Education & Community

Kids, teens and adults are invited to celebrate reading and literacy this summer by joining the summer reading program at Washington County Library. The annual program kicks off on June 6 and will run through August 8, there will be programs for all ages. Kids (ages 0-12) will have two different ways to participate in the program; the “Library Activity Card” or by completing the “Read, Write, Draw” activities. Teens can participate in the TIC-TAC-TEEN program.

Join Simon Says Lead to celebrate the launch of Make Unstoppable Simple – creative problem solving in life and leadership by Dina Simon.

There are three ways you can join the celebration:

Brad Robinson and author Linda Tedford will be signing copies of Brad’s just-released book, “The Price of Victory and the Fear of Innovation,” at Brightwater Clothing & Gear in downtown Excelsior on Saturday, June 6.

Saint Ambrose of Woodbury is pleased to invite men, women and children of all faiths to an inspiring evening with University of Minnesota head football coach Jerry Kill. Coach Kill will share his journey to Catholicism and unique life experiences through a discussion entitled “Faith, Family and Football.”

Have you ever said you wanted to join a book club but never got the chance? Come to the Stafford Book Club and join in on the discussion of a great novel, and perhaps make a few new friends in the process. Adults. Free. 6:30 p.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; co.washington.mn.us.

Spend time with your baby and get him or her interested in the art of stories. Baby Storytime provides the opportunity for children under 2 to get started with early literacy skills. The program will be filled with stories, a few songs, and lots of fun. Siblings are more than welcome to attend. Free. 10:30 a.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; co.washington.mn.us.

This program gives a fun twist on traditional reading time as children can read aloud to a furry friend.  Reading aloud helps children improve in their speaking and reading abilities—and this is a great way to encourage it.  Kids in grades K–7 are invited to read books aloud to specially trained dogs. The dog trainers are close at hand, so you and your kiddos can just have fun. Free. Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; co.washington.mn.us.

Experience Woodbury in a whole new way at the largest community expo in the east metro, hosted by the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce. Exhibitors from all over Woodbury will be in attendance from different fields ranging from home improvement and design to local nonprofits and retail. The variety of exhibitors provide fun for the whole family. Children can meet government officials and even have the opportunity to sit in a police car. Free. All ages welcome.

Has your child ever dreamed of being an artist? KidCreate Studio has a special treat as this is the chance for your child to test out painting on real canvas, just like the great artist Picasso. In this class, children will learn about Cubism, and paint a self-portrait in the Cubist style. Please be sure to pack a nut-free snack. Ages 5-12. $28.80 member/$32 non-member. 9-12 p.m. KidCreate Studio, 1785 Radio Drive; 651.735.0880.

Spark the love of reading early in your child. Toddler Storytime provides the opportunity for children toddler age to develop early literacy skills with their caregivers. Stories, songs and fingerplays will be used to encourage literacy learning while having fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; co.washington.mn.us.