501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
5 ways to enjoy Summer at CALS
It’s summer in Central Arkansas and you know what that means – warm (ok, let’s be real, HOT) temps and kids with extra energy to burn off. CALS has five ways to help beat the summer boredom. There are of course the obvious things you can do at the library like check out books and read in a corner until you go home and read some more (was that only me as a kid?) but CALS has so many other ways to have fun all summer long, we thought we’d explore just a few of them.
If you haven’t already, sign up for Summer@CALS (previously called Summer Reading Club). This is a great way to encourage reading and learning through the summer and help prevent that summer slump. Prizes are awarded weekly, plus there are so many fun activities going on around the system. Join us for Music, Magic, and MORE!
Screens are not always the best, but the Level 4 teen area at Main (ages 12-19) has games rated T and under and it’s a fun place for kids to kick back and hang out with friends (or make new ones) that isn’t their home. It’s a good way to check out a game before you buy it. And if they leave with a book, all the better. BONUS: Venture over to Williams where they have really embraced their collection of VR headsets.
This spring the Children’s Library got a brand new playground (ages 5-12) and we are absolutely in love with it. The playground is outfitted with monkey bars, slides, a rock wall, drums, and a variety of interactive teaching boards. With the shaded benches, make a day of it and bring a sack lunch for your own picnic at the park. BONUS: Make sure you check out the updated story walk around the grounds at Children’s.
Kids are notorious for wanting a new toy only to forget it exists two weeks later. What if you could borrow a toy instead of buying it? At Nixon, you can. The toy library includes everything from balls and outdoor toys to dolls and costumes. Check out items for up to two weeks, then return and repeat for the whole summer. BONUS: Ask about a weekend backpack to take home with assorted activities, available at any branch.
Birdwatching area at Fletcher
Nestled in the back of the children’s area at Fletcher is a series of windows that overlooks a shaded area filled with bird feeders. The area is maintained by volunteers and the funding is donated. If the birds aren’t there, your sure to see a collection of hungry squirrels. BONUS: Check out a bird watching kit and take the fun on the road, kits include a bird guide and binoculars.
Bonus: Enter one of our contests – the Teen Film Festival (ages 12-19) is accepting submissions until July 3. Guitar Wars has a youth category (up to 17 years old) and participants can register until June 16.
