Pierce County Library System offers summer reading program for all ages

The Pierce County Library System once again offers its Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme, Read Beyond the Beaten Path, takes readers of all ages on reading challenges with activities, events, prizes and more. This is a free program.

The Library’s Summer Reading Program challenges students of all ages to read every day and earn prizes such as passes to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek and books they can keep, thanks to a contribution from the Pierce County Library Foundation.

The Summer Reading Program also offers events and story times – both virtually and in-person – for the whole family. Some events include:

Monday Maker Camp

Enjoy an outdoor interactive STEAM class. Ages 5 and older.

Every Monday, 4-5 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., and 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Buckley Youth Center, 251 S. River Rd.

Insect Safari

Get up close and personal with amazing bugs from around the world. Ages 3 and older.

Wednesday, June 29:

10-11 a.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.;

1-2 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.;

and 4-5 p.m., Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W.

Thursday, June 30: 2-3 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

Tuesday, July 12: 2-3 p.m., Milton Community Park, Milton Way and 15th Avenue, 1400 15th Ave.

Thursday, July 14: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.

Thursday, July 21: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Sunset Terrace Park, 1902 Seaview St. W, University Place

Tween Escape Rooms (Virtual event)

Work together during the summer to make virtual escape rooms. Ages 9-12.

June 21, June 28, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2, Aug. 9, Aug. 16, 4-5 p.m.

Outdoor Creative Jam for Teens

Paint, craft, draw and chat. Ages 13-18.

Saturday, June 18 and July 16: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.

Terrariums for Teens!

Make a mini terrarium. Materials will be available while supplies last. Ages 13-18.

Wednesday, June 22: 4-5 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

Saturday, June 25: 2-3 p.m., Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.

Family Art Camp

Join outdoor interactive art activities for the whole family! All Ages.

Tuesdays: 3:30-4:30 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

Fridays: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Buckley Youth Center, 251 S. River Rd.

Harvesting Rain

Learn how anyone with a roof can harvest rain water. Adults.

Wednesday, June 15: 2-3 p.m.: Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.

Tuesday, June 21: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

Friday, June 24: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Orting South Main Park Gazebo, Harman Way SM

Wednesday, June 29: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point
Fosdick Dr.

Friday, July 15: 3-4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

Find more events on the Library’s online calendar at www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar. Registration is required for some events. Additionally, the Library will make stops in local communities to bring library services, activities and free books to families.

Everyone is encouraged to pick up a reading log at their Pierce County Library. Adult reading logs include book bingo while elementary school students’ reading logs come with a full activity book. Also, families can pick up take-and-make activities such as DIY wind chimes, rain sticks and pressed flower lanterns at their library.

The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors the Summer Reading Program, with support from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek and the Florence B. Kilworth Foundation.

Sign up, find booklists and learn more at summerreading.pcls.us. The program runs now through Aug. 31.