Welcome to June and get ready to “Color Our World” at your local library!
Starting June 16, we will offer six weeks of art-based library programming for all ages to keep you creating and reading during summer break.
Each week has a fun theme and programs around the county. You can also take our Summer Reading Challenge, where we challenge you to read a certain amount over the six weeks.
If you complete the challenge, you get a prize tote with some goodies and an entry into our prize raffles.
All programming and activities are completely free and open to the public.
Speaking of free, there is still time to pop your kiddo into your local library to snag their free two books and art packet before summer reading kicks off.
Heads up adults; we have summer programs just for you. Please mark these programs on your calendar and stop by to see us soon. All programs start at 4 p.m.
In June, there are four adult programs:
Crafternoon in Rowland on June 18;
Neurographic Art in Lumberton on June 20;
Crafternoon in Red Springs on June 25;
Sip & Paint (non-alcoholic) Lumberton on June 27.
In July, there are 7 opportunities to join in the fun:
Crafternoon in Maxton on July 2;
Crafternoon in Fairmont on July 9;
Family Movie Day, “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” in Lumberton on July 11;
Crafternoon in St. Pauls on July 16;
Crafternoon in Lumberton on July 18;
Crafternoon in Pembroke on July 23;
Intro to Reading Music in Lumberton on July 25.
For Crafternoon programs, you are welcome to bring your own crafting project to work on in the group or select from provided craft materials. All programs are free.
I’d like to thank the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Reading Nation Waterfall Project for sponsoring summer reading this year.
Their support has helped secure all program supplies and prizes needed to make sure we can have a festive summer with the community.
If you love the library, please consider joining the Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Library is a local nonprofit designed to support the use of the library system, and receive gifts and fundraise on behalf of the library.
The Friends of the Library contributes funds annually to the RCPL to help cover expenses that may not be fully covered under our regular operating budget.
This fiscal year, the Friends have supported our summer reading program, staff training and support, marketing materials for rural branches, book bags, and statewide library advocacy efforts.
Membership in the Friends is open to all who wish to support the purpose of the organization. Joining the Friends of the Library is easy. Visit www.robesoncountylibrary.org/friends to download a membership form to mail in with a check or use the Paypal link to join online. There are three annual membership options: member for $25; family for $50; or patron for $100-plus. All membership dues support activities at the local libraries.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the evenings this summer, check out the Alive After 5 concert series in the Dick Taylor Plaza every Thursday evening at 6 pm.
There are tons of food trucks available and local businesses, like 219 Elm, are open. There is also a Kids Groove Zone with a weekly activity for the littles.
If you stop by on June 12, the library and Public Schools of Robeson County are teaming up at the kids tent to make sand art necklaces. Admission to Alive After 5 is always free.
All library locations will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
The next Library Trustee Board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 25 in the McLean Room at the Lumberton Library. This meeting will include the budget hearing for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Meetings are open to the public. For more information about the library, visit www.robesoncountylibrary.org .
Katie Fountain is the director of the Robeson County Public Library.