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Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Start the Summer off strong at our rootin’ tootin’ kick off party! Pick up your logs, play in the bounce house, and meet some furry friends from Colbrese Family Farms.
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Summer Reading End Party
Celebrate your Summer Reading victory by turning in your logs at the Absolute Science Foam Party for kids! Bring towels, arrive wearing water-friendly attire, and prepare to have a foam-tastic time!
Recurring Programs
Check out these ongoing events that will be taking place all Summer long! Click any of the images below to register or learn more information!
Reading Challenge 101
Fill out the form below for each participant.
Pick up a reading log at the front desk on or after May 30th.
Visit the library to collect brag tags when you level up.
Turn in your log before July 24th for to claim your completion prize and tickets for grand prize entries.
Featured Presenters
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Incredible Bats
Friday, June 5th
Learn amazing facts about bats and their important role in our ecosystem, along with all their animal friends. This interactive presentation is perfect for curious kids who love wildlife, nature, and a little adventure! -
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Skippy the Drum Machine
Wednesday, June 10th
“Skippy The Drum Machine” is an educational concert showing how music is made through the voice, body, and beatboxing, the art of making drum sounds with your mouth. Led by Luke “Skippy” Harbur, you’ll learn something new, make silly sounds, wiggle your body, and leave with tools for how to make your own music! -
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Family Museum Presents: Seeing is Believing
Friday, June 12th
Learn how our eyes work and how they help us to see. Experiment with optical illusions that show how parts of how vision works. This program is best for children grades 2-6. -
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Magician Zach Percell
Friday, June 19th
Prepare to be amazed as Zach brings the impossible to life with a thrilling mix of jaw-dropping visual magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, mind-bending mentalism, daring escape artistry, and masterful sleight-of-hand. -
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Figge Art Class
Wednesday, June 24th
Travel through time as you explore the stories behind some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, and then bring those techniques to life with your own creative twist! Perfect for curious minds and budding artists alike! -
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QC Botanical Center: Miniature Greenhouses
Friday, June 26th
Step aboard the Plant Discovery Bus and dig your hangs into learning! Create your own miniature Green House while discovering what it takes to help plants grow and prosper! -
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Wapsi River Education Center: Birds of Prey
Friday, July 10th
Get ready for a wild, up close encounter with nature! Join the River Valley District Library and the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, along with their incredible feathered ambassadors, for an unforgettable adventure into the world of Birds of Prey. -
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National River Museum: Not So Creepy Crawlers
Thursday, July 16th
Discover how tiny invertebrates play a BIG role in growing the food we eat! Meet a variety of critters such as beetles, roaches, and tarantulas and learn about their amazing adaptations.
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WQPT PBS
Wednesday, July 22nd
WQPT PBS is visiting our library for a lively storytime where your favorite characters jump right off the screen and into the fun! Spend time with Daniel Tiger, the Wild Kratts crew, Molly of Denali, and more as we explore exciting stories together. Sing, create, and discover through hands-on crafts, interactive activities, and playful learning moments.
Enjoy an afternoon movie screening every Monday all Summer long! This event features family friendly movies that everyone can enjoy, paired with a thematic craft, and light movie snacks.
Become a published author! This 8 week writing workshop teaches kids to write, revise, and publish their own stories on Amazon KDP. While the publishing process is free, the benefits are priceless.
Registration
FAQ
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Your child will work with a librarian to put their ideas on paper over the course of the 8 week workshop. A librarian will help you set up an Amazon KDP account to publish their manuscript on the day of the final session. To set up a KDP account you will need to have a valid form of identification, as well as a bank routing number to receive royalties.
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The short answer is no. It does not cost money to publish. Instead, Amazon takes the cost of manufacturing from each copy sold on their website as copies are bought. Authors receive a commission of 60% after the cost of manufacturing. Families can also purchase “author copies”, which are copies that are available for purchasing at manufacturing price (typically $2.30 per piece). These copies can be purchased and sold to your loved ones to ensure that your child receives the maximum amount of royalty possible. Learn more about royalties and printing costs here.
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It is not necessary to attend every week, but you may need to meet with a librarian outside of regularly scheduled times. Your child may miss sessions due to vacation, illness, or other circumstances. Office hours are available for kids who need additional help throughout the Summer.
Embark on a magical journey through a fictional world where your choices decide your fate. Each session your character and your teammates will encounter new challenges and conquer new feats in this 5 session campaign.
FAQ
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Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role play game where players create fictional characters with unique abilities, and use math, storytelling, and problem-solving skills to complete challenges. The other players in the game act as your teammates, and together your party embarks on an adventurous quest. No two D&D campaigns are the same, as the plot relies on improvisational choices made by the players or the Dungeon Masters. Learn more about the benefits of D&D here.
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The intention of the Summer sessions is to allow kids who are typically in school during Tween D&D time to have the opportunity to play. Please refrain from registering if you were in the previous campaign to allow new members to join.
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Yes. Your party members will remain the same for the entire campaign, so those who attend session 1 will be the players for the entire 5 session campaign. Space is limited and registration is required.
Registration
Unleash your creativity by performing in a student directed One Act Play! These 15 minute productions are written, directed, and produced by local teens. Auditions for cast members will be on May 27th at the library. Rehearsals for each production are every Wednesday, and the final performance will take place at the end of the Summer in the Riverdale Middle School auditorium.
FAQ
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No prior acting experience or preparation is required to participate in the One Act Plays! Come to the auditions on May 27th, and the directors will give you a script to read from!
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Turn in an application to direct by May 6th! Those who are selected to be directors will participate in 2 workshops where they will write their play and explore blocking, set design, and costuming with the help of a librarian. Director profiles will be announced on May 14th.
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Directors may choose to purchase a One Act Play, rather than writing an original one. Directors will be responsible for cutting these pre-written pieces into 15 minute productions.
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To join crew, email marketing@rivervalleylibrary.org. A library staff member will reach out to you with more information about the production and schedules.
Get ready to move, groove, and shine! Kids ages 6–12 are invited to join a fun and energetic dance class taught by Abbey Gustaf. This 3 session program series offers kids an opportunity to learn new dance moves, build confidence, and perform in the End of Summer Showcase!
Meet Ms. Abbey!
Abbey is a dedicated performer who has been dancing for 18 years! Throughout her childhood she took classes in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop. Ms. Abbey has taught dance classes at The Academy for Performing Arts, The Dance Connection, and RAQSTAR Dance Studio.