Portage Library offers more summer programs

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library continues to offer summer programs for all ages and interests.

If you’ve ever wondered how to ride a unicycle, Jason Cattelino, Bob Evans, and Ben Bachran will demonstrate riding techniques outside the library’s main door at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, July 9. Afterwards, follow them into the community room at 7 p.m. for the "Jason, Bob, and Ben Juggling Show," where participants will be involved in an interactive comedy juggling performance. Children will play juggling games with the trio and watch as they toss balls, bean bags, rings, clubs and bowling balls into the air.

At 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, the 1930 Marx Brothers film Animal Crackers will be shown in the community room. Considered an absolute classic, it is filled with mayhem and zaniness when a valuable painting goes missing during a party in honor of a famous African explorer. Ariel Lake will open the show with "A Harpo," a short vaudeville act celebrating the humor and antics of Harpo Marx. This program is suitable for children and adults, and popcorn will be served.

Master Gardener and Michigan Technological University Head Gardener Lynn Watson will present "Problem Solvers for Your Summer Garden" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, in the community room.

"Unhappy leaves tell a story," Watson explained. She will discuss weeds, insects, furry pests, disease, fungus and bacteria that may be harming your vegetable and flower gardens and suggest ways to control the problems. Watson will also discuss when and how to water and explain why fertilizing now, not later, will give gardeners more bloom and produce for their efforts.

Participants will have time to ask questions and handouts will be available.

Isle Royale National Park Interpretive Ranger Jordan Kibat will offer a special "Wetland Friends" Storytime at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 16. Children will listen to stories about animals that live in wetlands, watch a short slide show about wetland animals and place wetland animals on the Isle Royale map. They will also watch a short slide show about amphibians and play an amphibian trivia game.

Maria Sliva and the Houghton High School Key Club continue to offer Storytime every Monday and on alternating Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – Noon. All children are welcome to listen to stories and do a project afterwards.

Everyone is invited to attend library programs and presentations are free. For more information please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.