Library offers summer programs

The Hamline Midway Library at 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. is offering plenty of ways this summer to take a break from the heat, have fun, and engage in a wide range of arts and educational activities.

Thur., June 12, 10:30-11:30am, the 2014 Summer Reading Program opens with Bill the Juggler with a high-energy program for all ages. Summer Reading Program fun continues with the Brodini Comedy Magic Show on Thur., June 19, 10:30-11:30am and Snapdragon Seeds Music on Thur., June 26, 10:30-11:30am. Treasure Beyond Measure, a comedy show featuring silly pirate Capt’n Curley, will play on Thur., July 10, 10:30-11:30am.

Toddler and Pre-School Storytime happens 10:30-11am, Fridays on June 13, June 20, June 27, and July 11.

Mon., June 16, 1-3pm, the library presents The Quilters of Gee’s Bend: Artstart with artist Robin Getsug. Participants can explore the brilliant, bold, dynamic quilts created by a group of women in the isolated African-American town of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, then create their own mini-quilts with paper, fabric, and paint. For ages 8 to 14, space in the workshop is limited. You can register on the library website at www.sppl.org or call the library at 651-642-0293.

The library will feature family-friendly movie matinees with snacks on Thursday afternoons at 2pm on June 19, June 26, July 10, and July 17.

Sat., June 21, 1:30-3pm, readers ages 6 to 12 can read to Marsha and Toby, a human-dog team trained to encourage young readers. Pre-registration is required; please call the library at 651-642-0293 to register.

Sat., June 28, kids who love books can unite for the Kids Book Club at 1:30pm and the Teen Book Club (ages 12 to 18) at 2:30pm, featuring book discussion, treats, and fun activities.

All St. Paul libraries will be closed on Fri., July 4 for the Independence Day holiday.

The Saints and Sinner Mystery Book Club meets Sat., July 5 from 1-3pm. Join other mystery fans to discuss good mysteries every month; the title for July is “A Deadly Cliche” by Ellery Adams.