NEVADA CITY, Calif. — Have you and your little ones had a chance to learn and grow this summer? If not, there’s still time! Nevada County Library invites youth and families to participate in this year’s Summer Learning Program, “Plant a Seed, Read!”

The Summer Learning Program continues through Aug. 8, giving participants plenty of opportunities to enjoy free events, complete the Summer Learning Challenge and earn prizes. From live music and puppet shows to magic shows, live honeybees and the Summer Learning Finale, there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate a season of reading, learning and discovery.

Summer Fun Continues

Visit the Madelyn Helling Library every Wednesday at 11 a.m. for Musical Mornings, featuring lively performances by local musicians for all ages. The series is presented in collaboration with InConcert Sierra and the Friends of the Library.

July also features free programs including teen karaoke, puppet shows, magic shows and an interactive program with live honeybees. For a complete schedule of events, visit nevadacountyca.gov/summerlearning or call 530-265-7050.

“We prepare year-round for the library’s summer programs,” said Youth Services Librarian Tricia Caspers. “It brings staff such satisfaction to see the joy on our patrons’ faces when it all finally comes together.”

Summer Learning Finale

The Summer Learning Program concludes with a free Summer Learning Finale from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Madelyn Helling Library. The celebration will feature performances by Kirby the Magician and Children’s musician Tawnee Kendall, along with face painting and free sno-cones while supplies last.

While attending the finale, youth may also turn in completed Summer Learning Challenge sheets to receive prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing.

Join the Summer Learning Challenge

Youth ages 0 to 18 can participate in the Summer Learning Challenge by picking up a Garden Game Board at any Nevada County Library branch. Participants will follow stepping stones and complete daily activities with fun themes such as “Beet Boredom,” “Bee a Reader” and “Feed Your Curiosity.” Those who prefer a paperless option may track their progress using the Beanstack Tracker app.

Participants who complete the challenge by Aug. 8 will receive a free tote bag, Nevada County Fair ride passes and additional surprises while supplies last. They will also be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to a local business.

Teen Bonus Challenge

Youth ages 13 to 18 can also participate in the Teen Bonus Genre Challenge for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch. Printable versions of all Summer Learning challenges, available in English and Spanish, can be downloaded from the Summer Learning webpage.

Lunch at the Library

Free lunch for youth ages 0 to 18 will be available from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 22 through Aug. 7, at:

  • Madelyn Helling Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City
  • Grass Valley Library, 207 Mill St.

No library card or registration is required.

For additional summer meal distribution sites in West County, visit communityrootsnc.org. 

If transportation to the library is a concern, consider taking the bus! Youth always ride free at Nevada County Connects. Visit https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/4146/Transit-Services for more information. 

More Information

For more information about this program and other library services, visit nevadacountyca.gov/summerlearning  or call 530-265-7050 for details. Don’t forget to follow Nevada County Library on Instagram and Facebook for the latest program updates.