Summer break is finally here! The big question now is what to do with all your free time. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, poolside relaxation, or indoor fun, the library has lots to offer this summer.
Our annual event, Summer at the Library, returns again this year. Join us in exploring "Oceans of Possibilities" starting May 28. Track your reading and earn badges using Beanstack all summer long. Registration is free, and library locations will have some sweet swag, including free books, available for those who sign up (while supplies last).
Help us kick off the Summer at the Library fun with Reader Palooza! Join us with community partners Saturday on June 4 at Depot Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for family-friendly activities.
Tune in every Tuesday at 2 p.m. for Ocean Tales. Each weekly online program is packed full of learning opportunities as we visit with local community partners, such as Marine Land, the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Test your knowledge of different books in our annual Battle of the Books trivia contest. Teens ages 12-17 will participate and train for the final competition taking place Saturday, July 23 via Zoom. Registration for teams is open until June 22.
Summer break doesn't mean learning stops. Use sensory toys and STEM kits to keep young minds growing. Explore your backyard with free flower, vegetable, and herb seeds to plant, or discover wildlife with our birding kits. Try learning a new language with KidSpeak, an interactive program made for children ages 6 and up.
Looking to take a trip this summer? Take advantage of our conveniently portable online collection. Cardholders who live in Alachua County can download books, audiobooks, music, movies, and more. If you're planning on roughing it and might not have internet access, don't fret! We've got you covered with WiFi2Go. These mobile hotspots check out for seven days and can connect up to five devices at a time. Now you can post all your camping selfies, no matter where you are.
If you prefer to keep cool indoors, put your craft skills to good use. Access thousands of online arts classes on subjects, such as painting, sewing, mixed media, and more with Creativebug. Check out the kids section to see arts and crafts for kids and parents to do together.
Visit your nearest library branch for activity books, too. Most arts and crafts books (adult's or children's) will have a call number in the 700s, but don't hesitate to ask a staff member for help finding something specific. Check out our recommendations below:
- Adults
-
Image
- Get Messy Art: The No-Rules, No-Judgment, No-Pressure Approach to Making Art - Create with Watercolor, Acrylics, Markers, Inks, and More by Caylee Grey
- You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation by Sarah Urist Green
- Drawing is for Everyone: Simple Lessons to Make Your Creative Practice a Daily Habit by Kateri Ewing
- How to Make Art for Joy's Sake: Free-Spirited Watercolor by Kristy Rice
- Craft Your Own Happy: A Collection of 25 Creative Projects to Craft Your Way to Mindfulness by Becci Mai Ford
- Cross Stitch for the Soul: 20 Designs to Inspire by Emma Congdon
- Half Yard Summer Collection: Debbie’s Top 40 Half Yard Projects for Summer Sewing by Debbie Shore
- Youth
-
Image
- Making Memories: Practice Mindfulness, Learn to Journal and Scrapbook, Find Calm Every Day by Amy Tangerine
- Kids Create: Art and Craft Experiences for Kids by Laurie Carlson
- Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling by Tom Angleberger
- I Am Not a Cereal Box: 10 Exciting Things to Make with Cereal Boxes
- Check out other I Am Not project books, too!
- The Ultimate At-Home Activity Guide by Mike Lowery
- Once Upon a Pirate Craft by Annalees Lim
- Check out other Happily Ever Crafter books, too!
- 10-Minute Duct Tape Projects by Sarah L. Schuette
Stay connected with us online through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so you can keep up with all the fun opportunities at the Alachua County Library District. Don't forget to share your summer shenanigans by tagging us @AlachuaLibrary with #SummerAtTheLibrary!