The library summer programs also feature children’s book clubs, activities and events.

The children’s area at the library is decorated for the summer and ready for space play.

Story and photos by Lori Adler, reporter

Lots of fun with a space theme is planned for this summer at Rhinelander District Library. Adult/young adult and children’s programs will feature exciting events, contests, fun, and of course a bit of learning along the way.

This year’s summer program theme is “A Universe of Stories,” and while the programs have already begun with some events, the official start date is June 17. The theme was chosen in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Apollo 11. The summer kicks off with a special snippet screening of the new PBS documentary “Chasing the Moon” June 17 at noon. Other events include space-themed movies every Friday in June at 1 p.m. and freeze-dried food tastings every Tuesday.

Two special stargazing events are also planned. On June 17, Professor James Lattis (UW-Madison) will speak at the library on the History of Astronomy in Wisconsin at 6 p.m. and then will present “Eyes on the Skies” at Newbold Town Hall at 8 p.m. with a star party to follow. Then, on Aug. 2 at 8 p.m., NASA Ambassador Jim Head will lead a stargazing party in the library parking lot.

Again this year, there will be a book reading contest for adults/young adults (age 13+). Read a book, fill out a bookmark (one per book), and drop the bookmark into the “Black Hole” at the library. Each day, beginning on June 17, a bookmark will be drawn, and that person will win a prize. In addition, there will be a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer where the prize could be as much as $100, depending upon how many people participate.

In addition to the reading contest, the adult/young adult program also features some other contests. The first is a baking contest. Bakers must either create a dessert using Tang as an ingredient or decorate a dessert with a space theme. There will be a prize for the best baker and the best decorator. Fill out an entry form by June 14. The contest will take place on June 17, and everyone at the library that day will have a chance to vote. Another fun adult/young adult event is the craft contest. The craft entry must be at the library by June 30 and will be on display throughout the month of July with the winner announced on July 29. The theme for the craft contest is space, and while any medium is allowed, the piece must be at least 50% mosaic. Library patrons will vote, and winners for first, second and third place will receive prizes. Other adult/young adult space-themed events include a Venus flytrap terrarium craft on July 2, a bingo and trivia event on July 26, and a photographic scavenger hunt throughout the summer.

There are plenty of children’s activities this summer as part of the library’s “A Universe of Stories” as well. The library children’s program features a repeat of many popular events such as the Annual Library Tea Party (June 26), Buck Lake Bash (July 17), and of course the Great Library Worm Race (July 30). Other fun events include air-powered rockets (June 27), colossal fossils (July 10), and picnic in the park (August 8). In addition, Miller & Mike, professional jugglers and clowns, will perform at Nicolet College Theatre on June 18, David Landeau, music and silliness, will perform at the library on July 18, and the Wild & Exotic Animal Rescue will present a program on rainforest animals on July 24.

Two kids’ book clubs are also planned for this summer. The clubs, one for third and fourth grade readers and one for fifth and sixth grade readers, will meet once a month. Kids will read the books and then take part in fun activities based on the stories. For the little ones, there are weekly story times throughout the summer. Story time activities include stories, finger play, music, puppets, and crafts. Story time for ages 3 ½ and up is held every Thursday at 10 a.m. For those a bit younger, a parent-tot story time (ages 2-3 ½ and their caregivers) takes place at the same time. A baby story time (6 months-2 years) will be held this summer beginning July 8. Baby story time takes place on Mondays at 10:15 a.m.

All programs for children and adults/young adults are free of charge, though some things do require registration. For more information, visit the library or log on to www.rhinelanderlibrary.org.