The end of school is always the start of Summer Reading, and this year is no different!

This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” and we have a summer planned that is packed full of activities for youths of all ages, many featuring craft or art themes at Tonganoxie Public Library. We’ll kick it all off with a big party 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday at the library featuring a bounce house, face painting, hot dogs, prizes and more. Plus, children can get signed up for the Summer Reading program and pick up their supplies.

Learn to play cribbage

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to play cribbage or just would like to find some new folks to play with, join us at 10 a.m. Thursday at the library for a new program.

It’s open to players of all experience and skill levels and is a fun and easy game to play.

Top 10 Kansas hikes and art exhibit

Throughout the month of May, the library is displaying a series of art influenced by the beautiful state parks in Kansas.

The artworks were all inspired by the experiences of various artists. Next week at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, we’ll have one of the artists at the library for a program. In a quest to visit all 26 Kansas state parks in just one year, Lawrence writer and artist Mary Gage set forth to hike them all.

Her adventures revealed new knowledge and appreciation for our state plus helped inspire this collection of art. Gage will share her top ten destinations and favorite hikes with us.

Music show for kids next week

Musician Thad Beach visits the library at 1 p.m. Monday for an interactive music show for youths of all ages. The event is free but requires registration by calling the library at 913-845-3281 to reserve a spot. Youths are guaranteed to be movin’ and groovin’ with Thad and his variety of sounds from instruments such as harmonicas, strings, percussions and even limberjacks!

Fly fishing 101 program coming up soon

Ever wanted to learn how to fly fish?

From 6-7:30 p.m. May 28, you’ll have your chance! Expert fisherman and owner of Great Blue Heron Outdoors, Bob Marsh, will lead us through the ins and outs of fly fishing including equipment, the “flies,” and practicing with casting a fly rod out across our lawn, too.

Register by calling the library at 913-845-3281. Adults and youths older than 13 years old can register their own spot.

Youths 12 years old and younger will need an adult or older teen to register and attend with them.

— Kim Downing is assistant director/circulation coordinator at Tonganoxie Public Library. She can be reached at kimd@tongaoxielibrary.org or 913-845-3281.