The summer reading program for children and teens continues this month: Plant a Seed, Read! The program runs through Monday, August 31. Kids ages 3-18 can sign up any time all summer, so families can stop in to get started this month or next — whenever it’s convenient. Bring in your completed reading logs to get “library loot” and use that to buy small prizes. New prizes have continued to be added to the selection. Kids can do one reading sheet after another all summer until late August and keep earning prizes.

For the first time, the Cosmos Library is offering a summer reading challenge for adults. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, pick up a reading sheet at the library and read 5 things from a long list of options. Bring in your completed sheet by August 15 for a small prize. Make sure to check the back of the sheet for all of your reading choices. You can read the core documents of the U.S., read Revolutionary War era history or historical fiction, or read about American history and culture across the whole 250 years and more. The semiquincentennial is a great occasion to learn more about all of America, not only its founding or government.

Fun activities are happening at the library in July:

• Mondays all summer 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.
• Mondays all summer, 3:00-4:30 p.m.: Pokémon Trading Card Game. For kids age 7 and up. No need to sign up.
• Take-Home Tuesdays on the first 3 Tuesdays in July: Stop in to pick up a kids’ craft kit beginning on Tuesday, while supplies last. On 7/7 the project will be for teens: a U.S.A sand art bottle craft. On 7/14, it will be for children: a s’more campfire lacing craft. And on 7/21 it will be a paper strip ice cream craft. One per child, please.
• Thursday, July 9, 2:30 p.m.: The Science Museum of Minnesota presents Dinosaurs! Kids of all ages are welcome to attend this free educational presentation in the community room. No need to sign up.
• Friday, June 17, 5:00-8:00 p.m.: Space Festival mini golf. Drop in anytime during the program to play free mini golf in the community room and library. For all ages. No need to sign up.
• Saturday, July 18, 10:30 a.m.: Saturday Storytime. Bring the kids to the library’s monthly storytime on the 3^rd Saturday of the month all summer for stories and an activity. No need to sign up.
• Tuesday, July 21, 3:00 p.m.: Summer Splash Goldfish Painting Workshop. Artist Carol Slinden will teach this free painting class for all ages. All supplies are provided. Space is limited, so call the library at 320-440-1012 or stop at the front desk to sign up.
• Saturday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.: Garden wand class. In this free program, participants will assemble a beaded stake for their garden. All supplies are provided. For ages 8 through adult. Space is limited, so call the library at 320-440-1012 or stop at the desk 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.

Pioneerland libraries will be closed on Saturday, July 4^th for Independence Day. 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.