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Teens'
Summer Reading
Events & Programs
Summer Reading Challenge
June 7- August 1
Read books, attend programs, and win prizes! This summer everyone who completes their summer reading challenge will earn a prize!​
June events open at 12am on May 27.
July events open at 12am on June 16.
August events open at 12am on July 14.
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This year we're encouraging all participants to log their reading progress through Beanstack, our online platform. However, if you prefer the traditional paper version, download and print the PDF below!
Repeating Events
Community Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 31 | All ages
Get ready to explore! Grab a scavenger hunt sheet at the Mars Area Public Library and start your journey around Mars, Valencia, and beyond! Each location on the list will display a poster showing the cover of a book. Just write down the correct title and author at each site, then return your completed list to the library for a prize!
Competition prize: One-time library fine forgiveness
Grand prize: One year of fine forgiveness ($100 value)
June
Drawn to Cartooning with Joe Wos
Friday, June 6 at 11am | All ages
​Join Pittsburgh Cartoonist Joe Wos for a lively hour of creativity and fun! Joe will kick things off with a 20-minute live cartooning performance, followed by a 40-minute hands-on workshop where participants will learn how to draw their own cartoon character. Along the way, students will pick up fun educational facts and artistic terms.
Tie-Dye Kickoff
Saturday, June 7 at 10am | All ages
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Although the library building will be closed, that won't stop us from celebrating the Mars New Year and the start of the Summer Reading Program with a tie-dye palooza event in the library parking lot! Select a bandana or small drawstring bag (while supplies last) or bring your own cotton t-shirt to tie-dye using our outer space colors!
No-Sew Bandana Pillows
Thursday, June 12 at 5pm | Ages 15+​
Get ready for a fun and easy craft that requires no sewing! Learn how to make a cozy bandana pillow using just a few materials. This no-sew project is perfect for crafters of all skill levels, even for those who have had no previous crafting experience.
Take & Make: Packing Tape Picture Transfers
Monday, June 16 to Saturday, June 12 | Ages 15+
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Get creative at home with this Packing Tape Picture Transfer kit! After learning the basics with this kit, you will be able to utilize your newfound skills to turn cherished pictures into unique keepsakes or create custom artwork for your space!
How Money Works
Tuesday, June 17 at 6pm | Ages 11+
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Help your child get an early jump on financial literacy for a lifetime of potential financial success with best-selling author and keynote speaker, Marta Sauret Greca. Begin building enhanced confidence in sound money making decisions early on. Topics include the basics of budgeting, saving vs spending, credit, investing, and giving back.
Pittsburgh Job Corps.
Monday, June 23 at 1pm | Adults and Teens
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Calling all teens! Katie Heitzinger of Pittsburgh Job Corps will visit the library to provide information for teens seeking training/employment as well as those considering community college. Opportunities for Veterans and those with disabilities are also available.
1-2pm: Considering Community College
2-3pm: Trades and Training Information
Egg Drop Experiment
Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30am | Ages 10+
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Form a group of two to three partners to construct an egg-protection device. All teams receive identical materials and then let the creative construction begin! Once complete, all teams receive an egg and we head outdoors to begin testing, starting with a two-foot drop and work our way higher and higher. Last egg standing wins!
July
Take & Make: Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs
Monday, June 30 to Saturday, July 5 | Ages 15+
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Flower frogs are a mix of decorative and functional, as they are used in vases to keep the flowers of bouquets in place. Unleash your creativity at home with this Air Dry Clay Flower Frog kit that will allow you to make your very own version. No kilns or special tools needed, just hands, a few simple materials, and a little artistic flair!
Wire Trees
Thursday, July 10 at 5pm | Ages 15+
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Learn how to create beautiful and intricate wire trees using basic wire bending techniques! Whether you decide to add gemstone leaves to represent your favorite season or leave the branches bare, this program will end with a lovely sculpture that will have you itching to make more.
Learn about Local Wildlife
Friday, July 11 at 11am | All ages
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Come out to the Middlesex Township Community Park Pavilion to meet some bird and reptile education ambassadors and learn all about wildlife rehabilitation and our local ecosystems from our friends at Wildbird Recovery at Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy!
Click here for directions
Escape Room: Paul Revere's Ride
Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at 10am | Ages 12-18
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Take on the challenge of this Revolutionary War themed escape room. Based around Paul Revere's historical midnight ride and the events leading up to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, sift through the clues to unlock a box belonging to Samuel Adams and the American rebels before the British regulars arrive. Decipher encoded messages, piece together clues, and race against the clock!
Pressed Flower Coasters
Thursday, July 17 at 5pm | Ages 15+
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Join us for a fun, creative, and nature-inspired craft where you'll learn how to make beautiful, eco-friendly pressed flower coasters- without the need for resin! Whether an experienced or beginner crafter, this program offers a relaxing and enjoyable way to connect with nature while making functional art for your home.
Paper Plane Aviation Workshop
Wednesday July 23 at 1pm | Ages 10+
​Discover the principles of aviation at the Middlesex Township Community Park when we try out a variety of paper plane designs and test them for accuracy, distance, and air-time with our airplane performance tracker! All materials provided.
Click here for directions.
Children's Clothing Swap
Friday, July 25 to Saturday, July 26 | All ages
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Donate your children's clothes to the library between June 10 and July 21, then come back and find something new! You don't have to donate to participate! Leftover clothes will be donated to Inspired Hearts and Hands.
August
Foam Party Finale
Friday, August 1 at 4pm | All ages
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Join us as we celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Program at the Adams Township Community Park Rotary Pavilion with snacks, activities, and a Foam Party for some good "clean" fun! Bring towels and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet!
Click here for directions.
