Memorial Day heralds the start of summer. The classic song tells us it’s “summertime and the livin' is easy.” After a few very challenging years, all of us could use some easy living and so could our kids. That is why our Youth Summer Reading Program is designed to be low pressure – high pleasure for kids and parents. We know that kids who see reading as enjoyment, not work, become lifelong readers and learners.

Kids can register online or in-person and track their reading on a computer, tablet, phone, or in a traditional paper folder. We don’t assign a set number of books or have them read from a prescribed booklist. Instead, we ask them to set their own reading goals based on individual schedules and reading interests. We want them to choose books they can’t wait to open, whether that is non-fiction, graphic novels, five-hundred page fantasy/adventures or classics.

Kids can also choose their own learning adventures from a menu of open-ended activities. Those who meet their reading goal and complete seven learning activities are rewarded with a book of their choice, a set of tickets/coupons to local attractions and an entry in a drawing for special prizes.

We also offer programs specially designed for tots and teens. Registration for Summer Reading begins on Tuesday, May 31st. Visit our website to find out more about summer at the Shorewood Library.

Then grab that book, beach blanket, lemonade and take it easy.

Happy Reading! Happy Summer!

Heide Piehler

Join us in the lower level of Village Center on Tuesday, June 28th at 6:30 PM for a poetry reading by local poet Stephen Anderson. Stephen will read from his new collection, High Wire, take questions from the audience, and sign copies of his book.

High Wire is a collection of new and selected poems that deals with several themes. It is not a “pandemic book” per se but it does deal with pandemic-imposed changes and complications such as family separation, loss of connection with friends, death, vulnerability to known and unknown aspects of our lives, love, as well as the risks involved in personal choices that life tosses our way from time to time. In short, we all must venture onto our own personal “high wire” and learn to balance our way to carving our own destiny.

This event is co-sponsored by Boswell Book Company.

Summer has arrived, which means the picnic tables have returned to the library lawn! Summer also means the return of our Summer hours at the library:

The library will be closed on Sundays beginning May 29th and will remain closed on Sundays through September 4th.

It has been an honor to lead and serve the Shorewood Public Library community over the last six years. The task has been a rewarding and collaborative effort, thanks to the talented staff, dedicated library board trustees, steadfast Friends members, and engaged and loyal library patrons like you.

I feel confident that these same groups and individuals will welcome and support the next Library Director. That person will likely start toward the end of summer and will ensure that the library meets its mission to welcome all people Learn, Connect, and Explore.

Sincerely,

Rachel

Youth Summer Reading begins on Tuesday, May 31st! Register online or in person starting May 31st.

Terrific Tuesdays begin on Tuesday, June 14th at 1:30 PM in the lower level of Village Center or on the library lawn.

Summer Story Times begin on Thursday, June 16th at 10:00 AM outside on the library lawn. No registration required.

Tinker Lab To-Go begins this month on Monday, June 13th and Tinker Lab In-Person begins on Monday, June 27th at 2:00 PM.

Leo's Spot the Difference online game returns on June 21st! Find the difference between two photos of our library mascot Leo to be entered into a gift card drawing.

Family Night with Milwaukee Steve will be held in the lower level of village center or on the library lawn (weather permitting) on Wednesday, June 29th at 6:30 PM.

Other activities for kids and families include weekly Art Cart kits and a monthly Family Fun Night activity kit.

Learn more about summer events at the library on our website.

Teen Take & Make Fridays begin this month on Friday, June 17th. Kits can be picked up in person or via curbside and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teen Summer Reading begins on Tuesday, May 31st. Register beginning May 31st online or at the library.

This month's PM Book Club nonfiction pick is a memoir about growing up undocumented in the United States. Read Beautiful Country: a memoir by Qian Julie Wang and join the conversation on Wednesday, June 1st at 7:00 PM.

In May's AM Book Club fiction pick, All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle, widower Hubert Bird must face his loneliness after lying to his daughter about his isolated life in retirement. Join the conversation on Thursday, June 16th at 11:00 AM.

Drop-in help from the Job Center of Wisconsin will be available at the library on Wednesday, June 8th from 1:30-3:30 PM.