Summer at the Woodland Public Library has officially begun.

From June 1 to Monday, July 31, the library will be hosting several different programs and events for families such as their summer reading program, free lunch, raffles and the annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival.

This year’s theme is Get Outside with the Woodland Public Library: Read, Make, Explore which encourages community members to read at least five books this summer, make something at a library event or out in the community and embrace new experiences by exploring the library, Woodland community and beyond, according to a press release from the city.

The summer reading program is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at a free family event on the front lawn. The Summer Reading Kickoff will feature a Pixie Tribe bubble party at 10 a.m. along with Rec2Go. Families will have an opportunity to register for the summer program and receive a free treat from the Kona Ice truck, play games with Rec2Go, meet costumed characters and enjoy a pop-up library. All ages are welcome.

Prizes and end-of-summer raffle entries will be available for everyone who reads five books, makes five things and explores five places. Earned prizes can be picked up beginning June 19 and will be available until September 30. Grand prize winnings must be claimed by September 30.

Details and registration are available at www.cityofwoodland.org/library or in person at the library. Stop by the library for a paper log or use the online app, Beanstack, to track activities and books. Kids ages four through 11 can choose to log minutes instead of books if they use Beanstack for logging.

In addition to the reading program, the library will be hosting several other events throughout the summer. Beginning Monday, June 12, kids 18 and under can enjoy free summer lunch at the library courtesy of the Woodland Joint Unified School District. The lunch program will run Monday to Friday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. on the front lawn.

“This lunch partnership allows us to support children nutritionally as well as academically during summer when school services are not available,” said Library Director Greta Galindo. “This year we are also benefiting from a Lunch at the Library grant through the California State Library to add more activities around lunchtime.”

Lunches must be eaten on site, and families are encouraged to bring a blanket to enjoy under the trees on the lawn. Kids who read on the front lawn will get a free popsicle. There will be lawn activities available as well, so families can entertain themselves after lunch and before other programs.

After-lunch programming for kids includes special events with a Tween Program on Mondays, performers on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the Leake Room, Lego Club on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the children’s room, and Make and Explore on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in Square One.

On Tuesdays, the library will have visits from the Bohart Museum of Entomology, Bubblemania, Kuk Sool Won, a ventriloquist show, a fun music show by Andy Z, and a presentation on Bats.

On Make and Explore Thursdays, kids try a boat-building challenge, making sun prints, pizza box s’mores, and more. Activities are geared to seven to twelve-year-old kids and space is limited.

On Saturdays starting at 9 a.m., the Woodland Farmers Market will provide a weekly Growing Readers and Veggie Eaters program.

“This program will feature free biweekly kids’ farmers markets where children will receive free Market Bucks to purchase produce from their own kid-sized farm stand, alternating weekly with guided hands-on food-related activities to explore local produce,” the press release said.

Family Storytime is held on the front lawn at 10 a.m. during the Farmers Market. Storytimes resume on Tuesday, June 13 with four story times a week.

Returning June 22 is Stay and Play, a program geared towards children five and younger and their caregivers that emphasizes the importance of play for little ones. The sessions will include snacks, water play and an opportunity for caregivers to connect. The five-week session is scheduled for every Thursday on the front lawn from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Teens are invited to Teen Hangouts on Wednesdays in June and July from 2 to 4 p.m. in Square One and the Leake Room where they can make fun projects, play video games and hang out. Teen Hangouts start Wednesday, June 21. Themes will include an 80s party and a water party. A complete schedule of activities can be found on the library’s website.

In partnership with Elevate Queer Yolo, the Library Teen Advisory Board will host its Annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival on Wednesday, June 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Square One and the courtyard.

“Come enjoy free food, crafts and activities to help spread love,” the press release said.

Square One is open 30 hours a week for anyone wanting to stretch their creativity or learn how to make something. Stop by and make a weekly project or learn a new skill.

Finally, teens looking for volunteer hours can join the Teen Summer Volunteer Program. Orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Leake Room Teens will also be able to participate in a Community Service Crafternoon every Tuesday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in Square One, where they can earn volunteer hours. All things made during that time will be donated.

For more information, visit https://woodlandpubliclibrary.com/.