Librarian Kaci Falcon said for the first time ever, the library will host the traveling exhibit Storyland. Created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum, this 500-square-foot interactive experience features beloved storybook characters like Peter Rabbit and Spot. The exhibit officially opens May 24 and runs through Sept. 7.
To encourage participation, the library created a genre-themed reading challenge, distributed as collectible bookmarks. Children can earn stickers by reading a book from a featured genre, visiting the Storyland exhibit or attending one of the library’s themed events. Once completed, participants receive a certificate to mark their summer reading achievement.
“Our mission as the library is always to create programs and events where people can come and learn, and also have fun,” Falcon said. “We want to create programs that everybody can enjoy, from our little babies to our adults.”
In addition to these ongoing events, here’s a look at what’s coming up on the library’s calendar this summer.
Challenge Accepted
Celebrate nonfiction with challenges inspired by real-world record-setters. Families can test their limits, push boundaries and discover what it takes to become a true legend.
- May 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney.
- Register here
Families can dress up as their favorite characters, show off their costumes with the cosplay catwalk, and enjoy costume contests, vendors and activities from popular fandoms.
- June 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney.
- Register here
For those who love solving puzzles, Mystery Mayhem offers an interactive afternoon of whodunits and crafts. A special guest speaker from the FBI will join the event to share insights on forensics, adding a real-world twist to the mystery fun. Younger children will have their own age-appropriate mystery, complete with an appearance by Spot.
- July 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney.
- Register here.
The summer will conclude with a Fantasy Finale event filled with magical elements, crafts and story-inspired activities, including a special visit from Peter Rabbit himself.
- Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney.
- Register here.
“I love it when little kids come in and they have their face painted, they've got some sort of handmade crown on, and they are carrying a huge stack of books that they're checking out,” said Kate Wilson, senior communications and media specialist. “One of our guiding principles for these special events is to make sure that these are fun and educational and they can't easily be duplicated.”
All events and activities are hosted at the John and Judy Gay Library this summer while the Hall Library undergoes exciting renovations, including the addition of a planetarium and dedicated exhibit space, which will debut after construction is complete.
For full details and summer event updates, visit the McKinney Public Library System’s website.
The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro 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.
