Summer starts June 1 at the West Fargo Public Library with their annual all-ages Summer Kickoff Party.
This year’s party, which takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the West Fargo Public Library (215 3rd Street E, West Fargo), is free for all ages and includes snacks, crafts, tabletop games, a community art project, outdoor games with the Little Red Reading Bus, and other activities throughout the library. Local model train enthusiasts will have functional model railroads set up in the library for people of all ages to view, learn about, and help conduct on Thursday and Friday too.
“We are so excited to have the model trains back in the library again after a few summer kickoff parties without them,” Youth Services Manager Lauren Nephew said. “They were a staple at our annual party for years prior to the pandemic.”
The model trains will be at the library from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 1 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 2.
The Summer Kickoff Party marks the beginning of the library’s two-month Summer Boost reading program, where readers of all ages keep track of how much they read during the summer months to earn prizes. Prizes range in value, with many of them donated by local businesses and organizations including Bank of North Dakota, Ferguson Books, Red River Valley Fair, Sandy’s Donuts, Scheels, and Skate City. Registration is open now and reading can be tracked from June 1 to July 31. Members of the public can learn more or sign up at westfargolibrary.org/summerboost.
"It is so important for kids to read during the summer months so they don't lose all of the skills they worked so hard on during the school year," Nephew said. "Our summer reading program is just one way we encourage families to keep reading during the summer."
Beginning Monday, June 5, the West Fargo Public Library’s Little Red Reading Bus will bring books, games, and other educational activities to six local parks weekly through Aug. 3. The weekly schedule is:
Mondays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meadowlark Park (8873 Lost River Rd, Horace)
Mondays 7 to 8 p.m. Dakota Park (985 51st Ave. W, West Fargo)
Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Rendezvous Park (1055 32nd Ave. W., West Fargo)
Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Goldenwood Park (1330 5th St. NW, West Fargo)
Wednesdays 7 to 8 p.m. North Elmwood Park (500 13th Ave. W., West Fargo)
Thursdays 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Maplewood Park (1504 17th Ave. E., West Fargo)
"The bus has been a great addition to our summer offerings," Nephew said. "With the bus, we can bring books and encouragement directly to kids who may not have books at home or the means to easily travel to the library building."
In total, the library has over 120 special events, programs, and learning opportunities for all ages planned throughout the summer at the library and out in the community. Learn more at westfargolibrary.org.