For Library Director Bonnie Pierson, the Bastrop Public Library has never solely been a place to borrow books.
Whether someone visits to improve their technology skills, find a quiet place to read, attend story time with their children or spend time with neighbors, Pierson said the library's mission is to meet the community where it is.
"The library is for our community," Pierson said. "That's what we're here for."
Each summer, the library expands its regular programming with educational events, family activities and opportunities for residents of all ages to connect.
As summer break comes to an end, the community is encouraged to take part in one final week of programming:
1. Lego-Rama (July 21 at 3 p.m.)
The final week begins with Lego-Rama, where children rotate through guided Lego projects, free-build stations and crafts.
While designed for elementary-aged children, the program welcomes all ages, giving younger children a chance to build with larger blocks, while older kids can let their creativity take over. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Bubble Story Time (July 22 and 24 at 10:30 a.m.)
Bubble Story Time combines books, music, dancing and interactive bubble play for young children.
3. Teen Thursday (July 23 at 4:45 p.m.)
Teen Thursday will feature a “different dodgeball” activity exclusively for ages 13 and older. Participants will use regular balloons for indoor dodgeball games, and there will be a water balloon activity outside to enhance the unique summer experience.
4. Summer Reading Challenge (ends July 24 at 11:59 p.m.)
The library's annual Summer Reading Challenge encourages participants of all ages to log 500 minutes of reading or listening to books, audiobooks, magazines and work materials to earn prizes.
Children and teens receive a free book when they sign up, another after reaching 500 minutes and a third after logging 1,000 minutes. The books are provided through funding from the Friends of the Bastrop Public Library.
Adults earn coupons to redeem gently used books from the Friends of the Bastrop Library Book Nook through the end of August.
This year, every participant who reaches 500 minutes earns a virtual ticket to vote for one of three local nonprofits to receive a portion of a $1,000 donation.
The Children's Advocacy Center, Pines and Prairies Land Trust and Wildlife Rescue of Central Texas are guaranteed funding, with the final amounts determined by how readers distribute their tickets.
Those who haven't signed up yet can still participate. Pierson said readers can log anything they've read since May 26 by estimating the time spent reading. The minutes must be logged and submitted by July 24 at 11:59 p.m.
5. Summer Jubilee (July 25 at 6:30 p.m.)
The Summer Jubilee is the library's annual celebration that transforms the building into an indoor play space after closing hours.
Families can enjoy pizza before making their way through dinosaur-themed games, including a Triceratops ring toss and a mystery "dino stomp," explore a jungle-themed obstacle course, meet face painters and take turns on an inflatable slide set up inside the library.
"Everyone come and enjoy some time at the library, where you can just play," Pierson said. "There's no expectation, and everyone is welcome."
Highlights from the summer season
This summer brought new experiences to encourage residents to learn, explore and spend time together.
This year's expanded lineup included Monday movie screenings that regularly welcomed between 35 and 60 attendees, complete with popcorn, as well as educational performers who brought science and entertainment to life.
In June, paleontologist BK Bones introduced families to the dinosaurs that once roamed Texas through an interactive presentation featuring fossils and realistic replicas. Pierson said visitors learned how many of the dinosaurs discovered in Texas were significantly larger than those found elsewhere, giving children and adults a hands-on look at the state's prehistoric past.
In July, entertainer Matt Tardy gave an interactive performance. Tardy is known to blend juggling, comedy and audience participation. For example, at a previous show, audience members were invited to hand over random items from their pockets, including cell phones, Swiss Army knives and even baby bottles, which Tardy incorporated into his juggling routine.
The library also introduced Silver Summer Tech Sessions, a program that provides technology workshops designed for adults ages 60-plus every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. The program is done in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas and Bastrop PALS.
Additionally, a first-time craft swap gave community members the chance to exchange unused craft supplies, building on the popularity of the library's ongoing puzzle swap.
More than books
Pierson said every summer activity reflects the library's larger commitment to serving the Bastrop community throughout the year.
Beyond books, residents can check out puzzles, specialty cake pans and mobile internet hotspots, while year-round programming offers everything from technology assistance and resume help to social gatherings and educational events.
"It's important that we provide a variety of things because our community is diverse and has so many different needs," Pierson said. "If we're able to reach people in a way that is important to them, then we're doing our job."
While the Summer Jubilee marks the end of the library's expanded seasonal programming, Pierson said the library remains committed to providing a welcoming place where residents of all ages can learn, connect and find resources that fit their needs year-round.
Click here to learn more about the Bastrop Public Library’s summer programming today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
