Portage Lake District Library to launch 2016 Summer Reading Program; Friends of the Library to hold Book Sale June 18

During the 2015 Summer Reading Program opening day, Chris Alquist, Portage Lake District Library community program director, right, explains the benefits of the program for all family members, even this family's one-year-old "reader." (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Portage Lake District Library will be the scene of two events on Saturday, June 18: registration and opening day family activities for the library's Summer Reading Program and the Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale.

Family fun at Summer Reading Program opening day

Parents and kids enjoy making crafts during the June 2015 Summer Reading Program opening day.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to enjoy opening day activities and registration for the Summer Reading Program. Kids are invited to make crafts and participate in activities both inside and outside the library, and everyone can create their own ice cream sundae in the community room.

Everyone enjoys creating and eating an ice cream sundae!

This "On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!" Summer Reading Program encourages everyone to exercise, be active, and read. Throughout the day, kids can use rowing machines provided by Nu Day Fitness Center, jump rope, play hopscotch and Nerf basketball, exercise with hula hoops, make sidewalk chalk art, get their face painted, and make a book, a necklace and an award medal.

Face painting at the library is popular with kids of all ages.

The program will continue through Saturday, August 27, and people may register throughout the summer. Participants will receive a reading log, book bag, and bookmark when they register and prizes as they progress through their reading lists. People who register on June 18 will also receive a water bottle. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, children through adults; and reading logs may include books, magazines, audio books, reading to young children, and being read to.

The Summer Reading Program includes Storytimes and programs and events for all ages. Look for programming information in the library, the media, and at www.pldl.org.

Library programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570.

Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale

The Friends of the Portage Lake District Library invite all book lovers to their annual Summer Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18.

The sale will take place in the Michigan and Local History room at the library. An excellent selection of new and gently used books, audio books, and DVDs for adults and children plus some miscellaneous items will be sold to raise money for library projects and items that the Friends provide. A half price sale will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Projects that the Friends of the Library have done include buying books, furniture, computers, a work bench for staff, the Children’s Listening Center, and other materials. Proceeds from book sales also pay for annual events sponsored by the Friends of the Library -- including the Salsa Contest, the Summer’s Bounty Social, Scrabble Tournaments, Blind Date with a Book, the Friendship Tea and more. Information on how to become involved with the Friends will be available at the book sale.

For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.