Summer is almost here, and so is the summer reading program: Plant a Seed, Read! This year’s program is all about gardening, farming, and plants. The program begins Monday, June 1, and runs through Monday, August 31. Kids ages 3-18 can sign up any time June 1 or after all summer, so families can stop in to get started in June, July, or August — whenever it’s convenient.

The summer reading program is something kids do on their own time, working their way through the reading game sheets by reading or being read to, and doing other fun activities. The reading log for children looks like a board game. The teen reading log is a chart to simply record hours spent reading.

When they sign up, kids get book bag, a reading sheet, a bookmark, a tattoo, and a treat, and they can choose a free book to keep. Each time they turn in a completed reading sheet, they will earn “library loot,” pretend money that they can turn in for a choice of small prizes.

The goal of the summer reading program is to encourage kids to read all summer long, so that they keep up their reading skills and return to school in the fall ready to learn. Kids can do one reading sheet after another all summer until late August and keep earning prizes.

Fun activities are happening at the library in June:

Mondays all summer, beginning June 1, at 10:30 a.m.: Tiny Tykes Storytime. Bring the kids ages 0-5 for a short program with stories and songs. No need to sign up. No storytime June 29.

Mondays all summer, beginning June 1, 3:00-4:30 p.m.: Pokémon Trading Card Game. For kids age 7 and up. No need to sign up. No Pokémon June 29.

Thursday, June 4, 2:00 p.m.: Tote Bag Block Printing class. Open to all ages. Space is limited: sign up by calling the library at 320-440-1012 or by stopping at the front desk. This class will be taught by Meredith Semel.

Tuesday, June 9, 3:00 p.m.: Mosaic Seed Art Treasure Boxes class. Open to all ages. Space is limited: sign up by calling the library at 320-440-1012 or by stopping at the front desk. This class will be taught by Jen Anfinson.

Take-Home Tuesdays every Tuesday in June: Stop in to pick up a kids’ craft kit beginning on Tuesday, while supplies last. On 6/2 the project will be Garden Gang Scratch Art, 6/9 will be a beaded American flag pin, 6/16 will be a Father’s Day card, and 6/23 will be a patriotic Peanuts craft.

Thursday, June 11, 2:00 p.m.: CLIMB Theatre presents Once Upon a Beanstalk, a short, interactive play for children. No need to sign up.

Saturday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.: Saturday Storytime. Bring the kids to the library’s monthly storytime on the 3^rd Saturday of June, July, and August. We’ll have stories and an activity. In June, 4-H will present a special storytime. No need to sign up.

As always, children ages 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult or teen caregiver who will stay with them. And as always, library programs are free.

The seed library continues to be available for all ages. You can take up to 4 mini packets of seeds per week. If you have seeds to donate, we will gladly take them.

Pioneerland libraries will be closed on Friday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday. Cosmos Library’s hours are Mondays 10-5, Tuesdays 2-5, Thursdays 2-6, Fridays 2-5, and Saturdays 10-1. Find us in city hall, at www.cosmos.lib.mn.us, or at 320-440-1012. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook.