Summer Reading Challenge July 2023
Read & Raffles
Potions, dragons & gems -- oh my!
Celebrate the magic of the mountains & expand your imagination! Log your reading for a chance to win some magical prizes -- from a spyglass to a panning kit, a golden snitch and magical wands, even your own rock tumbler. Oh, did we mention the black dragon Squishmallow?
Sign up online using Beanstack (website or Beanstack Tracker App) or at your local library to receive a paper game board. Log your reading each day & earn a raffle ticket for every 2 hours logged. Get yourself a bonus ticket for completing the challenge (that is, reading 10 hours in the month of July) and for attending a special event at the library. Can’t make it to your local library? We’ll give you a bonus ticket if you make it a point to read outside – because an outside reading nook is a magical thing!
Kids’ Book Club Ideal for children aged 8 - 12 (5+ okay with parental support)
This summer, we are inviting Mono County readers to join us in reading Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. Sign up at your local library (or email your Youth Librarian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and get your very own copy of the book for FREE! We have discussions and activities inspired by the book scheduled throughout the county. See the calendar below to see where you want to join.
Special Events
We’ve got special events happening all across Mono County! Check out the calendar and short descriptions below.
Mineral Dig
Minerals are naturally formed by geological processes – and that’s pretty magical. Humans have long valued minerals for both their beauty and their function, from diamonds as jewelry to iron for building, clay for crafts & living and copper for medicinal purposes. Join the Mineral Dig at your local library & practice your excavation skills. Carefully extract a mineral from a lump of dried dirt & take him home for keeps! You can consider turning it into something or adding it to your rock & mineral collection.
Note: One of the Summer Reading Challenge prizes is a rock tumbler if you're thinking of becoming a rockhound!
Leather Workshop
Join Youth Librarian Carissa Devine for a hands-on leathercraft workshop. Using a touch of water and wooden mallets, carving stamps & embroidery wheels, personalize your own strip of buffalo leather into a bookmark or bracelet.
Power of Crystals Workshop
– at Mammoth Lakes Library only –
Join Kim from the Smoketree Apothecary for an introductory workshop on the Power of Crystals. We will learn about the properties of crystals and how they can be used as well as local crystals that can be found in our magical mountains. Kim will also share a few tips on collecting crystals.
After Kim’s workshop, the Makerspace team will be joining us for wire-wrapping crystal pendants!.
This workshop is for school-aged children, K-12.
Note: Because this event is a collaboration with the Makerspace team & their supplies, all participants must sign a Makerspace waiver.
Animal Tracking Magic with ESIA
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to communicate with animals? This course is a great first step. You’ll be learning how to look for clues left by four-legged friends that tell of their presence. Unlock your intrinsic connection to nature and learn how to read the world around you.
Wand-making
– at Mammoth Lakes Library only –
Whether a wizard, witch or fairy – you’re incomplete without a magical wand! Come make your very own wand using sticks & hot glue. Bring your favorite crystal or gem if you wish. Coming in costume is encouraged!
Note: Because this event is a collaboration with the Makerspace team & their supplies, all participants must sign a Makerspace waiver.