The Cortez Public Library’s summer reading program is underway, and July programming is leaning into a dinosaur theme.
Library Director Leroy Harris said the library’s summer reading kickoff party brought in more than 200 people, with the parking lot and nearby streets packed for the event.
Summer reading signups are still open through July. Participants can sign up at the circulation desk, pick up a tracking sheet and turn it in before the end of the month to be eligible for prizes. Harris said the program is not limited to library books. Any book counts, including audiobooks.
Inside the library, visitors can also take part in several self-guided activities. That includes a large dinosaur mosaic sticker puzzle on the wall. Harris said the current puzzle is nearly halfway finished and is starting to take shape.
The library also has a Tyrannosaur skeleton on display for the summer. Harris said people have been stopping in to take selfies with it.
For younger children, story time continues every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with crafts, songs and stories. The program is geared toward children from birth through preschool age, though older kids are also welcome.
The library will show The Good Dinosaur on Wednesday, July 29, at 4 p.m.
Teen programming includes the monthly teen video game club on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m. Harris said the event includes games, friendly competition and snacks.
The library will also host “Cretaceous Construction” on Wednesday, July 8, at 3 p.m. The program will let kids and teens build 3D-printed dinosaur skeletons to take home. Supplies are limited.
On Thursday, July 30, at 4:30 p.m., paleontologist John Hankla will visit the library to talk about the Tyrannosaur skeleton on display and other fossils found in the region. Harris said Hankla loaned the skeleton to the library for the summer and will also answer questions during the event.
Adult programs in July include a screening of American Sniper on Thursday, July 9, at 5:15 p.m. The library will also continue Crafts, Conversations and Coffee, though Harris said there will not be a formal class in July. Instead, participants are invited to bring their own projects, such as crochet, stamping or other crafts, and use the time to work and socialize.
The library will host a Jurassic Jigsaw puzzle race on Wednesday, July 22, at 4:30 p.m. Six teams of four will compete to finish 500-piece dinosaur puzzles. Participants can sign up as a team or individually at the library. The two fastest teams will win prizes.
Harris said library staff will also be at Cortez’s Third Thursday events throughout the summer. People can stop by to sign up for a library card, register for summer reading or learn more about library services.
He also encouraged community members to check out the library’s digital resources, including audiobook and ebook collections. Staff can help patrons get set up at the front desk.
Harris said the library is also a good place to get out of the summer heat.
“We hope to see you at the library,” he said.
