It’s Showtime at Palm Springs Public Library

PALM SPRINGS — “It’s Showtime at Your Library” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading at the Palm Springs Public Library.

Library staff is pulling out all the stops to entertain and engage during its weekly programs with films, crafts and more.

The Summer Reading program will begin on Monday, June 10 and will continue for six weeks. The program offers something for everyone in the family with programs for every age group; Youth: Pre-K – 5^th grade, Teens: 6^th – 12^th grade, and adults.

With the support of the “Friends of the Palm Springs Library” and a grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation, free new books will be given away each week to students pre-K—12^th grade. The free books will be distributed to those students that are registered and check-in weekly at the Library.

Adults will not be left out. When they check in weekly they will receive a voucher for a free, gently-used book (up to $2 in value) from the Friends of the Palm Springs Library book sale shelves. Everyone will also have the opportunity to complete the five-book challenge to receive an extra book or voucher.

There are weekly events for each age group and door prizes are given out to lucky attendees. Door prizes are provided by local businesses and organizations who have contributed items and gift certificates to be given away throughout the program.

Grand prizes include a wide selection of items. There are bicycles (with helmets and locks) courtesy of the Palm Springs Sustainability Commission. Other prizes include a Fire HD Tablet, a drone, a Nintendo Switch console plus game, an Avengers Inventor kit, a Ring doorbell camera, and many other choices all courtesy of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library.

One winner will be selected for each prize. Winners will be chosen at the combined finale celebration on Thursday, July 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the main library atrium. It will feature celebrity impersonator Bethany Owen appearing as Joan Rivers and Judy Garland, two showtime favorites. Prize winners do not need to be present to win but must be registered and enrolled in summer reading prior to the drawing.

This year the Library and the Palm Springs Cultural Center are partnering to present “Grease: Sing-A-Long movie” on Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30). Tickets are at a reduced price and go to benefit the Library and Cultural Center. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. The public is welcome to attend. In keeping with the Showtime theme, tickets will include a prop goodie bag. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in your 50’s best. See all the details by clicking here. 

Week one features Musician Craig Newton on Wednesday, June 12^th at 10:30 a.m. for the Youth program. Later that same day, in keeping with the showtime theme, adults will watch the documentary “Side By Side,” an in-depth look at the film industry at 2 p.m. On Thursday, June 13^th at 3:30 p.m. artist Carlos Nieto III will guide Teens in learning to draw anime. See all the details and speaker photos by clicking here. 

For more Summer Reading program information click here for a complete schedule. Summer Reading helps to combat ‘summer slide’ that some students experience in their skill comprehension over the summer break. The Library provides Summer Reading as a fun, free opportunity to keep students’ skills sharp and have fun.

The Library is located at 300 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road. For more information about the Library call 760-322-READ (7323) or click here.