were craters formed on the moon? What stories do people tell about the moon? How do you learn about the moon through observation? This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and is presented in partnership with the Kelso Public Library, Discovery Children's Museum, and Friends of Galileo.
Galaxy Crafts
Wednesday July 24, 3 PM
Bring the family and make space-y, take-home crafts such as galaxy sensory bottles, space paintings, and galaxy playdough!
Grand Finale Picnic featuring the Alphabeticians
Tuesday July 30, 6 PM
Celebrate your summer reading accomplishments with a picnic on the library lawn! Enjoy hot dogs, snow cones, and punch on us, then dance to tunes by The Alphabeticians who'll be bringing their rock'n'roll for families to Longview. The Grand Finale Picnic is free and open to all summer reading families thanks to the generous support of the Longview Library Foundation, Friends of the Longview Public Library, Early Bird Lions, Foster Farms and the Friends of the Kelso Public Library.
Kids' Book Club
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Fourth Wednesday of the Month
For kids in grades 3-5! Pick up a copy of the book at the downstairs checkout desk, while supplies last. Books are available for FREE thanks to the support of the Friends of the Longview Library. Read the book and then come talk about it, make a fun project, and enjoy some snacks!
May 22 - Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru stretches the truth to fit in at her private school, but when she is dared to prove an ancient lamp is cursed, she inadvertently frees an ancient demon.
The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge encourages you to read 1,000 books to your infant, toddler, or preschooler before their first day of kindergarten. 1000 books? That's too much! We hear you! You can do it! Start with one book - any book! Favorite books can be repeated. Books read to your child by other family members and friends, at daycare or playtime, and at library storytime all count.
To help keep up the momentum and stay motivated along the way, Longview Library will provide tips, targeted book recommendations, fun incentives, plus a free book and book bag, stickers, recognition on the Reading Tree, and after you reach 1000 books, a backpack with supplies for your little one's first day of school. Use the Beanstack link to sign up anytime and start logging books on September 20.
