Libraries offering activities, a break from summer heat

Jul. 30—Local libraries are providing fun for children and serving as an oasis during the latest heat wave.

The St. Joseph Public Library is celebrating the conclusion of its summer reading program on Thursday with an ice skating party at Bode Ice Arena from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The timely activity excites children's department manager Lisa Ransom because of the recent heat advisory.

"I think it's also a great opportunity to come together with other families," she said. "And maybe you've never taken your child ice skating and you want to give it a try. It's a great time to do that as well."

Admission is free, but all children attending must have an adult with them.

The Unconventional Art Club on July 31 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. is the last event at the Downtown location for the month.

"And that's for children ages 8 to 13, where they can just come in, dress for a mess, and make some creative art that's not your average paintbrush art," Ransom said.

Another public library in town is also giving kids a chance to have fun indoors and get some relief from the heat. Rolling Hills Library's Belt branch started a children's scavenger hunt on Tuesday that will continue through Wednesday.

"We're keeping it simple and going with our Read for the Gold sports theme," said Sarah Sieg, Rolling Hills Youth Services librarian. "So we have animals playing a whole bunch of different sports hidden around the library. And I've put letters underneath each animal so you can solve a puzzle as you find them."

The placement of the animals is strategic for Sieg, who wants children to discover different parts of the library.

"If you haven't seen this area or that area of the children's collection, it's like, 'Oh, there's books for me here,'" she said.

For anyone who does not have air conditioning or is struggling in the summer heat, Rolling Hills Library and St. Joseph Public Library are designated cooling centers in St. Joseph.

"You're definitely welcome to come in and just enjoy the cool air — maybe find something to read or check out," Sieg said.

You can find events calendars for Rolling Hills Library and St. Joseph Public Library on their websites.