AUDIO: Lawrenceburg, North Dearborn Libraries Have Planned An Out-Of-This-World Summer

People of all ages can reach for the stars at the Lawrenceburg Public Library District in June and July.

Lawrenceburg Public Library. File photo.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – So much more than reading is going to take place this summer at the Lawrenceburg Public Library District.

LPLD’s branches in Lawrenceburg and North Dearborn are hosting a bevy of programs and special events this June and July.

Sheila Bigelow, LPLD youth services manager, says the theme of the summer library programming is “A Universe of Stories.”

“We’re going to have all kinds of activities based around the universe and galaxies and stars and aliens – all sorts of things,” she says.

The best part is that all the summer programming is free to the public. Nearly 30 area businesses are sponsoring the programs and events. Keep in mind that advanced registration is requested for some events.

The first program in the series will happen Tuesday, June 4, when the “Blast Off” program brings astronomer and former NASA consultant Kevin Manning to the libraries. Manning will share presentations at the Lawrenceburg Library at 2:00 p.m. and at North Dearborn Library at 7:00 p.m.

“He’s going to talk about galaxies and the universe and what he’s done with NASA,” shares Bigelow.

LISTEN TO EAGLE COUNTRY 99.3'S INTERVIEW WITH SHEILA BIGELOW AND JIM SCOTT:

Another professional stargazer will present on July 10 and 23. The Cincinnati Observatory’s renowned astronomer and author, Dean Regas, will give library patrons a look at the sun through solar telescopes.

“The kids can actually look at the sun and the stars during the day safely,” explains Bigelow.

Kids and adults can register for the Summer Reading Quest, logging their reading and listening for an opportunity to win prizes. Online tracking will start June 1. Learn more at register at www.lpld.lib.in.us.

“The more you read, the more prizes you can win,” Bigelow says.

There are set programs each week June 4 through July 25, including Minecraft & Munchies, Lego Challenge: Space, and much more.

Bigelow says the library will get kids away from the screen this summer. Instead of consuming media, they will create it with a mobile media maker lab and filming their own Star Wars movie on June 5. There is also a summer writing competition with prizes awarded.

Local celebrities will read stories to kids during Summer Explorers Storytime each Wednesday at North Dearborn Library and Thursday morning at Lawrenceburg Library starting at 10:30 a.m. each of those days. Former 700 WLW award-winning radio personality Jim Scott will be among the readers.

See the full June and July library program schedules at www.lpld.lib.in.us/calendar.