Library launches a summer of special activities

LA GRANDE — June will be a busy month at Cook Memorial Library in La Grande — and the special events and activities will continue throughout the summer.

Highlights include the 2024 Summer Reading Program; “Earth Helpers,” a four-part series for kids; a visit from slam poet Jason Graham, aka “MOsley WOtta”; and the return of the library’s Tiny Art show.

MOsley WOtta

MOsley WOtta, a poet, artist and musician, will give a performance at Cook Memorial Library, La Grande, on June 29 at 11 a.m.

The 2024 Summer Reading Program, “Read, Renew, Repeat,” is for all ages and runs from June 10 until Aug. 9. Sign up on the library’s website or download the Beanstack app to log reading and activities. The kickoff event is on Tuesday, June 11, from 3-5 p.m. All are invited to drop in for giveaways, snacks, crafts, and registration assistance.

“Earth Helpers” is a four-part series throughout June and July, led by Anne McNamee, where kids can learn habits and skills to help make small changes that will impact their home, community and planet. There are two workshops planned for June:

? Workshop 1: Native Plants — Tuesday, June 12, from 3-5 p.m. Explore Indigenous knowledge, native plants and growing techniques.

? Workshop 2: Healthy Snacks, Plastic Free — Monday, June 17, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about plastics, food waste and local food.

Starting June 13, pick up a canvas to participate in Cook Memorial Library’s Tiny Art show. Create at home and return the canvas by June 29 for the exhibit. Art will be on display from July 2 until Aug. 8.

On Tuesday, June 18, a Lego competition will run from 10-11:30 a.m. This is the first of two Lego contests to be held this summer. The fun features four age categories, up to age 18. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Puzzles are also part of the library’s summer plans. A competition will be on Saturday, June 22, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Teams of up to four people, ages 12 and older, can register on the library’s website starting June 11.

A Puzzle Exchange complements the contest. Those who drop off puzzles in good condition between June 22-27 will receive one ticket per donated puzzle. Come back on June 28-29 to exchange the tickets for new-to-you puzzles.

MOsley WOtta, a poet, artist and musician, will give a performance at the library on June 29 at 11 a.m. The Creative Laureate for Bend, Graham is a slam poetry champion and his work has been featured internationally. Visit his website, wakerecords.org, to learn more.

Regular programming also continues. Thursday Storytime is on Thursdays — June 6, 13, 20 and 27 — at 10:30 a.m. in the Story Circle. Each gathering includes stories with special guests and a craft.

The Dungeons & Dragons and gaming group will meet on June 13 and June 27 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The group is open to all ages. For information, call the library at 541-962-1339 and ask for Ryan.

Spells and Stars Book Club for adults meets Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. The book up for discussion is “Six Crimson Swans” by Elizabeth Lim. New members are welcome.

New Cook Memorial Library Logo 1

Cook Memorial Library’s logo incorporates the Grande Ronde River, wheat fields and ponderosa pines.

Also, the Center for Human Development is providing an art program, “Art Out Loud,” for ages 6-11 where kids can explore and express their feelings and experiences through creating art. This group is on Fridays in June from 3-4 p.m.

All library activities are free and held at Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., La Grande. Visit cookmemoriallibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or call 541-962-1339 for details.