Russell County Public Library | Summer Learning 2025
russell county public library | discover what speaks to you!
Inclusion and Accessibility
Recognizing the diverse needs of our patrons is part of our commitment to making our space welcoming and accessible to all. We want to empower our community members to make informed decisions about their participation in our programs and activites by utilizing our Sensory Key.
What is Sensory Key?
A visual tool consisting of icons to help indicate the sensory elements associated with various programs and activities at your RCPL. By clearly communicating these elements, we hope to create a thoughtful and accommodating environment for comfortable participation.
If you require further accommodations, contact Assistant Director Cody Gabehart by phone at 270.343.7323 or email at cody@russellcountylibrary.com.
RCPL would like to recognize and celebrate our community partners. Their generosity helps make Summer Learning a success for Russell County.
City of Jamestown
City Of Russell Springs
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
Mammy Frog’s Diner
Pizza Hut of Russell Springs
Russell County Extension Office
What is Summer Learning?
Summer Learning is all about keeping our community learning, safe, engaged, and active during the summer months. Summer Learning helps kids be ready to succeed when returning to school in the fall. The young people we nurture today are the foundation of our society tomorrow. Creating opportunities for summer learning sets the stage for innovation, creativity, and leadership in every community. We hope you will join us this summer to read, create, play, and learn together!
Programs
Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Dive into the world of reading, unleash your creativity through hands-on activities, engage in games, and expand your knowledge through a workshop.
Challenges
Embrace the joy of reading and learning all summer long by picking up a Summer Learning Challenge scratch-off card. Complete the challenges on the card and return to us by Thursday, July 31st to claim your prize.
Treats
Children aged 0-18 who visit, borrow materials, or participate in a program this summer can get a coupon for a complimentary ice cream from Mammy Frog’s Diner or a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut of Russell Springs. Limit one coupon per visit, per child.
KIDS
STEAM STORYTIME
GRADES PreK-1
MONDAYS BEGINNING JUNE 9
5 PM
Join us for science activities and stories! You and your child can explore hands-on science that encourages problem-solving.
TODDLER TALES
AGES 18 MONTHS - 2 1/2 YEARS EVERY TUESDAY 9:30 AM
A fast-paced program for active toddlers. Wiggle, sing, read, play and build up social skills.
BABY STORYTIME
AGES 0-18 MONTHS
EVERY TUESDAY
10:30 AM
A storytime experience for our youngest library users and their caregiver(s). Baby Storytime is a 30 minute introduction to reading and learning.
PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR
AGES 3 1/2 - 5 YEARS EVERY WEDNESDAY 10:30 AM
Stories, songs, crafts, and playtime specifically planned to help your child march into school ready to learn!
TERRIFIC 2s & 3s
AGES 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 YEARS EVERY THURSDAY
10:30 AM
Get up and get moving at Terrific 2s & 3s! During these 30 minute sessions, your toddler will be listening to stories, playing games, singing songs, and more.
BOREDOM BUSTERS
GRADES K-5
MON, JUN 2, 16, 30
MON, JUL 14, 28 1 PM - 3 PM
Dive into STEAM projects or explore our Makery!
COOKING WITH GRANDS!
GRADES K-5
WED, JUL 2 3 PM
Megan Gullett, our Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at the Russell County Extension Office, will guide children and their grandparents in preparing a healthy meal, including dessert. This hands-on program allows children to use safe cutting tools under adult supervision. Space is limited. Contact us at 270.343.7323 or email ginger@russellcountylibrary.com to register.
SCIENCE CAMP JR
GRADES K-3
TUE, JUL 22 - THU, JUL 24 2 PM
Join us for a three-day science camp! Kids will explore science through hands-on activities promoting playbased learning and early science skills.
us at the park!
STORY HIKE
Russell Springs City Park
GRADES K-3/FAMILY
FRI, JUN 6 1 PM
Join us for a story and nature walk led by a naturalist from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery! Look for us at the picnic shelter by the baseball field.
PLAY DAY
Jamestown City Park
GRADES K-3/FAMILY
FRI, JUN 27 1 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of stories, playground activities, and outdoor games. Look for us at the picnic shelter.
FRI, JUN 20
2:30 PM: POKEMON SCIENCE
5 PM: FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT
Join us for two science adventures with Mr. Jason Lindsey, a nationally recognized STEM educator!
featuring “Fairy Tales From Around the World” GRADES PreK - 3
TUE, JUL 15
2:30 PM
Journey into the world of fairy tales! Children will explore dramatic storytelling under the guidance of a Kentucky Shakespeare Artist Educator, stepping into beloved characters and discovering the rich history behind classic tales.
TWEENS
BOREDOM BUSTERS
MON, JUN 2, 16, 30
MON, JUL 14, 28
1 PM - 3 PM
Dive into STEAM projects or explore our Makery!
BREAKFAST & BINGO
MON, JUN 16
5 PM
Enjoy breakfast foods while playing bingo!
RECYCLED BOOK HEDGEHOGS
WED, JUN 25
2 PM
Use a recycled paperback book to make a hedgehog! All materials provided.
COOKING WITH GRANDS!
GRADES K-5
WED, JUL 2
3 PM
D&D ADVENTURES
THURSDAYS
12 PM
Seeking adventure? We will lead you through battles, mysterious ruins, and daring heists each week with sessions of Dungeons & Dragons.
6/5: Down at the Docks
6/12: Wave of Destruction
6/19: Troubled Waters
6/26: Haunted Horizon
7/3: Return the Favor
7/10: Wedding Crashers
7/17: The Sunken Crown
7/24: Hatch and Release
7/31: Truth or Scare
TWEENS
Megan Gullett, our Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at the Russell County Extension Office, will guide children and their grandparents in preparing a healthy meal, including dessert. This hands-on program allows tweens to use safe cutting tools under adult supervision. Space is limited. Contact us at 270.343.7323 or email ginger@russellcountylibrary.com to register.
LEGO MOVIE AFTERNOON
WED, JUL 9
2 PM
Enjoy watching a LEGO movie while playing with LEGOs!
TIE-DYE SCRUNCHIES
WED, JUL 23
3 PM
Create your own tie dye scrunchie! All materials provided.
Comfort Cabinets
WED, JUN 11
3 PM
Use sumi ink, traditionally used in Japan, for calligraphy and drawing!
&TEENS
Comfort Cabinets are a resource available in the restrooms at RCPL providing essential personal care items to the community. The initiative recognizes access to basic hygiene products can significantly impact a person’s well-being and confidence. By offering these items, the Comfort Cabinets aim to promote health, dignity, and comfort for all users, regardless of their circumstances. These cabinets include a variety of products such as body wash, deodorant, tissues, feminine hygiene products, dental supplies, hair ties, lip balm, lotion, bandages, shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
Collaborating with local organizations further strengthens this initiative, ensuring it meets the needs of the population and helps address hygiene-related challenges.
If you have questions or would like to donate, contact Kristina at kristina@russellcountylibrary.com.
TEENS
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
TUESDAYS
4:30 PM
Come together to discuss current issues and foster connection and understanding.
6/3: More Curious, Less Furious
6/10: Belonging
6/17: Troubled Times
6/24: Hope
7/1: Healthy Conflict
7/8: Social Identity
7/15: Listening
7/22: Communicating with Care
7/29: Entertainment, Media, and Popular Culture
PONY BEAD KEYCHAINS
TUE, JUN 10
2 PM
Decorate your keys with a pony bead animal you make yourself!
SONG LYRIC COLLAGE
WED, JUL 16
3 PM
Make art based on the words from your favorite songs!
TAB (TEEN ADVISORY BOARD)
THU, JUN 26
THU, JUL 24
5 PM
Teens can help shape the Library’s future by contributing ideas for programming, collections, and more, all while earning volunteer hours! For more information, contact Kristina.
FAMILY/ALL AGES
PEACEFUL PLAY
MON, JUN 9, 23
MON, JUL 7, 21
1 PM
An inclusive program to hear stories and play in a quiet, calming environment. For more information, please contact Shevawn at shevawn@russellcountylibrary.com.
GOATS & FLOATS
TUE, JUN 10
4:30 PM
Pet baby goats, enjoy an ice cream float, and more!
HOOKED ON SCIENCE
FRI, JUN 20
2:30 PM: POKEMON SCIENCE
5 PM: FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT
Join us for two science adventures with Mr. Jason Lindsey, a nationally recognized STEM educator!
ROCK PAINTING
MON, JUN 23
2 PM
Decorate one of our rocks to keep for yourself or place around town to brighten someone’s day!
FAMILY LEGO PARTY
SAT, JUN 28
10 AM - 12 PM
Get ready for timed building challenges and endless creativity!
KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE
featuring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
TUE, JUL 15
5 PM
Enjoy a lively, 50-minute performance suitable for everyone, presented by two actors from Kentucky Shakespeare, complete with puppets, masks, and plenty of humor.
(Also see page 5 for “Fairy Tales From Around the World” specifically for PreK-3 graders.)
ANIMAL TALES
FRI, JUL 18
5 PM
Get ready to experience animals from around the globe up close! Art of the Wild showcases six live animals that use color for expression, communication, and camouflage.
RCPL CON
SAT, JUL 26
10 AM - 6 PM
Calling all fans! Enjoy a jam-packed day of cosplay, photo opportunities, and more at RCPL Con. Fans of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and other pop culture icons will find many things to enjoy at this mini convention.
COLOR OUR WORLD
TUE, JUL 29
2 PM - 5:30 PM
Drop in for an afternoon of crafting and creating with a variety of materials. We’ll be exploring ways to utilize different supplies to achieve various effects.
SENSORY KEY
six live animals that use color for expression, communication, and camouflage.
featuring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
TUE, JUL 15
5 PM
Enjoy a lively, 50-minute performance suitable for everyone, presented by two actors from Kentucky Shakespeare, complete with puppets, masks, and plenty of humor.
(Also see page 5 for “Fairy Tales From Around the World” specifically for PreK-3 graders.)
SAT, JUL 26 10 AM - 6 PM
Calling all fans! Enjoy a jam-packed day of cosplay, photo opportunities, and more at RCPL Con. Fans of Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and other pop culture icons will find many things to enjoy at this mini convention.
ADULTS
BIRDHOUSE GOURD PAINTING
MON, JUN 2
1 PM
Participants can paint their own birdhouse gourd to enhance their garden. This hands-on activity allows for artistic expression while crafting a home for local birds. Supplies are limited. Registration required. Contact Angela at angela@russellcountylibrary.com to sign up.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
TUESDAYS
4:30 PM
Come together to discuss current issues and foster connection and understanding.
6/3: More Curious, Less Furious
6/10: Belonging
6/17: Troubled Times
6/24: Hope
7/1: Healthy Conflict
7/8: Social Identity
7/15: Listening
7/22: Communicating with Care
7/29: Entertainment, Media, and Popular Culture
MAKE-IT: BANNERS
MON, JUN 9
4 PM
Learn to create custom banners using Canva and bring your designs to life with our large format printer. Perfect for events, promotions, or personal projects! Participants will receive one free 18”x24” banner.
MAKE-IT: INVITATIONS
MON, JUN 30 4 PM
Create personalized invitations! Learn to use Canva and Etsy to customize your design, then print at the Makery. Each participant will take home 10 free 5”x7” prints.
COFFEE WITH VETERANS
THU, JUL 10 9 AM - 11 AM
RCPL invites all local veterans to coffee and conversation with the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs Service Regional Administrator for the Central Region. Socialize with other veterans, get assistance filing claims, and meet new people in a comfortable, private space.
MAKE-IT: CHARACTER STAND-UPS
MON, JUL 21 4 PM
Make stand-up character props using Canva and the large format printer. Participants will receive one free 18”x24” prop.
OUTREACH
RCPL ON THE GO!
Are you in need of library services? Look no further! The RCPL Outreach Vehicle is coming to an area near you.
Tue, Jun 3 | Russell Springs Manor | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Thu, Jun 5 | Crystal Springs | 12 pm - 1 pm
Tue, Jun 17 | Russell Springs Manor | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Tue, Jul 15 | Russell Springs Manor | 2:30 p m- 3:30 pm
Thu, Jul 17 | Crystal Springs | 12 pm - 1 pm
CREELSBORO CREATES!
Creelsboro Country Store
THU, JUN 5
THU, JUL 3, 31
2 PM - 4 PM
Bring the kids to Creelsboro Country Store for a fun craft!
STORY HIKE*
Russell Springs City Park GRADES K-3/FAMILY
FRI, JUN 6
1 PM
Join us for a story and nature walk led by a naturalist from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery! Explore the paved trail and discover local wildlife while enjoying time outdoors with friends and family. Look for us at the picnic shelter by the baseball field.
PLAY DAY*
Jamestown City Park GRADES K-3/FAMILY FRI, JUN 27 1 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of stories, playground activities, and outdoor games. Look for us at the picnic shelter.
russell county public library
535 N Main St
Jamestown, KY
270.343.7323
russellcountylibrary.com
HOURS
Monday 9 am to 6 pm
Tuesday 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday 9 am to 6 pm
Thursday 9 am to 6 pm
Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Sunday CLOSED
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