June 2024 

By Gaylee Harris, Montgomery City Public Library Director

Are you ready for an adventure?  Summer reading is upon us at the Montgomery City Public Library.  This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” 

MCPL will take you on journeys around the world as well as right in your backyard.  All the programs are free and no library card is required. Join us for magic, laughter, and fun as we kick off summer reading with Chef Bananas at MCPL at 2:00 pm on June 3. 

Summer reading programs at the library will be on June 10, June 24, July 8, and July 22.  The 10:00 am programs will be for ages 0-5.  The 2:00 pm will be for school-age children (ages 5-11).  Ms. Katie will take the children on an around-the-world adventure for each program.  Be ready to experience different cultures!

On June 14 at 10:00 am, Talewise will perform “Adventures of the Lost Treasure” for all ages, but it is geared towards school-age children.  For a backyard adventure, join Ms. Luanne on a bird-watching hike at Graham Cave State Park.  This will be on June 15 at 9:00 am.  Hikers should meet in the lower parking lot at the state park. 

Have you ever wanted to go to South America?  “You know, America- but south.”  We will have an interactive adventure as we watch Mr. Frederickson and Russell in the movie “UP.”  This interactive movie for all ages will be shown in the MCPL parking lot at 8:30 pm on June 22.  Bring lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy.

International Mud Day activities will occur on June 29 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at MCPL.  Explore with all your senses during this muddy adventure.  Come in clothes that can get dirty! 

July holds just as many adventures as June!  There will be a Missouri Department of Conservation mammal program at 3:00 pm on July 2.  Phyllis Claspille will lead adventurers of all ages on a sewing adventure on July 12 at 1:00 pm to make mug rugs.

Last year Happy Faces Entertainment brought us fabulous programming for children, teens, and adults.  They are returning this year to teach participants (ages 10 through adult) about improv on July 24 at 2:00 pm.  Later that night on July 24 at 7:00 pm, teens and adults are invited to participate in a murder mystery entitled “Cleaver Class of 19 Deadly-2.” This mystery adventure is set at a high school reunion.  Participants are welcome to dress up like they are attending a class reunion. 

“Mamma Mia!  Here we go again!”  Another interactive movie will be shown on July 27 at 8:30 pm in the MCPL parking lot.  This sing-along version of “Mamma Mia” will be a musical adventure for all.  Who’s ready for some ABBA?

Many other events will be hosted at MCPL over the summer such as teen and adult crafts, Books & Beyond, Lego Club, and After Hours Teen Nights.  Please check the Montgomery City Public Library’s Facebook page or website for more information.  Remember these events are free and you do not need a library card to attend.

You can also register to be a part of the summer reading program and have opportunities to win prizes.  There are categories for Babies-Preschool (0-5), School-Aged Children (5-12), Teens (12-18), and Adults (18+).  Each group has a certain number of minutes to read and activities to complete.  Those who complete the minutes and activities will have their name placed in a drawing for prizes.  This summer’s prizes include a music player for Babies-Preschool and Kindle Fires for each School-Aged Children, Teens, and Adults group.

This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.  The Montgomery City Public Library would like to thank the Missouri State Library for awarding us with a grant for funds to pay for these summer reading adventures!