Summer Reading Program - 2022 

Beginning May 23, you're invited to come to the Mitchell Public Library to register your child for the Summer Reading Program. Be sure pick up a reading sticker chart & ice cream card so you can earn FREE books and ice cream. 

Also, please scroll down to learn more about our exciting Kick-off Events, Summer Events, Art Classes, Storytimes, and our Reading Incentive Program (Free Books & Ice Cream). 

Questions? Contact Jean Patrick, Children's Services Director: 605-995-8480.

Kick-off Events
^{Wed. June 1 & Sat. June 4}
_{Pet the Goats!}

Come the library Wed. June 1 & Sat. June 4 between 10:00am-noon to pet the goats! They'll be on the grass next to the parking lot on the west side of the building. (Thank you, Andi Herbst!) 

At this time, you can also pick up information about the Summer Reading Program and pick up reading charts to earn free books & ice cream!

Summer Events
^{June & July 2022}

This summer, our theme is "Oceans of Possibilities."  Even though we don't have an ocean in South Dakota, we've lined up a ton of events that are related to water.  All events are FREE and family friendly. Many events are offered in the evening.

Aquatic Life from Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery
Wed. June 8 - 9:30am & 11:00am  
Corn Palace Plaza 
Here's your chance to get up close & personal with turtles, frogs, fish, & other aquatic life from Gavin's Point Fish Hatchery near Yankton. Bring your questions!

"Camp Ocean"
Performed by National Lantern Theatre Company from Portland, Oregon
Friday, June 10 - 6:30pm
Corn Palace Plaza
Attend an entertaining play about ocean life! Great for the whole family. The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company has been educating and entertaining children throughout the country since 1985. 

Boats, Fish, & Fun at Cabela's
Wednesday, June 15 - 10:30am & 6pm
Cabela's Pond in Mitchell
Meet a professional fisherman, see boats, & do activities at the Cabela's pond in Mitchell. (Don't forget to come into the store to see the live fish in the aquarium.)

Mr. Twister, Balloon Artist
Wednesday, June 22 - 10:30am & 6pm
Corn Palace Plaza
Get ready to laugh as Mr. Twister creates animals, hats, & more from balloons!  Mr. Twister (Bob Anderson from Sioux Falls) has been entertaining library audiences in Mitchell for years!

Amanda Radke, Author and Ag Educator
Wed, June 29 - 10:30am & 11:30am
Mitchell Public Library
Here's your chance to pet a real calf! Nationally-known author and speaker Amanda Radke will bring a calf AND talk about the many ways that water is important for livestock. She'll also read her new children's alphabet book, "C is for Care."   (The calf will be outside near the parking lot. Amanda's presentations will be in the Library's Community Room at 10:30am & 11:30am.)

SD Fish, Waterfowl, and Water Mammals
Wed, July 6 - 9:30am & 11:00am
Corn Palace Plaza
Jason Nelson (from South Dakota Game Fish & Park's Outdoor Campus) will teach us about fish identification, waterfowl, and water mammals. Great for anyone who loves the outdoors!

Phil Baker, Musician from Sioux Falls
Wed, July 13 - 10:30 & 6:00pm
Corn Palace Plaza
Sing, dance, and celebrate with nationally-known musician, Phil Baker. We'll also have face-painting from Darrell Barber Creative Force from Mitchell.  Fun for the whole family!

Collage Art with Michael Albert from Brooklyn, New York
Wed., July 20 - 10:30am & 2:00pm
Mitchell Public Library - Community Room 
Scroll down for details about this amazing opportunity!

Art Classes for Kids

This summer, kids can participate in art classes at Mitchell Public Library. We have three different classes that are offered in the morning and afternoon. Pre-registration is required. Please call the library (605-995-8480) or come to the front desk to register.

Art classes are free and are best for kids who are 6 or older. Children should be accompanied by parent or caregiver.

Create a 3-D Ocean Scene
Friday, June 17 - 10:30am & 2pm 
Led by Art Educator, April Geist
Approximately 45-60 min.

Create a Fish from a CD
Friday, June 24 - 10:30am & 2pm
Led by Art Educator, April Geist
Approximately 45-60 min.

Create a Collage with Professional Artist, Michael Albert
Wednesday, July 20 - 10:30 & 2pm
Led by Michael Albert, an American pop artist from Brooklyn, New York.
Approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours

Michael Albert will talk about his own art & will lead us in a Hands-on Collage Art Workshop.  During the last ten years, he has visited more than 1,000 schools, libraries, museums, art festivals, & special events throughout the United States and Europe.   During Summer 2022, Michael Albert plans to visit libraries in nine states in the Midwest. We are thankful to be part of his schedule!  

Summer Storytimes

Outdoor Thursday Storytime
On Thursdays June 2, 9, & 16, you're invited to Outdoor Storytime at Hitchcock Park from 10:30am-11:15am for stories, rhymes, a craft, and fun. We'll meet at the shelter between the tennis courts. (Look for the Summer Reading Program signs.)

Preschoolers, toddlers, infants, and older children are welcome with parent or caregiver.

If you have swimming lessons or tennis lessons, come to Storytime when you're done. You're welcome to join us no matter what time you arrive!

Thursday Storytime at the Library
On Thursday June 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, & 28, we will meet in the Mitchell Public Library Community Room at 10:30am-11:15am.

Bilingual Storytime
Would you like to come to Storytime on Saturdays? Join us for a BONUS on Saturday, June 18 & July 2 at 10:30am.

Librarians Ada Morales and Jean Patrick will read picture books in Spanish and English while expanding your child's vocabulary.

Bilingual Storytime is a fantastic way to learn a new language & make new friends.  Bring the whole family!

Reading Incentives
Free books and ice cream!

Our favorite part of Summer Reading Program is encouraging kids to read. We do this by offering ways to earn FREE BOOKS AND ICE CREAM. 

FREE BOOKS:  
Ask for a Reading Sticker Chart at the library front desk. For each day kids read --or listen -- for 20 minutes or more, they can put a sticker on the chart. (Limit: One sticker per day.)  50 stickers = 2 free books.  25 stickers = 1 free book.

FREE ICE CREAM:
 Ask for a Reading Reward Card at the library front desk.  Kids can earn ice cream treats for reaching goals of 100, 200, 300, 400, & 500 minutes.  

Thank you to our sponsors: Main Street Mercantile; County Fair Food & Fuel; Dairy Queen (Fourteen Foods); Zesto of Mitchell; and Cornerstone Too.

Questions: Contact Jean Patrick, Children's Librarian: 605-995-8480.