Although the Village of Shorewood's mask ordinance has expired, the Shorewood Public Library board has approved a policy requiring all visitors to wear a face covering while at the library. We anticipate this to be in place through at least Thursday, June 10th.

This policy supports the Shorewood School District as they navigate the final weeks of the school year, and it also reflects the fact that we serve people from the entirety of Milwaukee County. While vaccination rates are high in Shorewood, we know that is not the case in all communities, and that children under 12 are not yet able to be vaccinated. All visitors who are not vaccinated should continue to wear masks after Thursday, June 10th.

Normally this time of year we are busy getting ready for the dozens of classes that will visit the library and our year-end visits to the schools to talk about summer reading. Sadly, that won’t happen this year. While this year has been far from normal, we are still gearing up for a summer filled with enthusiastic young readers and inspired learners. We hope you will encourage your kids to join one of our Summer Reading Challenges. We offer programs for pre-readers, independent readers, and teens.

Decades of research have proven the benefits of summer reading programs. “Use it or lose it” definitely applies to reading skills. Children who participate in summer reading programs maintain, or in some cases, improve their reading skills. Those who don’t may regress – a loss that can take a year or more to make up. The impact is even greater for struggling readers. Reading programs that allow kids to develop their own interests and choose their own books are the most likely to have a positive effect that goes beyond summer months or school days.

For that reason, Shorewood Library’s summer reading programs (cosponsored by the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library) are different than some others. We want to make sure reading is a pleasure, not a chore. We don’t believe in one size fits all. We know each child is unique and so are their reading skills and interests. We don’t have preset amounts or required books. There is no competition and no pressure. Young readers set their own goals and track either books or pages read. Those who meet their reading goals earn reward packets. We also offer some learning challenges – open-ended fun activities that compliment their reading.

In an effort to keep summer reading as flexible and stress-free as possible, we have multiple ways to sign up including in-person at the library or online HERE. Kids can track reading in a printed folder or an online log. You can learn more about our Summer Reading options and let your kids choose their own reading adventure.

Happy summer and happy reading!

Heide Piehler

Join us for the screening of Determined, a provocative documentary that follows three women at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, June 4th. The women, from contrasting communities in Wisconsin, show extraordinary determination as they care for a parent with dementia, raise an adolescent son after the loss of a parent, and adopt a lifestyle that may prevent future disease. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and film participants.

This event will be held in the Shorewood High School Auditorium (1701 East Capitol Drive). Please register for this event by calling the Shorewood Recreation Department at 414 963-6913, Ext. 4.Capacity is limited due to spaced seating, and we ask that participants wear masks.

This event is sponsored by the Dementia Awareness Work Group (DAWG).

Join us for Tails and Tales, this year's Teen Summer Reading Challenge! Starting Tuesday, June 1st, any Milwaukee County teen entering grades 7-12 in the fall is eligible to take the challenge for the chance to win awesome prizes. Teens can register in-person or online HERE. For a step-by-step tutorial with Lisa, our Young Adult Librarian, click HERE.

Plus, make sure to join us for all sorts of great virtual and take-and-make programs throughout the summer.

The Teen Summer Reading program is generously cosponsored by the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library.

Summer is here and we're excited to offer many activities for children and families!

Story times for children ages two-five hosted outdoors on the library lawn begin Thursday, June 17th at 10:00 AM. No registration is required - simply bring a towel or blanket to sit on.

Terrific Tuesdays kick off Tuesday, June 22nd at 1:30 PM with the magic of Glen Gerard. Then, on Tuesday, June 29th, comedy improv troupe KidsPlay Theater will perform on the library lawn.

Summer activities for kids and families also include weekly Art Cart kits, biweekly Facebook Live story times and Tinker Lab kits, and a monthly Family Fun Night activity kit.

Once school is done, teens can drop by the library for some take-home summer boredom-busters.

Teen Take & Make Thursdays begin Thursday, June 10th. Weekly activities include succulent planters and making pet toys for the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) and the Wisconsin Humane Society. Kits can be picked up in-person or curbside.

This month's PM Book Club pick is historical fiction which draws on the stories of real women in the post Civil War south. Read The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate and join the conversation on Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM. Bring a chair or blanket because we will be meeting outside on the library lawn (or inside the library if it rains).

In June's AM Book Club pick, Washington Black by Esi Edugyan, readers follow slave turned manservant Washington Black as he discovers a life of dignity, friendship and adventure. Join the conversation on Thursday, June 17th at 11:00 AM via Zoom.

On Friday, June 18th, adults can pick up a Grown-up Take & Make kit. All take-home activities are available inside the library at our Take & Make table near the children's area and via curbside pickup.