June 5, 2019 – Babies, kids, and teens are always needing things to do over the summer. Luckily, the Nevada County Community Library has free events for all ages, a learning challenge program with prizes, and even free lunches.

“This year we have made it easy for youth to keep reading, learning, and having fun with our improved challenges, more prizes, and lots of programming,” Lisa Nowlain, youth librarian, says. “We want to combat summer slide, or the loss of academic skills, over the summer and have fun doing it!”

This year’s theme is Blastoff for Reading. The program starts on June 8th at the Grass Valley Library with a huge kick-off party and a visit from the Science Wizard who will not be shy about exploding things. The Summer Learning Program will continue through the summer, ending July 27th with a special Finale Party performance by Traveling Lantern Theater Company at Madelyn Helling Library.

The libraries will also be providing interactive programs such as a Unicorn Party, historical programs at the Doris Foley Historical Library, a Bus Storytime in partnership with Gold Country Transit, a cosplay party, a Baby Prom, ukulele camps for kids and teens, weekly movies, animal shows, and weekly concerts hosted by InConcert Sierra.

In addition to fun programs, the library has created a learning challenge for babies, kids, and teens. Every person who signs up for the program will receive a free book, donated by the Friends of the Nevada County Libraries, and reading and activity challenge sheet. People can sign up all summer long at any branch. Once completed, they can return the reading logs to their nearest library by July 26th to receive free ride passes for the Nevada County Fair, prizes including gift certificates donated by Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, as well as an entry into a drawing for prizes including iPads, a drone, a toy kitchen, and gift certificates.

Summer Lunches at the Library continues this year at the Grass Valley Library – Royce Branch. This continued partnership with the Nevada County Public Health Department and the Grass Valley School District Child Nutrition supports free lunches to children ages 0-18 throughout the summer. Lunches will be served from 12 to 12:30pm Monday through Friday. Following lunch there will be interactive activities for kids that change daily. There is no registration or income requirement for this program so all are welcome to join.

For visitors to the Nevada County Fair, the library will have Virtual Reality sets to try and an exhibit of artwork created at the library this summer displayed in the Northern Mines Building.

For more information about the Summer Learning Program in Western Nevada County, visit the Events Calendar at mynevadacounty.com/library, or call 530-265-7050.