Library

Summer Reading Program

It's that time of year again - time to crank up the A/C, hunker down with good books and win great prizes with Great River Regional Library.  GRRL will kick off the annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) on Monday, June 11, continuing the celebration through Saturday, Aug. 11.The theme of this year’s program, Reading Takes You Everywhere, focuses on the excitement and new discoveries to be found in books, libraries, our communities and beyond.
The goal of the SRP is to defeat the summer slide – the tendency for students to lose their academic footing during the break from the classroom. The benefits of summer reading are undeniable. Research by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) finds that students who participate in public library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than those who did not participate - in some cases, significantly higher.  GRRL can help all young readers forestall the summer slide.
Registration for the SRP begins on Monday, June 11. Children and teens ages 0-18 will receive a reading record to track their activities. These reading records must be completed and returned to the library by the end of the program in order to be eligible for prize drawings.
Check the events calendar on griver.org/events to find out about SRP activities

Events

Teen/Tween Book Club

Thursdays-5:30-6:30pm  June 28, July 26, August 23

Join us for our NEW Teen/Tween Book club! Teens/Tweens attending will discuss their favorite juvenile/teen/young adult books, determine future book titles for the group , and participate in games/activities. Enjoy Pizza! Limit 12. For teens/tweens ages 12-17. Sponsored by Elk River Friends of the Library.

R.E.A.D. To a Dog! 

Saturdays-10:30am-12:30pm June16, July 21, August18

Here's a great opportunity for a relaxing one-on-one reading session with a dog. These dogs, from Therapy Dog International, love to be read to, and provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which allows people of all ages to practice the skill of reading. Pre-registration REQUIRED. Call the library in advance at 763-441-1641

Gardening Classes with a Master Gardener

 Fridays-12:30-1:30pm June 15, July 20, August 17

Join us for gardening classes taught by a Sherburne County Master Gardener of the U of M extension program. We will share information and answer questions on a variety of gardening topics including selecting plants for your garden, controlling weeds, caring for your flower gardens, and plant problems and diseases.  If participants would like to submit topics or questions to be discussed, they can be submitted in written form to the library up to one week in advance of the session, and the Master Gardener will research and prepare the answers. For adults. Pre=registration requested. Limit 20.

Mark Rivard Skateboard Art

Wednesday, July 11th 4:00pm-6:00pm

Design and take home your own skateboard deck! Instruction and materials will be provided by Minneapolis artist Mark Rivard. Rivard Art Education is an experimental learning platform utilizing art, culture, and the creative spirit. For ages 12-18. Pre-registration REQUIRED. Limit 10. Once we have reached our limit of 10 participants, we will have a waiting list for 2, and waiting list registrations may be contacted on the day of the program. A legacy event.

Ralph's World with Ralph Covert

Wednesday, June 13th 4:00pm-5:00pm

Ralph Covert of Ralph's World visits Elk River library with his Time Machine Guitar! Ralph's familiar energetic rock style is complemented by a range of new sounds drawn from his historical travels. Come rock out with Ralph at the library! For families. Limit 40. A Legacy event.

Junior Master Gardeners Class

Thursdays 1:00pm-2:00pm June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 9, 16

Learn about gardening, preparing and planting beds, and more from a Master Gardener with activities, lessons, and projects throughout the library grounds. In case of rain, we will meet in the library's community room. Ideal for ages 6-12. Pre-registration requested. Limit 25. Sponsored by Sherburne County Master Gardeners program of the University of MN Extension Service.

School-Age-Read-A-Chapter Story time

Mondays 3:30pm-4:15pm June 18th, July 9th, August 13th

Join us for a story time for school-agers! We will read a chapter from a popular juvenile book, and then do crafts, games, and/or activities that coordinate with the book we have chosen. Children can check out the book, and at the following session, we will have a brief time for discussion, then we will move on to a new book! It's a story time and book club combined! Check with the library for the book title each month. For children ages 6-11 and/or grades 1-5. Pre-registration REQUIRED. Limit 12.

Pint Size Polkas

Wednesday, June 27th 1:00pm-2:00pm

Mike Schneider of Pint Size Polkas brings the happiest music on earth, plus magic and comedy!  For families. Limit 40. A Legacy event.