The Hammond Public Library will kick off its summer reading festivities with Music Trivia at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the library, 564 State St. Adults can form their own team of six, or join a team at the door. Register teams at www.hammond.lib. in.us or beanj@hammond.lib.in.us. With the theme “Libraries Rock!,” the summer reading program will begin Friday for children, teens and adults. In addition, there will be a variety of programs offered at the library and area parks such as Storytimes, Lego Club, Just for Tweens, Kids Summer Fun, Science Club, Summer Movies and Reader’s Theater. Adult programs will include computer classes, book discussions, coloring programs and movies. More information is at 219-931-5100.

Bishop Noll Institute’s STEM Summer Camp for Kids will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday July 9-27 at the high school, 1519 Hoffman St., Hammond. Students can register for one, two or all three weeks. Groups will be broken up into the following: preschool to second grade; third to fifth grade; sixth to eighth grade. Camp will feature daily hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities. Children should bring a sack lunch. Cost is $125 per camper per week. Discounts are available for families with more than one child. Second child is $75 per week. Third child is $50 per week. Those with four children or more pay $275 for all children per week. Register by June 28 at bishopnoll.org or at the school. More information is at 219-932-9058 or bishopnoll.org.

Applications are now available to participate in the the City of Gary’s annual Independence Day Parade, which will step off at 9 a.m. July 4. Those interested can download the application at www.gary.in.us or via teamgaryindiana.com and return to the email address provided on the app. Applications also can be completed at City Hall, 401 Broadway. The parade theme this year is “Embracing Our Future … Celebrate America … Celebrate Gary!” Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities also are available. More information is at 219-881-1314.

The community is invited to take advantage of shelter rental opportunities available throughout the Portage Township’s park system. Haven Hollow Park, 330 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, has three shelters for rent; Field of Dreams Park, 402 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, has one shelter; and Jim Lynch Park, 367 Shrine Court, Valparaiso, has one shelter. All shelters include four to eight picnic tables, grills, playground areas and open green space. More information is at www.portagetrustee.org,info@portagetrustee.org or 219-759-5471.

The Porter County Board of Commissioners will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday to mark the completion of the renovated Plaza at the Porter County Government Administration Center, 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. The new plaza includes a sloped walkway with lighted handrails that leads to the front doors, which is designed to be ADA compliant and easier for seniors to traverse. The walkway includes an underground heating system that will prevent ice and snow accumulation in the winter months, improving safety and reducing salt and snow removal costs. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is 4 p.m. June 7. More information is with Curt Ellis at 219-465-3330.