New Ulm Public Library’s summer reading program, “An Ocean of Possibilities” begins Monday, June 6, and runs through July 31. The summer reading program is open to ages birth through high school.

This year reading logs will be available for pickup in the library starting May 31.

Children up to the age of 11 can pick up a reading log in the children’s room. Read at least 20 minutes a day for at least six day each week to fulfill the reading goal.

Each week readers can stop by the children’s desk to check in with their logs and get a stamp. Collect all eight stamps, and you’re finished.

Teens who are age 12 to those who are entering their senior year of high school in the fall of 2022 may pick up their logs at the service desk.

Teens need to read at least a half an hour each day for at least six days to meet their reading goal. They will record their reading each week and can turn their logs in at the end of the program, no need to check in each week.

There are several activities to keep you busy at the library this summer. Storytime and Pajama Party Storytime will begin again the week of June 6.

The Friday’s Special Storytime will be offered once a month. Twice a month the library will offer movies on a Friday afternoon. All of the movies have an ocean theme.

This year’s registered programs include: Creative Kids for those entering kindergarten and first grade in the fall, Wacky Wonders for those entering second through fifth grade in the fall and Teen Tuesdays for students entering sixth through 12th grade.

Be prepared to meet a couple of pirates at the “Be a Bookaneer” and “Treasure Beyond Measure” programs. The library will host Pint Size Polkas with New Ulm Parks and Recreation for a Concert in the Park.

We will also host Scott Kudelka, a naturalist with the DNR, who will present “What Lives in the River.” Pick up a summer reading program brochure in the children’s room for times and dates of the programs mentioned above, or check out newulmlibrary.org for more information and to register.

The community checkout goal this summer is 25,000 items in eight weeks. Visit the library each week to check out books to help with our community checkout goal and help you fill up your reading log. If we reach our goal of 25,000 items checked out, the library will purchase a new gizmo or gadget for the children and teens to explore at the library.

Summer reading participants can turn in their reading logs between Aug. 1-8. Early or late reading logs will not be accepted. Children and teens who complete their reading logs by the end of eight weeks will be invited to choose a free book, fill out an entry for a grand prize, choose a temporary tattoo, and vote for a summer reading library prize.

Grand prizes will be a gift card to a local business and one will be awarded to a winner from each of the following age ranges; birth to 5, 6-11, and 12-18.

Please ask at the children’s desk if there is something you’re looking for and can’t find right away — we’re here to help.

Check out our monthly calendar of programming too. We offer a variety of activities for all ages, from story time to book club for teens. You can find more information on our website at newulmlibrary.org on the Library Events page.

The library is located at 17 N. Broadway and is open to the public Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The library will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.