Poetry Open Mic Night and Exercise Your Mind Summer Reading Fun is coming soon Stark County District Library

Did you know the Stark County District Library is More Than Books? Every year the library offers hundreds of informative, inspiring, and enriching programs for visitors of all ages—for free. In addition to story times, programs for teens, job and computer skills classes, and book groups, Stark County District Library hosts gardening programs, author visits, health and fitness programs, and craft programs. Now that summer is nearly here, it’s time for great summer events and programs, including Photo Contests, a Teen Jeopardy Tournament, a visit later in the summer from comedian Bill Hilldebrandt’s Dewey Decibel Stand-Up Comedy Tour, and a great Exercise Your Mind Summer Reading Challenge for kids ages newborn to 12th grade. So take a look, explore the online events calendar, or the new issue of Stark Scene, and find something that inspires you today.

As always, each program listed below is linked to the Stark County District Library Events calendar, where you'll get more information about the program (such as the time the event is offered), and have the opportunity to register online or by phone to attend.

Teens can get ready to rake in the summer bucks by attending the Babysitter’s Workshop on Wednesday, May 29 at Main Library. Learn the basics of babysitting, as well as tips to start your own babysitting business.

Thursday, May 30 is Poetry Open Mic Night at Main Library. Come and enjoy the poems of the participants in the library’s Annual Poetry Contest. As always, there is a good mix of poems covering a wide span of experiences, emotions, and styles.

Learn how to improve and fertilize your soil this growing season from Master Gardener Susan March. Improving Soils is scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at Main Library.

Starting June 1 and continuing until July 31, Jackson Township Branch will help you with Exercise For Your Mind. Walk your way to some free books this summer by logging the miles you walk or hike and redeeming the total for free books. There will be a grand prize for the Top Walker. Pick up a walking log and complete instructions at Jackson Township Branch.

The Exercise Your Mind Summer Reading Challenge begins on Monday, June 3 and continues through July 27. Kids ages newborn through 12th grade can pledge to read 1 to 100 books this summer and win prizes for meeting the Challenge. We’ll have a cool online system for tracking books read—the instructions are here, and the links for tracking your reading will all be live starting June 3.

Monday, June 3 also marks the start of the Summer Reading Photo Contest at a branch near you. Enter your original photos at one or more participating locations (North Branch, DeHoff Memorial Branch, Jackson Township, Perry Sippo, Main Library, and Lake Community in partnership with Quail Hollow State Park Camera Club). The contest runs until July 27. Here’s a link to entry forms and rules online.

Summer Reading Kick-Offs begin the week of June 2 as well. Sandy Valley hosts its Kick-Off on Monday, June 3. It’s an all-day event with contests, crafts, and games, plus a special 2-hour block from 1 to 3 pm for grades K-5 featuring stories and special crafts to take home. Also on Monday, June 3, all ages are invited to Jackson Township Branch’s Summer Reading Kick-Off for ice-cream, contests, and crafts with the Jackson Friends of the Library. Additionally, DeHoff Memorial Branch kicks off Summer Reading that Monday as well, with an afternoon of fun, games, and food. Here's a link to all of the up coming Summer Reading Kick-Offs so you can find one at a branch near you.

The youngest American gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal, Dominique Moceanu will speak Lake High School Performing Art Hall on Monday, June 3. She’ll be signing copies of her book, Off Balance: a memoir at Lake Community Branch. Learn about her inspiring drive and determination, her struggle with hardships, and the family secret she discovered which changed her life profoundly. The event is sponsored by the Lake Community Friends of the Library.

Megan Peters, an instructor from the Paul & Carl David YMCA will present an Introduction to Yoga at Jackson Township Branch on Monday, June 3. Learn how yoga enhances mind and body awareness and improves strength and flexibility no matter what your age or ability level. Bring a towel or mat to participate. Namasté!

Sandy Valley Branch hosts the first of the library’s Teen Jeopardy Tournaments on Tuesday, June 4. Teens, exercise your mind while you compete to win your branch tournament. It’s all leading up to the Teen Jeopardy Championship between all the branch winners at Main Library in August. Remember to phrase your answers in the form of a question. Beyond that, I’m probably no help to you! Here’s a link to the dates and times of all the Teen Jeopardy Tournaments.

East Canton Branch celebrates Summer Reading Kick-Off on Tuesday, June 4. Our favorite face painter and story teller, Marjorie Funk will be there to showcase her amazing talents.

Kids grades K-5 can learn about Bicycle Safety on Tuesday, June 4 at DeHoff Memorial Branch. Learn important bicycle safety tips for having fun and staying safe all summer, and have a safety inspection done on your bike.

There are many other excellent events planned at a branch of the Stark County District Library near you, including children's story times, book groups for adults, computer classes, classes that will assist you with your eReader, programs for teens, and much more. For a full listing of events and programs, check http://www.starklibrary.org/calendar-search and find something that enriches and inspires you today.