Catch free Summer Library Program events and performances kicking off June 1

The Timberland Regional Library’s annual Summer Library Program will kick off June 1 and contain performances, challenges, and hands-on activities for participants of all ages.

From June 1 to Aug. 31, the program will host 100 free events across Thurston, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason and Pacific counties and through the mobile Anywhere Library van, which will make stops at community centers in the region.

This year’s program welcomes a cast of new performers and family favorites. Headliners include:

▪ From June 3-13, local ethnomusicologist Javoen Byrd will share about West African and African American drumming traditions through a hands-on, family friendly experience.

▪ From July 15-23, author Vanessa L. Torres will talk about her latest Young Adult book with time for audience questions.

▪ July 15 through Aug. 15, children’s author and illustrator Ellie Peterson will lead a creative storytime with interactive events such as live drawing, fit for families with kids.

▪ From Aug. 4-15, visitors can get ready to laugh out loud as Dallas Akins “Professor Universe” teaches about space and leads a trip through the cosmos through theatrical storytelling.

Participants in the summer library program also will get the chance to encounter family favorites from past summers, including The Reptile Lady, Creature Teachers, Jeff Evans’ Reading Magic Show, and enTaiko Japanese Drumming.

Sign-ups for the summer library program will be available at all 29 Timberland library branches. Through the program, participants can record their reading progress for a chance to win freebies, including books, a tote bag, and a limited supply of tickets for youth to see the Tacoma Rainiers minor league baseball team or visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

For full details, visit the TRL Events Calendar at TRL.org/Events.