Today is when the calendar says it’s officially summer, but the Port Orchard Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library decided to begin its summer a few days early.
Wednesday night, the library threw an “Ants in Your Pants Family Dance Party” in its parking lot along the waterfront.
Designed for kids of all ages and their parents, too, the event featured music, treats and crafts as a way to celebrate the KRL’s Summer Reading Program.
“This year it’s called ‘Catch the Reading Bug,’” said Branch Manager Kathleen Wilson, adding that the library will have a DJ “spinning tunes,” and will offer a critter-themed dessert — dirt cups.
Wilson explained that the cups don’t contain real dirt, of course, and instead feature ice cream with chocolate sprinkles that resemble dirt, along with some (candy) worms.
Today also marks the start of the reading program, which offers a free paperback and a ticket to the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede to any child who reads, or is read to, for 10 hours. However, the rewards will only be given out while supplies last.
For the month of July, Wilson said both the Port Orchard and the Manchester libraries will be hosting kids events on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Port Orchard library holds its programs outside at the gazebo at Waterfront Park, and kicks off the season with Roberto the Magnificent on July 8, and Linda Severt, a juggler, puppeteer and songstress on July 22.
The Manchester library will have Last Leaf Productions — a touring company specializing in theatre for families and young children — on July 15, and Mary Shaver Marionettes on July 29.
For teens, Wilson said the library is hosting gaming nights and a new “Battle of the Bands” competition featuring the video game “Rock Band.”
On Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants can practice and prepare for the “battle,” which is scheduled for Aug. 15 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Port Orchard Library, and offers the chance to compete against gamers at all branches.
Earlier in the month of August, other Friday night teen events include a release party for Stephenie Meyer’s latest novel, “Breaking Dawn,” the final book in her Twilight Saga that follows the love story between a teenage girl and a vampire in Forks, Wash.
The third teen event in a Mystery night Aug. 8 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., where participants collect clues from a crime and try to pick the right culprit.
Manchester’s branch will hold similar events, including a mystery night July 25, and a Battle of the Bands Aug. 14.
For more information on all of KRL’s events, visit: www.krl.org.
