Our Mission
PLEASE NOTE :
Some programs have varying age groups. These programs have specific ages listed below the event. Programs are subject to change. Should a program be canceled, patrons will be notified at least 72 hours prior to the program.
June 1August 5 June 1August 5
BEGINNING
MONDAY, MAY 15: Visit any MPHPL location to pick up a Summer Reading Challenge card.
STARTING
THURSDAY, JUNE 1: Mark a square for each reading (or listening) activity you complete.
Complete all five squares marked with the and show your card at one of the service desks to earn the following prizes*:
Children: Ice Cream Coupon AND MPHPL Beach Ball OR Animal Plush
Teens & Adults: Ice Cream Coupon AND MPHPL Beach Ball OR Microwaveable Popcorn & Candy
*Prize redemption begins Monday, June 12. While supplies last; small prizes and book options subject to change. Books can be selected from any age group. If a parent/adult caregiver wants to limit selection choice, they should accompany the child for prize selection. Please note adult participants will need to be a MPHPL cardholder. See page 23 for Library card sign-up information.
All Ages
Bittersweet Branch
Thurs., June 8
10:30-11:15 a.m. | Families
Mishawaka Library
Thurs., June 8
1-1:45 p.m. | Families
Join Mr. Jim, a national school presenter, educator and author, for a hands-on presentation that will give children an opportunity to cup stack on their own. Build world famous structures such as the Taj Mahal and castles by working together with others. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
Free tickets are required and will be available at the Youth Services desk at the location you wish to attend beginning Mon., May 15. Due to the popularity of this show, the last 50 tickets of each show will be held for MPHPL cardholders. Limit 10 tickets per adult.
Bittersweet Branch | Sat., June 17 10:30-11 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Mishawaka Library | Fri., June 30 1:30-2 p.m. or 2:30-3 p.m.
Free tickets are required and will be available at the Youth Services desk at the location you wish to attend beginning Mon., May 29 for the Bittersweet Branch performances and Mon., June 12 for the Mishawaka Library performances.
Due to the popularity of this show, the last 50 tickets of each show will be held for MPHPL cardholders. Limit 10 tickets per adult. Adult caregivers must remain in the room
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT 1ST SOURCE BANK FOR SPONSORING CUP STACKING WITH MR. JIM, ROZ PUPPETS SHOWS AND CONTRIBUTING TO OUR SUMMER READING PRIZES!
Potawatomi Zoo's Zoo to You
Bittersweet Branch | Mon., July 10
Mishawaka Library | Mon., July 17
10:30-11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Families
Potawatomi Zoo’s Zoo to You is a way for people to connect with animals outside the zoo. Zoo educators and ambassador animals, including Lenny the Sloth, will be visiting the library for a uniquely fun and “ed-zoo-cational" experience that you won’t want to miss!
Free tickets are required and will be available at the Youth Services desk at the location you wish to attend beginning Mon., June 26. Due to the popularity of this show, the last 50 tickets of each show will be held for MPHPL cardholders. Limit 10 tickets per adult. Adult caregivers must remain in the room.
All Ages
A Wackadoo Bluey™ Party!
Sat., July 15 | Families/All Ages
Bittersweet Branch | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Mishawaka Library | 3-4 p.m.
It’s a wackadoo party featuring Bluey, Bingo and the rest of the family! Celebrate our favorite blue heeler puppy with Bluey crafts, games and other fun activities . Adult caregivers must remain in the room .
Registration required.
Bluey is a trademark of Ludo Studio Pty Ltd ., Ludo Studio is not a sponsor of this free event
Outdoor Summer Celebration!
Bittersweet Branch
Wed., July 26 5:30-6:30 p.m.
All Ages
Join us for an evening of outdoor games! We’ll have lawn games for all ages, so bring the whole family! In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors . Adult caregivers must remain with participants age 9 and under .
Registration required.
Summer Storytime | Birth-Age 5 10:15-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m.
Mishawaka Library
Wednesdays:
July 5, 12, 19 & 26
Bittersweet Branch
Thursdays:
July 6, 13, 20 & 27
Join us for a structured 30 minute program in which books, story-related activities and take-home crafts provide an enjoyable group experience. Sessions are limited to 30 participants. Caregivers are expected to participate as able.
Registration required.
Summer STEAM-in' | Ages 6-11 10:15-10:45 a.m. or 11-11:30 a.m.
Mishawaka Library
Wednesdays:
July 5, 12, 19 & 26
Bittersweet Branch
Thursdays:
July 6, 13, 20 & 27
During this 30 minute session, children will explore hands-on projects that incorporate multiple STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) skills. Children are encouraged to interact socially with other children and attend sessions independently. Caregivers must remain in the library. Sessions are limited to 20 participants.
Registration required.
Groups may contact the Youth Services Coordinator at 574-259-5277 ext. 1401 to inquire about special accommodations.
MPHPL encourages parents and caregivers to build closeness and early literacy skills with your child by participating in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program!
To get started, visit one of our Youth Services desks or mphpl.org/1000Books
Milestone Achievements:
Aiden B. - 100 Books
Claire B. - 100 Books
Emma B. - 100 Books
Levi B. - 100 Books
Lucy F. - 100 Books
Wesley F. - 100 Books
Mackston P. - 100 Books
Zander P. - 100 Books
Lucas B. - 200 Books
Elijah E. - 200 Books
Greenhouse
Storytime
MEF Community Greenhouse
Mondays: June 5 & July 10 5:30-6:30 p.m. | All Ages
Aria M. - 200 Books
Elliot N. - 200 Books
Finn N. - 200 Books
A.J. R. - 200 Books
Annette S. - 200 Books
Aubriella S. - 200 Books
Talia T. - 200 Books
Rowan T. - 200 Books
Benjamin B. - 300 Books
Julian B. - 300 Books
Eleanor C. - 300 Books
Zinnia G. - 300 Books
Landon N. - 300 Books
Evander G. - 500 Books
Mason N. - 500 Books
Aurelia B. - 600 Books
Lilly F. - 700 Books
Eden H. - 700 Books
J.J. W. - 800 Books
Charlotte B. - 900 Books
Storytime at the Mishawaka Market
230 Ironworks Ave.
Sundays: June 25 & July 23 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. | All Ages
This summer we will be partnering with the Mishawaka Parks Department to host a storytime! Join us to hear stories and learn about community gardens in the Mishawaka Education Foundation Community Greenhouse (located at the corner of Broadway and Marion Street) .
No registration required.
Come
Ready, Set, Chef! Junior
Mishawaka Library
1st Thursdays: June 1 & July 6 4:30-5 p.m. | Entering Grades 1-2
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new chef skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program .
Nature Nuts
Bittersweet Branch
Mondays: June 5 & June 19 11-11:45 a.m.
Ages 3-11
Join us outside in the courtyard for a morning of sensory nature exploration and art! Please note: If inclement weather occurs, the event will move inside the library . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required.
Creatives Club
Mishawaka Library
Tues., June 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Entering Grades 3-5
Join us as we stretch our imaginations and get creative making play dough soap Sixth graders welcome as space allows . Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required.
Father’s Day Walk-In Craft
Mishawaka Library & Bittersweet Branch
Thurs., June 15 1- 2:30 p.m.
Ages 2-11
What are some of the best things about being a special dude in a kid's life? Dad jokes and ugly ties! Color a tie and before you leave tell a dad joke for our social media! Adult caregivers must remain in the room . One craft per child, available only for those in attendance while supplies last .
No registration required.
Ready, Set, Chef!
Mishawaka Library
3rd Tuesdays:
June 20 & July 18
4:30-5:15 p.m.
Entering Grades 3-5
Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new chef skills and recipes . The best part is that everyone gets to sample their creation! Adult caregivers must remain in the library .
Registration required. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program .
Passport Pals
Live on Zoom
4th Mondays:
June 26 & July 24
4:30-5:15 p.m. | Ages 4-11
Ready to travel the world? During this fun and informative session, you’ll learn all about countries from around the world . Craft, activity and recipe resources will be provided so you can experience a little bit of the country from home .
June 26: Argentina
July 24: Italy
PASSPORT SSPOR PALS SSP S SSAS Children
Registration required. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be emailed to registrants .
What is a Watershed?
Mishawaka Library | Wed., June 21 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 11-11:45 a.m.
| All Ages
Do you know what a watershed is? Join Ally Pudlo from the St. Joseph County Soil and Water Conservation District, as she discusses what watersheds are, what they do and how we can keep them healthy! Participants will have the opportunity to explore watersheds with an interactive augmented reality sandbox and a watershed model. Adult caregivers must remain in the library. Registration required.
Central
Park | 295 E. Mishawaka Ave. Sat., June 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. |
All Ages
Enjoy a wonderful day in the park with School City of Mishawaka, the Mishawaka Parks Department and a number of other community partners. Food, fun and many healthy activities will be available for all ages! Visit us at our booth! No registration required.
For more information, visit mishawakaschools.com/oneday
Mishawaka Library
Tuesdays: June 6 & 20, July 11 & 25 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Entering Grades 6-12
Teen Tinker Lab
Bittersweet Branch
Mon., June 5 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Entering Grades 6-12
Join us for a project where we stretch our imaginations and get creative . This month we will experiment with bleeding tissue art .
Registration required.
Summer Splash
Teen Lock-In
Bittersweet Branch
Fri., July 7 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Entering Grades 6-12
Celebrate the summer with this fun lock-in! Enjoy food, play games and survive the water balloon fight (weather permitting). Make sure to bring extra clothes, a towel and wear a bathing suit under your clothes!
Registration required.
Teen Gaming
Join us in the teen department for gaming! Play our Nintendo Switch™ or choose from an assortment of card, dice and board games. Stop in and play for a few minutes or join us for the full two hours.
No registration required.
Bittersweet Branch
Wednesdays: June 14 & 28, July 5 & 19 3:30–5:30 p.m. | Entering Grades 6-12
Teen Treats
Mishawaka Library | Fridays: June 23 & July 14 | 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Entering Grades 6-12
Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill in the kitchen? Now is your chance! Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning new cooking skills and recipes, then sample your delicious creations . Adult caregivers must sign permission slip on-site .
Registration required.
Chicory Café Book Club
114 W. 1st St., Mishawaka
1st Saturdays: June 3 & July 1 10-11 a.m. | Adults
Join us at the locally owned Chicory Café of Mishawaka for a fa-“brew”-lous time discussing that month’s book Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk of the Mishawaka Library .
June 3: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
July 1: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Registration required for each session.
Take a Trip
Live on Zoom
Tuesdays: June 6 & July 11
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Eager to travel the world but aren’t sure where to start? Don’t have the resources to travel right now? (Hey, travel is expensive!) Then join us for this entertaining and educational exploration of the countries of the world! Each month, we’ll focus on a different country, virtually exploring the sights and sounds of each location while also learning about each country’s history and culture .
June 6: The Philippines
July 11: Canada
Registration required for each session.
Customize It!
Bittersweet Branch
1st Wednesdays: | June 7 & July 5
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults
Want to create a unique and customized project? Each program will provide you with the opportunity to design and create the product of your dreams .
June 7: Coozies - Looking for a great gift? With Father’s Day right around the corner, create a customized Coozie to celebrate!
July 5: Wind Chimes
Registration required for each session.
Delectable Lit
Mishawaka Library
2nd Thursdays:
June 8 & July 13
5:30-7 p.m. | Adults
Nothing beats a good book and a good snack . In this unique book and food club, we get the chance to combine the two! Come join us as we discuss novels and learn to make delicious dishes . Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk .
June 8: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
July 13: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Registration required for each session. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program
Cooking Classics
Mishawaka Library
Mondays: June 12 & July 17
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Adults
Want to try your hand at easy culinary creations? Join us as we experiment with different flavors to make irresistibly delicious goodies!
June 12: Fresh Jam
July 17: Deviled Treats
Registration required for each session. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program .
Yak, Snack and Read
Bittersweet Branch
2nd Tuesdays:
June 13 & July 11
1-2 p.m. | Adults
Join one of our longest running book clubs! Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk .
June 13: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
July 11: Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
No registration required.
Batter Up! History of Baseball and Trivia
Mishawaka Library | Tues., June 13
6:30–7:30 p.m. | Adults
Attention all baseball fans! Join us for a short presentation on the history of baseball in St . Joseph County and then nine “innings” of baseball trivia . We will cover the Major Leagues, the South Bend Cubs, Notre Dame and much more! The trivia winner(s) will receive a prize!
Registration required.
Mug ‘n’ Muffin
Mishawaka Library
3rd Thursdays:
June 15 & July 20
10:15-11 a.m. | Adults
Enjoy a morning of coffee, conversation and muffins! Books can be picked up a month in advance at the front desk .
June 15: Food for Thought: an Indiana Harvest by David Hoppe
July 20: A Room with a View by E. M. Forster
No registration required.
Virtual Craft Hour
Live on Zoom
3rd Fridays: June 16 & July 21
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Join us virtually for a morning of creation! In each session, a staff member will walk you through the creation of a craft project Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants .
June 16: Pattern Art
July 21: Wooden Block Decor
Registration required for each session.
Virtual Road Trip
Live on Zoom | Tues., June 20
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Adults
Looking for an inexpensive way to explore the USA this summer? Then join us for a virtual road trip across the country! We’ll explore both popular and under the radar sites from the East Coast to the West Coast .
Registration required.
DIY at Dusk
Bittersweet Branch | Wed., June 21
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults
Looking for a fun night out? Join us for an evening of creation as we make puzzle bowls!
Registration required.
Burrito Bowl Cook Along with Chef Nicky
Mishawaka Library | Thurs., June 22
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Adults
Join us for an afternoon with Nicky Foust from Chefs for Seniors® . She is a passionate healthconscious chef with over 20 years of experience in the food service industry . In this program, participants will prepare a burrito bowl featuring chipotle flavors and leave with a new recipe and hearty dinner!
Registration required. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program .
Snack Attack
Mishawaka Library | Fri., June 23
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Join us in person! Sick of the same old storebought snack? Ready to try a new simple recipe, but don’t know where to start? During this inperson summer special, learn to create a new snack that will satisfy all the cravings in your household . This time we will focus on cheesy snacks!
Registration required. A MPHPL library card is required when registering for this program .
Make with Us
Mishawaka Library
4th Mondays: June 26 & July 24
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Join us for a morning of crafting and conversation! At the end of each session, participants will walk away with a product based on that day’s theme .
June 26: Citronella Candle
July 24: Seashell Art
Registration required for each session.
Makerspace Hour: Sewing
Mishawaka Library
Tues., July 11
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Adults
Summertime Snackin’: Ice Cream Sundaes
Mishawaka Library | Thurs., July 6
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults
Cool off from the summer heat with ice cream sundaes! We’ll have traditional toppings as well as unique options for those adventurous snackers . We’ll also have fun summer activities on hand for you to enjoy along with your sundae .
Registration required.
Game Day
Bittersweet Branch
Sat., July 8 10:30 a.m.–Noon Adults
Tabletop games galore! Come enjoy an array of classic and modern board and card games . Feel free to bring your own or play any of the many games we’ll have available .
Registration required.
Allow your creative side to come out with this open concept program . This month we will have sewing machines available to create a design of your choice . Plan to bring your own materials for your design as supplies are limited .
Registration required.
Virtual S’mores Tasting
Live on Zoom | Wed., July 12
6-6:45 p.m. | Adults
Gather around the virtual campfire with us for this ooey gooey tasting event! Participants will receive ample ingredients to create a variety of different s’mores .
Registration required. Details on when and where to pick up program supplies will be sent via email to registrants .
BINGO
Bittersweet Branch
Wednesdays: June 14 & July 19
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Adults
Join us for an evening of Bingo and beverages! Winners will receive small prizes and raffle tickets for a chance to win a door prize .
Registration required.
MPHPL's 2023 Summer Reading Challenge takes place from June 1-Aug. 5. Remember
