View from the Library: Come enjoy some fun at the park

It’s not too late to sign up for our annual Summer Reading Program. We have lots of great prizes and incentives from local businesses, and so many awesome programs coming up. On July 15 we have Georgia Smies from Salish Kootenai College to talk about aquatic invasive species and the impact they could have on Flathead Lake. On July 22 come play Plankton Races with Stephanie Hummel from the Flathead Lake Biological Station. And on July 29 we have Montana PBS giving a program based on the wildly popular Wild Kratts, “All About Lizards.” On Aug. 5 the Mission Valley Animal Shelter will bring puppies and kittens to cuddle while teaching us how to care for a pet. We are doing a supply drive for the shelter and will present the items that day. They are in need of dog and cat toys, swimming pools for dogs, milk replacement and food. Karen Duty from Hellroaring Kennels will also be here that day to teach us how to train a dog and show us a few tricks. All programs are held in Sacajawea Park at 10 a.m. across from the library. If the weather is bad, the programs are held in the library meeting room.

Mother Goose programs continue during the summer at 9:15 Monday mornings in the library meeting room. These programs for babies, toddlers and their caregivers include stories, nursery rhymes and songs. This is a great opportunity for new parents to meet other parents in our community.

The library is lending life jackets again this year. Borrowers must be 18 or older and have a current library card in good standing. We have a small selection of sizes, and these are available for a seven-day checkout.

The library’s large meeting room is available for public use again. Call or stop into the library for details.

The library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday and Friday reserved for those 65 and older or immunocompromised; masks are required during this hour. The library also is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Curbside pickup is available for everyone during open hours. Please call us at 883-8225 or email us at polsoncl@polson.lib.mt.us with questions or to request curbside pickup.

Abbi Dooley is director of North Lake County Public Library in Polson.