Emily Ellis
We’re lucky, in Indiana, to have “the greatest spectacle in racing” in our very own backyard. As soon as the street banners are hung and the parade bleachers erected in downtown Indy to welcome another season of the Indianapolis 500, it’s almost as if the state drops the green flag for the start of summer. As a kid, the Indy 500 and Memorial Day weekend meant packing our winter clothes away, the first picnic of the year, and evenings spent in the backyard trying to catch lightning bugs. As soon as school was out I was at the local little league hanging out with friends and buying way too much Laffy Taffy from the concession stand. Or riding my bike to the Putt Putt Golf off of Southport Road when they offered all-day play for just $5. My brother and I would only stop to get lunch at our grandma’s house or an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. Summers were carefree and filled with memories of impromptu experiences and well-planned vacations.
After a few years of sticking pretty close to home, I’m determined to enjoy a summer filled with adventure and laughter just like when I was a kid. In fact, I’ve made a summer bucket list to hold myself accountable, and it of course includes signing up for the Greenwood Public Library’s Summer Challenge – a program designed to bring you fun all summer long.
Once Upon a Fairy Tale – has officially started, and it couldn’t be easier to participate. Download our Beanstack app, visit our website, or stop by any Help Desk to get signed up. Then all you have to do is try to earn as many points as possible through the end of July for the chance to win some awesome prizes. Activities include reading each day, finishing a book, checking out a kit from our 2nd floor makerspace, writing reviews, completing weekly challenges, and so much more. There are over 25 activities to choose from! Do them all or fill your days relaxing with a good book. Either way you’ll earn enough points for the chance to win.
You can also earn points for attending one of our awesome programs! This summer we’re excited to host two outdoor movie events in Old City Park – Encanto on June 10th and Looney Tunes Cartoons on July 1st. We’re also planning a Fairytale Day filled with activities for the whole family, a Medieval Day with The Society of Creative Anachronism, drop in lessons and crafts in The Studio, after hours programs for teens, pub trivia at Hoosier Brewing, and a Dungeons & Dragons pub crawl to just name a few!
So whether you’re a kid, teen, or adult, there are memories to be made at the Greenwood Public Library this summer. We’re ready to help you find your next favorite read and keep you engaged whether you’re 2 or 92. We hope you add GPL’s Summer Challenge to your very own summer bucket list. We promise it won’t disappoint!
Emily Ellis is Assistant Director at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this bi-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
