Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi will close on Saturday, July 20 at 5 p.m. to prepare for the construction of a new building! When the library closes in July, staff will continue with moving preparation and packing. Construction will begin in August and is expected to take one year.

During the closure, we’ll offer library services to the community at the Mahtomedi District Education Center. You can pick up holds and check out materials from a small collection during the District Education Center’s normal business hours, as well as attend weekly storytimes on Monday mornings. To stay up-to-date on the project, visit our Building for the Future page or sign up for periodic email updates.

Keep reading to check out some other highlights this month
at Washington County Library!

Win Summer at Your Library prizes!

It’s not too late to pick up an activity card for one of our summer programs for kids, teens, and adults. Complete activities – we have suggestions, or choose your own – then turn in your completed card to win prizes. Everyone who completes the program will get a free book and be entered into a prize drawing for tickets to great Minnesota experiences. Adults also get a completion reward – a snazzy reusable straw! Visit our website to learn more.

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Celebrate fandoms and Harry Potter!

Oakdale Library is hosting an after-hours Fandom Fest for teens on Friday, July 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. From ARMY to Hamilfans, Potterheads to Otaku, get in your cosplay and party with us. We’ll have ice cream sundaes, button making, cosplay contests, Star Wars Escape Room, and more. Learn more and register in our calendar.

Harry Potter fans of all ages can celebrate The Boy Who Lived at Hardwood Creek Library on Friday, August 2. We'll have wand making, an escape room, and themed snacks all afternoon, with a special performance by the band Tonks and the Aurors beginning at 6 p.m. No registration required. Learn more in our calendar.

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Do you have the write stuff?

Calling all writers! We have two adult programs this month to help get your creative juices flowing while learning from some experienced teachers. Sample poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction during a "Creative Writing Sampler” with The Loft at Park Grove Library on July 20 at 10 a.m. Or, dial in on poetry by learning about different poem styles with this month’s “Let’s Write” program at R.H. Stafford Library on July 23 at 6 p.m. More information and registration in our calendar.

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Free performances across Washington County

Thanks to Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, we’re able to bring a range of performers and artists to Washington County. In July we have more than a dozen free Legacy Amendment-funded programs, performances, and activities that are perfect for kids and families:

Circus Manduhai – July 8 at 1 p.m. at Valley Library
Lalo’s Lunchbox – July 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Park Grove Library
Kalpulli Ketzal Coatlicue Dance – July 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Oakdale Library
The Doubtful Sprout – July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Park Grove Library
Streetcorner Letter Press – July 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wildwood Library
Big Fun Show – July 18 at 4 p.m. at Valley Library
Lalo’s Lunchbox – July 19 at 2 p.m. at Hardwood Creek Library
Katha Dance – July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at R.H. Stafford Library
Improv Comedy Sportz – July 24 at 2 p.m. at R.H. Stafford Library
Rap, Rock and Read with Miss Nina – July 24 at 3 p.m. at Lake Elmo Library
Siama's Congo Music – July 27 at 3 p.m. at Park Grove Library
Roe Family Singers – July 30 at 2 p.m. at R.H. Stafford Library

You can find a full list of programs funded by the Legacy Amendment in our calendar.

Libraries closed July 4 for Independence Day

All Washington County Library branches will be closed Thursday, July 4 for Independence Day. Even though our buildings are closed, you can still access your library account on our website, WashCoLib.org, and check out ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through our library apps.