CHARLEVOIX — Summer in Northern Michigan can be a whirlwind — from sunny beach days to backyard barbecues and packed travel plans.
For many families, especially those staying close to home or looking for a little downtime between adventures, July brings a different kind of opportunity: a chance to slow down, get creative and learn something new.
At the Charlevoix Public Library, a lineup of free youth programs offers just that with a mix of hands-on fun, educational experiences and storytime magic for children and teens.
Here’s a look at what’s happening this month at the library:
Crafternoon for kids: Birdhouse decorating
Kids can let their imaginations take flight while painting and decorating a wooden birdhouse from 2–4 p.m. on Monday, July 14. With paints and decorations provided, children ages 6 and older will leave with a creation ready to display at home or in the garden. No registration is required.
Teen craft: Easy clay charms
Teens can drop in to sculpt air-dry clay charms for keychains, jewelry or zipper pulls from 1–3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. All materials are provided and the program, open to ages 13–17, runs while supplies last.
Destination storytime: Hungry Ducks Farm
This storytime takes place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18 at Hungry Ducks Farm, located at 4580 M-66 North in Charlevoix. Families are invited for an interactive outdoor reading session surrounded by real-life animal friends. Admission is free for this special event.
Camouflage animals with live animal guests
In line with this summer’s reading theme, “Color Our World,” this educational session dives into the colorful and camouflaged creatures of the world. The program, presented by Dynamic School Assemblies and featuring live animal guests, takes place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22 in the Community Room. All ages are welcome.
Bim the Bunny puppet show
Families can enjoy a laugh-out-loud puppet performance featuring Bim the Bunny, a mischievous sidekick to a mysterious magician. This interactive show from Alex Thomas & Friends will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 in the Community Room. All ages are welcome.
Weekly storytime in the garden
Perfect for little ones, this weekly gathering includes stories, singing and movement in the library’s outdoor space. Storytime takes place every Thursday from 10:30–11 a.m. in the Children’s Garden. In case of rain, it will be moved to the Community Room. Recommended for ages birth to 6 years. No registration is required.
For more details, contact the Charlevoix Public Library at 231-237-7340 or visit charlevoixlibrary.org.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at 231-675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Looking for a break from the summer buzz? Charlevoix library has just the thing for kids and teens
Reporting by Annie Doyle, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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