Washoe County Library Explorer
Summer Events & Resources: June–August 2025
Page 1: Cover
Cover picture: A drone image depicts excited attendees at the Incline Village Library's 2024 Block Party and Summer Reading Kickoff. Find out more about this year's event on page 8.
Page 2: Washoe County Library Explorer, June-August 2025
A Welcome Message from Acting Library Director Stacy McKenzie
Welcome to the Summer edition of the Washoe County Library Explorer magazine! We might not usually think of summer as a transitional season, like spring or fall, but every season is a season of change. At Washoe County Library System, we remain committed to delivering excellent library service — technology assistance, arts and educational programming, a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, an expansive collection of materials, and more — no matter how the seasons change around us.
Summer brings the return of the Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from June 1 through July 31. This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” and we invite readers of all ages to participate and earn prizes for reading and completing fun activities. More information about the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge can be found on pages 12–13.
Around Northern Nevada, summer brings an influx of arts, including the Burning Man festival near Gerlach in August, and the annual Artown festival in Reno throughout July. Washoe County Library System is proud to partner with Artown. Learn more about our Artown events on page 4.
But Washoe County Library locations are arts destinations all year around. Several of our libraries have dedicated art galleries that feature rotating exhibitions, and we present free musical and theatrical performances throughout the year. You can learn more about how our libraries approach gallery curation by reading the interview with Russell Dorn, who curates for the Incline Village Library, on page 5.
This is a big year for the Incline Village Library, which this summer celebrates 20 years in its current location. Many residents of Reno and Sparks might not be familiar with the Incline Village Library, but it’s a beautiful and easily accessible facility with an art gallery, a robust materials collection, and all the services you expect from a Washoe County Library location. Be sure to add a visit to the library to the itinerary of your next trip up to Lake Tahoe. Learn more about their 20-year anniversary celebration on page 8.
Change can be exciting! And here at Washoe County Library, we’re ready to help you manage all the changes in your life. Whether you’re a preschooler just learning to read, a student researching a school paper, a worker revamping a resume, or a retiree looking to learn a new hobby, we’re here to help. No matter the season.
Follow us on social media and sign up for our Library News & Events newsletter for all the latest library news. For more information about all our library services, visit washoecountylibrary.us.
Contents
Page 10: Story Time and Paws 2 Read
Page 11: K-12 Resources and Outreach
Pages 12–13: Summer Reading Challenge
Page 15: Recursos para Hispanohablantes
Page 16–23: June, July, and August Events
Photo: Amanda and Louise have a blast at the Incline Village Library's Pokémon party.
Photo: Jackie teaches a watercolor class to a group of creative lifelong learners.
Photo: Young patrons love the activities at the Incline Village Library Block Party!
Page 3: Locations and Hours
Downtown Reno Library
301 S. Center St.
Reno, NV 89501
775-327-8300
Sunday–Friday: 10 am–5 pm
Duncan/Traner Community Library
1650 Carville Drive
Reno, NV 89512
775-333-5134
Monday–Tuesday: 3–6 pm
Wednesday: 2:30–6 pm
Friday: 3–6 pm
Gerlach Community Library
555 E. Sunset Blvd.
Gerlach, NV 89412
775-557-2326
Wednesday: 5–7 pm
*Open Fridays, 11 am–1 pm during school breaks.
Incline Village Library
845 Alder Ave.
Incline Village, NV 89451
775-832-4130
Monday: 10 am–6 pm
Tuesday: 10 am–7 pm
Wednesday–Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
North Valleys Library
1075 North Hills Boulevard, Suite 340
Reno, NV 89506
775-972-0281
Monday–Tuesday: 10 am–6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am–7 pm
Thursday–Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
Northwest Reno Library
2325 Robb Drive
Reno, NV 89523
775-787-4100
Monday–Tuesday: 10 am–6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am–7 pm
Thursday–Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–4 pm
Senior Center Library
1155 East Ninth Street, Building E
Reno, NV 89512
775-328-2586
Monday–Friday: 9 am–1 pm
Sierra View Library
4001 South Virginia Street (inside Reno Town Mall)
Reno, NV 89502
775-827-3232
Monday–Wednesday: 10 am–6 pm
Thursday: 10 am–7 pm
Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
South Valleys Library
15650-A Wedge Parkway
Reno, NV 89511
775-851-5190
Monday–Tuesday: 10 am–6 pm
Wednesday: 10 am–7 pm
Thursday–Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–5 pm
Spanish Springs Library
7100-A Pyramid Highway
Sparks, NV 89436
775-424-1800
Monday: 10 am–6 pm
Tuesday: 10 am–7 pm
Wednesday–Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Sunday: 10 am–5 pm
Sparks Library
1125 12th Street
Sparks, NV 89431
775-352-3200
Monday–Wednesday: 10 am–6 pm
Thursday: 10 am–7 pm
Friday: 10 am–6 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10 am–4 pm
Verdi Community Library and Nature Center
270 Bridge Street
Verdi, NV 89439
775-345-8104
Tuesday: 3–6 pm
Wednesday: 2:30–6 pm
Friday: 3–6 pm
Page 4: Library Galleries and Artown Events
Library Galleries
Downtown Reno
- July: Good Books Love Beautiful Quilts by Truckee Meadows Quilters
- August-September: James Gayle
Incline Village
- June: Marie Nygren Nevada's 17 Counties
- July–August: Barbara Moniot
North Valleys
- June–July: Tiny Dot Gallery
Northwest Reno
- June: Drift by Nicole Donnelly
- July–August: Cloudscapes by Kelsey Mast
Art talk and reception: Saturday, July 12, 1 pm.
SaturYay! Color Our World: Kids' Gallery Tour & Coloring Fun with Artist Kelsey Mast: Saturday, July 19, 11 am.
Sierra View
- July–August: Teeny, Tiny Community Art Show
Reception: Saturday, July 26, 11 am.
South Valleys
- May–July: Luck, Logic, and Rammstein by Louie Marrujo
- July–August: Drifting Through the Gaps Between by Krystina Stigman
Artist's reception: Saturday, July 12, 3 pm.
Spanish Springs
- June: Sustained Harmony by Joanna Drakos
- July–August: Joyful Color Spectrums by Aria Moresi
Sparks
- June: Scenes from Lake Tahoe by Marilyn Matylinsky
Artist's reception: Thursday, June 12, 5 pm. - July: Great Basin Basketmakers; Sierra Watercolor Club
- August: Great Basin Basketmakers; Carlos Diaz & Friends
Artown Events
Young Shakespeare presents Twelfth Night
Young Shakespeare, a D.G. Menchetti Education Program, features an interactive, hour-long adaptation of their mainstage production created with the young audience members in mind.
This summer their team will be presenting an adaptation of Twelfth Night, a hilarious and twisty play about Viola, who’s shipwrecked and disguises herself as a boy to survive.
- Sparks: Tuesday, July 22, 11 am
- Downtown Reno: Tuesday, July 22, 3 pm
- Spanish Springs: Wednesday, July 23, 4 pm
- North Valleys: Thursday, July 24, 10:30 am
- South Valleys: Friday, July 25, 11 am
- Northwest Reno: Saturday, July 26, 11 am
- Incline Village: Wednesday, July 30, 4pm
- Sierra View: Friday, August 1, 4:30 pm
Reno Phil: Discover Music Concert
Experience the magic of live music with Discover Music, the Reno Phil’s exciting and interactive educational performance series! Enjoy concerts by small ensembles as they share their music, showcase their instruments, and inspire a love for music.
- Downtown Reno: Monday, July 7, 1 pm
- Sparks: Tuesday, July 8, 11 am
- Northwest Reno: Thursday, July 10, 4 pm
- Incline Village: Tuesday, July 15, 5 pm
- North Valleys: Thursday, July 17, 4 pm
- South Valleys: Monday, July 21, 10:30 am
- Sierra View: Saturday, July 26, 11 am
For more information about Artown events at Washoe County Library, visit washoelibrary.org/artown.
Page 5: Meet a Librarian!
Russell Dorn
Photo: Russell Dorn sitting in the Incline Village Library art gallery.
Caption: "The library is an arts destination." - Russell Dorn, Gallery Curator, Library Assistant II, Incline Village Library
What’s your role at the Incline Village Library?
My official title is Library Assistant II. I think every library employee wears a lot of hats. There’s the customer service element to it, of course, and the handling the books, but then there’s a lot of stuff that we do behind the scenes. I’m the gallery point person for the Incline Village Library. I do the paperwork and set up dates for receptions and the galleries. But it’s really a team effort here at this branch and at a lot of the others. We’ll have staff members go to craft fairs or a local restaurant, and they’ll see art there, and maybe grab a card, or if they run into the artist, maybe drop my email. And then I’ll get in touch and say, “Hey, would you be interested in showing your art here?” It’s really engaging for the community.
When people think of libraries, they might just think of books, but do you think the library is also an arts destination?
The library is an arts destination. Six artists a year at this branch, and several other branches have galleries to showcase local talent. On top of that, we have art-related programs and events for all ages. We recently had a three-day art camp for kids. We have Lifelong Learning and Wind-Down Wednesday for older adults where they can learn new things like oil pastels or ikebana flower arranging. For teens, we have our brand-new chalk wall. They can follow the prompts I put out monthly, wacky ideas like animals doing weird things or vegetables being sentient. It’s just a fun way to show their art. I also tie in art to some of my Teen Tuesday programing. We’ll do 3D modeling or linocut. They’re really into Magic: The Gathering, so we customized a deck box for their commander decks and printed those out. And we have an ongoing felting and ongoing memoir-writing club, so we have every medium going on here.
What’s your art background?
I’ve always gravitated toward art. I have a twin brother, and we’ve always done projects together. We’ve dabbled in game design. We have a free website for kids that’s all about Halloween monsters being ironically nice, like a toothless werewolf or a sun-loving vampire. Writing I pursued to differentiate myself from my brother. He stayed with graphic design, and I went into writing. I’ve always loved horror since my grandfather, at family reunions, used to do scary story nights. I’ve put out some self-published stuff for kids and some adult horror that’s made it into pro markets. And I’m working on a short story collection.
Tell us about the Shivery program.
It started during the COVID-19 shutdown. I wanted to continue engaging with the community, and I love scary stories. Washoe residents submit original scary stories, staff narrates them, and then I created a Crypt Keeper parody character called the Script Keeper who introduces each story. Incline Village staff film these segments with me. I edited the first season, and then the following seasons we’ve passed it off to internet library staffer Tim, who’s done a great job of editing it. But it’s a lot of work, and it takes a whole team to get it done with such a quick turnaround. We get the stories in early October, and then get it out by Halloween or earlier, if we have multiple episodes, which we usually do. Last year, we had a lot of entries and had to turn it into a contest of which ones we thought were the most engaging. And that was a lot of fun. My manager, Amanda, and I went to the school because a lot of the students in the area had submitted and gotten in the top 10, so it was great to talk to an auditorium of 200 kids and hand out celebratory buttons. It’s probably my favorite program I’m involved with because it’s a great way to celebrate the art of writing and my favorite genre, horror.
What are some other programs you’re involved with?
The Block Party and Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff, Camp STEAM, IV Quad, Pokémon GO at the library, Teen Tuesdays, escape rooms, KUNR’s On the Kid’s Shelf. I host the occasional Story Time. I’m also part of the Explorer team. It’s a great team that works well under a time crunch pressure and remains artistic while getting this information out there in new and engaging ways. There’s a lot of events happening in the library system, and the Explorer makes it easier to see what’s going on.
What’s the last great book you read?
Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías. It’s a dystopian horror novel where a pink mist or the crimson wind is wiping out life in the area. It comes and goes with the fog. But it’s really more of a character study of the main character trying to come to terms with it and adapt to that situation. I love when horror meets literary fiction, and this one fits the bill.
What’s a library resource you wish more people knew about?
Discover and Go Museum passes. Washoe County residents can get free or discounted passes to local museums. It’s a great way to celebrate art and history!
For more information about exhibitions at Washoe County Library galleries, visit washoelibrary.org/galleries.
Pages 6–7: Upcoming Events
Check out our new programs
Pioneer Center Golden Encore presents Erika Paul & David Aller — The Great American Songbook and Its Prolific and Timeless Composers
Follow the development of jazz from Dixieland and the Roaring '20s to the present day. Tap, clap, snap, move, and sing along to the feel-good music performed by this dynamic duo.
- Downtown Reno: June 10, 3 pm
Logo: Pioneer Center Golden Encore
Pioneer Center Golden Encore presents Heather Lemmons
Dance specialist Heather Lemmons, as tap dancing waitress Dana, welcomes patrons to the Choreography Café.
- Incline Village: June 11, 3:30 pm
Pioneer Center Youth Programs presents The Note–Ables
The Note-Ables band is a professional group of musicians with a mission to change the face of disability through music. Enjoy live rock music performances, discussions of disability, a Q&A session with the band members, and interactive songs.
- Downtown Reno: June 9, 11 am
- Incline Village: June 21, 1 pm
Adult Sewing Class
Learn new techniques and create your own masterpiece. Thread, fabric, and scissors provided. If you have a sewing machine, we encourage you to bring it. Space is limited. Reservation recommended.
- Incline Village: June 3-5, 3 pm
How Well Do You Know Your Birds?
The Lahontan Audubon Society will teach us about birds commonly found in our yards and around town. This talk will feature taxidermy specimens, so you can see birds up close!
- Spanish Springs: June 17, 5:30 pm
The Wizard of Oz Interactive Movie
- South Valleys: June 28, 2 pm and July 23, 4 pm
Pioneer Center Youth Programs presents Larry Wilson
Larry returns with demonstrations of unbelievable magic that can be explained by scientific principles. As astounding as these tricks may be, the secrets behind them are often more incredible.
- Downtown Reno: June 16, 3 pm
Spark the Imagination
Spark your child’s imagination on the second Sunday of each month with this free hour-long workshop, designed for kids ages 6–12. This collaborative effort is brought to you by The Generator, the City of Sparks, and Washoe County Library System.
- Sparks: June 8, July 13, August 10, 11 am
- Spanish Springs: June 8, July 13, August 10, 1 pm
Logo: The Generator
Logo: City of Sparks
Local History
Logo: Nevada Historical Society
Nevada Historical Society presents Nevada History On the Go
Sierra View
- Saturday, June 7, 1 pm: Boundary Boondoggle: The Chaos and Confusion of the California/Nevada Border with Deborah Fox
- Saturday, July 5, 1 pm: Lake Tahoe's Accidental Conservationists — George Whittell and His Wife Elia with David and Gayle Woodruff
- Saturday, August 2, 1 pm: The Earp’s Last Frontier: Wyatt and Virgil Earp in the Nevada mining camps, 1902–1905 with Jeff Kintop
- Wednesday, August 6, 4:30 pm: Basques in Nevada During World War II: A Preliminary Analysis with Dr. Pedro J. Oiarzabal
Nevada Historical Society presents High Noon with Neal Cobb
Virtual Event — Live on Zoom
A monthly history series that delves into Nevada topics with local experts.
- Thursday, July 17, noon: Death Valley's Improbable Gold Rush with Ted Faye
- Thursday, August 21, noon: Surviving Railroad Depots of Nevada with Jean-Guy Tanner Dubé
Book a Librarian
We can help you complete online job applications, file unemployment, set up email, and more. Make an appointment, and a librarian will help you.
- Downtown Reno: Monday and Tuesday, 10 am–noon, 2–4 pm
- Incline Village: Tuesday–Friday, 11 am–5 pm, with a 24-hour advanced reservation.
- Senior Center: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 and 11:30 am
- Sierra View: Tuesday, 10–11 am; Thursday, 3–4 pm
- South Valleys: Monday and Friday, 11 am and 3 pm; Wednesday, 11 am
- Sparks: Wednesday, 1–3 pm; 4–6 pm; in Spanish 3–4 pm
Technology Classes
Digital Skills 101
Northwest Reno
Bring questions about using your phone or computer, or drop by to learn basic technology skills.
- First and third Fridays, 10:30 am: June 6 and 20; July 18; August 1 and 15
Computer Skills Series
Sparks
Sparks Library's ongoing computer classes are designed to give beginners a proper introduction to various computer programs and actions. For more information, contact the Sparks Library at 775-352-3200.
- Computer Skills 101: Using Your PC
July 1 and 3, 11 am - Computer Skills 102: Internet Basics"
July 8 and 10, 11 am - Computer Skills 103: Using Email
July 15 and 17, 11 am - Computer Skills 104: Microsoft Office
July 22 and 24, 11 am
Mobile Phone Classes
Sparks
Do you have questions about how to use your phone? We'll answer your questions and show you how to use some functions of your phone.
- Learn About Your iPhone
June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, August 6 and 20, 10:30 am - Learn About Your Android
June 18, July 16, August 13, 10:30 am
LEGO Clubs
LEGO Robotics Club
Learn to code and build with LEGO robots. Whether you are new to coding and building, or are an experienced programmer and LEGO master, you will find something to challenge your mind. For ages 8–16.
- Spanish Springs: Tuesdays, 4 pm
LEGO Club
Are you a BrickHead? Do you want to build with others? Join us as we provide weekly challenges for you to get creative and meet with others who love to build!
- Sierra View: Saturdays, 2 pm
- Duncan/Traner: Wednesdays, 2:30 pm
Page 8: Library News
Incline Village Library celebrates 20 years
Join us at the Incline Village Library on Saturday, June 7, from 11 am to 2 pm for for our Block Party and Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff, during which we will also celebrate the library's 20th anniversary in our current building.
Nestled in the High Sierra near the shores of Lake Tahoe, the Incline Village Library serves a diverse community of local and visiting patrons. In 1966, this library began as a partnership between the Incline Elementary School and Washoe County Library System. It was the first school and public library partnership in Nevada. In 1978, the library and its staff moved to a standalone 6,000-square-foot building. In 2005, a new 10,600-square-foot building was constructed next door, catching the attention of the American Library Association, and earning an honor for its unique interior design. The building sits on the ancestral lands of the Washoe, and its Young People’s Library features a traditional galais dungal, or winter house, that acts as the backdrop for baby and toddler story time programs. This branch also houses the system's collection of all things Tahoe, including guidebooks, local history, and maps. For more information about the Incline Village Library, visit washoelibrary.org/inclinevillage.
Washoe County Library System budget update
Washoe County Library System will maintain a flat budget with no increases or reductions, which will help the system meet Washoe County's goals of maintaining services and avoiding layoffs in Fiscal Year 2026. From the library's budget, $1.3 million will be reallocated to the County's centralized General Fund. These funds will be retained for library use upon approval by the Library Board of Trustees in the coming year. The Library Board will continue to discuss future operational and budgetary needs for Fiscal Year 2027. For more information about upcoming Library Board of Trustees meetings, visit washoelibrary.org/LBOT.
Renovated Senior Center Library reopens
The Washoe County Senior Center reopened on May 16, 2025. The nearly $2.8 million remodel of the facility includes a remodeled library. The new and improved Senior Center Library boasts beautiful new floors, refreshed furniture, and a reimagined layout. New "Royale Reading Room" signage is part of the Senior Center’s retro Nevada-themed redesign, inspired by the charm of classic Reno and Las Vegas. We are proud to unveil these exciting updates that transformed the Senior Center into a true community treasure. For more information about the Senior Center Library, visit washoelibrary.org/seniorcenter.
Page 9: Book News
Book Clubs
Can't decide what to read? Visit washoelibrary.org/bookclub to see upcoming titles and prepare for our library book clubs!
Downtown Reno
- Chapter One Book Club: Third Wednesdays, 3 pm
Incline Village
- Inclined to Read Book Group: Third Tuesdays, 10:30 am
North Valleys
- Fiction Addiction Book Club: Second Wednesdays, 5 pm
Sierra View
- Dark Alleys: A True Crime Book Club: First Thursdays, 5:30 pm
South Valleys
- SO Very Literary Book Club: Third Thursdays, 2 pm
Spanish Springs
- Tuesday Book Group: Second Tuesdays, 1 pm
- Mystery Book Club: Third Sundays, 1 pm
Sparks
- Four Seasons Book Club: First Saturdays, 1 pm
Liner Notes
The book club for music lovers. First Thursdays, 6 pm, at rotating locations:
- June: The Holland Project
- July: The Radical Cat
- August: Sierra View Library
Logo: Liner Notes
Virtual Author Talks
Join a live virtual discussion with authors and experts. For registration, a complete upcoming schedule, and more information, visit washoelibrary.org/authortalks.
- Wednesday, June 4, 11 am — Brian Gratwicke and Dr. Gina Della Togna
- Tuesday, June 10, 11 am — Lisa Jewell
- Tuesday, June 24, 1 pm — Katherine Applegate
- Tuesday, July 8, 11 am (Spanish) and 1 pm (English) — Raúl the Third
- Thursday, July 17, 1 pm — Marie Lu
- Wednesday, July 23, 1 pm — Rex Ogle
- Thursday, July 31, 11 am — Pria Anand
- Tuesday, August 5, 11 am — Jay Falk
- Wednesday, August 20, 4 pm — Casey McQuiston
- Thursday, August 28, 11 am — Dr. Tasha Eurich
Logo: Library Speakers Consortium
Books for Digital Readers
Downloading and reading are simple and intuitive with Libby, the easiest app for accessing ebooks and audiobooks from the library's collection, on your mobile device.
More Resources
NoveList Plus
Looking for your next book? Want to find a new author? Can’t remember all the titles in a series? Log on to NoveList Plus to find great read-alikes and lists of recommended and award-winning books. Search or browse to find books that match your reading style. NoveList Plus includes both fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages. It also features professional and reader reviews, book discussion guides, curriculum guides, and more.
KUNR On the Shelf
Every Monday, librarians from the Washoe County Library System offer book recommendations, new titles, and fun suggestions to keep you reading. Give it a listen on Mondays during Morning Edition at 6:42 and 8:42 am and during All Things Considered at 3:48 and 9:20 pm.
New Young Adult Titles
- Fateless by Julie Kagawa
- Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick
- Under the Fading Sky by Cynthia Kadohata
- Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand
New Children's Titles
- Fiction: El Niño by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- Fiction: Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
- Graphic Novel: Miss Camper by Kat Fajardo
- Picture Book: We Go Slow by Mariahadess Ekere Tallie
- Picture Book: Anything by Rebecca Stead
Page 10: Story Time
All Washoe County Library early literacy programs feature stories, fingerplays, and wiggle action to encourage a love of books, stimulate thinking, and promote feelings of self-assurance. Join us for Stay & Play after Story Time for fun with music, STEAM toys, and friends of all ages!
Story Time Schedule
Downtown Reno
- Family Story Time: Tuesdays,10:15 am
- Baby Story Time: Second Thursdays, 10:15 am
Incline Village
- Family Story Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 am
- Campfire P.J. Story Time: First Tuesdays, 6 pm
North Valleys
- Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 am
- Family Story Time: First Wednesdays, 6 pm
- Baby Story Time: Thursdays, 10:30 am
Northwest Reno
- Baby Social: Tuesdays, 10:30 am
- Preschool Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 am
- Toddler Time: Thursdays, 10:30 am
Sierra View
- Toddler Time: Wednesdays, 11 am
- Baby Story Time: Thursdays, 11 am
- Family Story Time: Fridays, 11 am
- STEAM Family Story Time: Fourth Fridays, 11 am
South Valleys
- Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays, 10:30 am
- Baby Story Time: First Wednesdays, 11 am
- Baby Social: Third Wednesdays, 11 am
- Toddler Time: Thursdays, 10:30 am
- Family Story Time: Fourth Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am
Spanish Springs
- Preschool Story Time: Mondays, 10:30 am
- Baby Social: Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10:30 am
- Toddler Time: Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 am
Sparks
- Baby Story Time: Mondays, 10:45 am
- Toddler Time: Tuesdays, 10:15 am
- Family Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:15 am
- Bilingual Story Time: Thursdays, 10:15 am
For more information, or to register for a Story Time, visit washoelibrary.org/storytime.
Which Story Time is the best fit for my family?
Baby Social: For parents and babies ages 0–18 months. Learn about the library, sing some songs, and meet other new parents.
Baby Story Time: For children ages 0–18 months.
Bilingual Story Time: For children of all ages, with stories and songs in English and other languages.
Family Story Time: For children of all ages, focusing on enjoying literacy and language as a family.
P.J. Story Time: Family Story Time with a bedtime theme. Come in your pajamas and slippers!
Preschool Story Time: For children 3–6 years.
STEAM Story Time: Family Story Time emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Toddler Time: For children 18 months to 3 years.
Family Engagement Activities from the Children's Cabinet
Join the Children's Cabinet for fun and educational hands-on activities that support Nevada pre-kindergarten and early learning standards.
- Sparks: Wednesdays in June, 10:45 am
- North Valleys: Wednesdays in July, 11 am
- Incline Village: Tuesday, July 22, 11 am
- Downtown Reno: Tuesdays in August, 11 am
Logo: The Children's Cabinet
Paws 2 Read
Paws 2 Read is a program for children of all ages, presented by Paws 4 Love. Friendly dogs lend a loving, nonjudgmental ear to beginning readers. Children will take home a free book!
- Downtown Reno: Third Sundays, 11 am
- Incline Village: Fourth Saturdays, 10:30 am
- North Valleys: Second Saturdays, 2 pm
- Northwest Reno: Second Saturdays, 11 am
- Sierra View: Second Saturdays, 11 am
- South Valleys: Second Saturdays, 11 am
- Spanish Springs: Second Sundays, 1:30 pm
- Sparks: Second Saturdays, 11 am
Logo: Paws 2 Read
Page 11: K-12 Resources and Outreach
Summer Break Kids Cafe
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada's Kids Cafe program provides free lunch to all children ages 2–18 during Washoe County School District's summer break, June 9 through August 8. For more information, visit fbnn.org/kidscafe.
- Downtown Reno: Sunday–Friday, 11–11:30 am
- North Valleys: Monday–Saturday, 11:30 am–noon
- Sparks: Monday–Sunday, 12:15–12:45 pm
- Sierra View: Monday–Saturday, 11:30 am–noon
Logo: Food Bank of Northern Nevada
Kids Cafe Art à la Cart Activities
Children under the age of 18 can enjoy a free lunch courtesy of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada while making open-ended art using a diverse range of crafting materials from our art cart.
- Downtown Reno: Mondays, June 16–July 28, 11:30 am
Kids Cafe Wednesday Matinee
Children under the age of 18 can enjoy a free lunch courtesy of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada while watching a fun movie.
- Downtown Reno: Wednesdays, June 11–August 6, 11:30 am
Summer Creative Splash!
Kids and teens, join us in our open studio space to explore and create with traditional art media, including clay, paint, charcoal, and more!
- Sparks: Wednesdays through July 30, 1 pm
Supa Epic Flip-O-Rama Comics Club
Weekly comic book club where kids can read, share, and create their own comics! Ages 7–12. Registration appreciated.
- Sierra View: Thursdays, June 5–July 31, 3:30 pm
- Duncan/Traner: Fridays, June 6–August 8, 3:30 pm
Diverse Abilities Connect and Play
Weekly meet-up for pre-K and school-aged children with a focus on neurodivergence and extra support needs. Families can network while kids practice social skills with fun hands-on activities.
- Sierra View: Fridays, 4:30 pm
Camp Steam
Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through engaging experiments over the course of two days. Ages 6 to 11. Registration required.
- Incline Village: June 24–25, 2 pm
Story Time at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum
Join us in Honey's Garden at the Arboretum for a half- hour Story Time followed by a craft!
- Thursdays, June 12–August 7, 10 am
Nevada Department of Wildlife at the North Valley Library
Join us for an afternoon of STEAM activities presented by the Nevada Department of Wildlife! Learn about native Northern Nevadan wildlife with hands-on activities and a presentation.
- North Valleys: Thursdays, July 10 and August 7, 3:30 pm
Come Visit or Let Us Come to You!
If you're involved in a school, parent group, or other community organization, and you'd like to learn more about the library, reach out through our Outreach Services page at washoelibrary.org/outreach. We'd love to help!
Pages 12–13: Summer Reading Challenge
Color Our World Summer Reading Challenge: June 1–July 31
Join in!
Participate in the Summer Reading Challenge and earn up to three FREE books by reading and completing fun activities all summer long!
Get involved!
Summer Reading = School Readiness
- Build strong reading and language skills.
- Improve reading comprehension.
- Gain memory skills.
- Increase self-esteem and confidence.
- Discover new adventures through reading.
How do I sign up?
The Beanstack app makes it easy to track your reading and activities and earn digital badges. To get started, download the Beanstack app and create an account (or use your existing account). You can also use the paper log available at washoelibrary.org/summerreading.
Logo: Beanstack
Earn prizes!
How do I earn a prize? (0–18 years old)
- Sign up = FREE BOOK!
- Read 600 minutes = FREE BOOK!
- Complete eight activities = FREE BOOK!
How do I earn a prize? (19+)
- Sign up = Free book sale item
- Read 600 minutes = Free book sale item
- Complete eight activities = Free book sale item
- Prizes must be redeemed by August 31.
How do I claim my prize?
Stop by any Washoe County Library location to receive your prize! For a complete list of locations and hours, visit washoecountylibrary.us.
- Beanstack users: You will be notified when you earn a prize.
- Paper log users: Bring your completed reading & activity log to any Washoe County library.
Kickoff Parties!
Tuesday, June 3
- North Valleys: 3:30 pm
- South Valleys: 3:30 pm
Wednesday, June 4
- Duncan/Traner: 2:30 pm
- Sparks: 3 pm
Thursday, June 5
- Spanish Springs: 4 pm
Join us to kick off our Summer Reading Challenge with a craft!
Saturday, June 7
- Incline Village: 11 am
Celebrate with a neighborhood block party. - Northwest Reno: 11 am
- Sierra View: 2:30 pm
Sunday, June 8
- Northwest Reno: 11 am
Monday, June 9
- Downtown Reno: 10 am
Visit the kickoff table all day to sign up and win prizes!
Summer Reading Challenge Events
Color Our World Tie-Dye Style!
Learn how to tie-dye your very own book bag. One tote bag per person. Registration required.
- Sparks Library: Thursday, June 12, 3 pm
Color Our World Arts & Crafts Camp for Kids!
This fun, three-day art camp is for ages 8–18. The projects presented will introduce a variety of techniques and mediums and will require all three days to complete. You must register for the entire series.
- South Valleys: July 29-31, 1-3 pm
Pokémon Party!
End your Summer Reading Challenge by catching Pokémon!
- Incline Village: Thursday, July 31, 3 pm
Page 14: Teen Events
Dungeons & Dragons
Join our library Dungeon Masters and fellow adventurers for some role-playing fun. Some weeks we’ll do a short, one-shot adventure; other times you can join an ongoing campaign. Bring a character you’ve already created, or use one of ours. All experience levels welcome. Recommended for kids ages 12 and up. Registration may be required.
- Downtown Reno: Wednesdays in June and July, 3 pm
- South Valleys: First and third Wednesdays, 5:15 pm
- Spanish Springs: Fridays, 4 pm
- Sparks: Fridays, 4 pm
Pokémon GO at the Library
Come meet other Pokémon trainers, and raid, trade, and battle at our very own PokéStop and nearby gyms. Participate in games and win prizes (while supplies last).
- South Valleys: Saturday, July 5, 10:30 am
- Sparks: Sunday, August 24, 2 pm
Loreloop Tabletop Role-Playing Game
Immerse yourself in Loreloop: The World We Live In, The World We Create, an original, Nevada-inspired tabletop role-playing game created by Nevada Humanities and designed by Ashley Warren. During this hands-on play session, we’ll view the Silver State in a whole new way as we embark on a thrilling mission to solve a mystery in an abandoned atomic testing community.
- Sierra View
Wednesday, June 25, 4:30 pm
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30 pm
Logo: Nevada Humanities
Spill the Tea Tuesday
Spill the Tea Tuesday activities are designed for teens to be creative, hang out, and enjoy snacks.
- Downtown Reno: Tuesdays in July, 2 pm
Teen Scene
Drop by the Teen Zone for some fun activities and snacks. Bring a friend or two! Ages 13–18 welcome.
- Sparks: First Wednesdays, 3 pm
- Sierra View: Wednesdays, June 18–August 6, 3:30 pm
Area 51: Escape Room
Solve fun puzzles as you try to stop aliens from draining Earth of all color. You’ll uncover clues in an Area 51 research center, decipher an alien language, and try to save the planet in under 45 minutes. Can you solve the mystery before the aliens zap all the color from our world? Registration required.
- Incline Village
July 17 and 18: 1, 2, 3, or 4 pm
July 24 and 25: 1, 2, 3, or 4 pm
Volunteen
Need hours? Volunteer with Washoe County Library's Volunteen program. Earn up to 20 volunteer hours from home. For ages 14–18. For more information, visit washoelibrary.org/volunteen.
Logo: Volunteen
Page 15: Recursos para Hispanohablantes
washoecountylibrary.us/espanol
Clases básicas de computación para hispanohablantes - Beginning Computer Classes for Spanish Speakers
Sparks
Es necesario registrarse. Si tiene más preguntas, comuníquese con la biblioteca de Sparks al 775-352-3200. Registration required. If you have questions, please call the Sparks Library at 775-352-3200.
- 101: Uso de su PC: 4, 7 de junio, 11 am
Prerrequisito: ninguno - 102: Conceptos básicos de internet: 11, 14 de junio, 11 am
Prerrequisito: conocimiento del mouse/teclado - 103: Uso del correo electrónico: 18, 21 de junio 11 am
Prerrequisito: conocimiento del mouse/teclado y uso de pestañas/enlaces y navegadores - 104: Introducción a Word: 25, 28 de junio, 11 am
Prerrequisito: conocimiento del mouse/teclado y uso de pestañas y navegadores
Habilidades digitales 101 - Digital Skills 101
Northwest Reno
Traiga preguntas sobre cómo usar su teléfono o computadora, o venga para aprender habilidades
básicas de la tecnología. Nuestro personal bilingüe está disponible para ayudar en inglés y español. Bring questions regarding how to use your phone or computer or drop-by to learn basic technology skills. Our bilingual staff is available to assist in English and Spanish.
- Primer y tercer viernes de cada mes, 10:30 am
First and third Friday of each month, 10:30 am
Reserva un bibliotecario (para hispanohablantes) - Book a Librarian (for Spanish speakers)
Sparks
Podemos ayudarle a completar solicitudes de empleo en línea, presentar una solicitud de desempleo, hacer una dirección de correo electrónico y solicitar asistencia del gobierno. Haga una cita y un bibliotecario hará todo lo posible para ayudarle. Recuerde que el personal de la biblioteca no puede evaluar, revisar o completar elementos por usted. We can help you fill out online job applications, file for unemployment, set up an email address, and apply for government assistance. Make an appointment and a librarian will do their best to help you. Remember that library staff cannot assess, review, or complete items for you.
- Los miércoles, 3 pm
Wednesdays, 3 pm
Adquisición del idioma inglés - English Language Acquisition
Sierra View
Northern Nevada Literacy Council (NNLC) proporcionará un instructor para enseñar Adquisición del idioma inglés/English Language Acquisition (ELA). Llame NNLC al 775–356–1007 para registrarse. Northern Nevada Literacy Council (NNLC) is pleased to provide an on-site instructor to teach English Language Acquisition (ELA). Call NNLC at 775–356–1007 to register.
- Lunes–jueves, 9 am
Monday–Thursday, 9 am
Logo: NNLC
Diversión y juegos en español e inglés Spanish - English Fun & Games
Sparks
Dirigida a niños de edad 8 a 18 años de origen hispanohablante, ¡pero los niños que quieran interactuar con el idioma español en un ambiente divertido y de bajo estrés también son bienvenidos! Designed for children 8-18 with a Spanish-speaking background, but all children who want to engage with the Spanish language in a low-stress and fun environment are also welcome!
- Segundo martes de cada mes, 4 pm
Second Tuesday of each month, 4 pm
Pages 16–23: Daily Event Listings