The display, painstakingly created over the course of many months by approximately 40 members of the Ohio LEGO Users Group (OhioLUG), honors central Ohio’s own Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “Many of the habitats are even based on their real-life counterparts, but with an imaginative LEGO twist!” says Steve Jogan, OhioLUG president.

Customers and LEGO lovers of all ages are invited to view the display through Aug. 8. While at Main Library, customers can also sign up for CML’s Summer Reading Challenge and earn prizes just by reading.

OhioLUG is a group of adults based in Ohio that have (re)discovered the joy of building creations out of the popular LEGO brand building blocks. Visit ohiolug.org to learn more.

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CML will also hold Kickoff Parties at all locations. Main Library’s Kickoff Party will be held on Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring family fun with activities, music and refreshments.

Click here for B-roll from last year’s Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party at Main Library.

CML’s 22 branches will host Kickoff Parties throughout the week. For details about branch parties, customers can visit the Events page at columbuslibrary.org.

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.

Starting Saturday, May 31, readers of all ages can sign up by visiting any CML location or by visiting columbuslibrary.org/summerreading.

Participants will need a CML library card to sign up for Summer Reading Challenge. Signing up for a library card is free.

Once signed up for Summer Reading Challenge, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 25 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes. Prizes are earned for every five days of reading. Participants track their reading by using Beanstack on a computer at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or by downloading the free Beanstack app through the Apple Store and Google Play.

“We know that many students and families are still recovering from the learning disruptions of the last few years,” said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.”

Summer Reading Challenge is made possible through generous support from Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, CollegeAdvantage, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, Dispatch Media Group, iHeart Media, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN, Lamar, Columbus EWI and Fifth Third.

The post Library to launch Summer Reading Challenge on May 31 (B-roll included) appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

“So many children in our community rely on free or discounted school lunches,” says CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “It is absolutely critical that students have access to healthy, nourishing meals over the summer. It not only benefits the body, but the mind.”

Click here for CML’s 2024 summer meals schedule.

The post Library to offer students free summer meals appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

CML will also hold Kickoff Parties at all locations. Main Library’s Kickoff Party will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring family fun with activities, music and refreshments. CML’s 22 branches will host Kickoff Parties throughout the week. For details about branch parties, customers can visit columbuslibrary.org/events.

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.

Starting Saturday, June 1, readers of all ages can sign up by visiting any CML location or by visiting columbuslibrary.org/summerreading.

Participants will need a CML library card to sign up for Summer Reading Challenge. Signing up for a library card is free.

Once signed up for Summer Reading Challenge, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 25 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes. Prizes are earned for every five days of reading. Participants track their reading by using Beanstack on a computer at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or by downloading the free Beanstack app through the Apple Store and Google Play.

“We know that many students and families are still recovering from the learning disruptions of the last few years,” said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.

Summer Reading Challenge is made possible through generous support from CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, iHeart Media, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN and Columbus EWI.

The post Library to launch Summer Reading Challenge on June 1 appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

“So many children in our community rely on free or discounted school lunches,” says CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “It is absolutely critical that students have access to healthy, nourishing lunches and snacks over the summer. It not only benefits the body, but the mind.”

Click here for CML’s 2023 summer lunch and snack schedule.

The post Library offers students free summer lunch and snack appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

CML will also hold Kickoff Celebrations at all 23 of its locations featuring family fun, games, activities, music and refreshments.

• Barnett Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 4:30-6 p.m.
• Canal Winchester Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-4 p.m.
• Driving Park Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 2-4 p.m.
• Dublin Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-6 p.m.
• Franklinton Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-5 p.m.
• Gahanna Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 2-4 p.m.
• Hilliard Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Hilltop Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 2-3 p.m.
• Karl Road Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 12-3 p.m.
• Linden Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
• Main Library: Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Marion-Franklin Branch: Friday, June 2 from 3-4 p.m.
• Martin Luther King Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-6 p.m.
• New Albany Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Northern Lights Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 2-4 p.m.
• Northside Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Parsons Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 2-4 p.m.
• Reynoldsburg Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 1-4 p.m.
• Shepard Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 1-4 p.m.
• South High Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-5 p.m.
• Southeast Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Whetstone Branch: Saturday, June 3 from 2-4 p.m.
• Whitehall Branch: Thursday, June 1 from 3-5 p.m.

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.

Starting Thursday, June 1, customers of all ages can sign up one of three ways:

• Online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading
• By downloading the free Beanstack app from the App Store or Google Play
• Stopping by any of CML’s 23 locations

Participants will need a CML library card in order to participate this year. Signing up is free and easy. Once signed up, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 30 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes.

“The pandemic’s lingering impact on our young minds and their ability to learn cannot be overstated,” said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.”

Summer Reading Challenge is supported by: CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Columbus Blue Jackets, Giant Eagle, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN, Clarkson Eyecare and Columbus EWI.​

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CML will also hold its Kickoff Celebration at Main Library on Saturday, June 3. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., customers of all ages are invited for family fun, including a performance by the Shazzbots, plus games, activities, music and refreshments.

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.

Starting Thursday, June 1, customers of all ages can sign up one of three ways:

• Online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading
• By downloading the free Beanstack app from the App Store or Google Play
• Stopping by any of CML’s 23 locations

Participants will need a CML library card in order to participate this year. Signing up is free and easy. Once signed up, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 30 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes.

“The pandemic’s lingering impact on our young minds and their ability to learn cannot be overstated,” said CML Public Services Director Miya Reyes. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.”

Summer Reading Challenge is supported by: CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Columbus Blue Jackets, Giant Eagle, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN, Clarkson Eyecare and Columbus EWI.​

The post Library to launch Summer Reading Challenge on June 1 appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

All 23 air conditioned library locations are open to all and provide comfortable seating, public computers with Internet access, free WiFi and a collection of great books and magazines.

Customers can also use the opportunity to sign up for Summer Reading Challenge and take part in any of the hundreds of engaging programs and events taking place all summer long.

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“So many children in our community rely on free or discounted school lunches,” says CML Public Services Director Kathy Shahbodaghi. “It is absolutely critical that students have access to healthy, nourishing lunches and snacks. It not only benefits the body, but the mind as well.”

Click here for a list and schedule of CML’s summer lunch and snack locations.

The post Library offers students free summer lunch and snack appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Summer Reading Challenge is CML’s signature program to keep young readers from losing critical literacy skills during the summer months. Loss of these skills is often referred to as summer slide, and places children at a distinct learning disadvantage once school begins again in the fall.

Starting Wednesday, June 1, customers of all ages can sign up one of three ways:

• Online at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading
• By downloading the free READsquared app from the App Store or Google Play
• Stopping by any of CML’s 23 locations

Participants will need a CML library card in order to participate this year. Signing up is free and easy.

Once signed up, customers will track their progress as they read for 15 minutes a day for 30 days to earn prizes and raffle entries to win even more prizes.

“This pandemic has deeply impacted our young minds and their ability to learn,” said CML Public Services Director Kathy Shahbodaghi. “Helping them get back on track starts with books and reading. This is especially critical during the out-of-school months.”

After being online only the last two years due to the pandemic, CML’s 2022 Summer Reading Challenge will once again offer in-person programs and events, including three performances by musician and Pete the Cat author Eric Litwin:

Friday, June 3
Karl Road Branch | 11 a.m.
5590 Karl Rd.

Hilltop Branch | 4 p.m.
511 S. Hague Ave.

Saturday, June 4
Main Library | 11:15 a.m.
96 S. Grant Ave.

Saturday, June 4 will also mark the return of CML’s in-person Summer Reading Challenge kickoff celebration at Main Library. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., customers of all ages are invited for family fun, including an Eric Litwin performance at 11:15 a.m. and Bring the Farm to You at 12 p.m., plus games, activities, music and refreshments.

Summer Reading Challenge is supported by: CollegeAdvantage, Battelle, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, Columbus Blue Jackets, Giant Eagle, State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dispatch Media Group, Lamar, ABC 6, FOX 28, CW Columbus, 92.3 WCOL, WNCI 97.9, 610 WTVN, Clarkson Eyecare and Columbus EWI.​

The post Library to launch Summer Reading Challenge on June 1 appeared first on Columbus Metropolitan Library.