GIPL Announces 2025 Summer Programming for Kids & Teens
Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Public Library invites kids and teens along with their families to the library for special activities during the summer months of June and July.
This summer’s theme is “Color Our World,” so get ready for colorful, creative fun all summer long! All Grand Island Public Library programs are free to the public, and no library card is required to participate. Some programs do have limited capacity though, so pre-registration is required where noted.
An interactive version of the summer reading guide may be accessed online by going to https://bit.ly/25SRP2. For more information or to register for a program, you’re encouraged to call the library at (308) 385-5333 or visit https://www.gilibrary.org.
Log your Reading Minutes and Win Prizes
Readers of all ages can log their reading minutes with the Beanstack website and app https://gilibrary.beanstack.com between Sunday, June 1 and Saturday, August 9. Paper reading logs are also available at the library for children up to 11 years old. There are separate challenges for kids up to age 11, teens ages 12-18, and adults 18 and up. Registration for these programs opens on Thursday, May 1.
In 2024, 802 registered readers logged a collective 1.1 million minutes of reading time. This year, the library has set a community reading goal of 1.5 million minutes! For kids, and teens, completing certain reading milestones earns rewards including free books. For each reading or activity goal met, readers of all ages will earn virtual drawing tickets for a grand prize at the end of the summer.
Kickoffs
Kids’ Kickoff // Saturday, May 31 // 11:30 a.m.
For ages 11 & under
Kick off the summer with food and fun activities alongside members of the community! The kickoff is presented in collaboration with Nebraska Public Media with special guests from local organizations, including the Multicultural Coalition, Early Development Network and Grand Island Police Department.
Teen Kickoff
Water Fight! // Monday, June 2 // 2:00 p.m.
For ages 12-18
Bring your swimsuit and prepare to get wet!
Youth Art Show
Calling all artists ages 5-18! Express your creativity and showcase your artwork in this year’s juried art show at the library. Artists may submit up to three original works. Submissions are open May 22-June 8 at the library’s front desk with an opening reception on July 12. The exhibit will be open at the library’s Art Alcove for the entire month of July.
Kids Multi-Session Programs
Summer Reading Camp: Mondays at 2:00 p.m. // June 2 – July 28 (except June 30)
For kids entering 1st-5th grade
Boost your reading skills while school is out with fun group activities led by trained volunteers! Registration is required by Monday, June 2.
Girls Who Code Club // Fridays at 10:30 a.m. // June 6 – August 1 (except July 4)
For kids entering 3rd-6th grade
Explore coding in a fun & friendly environment and join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world. Boys are also welcome! A light snack will be provided.
Mega Mondays for All Ages
Fun activities, exciting presentations and special guests will be featured at the library every Monday morning from June 2 to July 28 (with the exception of June 30)! Check the online calendar at https://gilibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=Mega+Mondays for a full list.
Drop-in Weekly Kids Programs
Each program features new activities every week. Check the library’s online event calendar at https://gilibrary.events.mylibrary.digital for details. Programs run June 2 – August 1 (no programs June 30 - July 4).
* Stories & Crafts – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for grades Pre-K - 5
* Big Kids Club – 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays for grades 3-5
* Baby & Toddler Lapsit – 10:30 a.m. on Fridays for ages 0-2 and caregivers
* Ms. Brenda’s Best Books – 2:00 p.m. on Fridays for grades Pre-K - 2
Special Programs
“You Are More than Your Screen” Workshop // Sunday, June 1 // 3:00 p.m.
For kids/teens/tweens in grades 4-8 and their families
Learn the facts about basic brain science and how addictive technology like social media and video games affect a healthy brain. Feel encouraged and excited to live away from a screen! Presented by ScreenStrong Ambassadors Elijah and Sarah Landell. Snacks will be provided.
“Color My World with Song” // Thursday, June 12 // 10:30 a.m.
For all ages
Join educator, musician and author Aaron Fowler, accompanied by Mr. Kuumba the therapy dog, for a multimedia program with singing, moving, instruments and stories!
Let’s Build with Curious George! // Saturday, June 21 // 11:00 a.m.
For kids ages 3-6 and their families
Join us for a hands-on workshop focusing on building and different ways to practice engineering and the design process through playful experiences. Presented in partnership with Nebraska Public Media.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover // Tuesday, June 24 // 6:30 p.m.
For all ages
Your favorite stuffed animal is invited to spend the night at a library sleepover party! Bring your favorite stuffie to hear some stories together before wishing them good night. Then come back to the library on Wednesday to pick up your stuffed animal and receive a photo sheet showing their overnight library adventures!
Board Game Saturdays // June 28 & July 19 // 11:00 a.m.
For all ages
Board game fun for all ages! We'll provide games and snacks - feel free to bring your own (or a sack lunch)!
Read to a Rescue // Monday, July 21 // 6:30 p.m.
For all ages
Spend some time reading to adorable, adoptable dogs from The Good Life Rescue!
Weekly Tween & Teen Programs
Tween Programs // Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. // June 5 – July 31 (except July 3)
For ages 10-13
New activities every week, including a taste test challenge (June 19), a tiny food party (July 10), a laser-cut wooden jellyfish art project (July 17) and a mini LED desk lantern project (July 24 & 31). Pre-registration is required for some programs; see the full list of programs online at https://gilibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=tween+program
Teen Programs // Mondays at 2:00 p.m. // June 2 – July 28 (except June 30)
For ages 12-18
New activities every week including anime club at Pham’s Coffee & Boba (June 2), a Video Game Day (June 23), Ube Waffles (July 14) and an Escape Room (July 28). Pre-registration is required for some programs; see the full list of programs online at https://gilibrary.events.mylibrary.digital/series?sn=Teen+Summer+Reading+Program.
For more information on the library’s summer programs, visit the library’s website at https://www.gilibrary.org or call Youth & Family Services Librarian Laura Fentress or Teen & Technology Librarian Erica Rogers at (308) 385-5333.
The Grand Island Public Library serves both residents of the City of Grand Island and Hall County. Anyone who lives in or owns property anywhere within Hall County may apply for a library card at no cost. Keep up to date with all library happenings and hours online at https://www.gilibrary.org, Facebook and Instagram. You can also access your library account, search the catalog, and discover our digital collections at https://gilibrary.tlcdelivers.com or download the Grand Island Public Library app on your mobile device.