Summer’s here and this year the Evanston Public Library is the path to summer fun! Our programs are happening in the fresh air at parks and beaches all over town as well as at our Main Library and Robert Crown Branch Library.
For All Ages
Find us in your neighborhood!
Our engagement team will be at parks, beaches, and block parties all summer long to introduce you to all the Evanston Public Library has to offer.
Find us at First Fridays at Mason Park on the first Friday of every month, at the Pride Parade on June 5, and at Evanston’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 18. Then look for our parties happening on the fourth Friday of each month all summer long, starting with a Dime Dance-Off from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 24, at Brummel Park.
Our EPL On the Fly! Pop-ups are returning too! Find our librarians around town for STEAM activities like bottle rockets, beach visits with capture the flag and double-dutch, and much more.
For Children
Summer Reading Challenge
This year’s children’s summer reading challenge – Read Beyond the Beaten Path – begins June 1. Drop by the Main Library, the Robert Crown Branch, or at an Evanston Public Library table at community events happening throughout town to sign up and get a free book and your READO card! Learn more.
Storytimes in the Park
Parks are perfect for storytime with antsy, young book lovers! Our children’s librarians will be reading aloud in parks around town this summer:
- Family Storytime: The books are perfect for ages 3-7, but the storytime is fun for everyone. Find us at 10 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays at Fountain Square.
- The Young & The Restless: A 30-minute storytime for our littlest listeners, at 10 a.m. every Thursday in Brummel Park.
Library Summer Camps
The Evanston Public Library has partnered with organizations throughout the community to develop two camps designed to provide opportunities to BIPOC and underrepresented youth in STEAM fields and entrepreneurship:
- STEAM Camp: In partnership with Oakton Community College, EPL’s Robert Crown Branch will host a two-week STEAM Camp for students ages 8-12. The two-week camp starts July 18. Full and half-day options are available.
- Innovate Entrepreneurship Camp: Turn your ideas into income! Beginning June 13 at the Main Library, join us for eight sessions to learn from local entrepreneurs how to start, brand and market your business, on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m., for students in grades 5-8.
To inquire, contact Carmen Francellno at cfrecellno@cityofevanston.org.
For Teens
Get a Taste of the Loft
The Loft staff is coming to a park near you. Get a taste of our programming from building rockets to DIY crafts to STEM activities and mixing beats. Come out and see us:
- Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. at ETHS
- Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. at Family Focus/Fleetwood-Jourdain
- Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. at Chute Middle School
Sign up for the FilmIt! Challenge
Learn moviemaking skills, watch your film on the big screen and win prizes. Sign up for the FilmIt! Challenge beginning June 11.
Hang out at the Loft
- Expanded hours at the Loft, EPL’s space for teens on the third floor of the Main Library, begin Thursday, June 9, and last all summer vacation. Stop by from noon to close.
- Find a recommended reading list and more at epl.org/teens.
- Join us for Pride Month celebrations, learn hydroponic gardening, DIY your own crafts of all kinds.
For Adults
#ReadInclusive – Summer Reading for Adults
The #ReadInclusive summer reading program for adults starts June 1. Pick up a bingo sheet from the second floor desk at the Main Library or from EPL’s Robert Crown Branch Library, or download a copy and print it yourself. Then pick books from our suggested reading list or by any author from a historically marginalized group (LGBTQ+, disabled, BIPOC) to start earning spaces on your bingo card. Complete a bingo and pick up a free book from our selection at the Main Library second floor desk! Get all the details.
Support Summer Fun When You Donate to EPL!
To keep our programs going strong, we’re raising $50,000 during our Summer Giving Campaign. Our goal is to come together as a community to strengthen this critical outreach and continue to offer free books and STEM activities, park-based events, and connections to all of the Library’s resources.
