Summertime has finally arrived. I thought I would take this time to remind you of some of the services available at the library that will help get you through the remainder of summer.

If you have visited the library in the past month you have noticed a dramatic increase in the activity level. The children’s Summer Reading Program is in full swing, and will last through July 31st. There’s still time to take in summer storytimes. They are held every Monday at 10am and Wednesdays at 10am and 6pm. Summer crafts and activities continue in the children’s room as well. Stop in and pick up a schedule or go to the library website (www.newulmlibrary.org) for a listing of summer activities.

The Space Aliens have landed at New Ulm Public Library! They are looking to explore our world, so Kathryn and Amy have granted them permission to go on vacation with you. Aliens can be checked out for one week (or more if needed). Take them on all of your summer adventures and be sure to take a picture and share it with us when you get home.

Along with our Summer Reading Program the library has other things that may come in handy for the summer. Perhaps you are planning a vacation at the lake? Or maybe your grandchildren are coming for a visit and you are planning to go to one of New Ulm’s pools. Did you know the library has children’s life jackets you can check out? We have infant, child, and youth life jackets available for a three week checkout with your library card.

If your summer vacation involves a road trip, of course we have books to read on the trip, but the library also has audiobooks to entertain the whole family. Whether you enjoy fiction or nonfiction, we have a CD audiobook for you. You can also download both ebooks and audiobooks to your phone, tablet or ereader through our Libby app. Don’t worry, we can tell you all about the Libby app and give you a short tutorial. If you are interested in learning more, stop by or give us a call at 359-8331.

Keep the library in mind this summer. Come in out of the heat; it is always cool at the library!