Timberland libraries offer nearly an event a day all summer -- but they’ll be virtual

Though its library buildings remain closed, Timberland Regional Library has stacks of fun and educational events planned for its Summer Library Program.

The program will be virtual, but it’s an ambitious one, with nearly daily events from animal shows to story times — and even a theme song.

“We will have Mr. Lizard,” sings Torey Young, a library assistant in South Bend, while she accompanies herself on ukulele. “We will have magic shows, and we’ll show you all the fun things that you can do while we’re closed.”

She’s particularly excited about Mr. Lizard, also known as Brett Wilson, a Portland entertainer who’ll be visiting via video at 1 p.m. every Thursday in July, showing off different animals at each session. “I’m a fan of reptiles,” Young said.

Warning to the arachnophobic: The July 2 show is focused on spiders, and Wilson will have tarantulas on hand. This — and the July 30 event, which puts snakes in the spotlight — might be a case where virtual performances are better than the in-person kind, depending on your point of view.

Also performing via video will be magician Jeff Evans (at 1 p.m. June 18 and 25), a longtime favorite at the library, and Heidi Larsen of Idea Hatch, who’ll put a Northwest twist on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics.

There’s something happening nearly every day, especially when you factor in VirtualCon, a teen program aiming to replace all the fan conventions that have been canceled. Launching June 19, VirtualCon (which the library’s website playfully describes as “one con to rule them all”) will offer cosplay opportunities, art activities, virtual escape rooms and more.

“Offering a virtual program or event each day may seem ambitious,” said Jessica Friberg, a district manager for youth and family services. “But we have an amazing and creative staff who offer in-person programs for all ages in our 27 locations throughout the year and particularly in the summer.”

Other activities include book clubs for adults and teens (and adults who like to read young-adult books) and sessions of songs and rhymes for babies and toddlers.

In other words, there’s a lot more happening than Young could fit into the 44-second “It’s a Summer Library Song,” which has a Kimya Dawson vibe and is so chipper you might forget all about the fact that all of these fun things are going to happen (sigh) on a screen.

Young, who graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2009, wrote the tune two years ago when the library system’s summer program had the theme “Libraries Rock.” She updated the lyrics to reflect the current altered reality. (The new version also features music by Westley Wolford.)

It’s a rare performance for the singer-songwriter, who used to spend a lot of time performing at open mics and had dreams of starting a band.

“I’ve only played a handful of paid gigs,” she said. “Mostly I use my talents to annoy my family and pets.”

Now, though, she’s also using them to entertain fans and friends of the library.

“We hope it won’t be long until we see you all again,” she sings at the end of the song. “But in the meantime, stay at home, read a book and wash your hands.”

It’s hard to quibble with that advice.

Online Summer Library Program

• What: Timberland Regional Library’s virtual programming includes storytimes, art tutorials, performances and book clubs. Those who participate in 10 activities will get a free book when libraries reopen.
• When: Through Aug. 31
• Register: https://trl.beanstack.org.
• Info: https://events.trl.org/