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Adventure with the Library! Graphics depicting blue mountain ranges, direction signs and the BCPL cleograph logo in multi colors.

The BCPL Summer Reading Program of 2023 is here! Join us for the program kick-off on June 5th and start tracking your reading to earn prizes throughout the summer!

'Can't wait to get started? Sign up today' link to bookpoints reading tracker sign up page. Image of old golden compass sitting on a map

Earn tons of prizes like local vendor coupons, all ages books, and more by signing up for the Summer Reading Program today! Participants that complete the program will win a BCPL Summer Reading t-shirt and will be entered to win a $100 Grand Prize!


Track your Summer Reading progress by either recording time spent reading, or by recording the number of books you've read. You can track points online via mybcpl.bookpoints.org or grab a paper tracking sheet at any Library branch.

Image of hikers on wooded trail with 'Explore More Here' text. Click on image to view list of summer reading programs.

Are you a happy camper or jolly rancher that is excited to hear more about the start of Summer Reading program?

Join us for unbe-leaf-able activities at our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Mill Race Park! Play games, enjoy snow cones from Sno Biz, listen to a fantastic performance by the Shake Ups, and sign up for summer reading. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy the fun!

Hope to sea you there!

Image of Forrest the Bear sitting at a campsite with a book-tent next to him. 'Summer reading Kick-Off, June 5th"

Interested in attending more Summer Reading programs and events? Scroll through our upcoming programs below for a full roster of fun, adventure-themed activities!

You'll be able to earn points and badges by attending our tree-mendously awesome Summer Reading programs.

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Summer Reading Sponsors of 2023: Landmark Farm Foundation Johnson-Witkemper, Inc. Insurance Services Chick-fil-A Columbus National Dairy Queen Wendy's Bartholomew County Democratic Women Family Chiropractic and Wellness Columbus, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department McDonald's Ross and Amy Thomas Zaharakos Toyota Forklift Tropical Smoothie Cafe Viewpoint Books PathBinder Publishing LLC Papa's Grill The Big Cheese Snappy Tomato Pizza - Columbus East The Original Party Mart Donut Central Texas Roadhouse
Reminder: Zoom links are emailed
Chalk the Plaza!
Fri, Jun 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Columbus - Library Plaza
We'll have oodles of sidewalk chalk for you to help us add some flair to the plaza!
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, Jun 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Teen Microwave S?mores
Fri, Jun 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Make your own microwave S?mores in the Teen Area!
Cottonpatch on the Plaza - BCPL Concert Series
Fri, Jun 09, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Join us on the Library Plaza for a concert by Cottonpatch. Hear a mix of Americana, Roots, and Bluegrass. Bring your own chairs, bring a picnic, and enjoy your time on the plaza.
Kids' Art Studio - Registration Encouraged
Sat, Jun 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza,Library Plaza Tents
Join library staff and unleash your creativity- we?ll provide all the supplies you need.
Teen Pride Month Walking Book Club
Sat, Jun 10, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Talk queer books and enjoy a casual walk through Blackwell Park.
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, Jun 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Columbus - Main Level Alcoves,Main Level Meeting Room
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Mondays at Mill Race Storytime - and Book Express!
Mon, Jun 12, 10:00am - 10:30am
Mill Race Park - Amphitheater
Stories, songs, rhymes, and books to keep at Mill Race Park!
Teen STEAM: 3D Printing Pens
Mon, Jun 12, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Make original 3D-printed creations with the library?s new 3D printing pens! Meet at the Ninth Street Park Shelter House (located at the end of Wilson St south of 10th St)
BCPL Library Board of Trustees
Mon, Jun 12, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Hope Library (Annex)
Monthly meeting of the Bartholomew County Public Library Board. Open to all.
Starlit Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, Songs, and Rhymes!
Adult Game Night
Mon, Jun 12, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Dakota will bring a selection of games for attendees to choose from. Bringing your own game is encouraged. We will meet at Yats, located at 325 4th St, Columbus, IN 47201.
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 13, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Teen Touch the Earth Hike
Tue, Jun 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Explore Touch the Earth, located at N Country Club Rd, Columbus, IN 47201, on a guided hike provided by the Sycamore Land Trust. Parking is limited, so please consider carpooling.
Storytime at the Commons - Chaos Sculpture
Tue, Jun 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
The Commons - Chaos Sculpture
We'll meet near the Chaos Sculpture for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jun 13, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Guided Hike at Tangeman Woods with Sycamore Land Trust - for kids 4 and older
Tue, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Tangeman Woods and Outdoor Lab
An educator from Sycamore Land Trust will lead us on a hike through Tangeman Woods. For children in grades Pre-K and older and their caregiver.
This event is full
Teen STEAM: Nature?s Notebook
Tue, Jun 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Fun with phenology! Become a citizen scientist by observing the plants and animals to contribute to the USA National Phenology Network Nature?s Notebook project. Meet at Mill Race Park!
Teen Ukulele Lessons with Allie Jean
Tue, Jun 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Learn to play the ukulele from local artist/teacher extraordinaire, Allie Jean! Ukuleles provided, but feel free to bring your own! Registration required.
Trivia Night @ Swine and Dine - 90's night
Tue, Jun 13, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Swine & Dine
Test your 90's knowledge at trivia night at Swine and Dine. Enjoy a night of questions, prizes, and fun. 21 and over event. Drinks and appetizers are available for purchase.
This event is full
Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Pride Month
Wed, Jun 14, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Celebrate Pride in film Wednesdays in June. June 7: Geography Club, 12-2 June 14: Dramarama, 4-6 June 21: The Half of It, 4-6 June 28: Heartstopper Season One, 12-4
Skill Builders
Wed, Jun 14, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Skill Builders is a program for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Skill Builders is now meeting in person at the Columbus branch. This month, we will be announced soon!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 15, 10:00am - 10:25am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
Sing & Play with Allie Jean - Ages 2-5
Thu, Jun 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Little ones are invited to Sing & Play with Allie Jean!
Read a Little Aloud
Thu, Jun 15, 12:00pm - 12:40pm
Columbus
A literature discussion like no other. Bring your lunch and join us as we explore our love of reading by sharing stories and poems aloud. Share your thoughts, memories, and views with our group.
Clifty Park Storytime
Thu, Jun 15, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Clifty Park - Playground Shelter
Join us at the Clifty Park for storytime!
An American in Provence - Author Talk with Award-Winning Photographer Jamie Beck
Thu, Jun 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online
Join Jamie Beck as she discusses her book American in Provence. Equal parts art book, travel diary, memoir, and cookbook, An American in Provence transports you to the South of France. Register
Tween Game Time
Thu, Jun 15, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Alcoves
Stop by and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Pokémon Go Meetup
Thu, Jun 15, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Catch Pokémon, battle, and trade with fellow teens and library staff in Columbus parks. See long description for park locations.
Music with Valerie
Fri, Jun 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Join music therapist Valerie Jones leads us through songs with gentle movement and participation. Music therapy can help participants relax, build confidence, and, most of all, have fun.
Stuffed Animal Campout
Fri, Jun 16, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Bring your favorite Stuffy to spend the night camping at the library. There will be storytime and stuffy send off from 11-12. Pick Up Saturday at the children's circulation desk
Woods on Wheels Interactive Exhibit
Fri, Jun 16, 11:30am - 4:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Indiana Woods on Wheels is a traveling interactive exhibit with activities, games, and information about our states forests!
Handprint Tree Craft - for kids of all ages
Fri, Jun 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
When you are done exploring the Woods on Wheels trailer, we'll have all the supplies you need to make your own hand print tree to take home!
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, Jun 16, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Stitch Camp - Registration Required
Fri, Jun 16, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Alcoves
Come join library staff to learn and practice the basics of both crocheting and knitting. Beginners welcome, no experience needed! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
Teen Doggo Meetup
Fri, Jun 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Meet up with furry friends at Clifty Park (Indiana Ave & Marr Road, Columbus, IN 47201) for a casual walk. Dog ownership is not required for attendance.
Saturday Storytime - Ages 1-5
Sat, Jun 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Join us at the library for a Saturday Storytime!
Juneteenth Jubilee
Sat, Jun 17, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Juneteenth Jubilee
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 20, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Storytime at the Commons - Chaos Sculpture
Tue, Jun 20, 11:00am - 11:30am
The Commons - Chaos Sculpture
We'll meet near the Chaos Sculpture for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jun 20, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Touch-an-Instrument
Tue, Jun 20, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Did you know the library has a bunch of instruments you can play? From ukuleles, to Theremins, to drum machines, to synthesizers, there?s something for any music genre!
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Tue, Jun 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Family Storytime at Bartholomew County Historical Society
Wed, Jun 21, 11:00am - 11:45am
Bartholomew County Historical Society - 524 Third Street, Columbus
Join us for a relaxed storytime and museum visit at the Bartholomew County Historical Society!
Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Pride Month
Wed, Jun 21, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Celebrate Pride in film Wednesdays in June. June 7: Geography Club, 12-2 June 14: Dramarama, 4-6 June 21: The Half of It, 4-6 June 28: Heartstopper Season One, 12-4
kidscommons at the library- What is sound? - Grades 1-3
Wed, Jun 21, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Kids in grades 1-3 will experiment with sound!
Poolside Storytime - at Donner Pool
Wed, Jun 21, 4:00pm - 4:20pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Join us poolside at Donner Park for stories and songs! These storytimes are geared toward school aged children, but all ages are welcome!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 22, 10:00am - 10:25am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jun 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
This event is full
kidscommons at the library- Animal Architects! - Grades k-2 at the Hope Branch Library
Thu, Jun 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Kids in grades K-2 will learn about animals and their homes at the Hope Branch Library!
Clifty Park Storytime
Thu, Jun 22, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Clifty Park - Playground Shelter
Join us at the Clifty Park for storytime!
Small Business Book Club
Thu, Jun 22, 1:00pm - 1:40pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room,Zoom 2
Read recent titles on small business and entrepreneurship. Consider new ideas, gain inspiration, and share experiences with other members of the community.
Teen Games at the Park
Thu, Jun 22, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Enjoy assorted yard games from BCPL?s Library of Things at Mill Race Park (50 Carl Miske Drive, Columbus, IN 47201). Games include ladder toss, croquet, Bocce ball, and more!
Tween Game Time
Thu, Jun 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Alcoves
Stop by and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Life-Size Game: Clue
Thu, Jun 22, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Play our life-size version of the classic mystery game.
Clifty Creek Park Nature Adventure
Thu, Jun 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Clifty Park - Concession Building
Meet us at Clifty Creek Park to go on a scavenger hunt and explore nature that might be in your own backyard! Please meet near the concession building next to the little league diamonds
Adult Craft Night - Citrus Prints
Thu, Jun 22, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus
When life hands you lemons, make art! Join us as we use citrus and ink to make beautiful prints for your home.
Sandi's Closet
Fri, Jun 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
The pop-up shopping experience for people with dementia
Sandi's Closet - A pop up shopping experience for adults with dementia.
Fri, Jun 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus
Join us on the "longest day," a day of recognition for Alzheimers and dementia and experience Sandi's Closet a 501c3.
Irwin Gardens Storytime - Ages 3-5
Fri, Jun 23, 11:00am - 11:30am
The Inn at Irwin Gardens - Garden entrance on 5th Street
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes in the garden!
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, Jun 23, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Teen One-Shot RPG: Dread
Fri, Jun 23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
On a fun camping trip with your friends, everything?s going so well? until people start dying in the night. Instead of dice, Dread uses a Jenga tower for determining action. Registration required.
Southern Indiana Taiko on the Plaza - BCPL Concert Series
Fri, Jun 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Join us on the Library Plaza for a concert by Southern Indiana Takio. Watch an exciting and engaging performance by Indiana's only all-female taiko drumming group.
The Great Brickish Makeoff
Sat, Jun 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Summer 2023 Great Brickish Make-Off Challenge! We invite you to use brick-style blocks to create an original design inspired by this year?s theme; which will be revealed at the Summer Reading Kickoff!
Great Briskish Makeoff Quickbuild
Sat, Jun 24, 10:20am - 11:00am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Don?t want to build at home? Compete in our quickbuild competition. At 10:30 am, each participant will be given 30 minutes and identical legos to build their best interpretation of a mystery subject.
Mondays at Mill Race Storytime - and Book Express!
Mon, Jun 26, 10:00am - 10:30am
Mill Race Park - Amphitheater
Stories, songs, rhymes, and books to keep at Mill Race Park!
Teen STEAM: 3D Printing Pens
Mon, Jun 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Make original 3D-printed creations with the library?s new 3D printing pens at the Clifty Park Shelter House (Indiana Ave & Marr Road, Columbus, IN 47201).
Pokemon Club - Ages 5-12
Mon, Jun 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Card collectors, trainers, gamers, and fans are all welcome to join as we learn and talk about all things Pokemon!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Mon, Jun 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Come and give feedback on June programs you?ve attended and help plan programs for this fall. Snacks provided.
Starlit Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, Songs, and Rhymes!
Adults Reading YA Book Club: LGBTQIA+ Authors
Mon, Jun 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Choose any teen book written by a LGBTQIA+ author and come prepared to share with the group what you read. Meet at Chicago?s Pizza, located at 3780 W Jonathan Moore Pike.
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 27, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Storytime - Ages 1-5
Tue, Jun 27, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Stories, songs, and rhymes!
Storytime at the Commons - Chaos Sculpture
Tue, Jun 27, 11:00am - 11:30am
The Commons - Chaos Sculpture
We'll meet near the Chaos Sculpture for stories, songs, and rhymes!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jun 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Legal Aid Walk-In Clinics
Tue, Jun 27, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, Jun 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex),Zoom 2
Join library staff members Shelly and Maria for a book discussion. The book title pick for this month is Book of Ruth  by Jan Hamilton. 
Teen Watch-It Wednesday: Pride Month
Wed, Jun 28, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Teen Area
Celebrate Pride in film Wednesdays in June. June 7: Geography Club, 12-2 June 14: Dramarama, 4-6 June 21: The Half of It, 4-6 June 28: Heartstopper Season One, 12-4
Tanavarive Due - Award winning author of The Living Blood
Wed, Jun 28, 8:00pm - 9:00pm
BCPL Author Talks - Online
Please join us for a chat with Tananarive Due about her newest work, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories. Register
Teen Pokémon Go Meetup
Thu, Jun 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Non-Library Location (See description)
Catch Pokémon, battle, and trade with fellow teens and library staff in Columbus parks. See long description for park locations.
Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators at the Library!
Fri, Jun 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Main Level Meeting Room
Educators from Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators will be visiting the library with some of their animal ambassadors!
Notary Available at Hope Branch Library
Fri, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Come to Hope Branch Library on Fridays from 2-3PM to get items notarized by staff member notary Jennifer Pardue. Please have photo ID.
Blackwell Park Storywalk - All month long!
Sat, Jul 01, All day
Blackwell Park - People Trail
Enjoy some fresh air and our StoryWalk®!
Adult Take & Make - Ribbon Book Mark
Sat, Jul 01, All day
Columbus
No Registration. First come, first serve. Pick up your kit at the Adult Circulation desk starting July 1.
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