NEWS RELEASE
LONGMONT LIBRARY
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This summer will be a unique one for the Longmont Public Library, but that’s kind of par for the course in 2020, isn’t it? Although the library will be re-opening in phases over the summer, staff will still be taking many precautions to protect patrons and staff from the coronavirus. Knowing this, we had to completely rethink our typical summer program schedule. That’s okay, though; social distancing may have made summer programing more difficult, but your Longmont librarians were not deterred. They donned their creative thinking caps and devised a plethora of virtual programs for kids, teens, and adults to provide entertainment, connection, and fight the summer learning loss. So buckle up and get ready for a summer different from any you’ve seen before at the library.
Got kids? We’ve got you covered:
- Summer Reading Bingo Challenge: The library’s summer reading program has been simplified and moved online this year. Children and teens from birth to rising 12th graders can win a free book at the end of the summer by completing activities on a downloadable, printable bingo card to create either BINGO or a whole card black out. Activities on the cards go beyond reading to other offline assignments like “Make an inspirational message for your window or your sidewalk” and “List five things that make you happy.” No registration is required. Head to http://bit.ly/LibSRP and get started.
- Virtual Storytimes: Longmont librarians will continue their popular online storytimes on YouTube at 11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Librarian Valerie hosts Bilingual Storytime on Mondays, Librarian Claire reads for Baby Storytime on Wednesdays, and Librarian Stephanie invites everyone to Family Storytime on Fridays. Stories, songs, and movement are all part of storytime fun! No registration is required and storytimes are also posted to Facebook and Twitter.
- Virtual Variety Hours: The online fun continues with virtual parties via Webex for two age groups. The Kids Virtual Variety Hour is designed for rising 3rd through 5th graders and will be held weekly on Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m., featuring activities, book talks, crafts, and more. Meanwhile, the Teen Virtual Variety Hour, held each Friday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., includes games, book talks, and conversation for rising 6th through 12th graders. Registration is required for both these programs. Register 3rd -5th graders at http://bit.ly/Lib4Kids and 6th-12th at http://bit.ly/LibTeens.
- Virtual Dungeons & Dragons Club: D&D fans need no longer fret – our Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club for rising 6th through 12th graders has moved online for the summer. The group will meet each Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Webex. Register and get all the information at http://bit.ly/LibTeens.
- Teen Virtual Writers’ Group: Our writers’ group just for tweens and teens is back and ready to be creative. This group for rising 6th through 12th graders will meet each first and third Wednesday in June and July from 4 to 5 p.m. via Webex. Registration is required. Go to http://bit.ly/LibTeens.
- Crafternoons on Facebook and Twitter: Each Thursday, the Library’s social media platforms will reveal a new craft challenge designed for all ages but geared mostly for elementary aged kids. The crafts can be completed with things you might have around the house, or you can stop by the Library’s east side entrance and pick up a free craft kit for that week’s craft (while supplies last). No registration is required.
- Virtual Rainbow Storytime: Join Librarian Claire for a very special Rainbow Storytime in celebration of National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Longmont Pride Week on June 22 from 6 to 7p.m. Come enjoy stories, rhymes, and fun while celebrating diversity and inclusion of all kinds of people and families! All families are invited, but the program is best for those with children aged toddler through elementary school. A book list of great reading suggestions will also be available. Part of the Diversity Storytime series and offered in partnership with Out Boulder County. Watch this storytime live on the Out Boulder County Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OutBoulderPride.
But what about the grown-ups? Don’t worry, adults are invited, too:
- Virtual Meetups: Join other language learners in our two conversation practice meetups. “¡Hablemos! Let’s Talk!” is an informal language practice group for adults learning Spanish and meets online every Tuesday from 12 to 1 p.m. At least an intermediate level of Spanish ability is recommended. “Say Hello” invites all those learning English to participate and meets online every Saturday from 10 to 11 am. “Say Hello” is moderated by a native English speaker. Registration is required, but don’t be shy – these groups are friendly and welcoming, so join in!
- Book Bites: See what your favorite librarians are reading and enjoying these days with this new video series of super short (one to three minutes!) book reviews. Find them on our YouTube Playlist and social media platforms.
- Keep Calm and Read On: Still can’t decide what to read? Tune in to our Facebook page every Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m., and let the librarians pick your next favorite book. Just comment on the post with a list of three books you really enjoyed, and the librarians on call will suggest another one for you to try.
- Virtual Genealogy Basics with the Longmont Genealogical Society: Volunteers from the Longmont Genealogical Society offer their time, knowledge, and assistance to the public on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants are guided on how to search for their ancestors and use the various resources available both in and out of the library. Gather any information you have -- name(s), a date of birth or death, a place, etc. and see what you can discover! Registration is required.
- Anime-niacs: Online Adult Anime Club: Join the Grey Havens group online as they host a monthly meetup for adults interested in discussing and sharing anime. The group meets virtually on the third Wednesdays of the month via Zoom. No registration is required.
- ThriftU: Homeschool Edition: Put your crafty pants on and join Professor Josie for online crafting classes. Watch our calendar and adult programs webpage for upcoming events. Craft projects will be based on things you might have at home or could easily obtain, even during a pandemic.
- Virtual Volunteer Fair: Even a pandemic can’t dampen the volunteerism spirit in Longmont or stop one of the Library’s most popular annual events. Watch for more details of this great program later in the summer.
More details and registration for all of these programs are available at http://bit.ly/LibPrograms.
Still need more ideas for summer fun? Then you need to visit our two webpages devoted to replacing the quarantine blahs with some bliss. Adults and older teens will enjoy Boredom Busters (http://bit.ly/BrdmBstrs), while families can dig into Mom, I'm bored! (http://bit.ly/BrdKids). Both pages feature giant (and we do mean GIANT) lists of ways to stay active, healthy, and engaged.
Also, don’t forget that even while the Library is closed to the public, we’re answering our main phone lines, offering curbside delivery of materials, and enabling you to get a temporary library card online to access all of our great digital materials. Visit our homepage at www.LongmontColorado.gov/Library for these updates and more.
Don’t let the craziness of 2020 damper your enthusiasm for a summer full of fun and good memories. Join us at the Library online to discover, connect, and learn.
Please always be sure to check the Library Calendar for potential schedule changes.
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