Curious what's happening at Washington County Library? Check out this list of select events coming up over the next two weeks, everything from kids character storytimes to learning about the art styles of the Cubist movement.
For a full calendar of events, including storytimes, book clubs, and other recurring events, visit WashCoLib.org/Events.
Programs for Kids
Seed Art
June 19 from 10 a.m.to 11 a.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Do you love visiting the Seed Art competition at the Minnesota State Fair? Come design your own or use a template to create a unique work of art with a variety of seeds, beans, and grains. Registration required.
Learning with a Naturalist
June 19 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Oakdale Library
Join us for fish-filled stories and a craft with Linda Radimecky, a local interpretive naturalist for the Minnesota DNR. Ages 4 and up. No registration required.
Be a 4-H Scientist: Polymers
June 19 and June 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. | Hardwood Creek Library
Come be a scientist and learn about polymers with Washington County 4-H! Participants will engage in hands-on activities and develop their science skills as they learn about plastics and how to be clean in a “green” world. Registration required.
Story Stroll: Ten Pigs an Epic Bathtime Adventure
June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Mahtomedi District Education Center
Enjoy Ten Pigs: An Epic Bathtime Adventure by Derek Anderson on a stroll at Mahtomedi District Education Center. Guided story stroll and snacks at 10 a.m. Stroll available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue. All ages.
Percy Jackson Book Party
June 20 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Join us for demigod training at Camp Half-Blood! Drop in for activities based on the book series by Rick Riordan. Find out which Olympian claims you, practice throwing lightning bolts, figure out your name in Greek, and make a shield. No registration. Recommended for ages 8-12 years.
Mixed Nuts! Kids Comedy for Ages 4-94
June 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. | Valley Library
Join us for silliness, physical comedy and audience participation presented by A Touch of Magic. All ages. No registration required!
Magical Mia
June 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. | Park Grove Library
Don't blink your eyes or you'll miss one of Mia's stunning tricks! She'll mystify and entertain with sleight of hand and illusions involving flowers, umbrellas, scarves, and butterflies. No registration required!
'Nederland' Interactive Storytime
June 23 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Wildwood Library
Fly right into a storybook with the Boy-Who-Won’t-Grow-Up and Green Pixie! Revisit their adventures with a special storyteller and help from the audience during this delightful interactive storytime. Children are welcome to wear their favorite storybook attire! All ages. No registration.
Storytime with the Midnight Ball Princess
June 26 from 4 to 5 p.m. | Valley Library
Join the Midnight Ball Princess for a very special and interactive storytime. A meet and greet and photo opportunity with the princess will follow. Ages 2-10. No registration.
Bruce the Bug Guy
June 27 from 2 to 2:45 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Dr. Bruce Giebink presents a lively, hands-on program about insects and related arthropods. LIVE critters give you the chance to experience these creatures in an interactive manner. All ages. No registration.
The Science of Space
June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. | Lake Elmo Library
The Science of Space invites children to see the sky above them. Through active, hands-on learning, students explore the sun’s energy, the phases of the moon, human survival in space, and how rockets overcome Earth’s gravity. For students entering grades 2 through 5 only. Students must be present for both sessions. Registration required. Parents/guardians will need to sign release forms before the program starts, either by email or when students are dropped off for the first session.
Roe Family Singers
June 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. | Oakdale Library
Get the whole family dancing with this award-winning homegrown band that plays good-time, old-time hillbilly music with rhythms of banjo, guitar, autoharp, washboard, and Appalachian Clogging. If the weather is nice, bring a blanket or chair for an outdoor performance. All ages. No registration.
Programs for Teens
Stage Make-Up and Special Effects Workshop
June 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. | Wildwood Library
Learn special skills to transform your face into a different character with make-up. Explore different styles of makeup (old age, fantasy, animal, zombies) using professional stage make-up through shadows, fades and highlights. Presented by Steppingstone Theatre artists. Registration required.
Book Jewelry
June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. | Park Grove Library
Teens can stop by Park Grove Library to make their own book jewelry! Show off your bookish or fandom pride by reusing old book pages to create something new! Ages 11-17 are welcome. No registration required.
DIY Squishies
June 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. | Oakdale Library
Tweens and teens, come to the Oakdale Library every Thursday this summer to curb your boredom and hang out with friends! A new activity every week, plus a Wii and plenty of social time. Ages 10 and up. No registration required. This week's activity: DIY Squishies!
Google CS First Coding Club
June 26 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Join the Washington County Library Google CS First Coding Club to learn how to use the technology that powers your favorite apps, websites, video games, robots, and more. The coding club will use Google CS First lessons to teach "Music & Sound with Scratch." At the end of the club, participants will be able to create and share their own digital music, made using the Scratch coding tool.
Programs for Adults
What Does a Dementia Friend Look Like?
June 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. | Lake Elmo Library
Join us at Lake Elmo Library for this relaxed discussion and educational opportunity presented by Jenny West, Community Educator at Family Means. You will increase your understanding of dementia, and think about the small things that you can do to make a difference for people affected by dementia in your community. No registration required.
Life Long Learning at Your Library: E-Books, E-Audiobooks and More
June 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library
Do library downloads have you stumped? Get an overview of the various download services that are available through Washington County Library. And learn how to download e-Books, e-Audiobooks, and more from the library. Registration required.
Art Styles with the Masters: Pablo Picasso and the Cubist Movement
June 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. | Oakdale Library
The cubists are known for analyzing objects or images, breaking them into their most basic shapes and reassembling them in an abstracted form. Students will learn how to break an image down into basic lines and shapes, representing it from different angles to show transitions in time. Participants will use drawing and collage techniques to make small multiples or one larger work.
Monarchs, Milkweed and Miracles
June 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. | Hardwood Creek Library
Master Gardeners Bonnie Frain and Rose Martinson will teach us about these magnificent butterflies and give us tips on how we can increase their numbers. Learn about milkweed and other pollinator plants as well as some of the challenges that may occur in the wild. Free milkweed seeds will be available for those interested in starting their own milkweed plants.
Making the Most of Google Drive and Google Docs
June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. | R. H. Stafford Library
earn about using the free, online tools contained in Google Drive. You'll find out how to get started with Google's version of documents, spreadsheets, forms, presentations, and more. Share and collaborate with friends, family, and co-workers and access your files from anywhere.