The summer reading program for children and teens continues until the last day of this month: Plant a Seed, Read! Kids ages 3-18 can sign up any time all summer, so families can still stop in to sign up. Remember to bring in your completed reading logs by August 31 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 and keep earning prizes.

The summer reading challenge for adult continues until August 15. 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 choice of 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, all year long

Fun activities are happening at the library in August:

Thursday, August 6, 3:00 pm: Tree-themed storytime with a naturalist from Sibley State Park.

Friday, August 7, 2:00 pm: CLIMB Theatre presents Once Upon a Beanstalk, a short, interactive play for children.

Thursday, August 13, 3:00-4:00 pm: Pokémon Trading Post. Kids and teens can trade their Pokémon cards with other players. No sales.

The button maker will be back for the week of August 10 through 15, all day, for Pokémon buttons.

Saturday, August 22, 10:30 am: Saturday Storytime.

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.

Special take-home craft kits will be available starting on the first three Saturdays of August; these are for adults and kids. Regular take-home craft kits for kids and teens will be available on the first three Tuesdays of August. Available while supplies last.

None of the programs offered in August require signing up in advance. 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.

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.