The theme for libraries throughout Michigan this summer is Make a Splash: READ.

And in Dowagiac, all ages are invited to participate through the end of July in the special programs offered at the library.

All of the family-fun activities are provided free of charge.

Kids who sign up receive a reading log and a variety of activities from which to choose, making them eligible for gifts and prizes.

Also, teens and adults can enjoy the special programs designed with their interests in mind.
July 13, Binder Park Zoo comes to the library and brings, “Water, Water, Everywhere” at 11 a.m. to noon in the Children’s Department.

Come explore the effect of water on animals and plant life in different habitats.

Although the Zoomobile will be parked outside at 211 Commercial in Dowagiac, the animals, plants and water will be inside for a show the whole family will enjoy.

Friday, July 16 at 1 Rick Kelley is throwing a “Reading Is Fun” beach party with sing-alongs, dance-alongs, beach balls and even Hula Hoop and limbo contests.

Rick’s original songs are infectious and all library visitors throughout the building will be rocking along with the tunes.

Anyone who visits at 1 should expect finger-snapping music and no shushing anywhere in the library.

The very popular “Movies and Munchies” returns on Tuesday, July 20 at 1with a special showing of Disney’s Nemo.

Snacks and fun are provided free.

The next day, July 21, 11:30-12:30, the Making Waves Teen Book Club will complete the book: Stuck on Earth by David Klass while munching on a pizza lunch.

Plenty of laughs and prizes will make the event roll by swiftly.

Teens are invited to see what “Making Waves” is all about.

The last week of July will be sprinkled with fun as children create their masterpieces in chalk outside the library entrance.

Chalk drawings last for days as people walk by to admire this outdoor gallery, featuring our talented, young artists.

The art work begins at 11 and chalk and sidewalk-canvases are provided free.

During “Summer in the City,” Dowagiac’s July festival, the District Library will present magician John Dudley in the children’s department at 11 for children of all ages.

Dudley is a super-special finale to the library’s “Make a Splash: Read” summer reading program 2010.

Make a Splash: READ can be enjoyed throughout most of the libraries in Michigan.

But no city large or small has as many free, fun activities and appealing experiences, discoveries and reading adventures as Dowagiac District Library.