Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library! We have another week for you packed full of events for all age groups!

Starting with kids’ events, we have our Safari Story Time at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. On Thursday, travel across North America with us during our Around the World Adventure  at 10:30 a.m. We will even have a special guest during that time from the Great Bend K-9 Unit, and you will get to meet and learn about police dogs. 

For all ages we have a treat on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., when guests from Salina’s Rolling Hills Zoo will come to the library. They will be here to teach us about all kinds of critters and will even have animals for us to meet! Later that day we will have our next Animal Documentary Movie in the center of the library at 2 p.m., and of course there will be popcorn. This week we will be taking a look at deserts and plains. We will even get to see and learn about the great American buffalo. Then join us on Friday, July 23, for our next Outdoor Movie Night! The film is about a group of anthropomorphic animals who enter a singing competition hosted by a koala trying to save his theater. We ask that guests bring their own blankets or chairs, and we’ll provide popcorn and water. Reservations for our Outdoor Movie Night are required, as there are limited tickets. Please pick up a ticket at the Children’s Circulation desk in the days leading up to the movie.

For teens grades 6-12, stop by the Teen Spot on Monday to pick up a Beaded Gecko Take & Make kit (available while supplies last). On Tuesday at 4 p.m., we’ll be making Taco Earbud Holders for July’s installment of Crafty Tuesdays with Shanna. Join us later that evening at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 7 p.m. for our casual Teen Pokémon Go Meetup. This will be a chance to meet other Go players and hang out while walking around the park to collect our favorite pocket monsters, engage in PVP combat, and enjoy some snacks. There may even be some “real” pokémon to find and take home! Thursday we will show our July #Throwback Thursday Movie. Come to the Teen Spot for a ’90s twist on an old classic and some free popcorn.

For our adults the Open Book Club meets this Tuesday at 7 p.m. July’s book is Kirk Wallace Johnson’s “The Feather Thief,” a story based on the real-life heist of priceless, exotic birds. Copies are available for checkout at the front desk if you want to join in on the discussion.

Join us after-hours on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. for our Adult & Teen Create! Activity, D.I.Y. Catnip Toys. This project is perfect for beginners, as it is very easy to sew, not to mention your feline friends will love them. 

Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website, greatbendpl.info, for upcoming programs and updates. You can also message us on Facebook or email us at gbcirc@gmail.com. We can also be reached via phone at 620-792-2409. Hannah Grippin is outreach manager at the Great Bend Public Library.