June 17–Aug. 9, 2024 

Grandstaff registration | McChord registration 

Registration Kick-off (both locations) June 17th

Grandstaff: 4-6 p.m. To kick off registration for the Summer Reading Program, Grandstaff/Book Patch Children's Library is proud to present: Deke Moulton, a former Soldier and JBLM alum who will share their thoughts on writing and give us a sneak peek at their second book, “Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf,” which comes out in July! Their first book “Don’t Want to Be Your Monster” earned a Booklist and Kirkus starred review, was included in the Kirkus Best Books of 2023 list and was also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! Come talk to a famous author and hear just what it takes to write your own book. Deke will also be donating several books which will be given out randomly in the Summer Reading Program registration bags!

Grandstaff & McChord: June 21, 5 p.m. Teens Only event - Teens Glow Bowl Night – Come to Bowl Arena Lanes on Friday, June 21 at 5 p.m. for our SRP Total Teen Takeover and strike some pins, listen to some great tunes, enjoy one free meal and glow away!
(Grades 9–12 only)

Week 1
McChord: June 25, 4:30 p.m. Gansango — Come kick off SRP at McChord Library with Gansango, an incredible dance troupe that blends music and movement from across the African continent. You'll definitely feel the rhythm!

Grandstaff: June 27, 4:30–7 p.m. How well do you know your fairy tales? Come to the library to check some out so you’re ready for a fantastical scavenger hunt and ice cream social based on classical fairy tales at Grandstaff/Book Patch Children's Library. Dress up as your favorite fairy tale character and join us for an evening of fun! Do a fun activity at each point on the scavenger hunt, collect your stamp and then collect your prize.

Week 2
Grandstaff & McChord: July 2, 4-7 p.m. Family Beach Day — Join JBLM Libraries for a splashing good time at Russell Landing! We will have kayaks, paddleboards, water toys, a sand castle building contest, games and more. It's the perfect way to kick off your summer.

Week 3
McChord: July 9, 4:30 p.m. Rope Works — Experience our impactful 45-minute program, where dazzling performances engage the audience and inspire kids to learn new moves. Renee, a professional rope jumper, educator, entertainer and role model demonstrates dazzling moves that kids can incorporate into a lifetime of fitness. Get ready to jump!

Grandstaff: July 11, 4:30-7 p.m. Cap’n ARRR — The Funniest Pirate to Never Sail the Seven Seas: “The Misadventures of Cap’n Arrr!” is an interactive comedy performance that will have kids (and grown-ups) rolling on the floor. Cap’n Arrr’s program is packed full of audience participation and includes basic instruction in walking like a pirate, talking like a pirate and laughing like a pirate too! Plus, Cap'n Arr's call and response sing-alongs are so catchy you'll be singing long after his ship has sailed. At almost every show, kids in the audience show up in pirate hats and costumes, so Cap'n Arrr is known to pull a few shipmates up on to the stage to show off their pirate skills. Like the Cap'n says, "If you wanna be a pirate say, Aye! Aye!"

Week 4
McChord: July 16, 4:30 p.m. Reptile Isle — Reptile Isle is an educational initiative led by Mr. Riggs, a zoologist with over 25 years of experience working with exotic animals. Reptile Isle offers a fun and safe forum for people of all ages to interact with animals and dispel myths and misunderstandings through hands on education. If you’re interested in reptiles, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Grandstaff: July 18, 4:30-7 p.m. Reptile Isle comes to Grandstaff!

Grandstaff & McChord: July 19, 4:30 p.m. Teens only event — Teen Nerf Challenge:
Join JBLM Libraries at Grandstaff Library on Friday, July 19 at 4:30 p.m. Teens get to channel their inspiration from COD or Fortnight as we load up our Nerf guns and tackle a course that is guaranteed to be fun!

Week 5
McChord: July 23, 4:30 p.m. One World Taiko — Come to McChord Library for a magical cultural experience. One World Taiko is a Japanese drum ensemble that captivates audiences with its spirited drumming that blends traditional, jazz and world music into heart pounding beats. This will be a show your family will never forget!

Grandstaff: July 25, 4:30-7 p.m. Beat the heat and come to Grandstaff/Book Patch Children's Library to cool off at an epic foam splash party and super bubble party! We will have a foam party, splash tower and water blaster as well as an assortment of bubble demonstrations, bubble machines, interactive bubble stations and a kid-in-bubble booth which literally puts your child in a bubble for a memorable photo opportunity. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.

Week 6
McChord: July 30, 4:30 p.m. Summit Rocks: Smokey's Birthday Bash! — Join us at Adventures Unlimited on McChord Field where we will combine the thrill of rock climbing, an outdoor activity craft with the Arts & Crafts Center and meet Smokey Bear and friends who will share their wilderness wisdom. We will celebrate Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday in true nature-themed style!

Grandstaff: Aug 1, 4:30-7 p.m. Join us for a picnic in the park at the Grandstaff/Book Patch Children's Library to celebrate Smokey the Bear's 80th birthday! The National Forest Service, JBLM’s Environmental and Sustainability facility staff members and several other guests will be joining us to offer fun activities. Be sure to stay to sing Happy Birthday to Smokey and grab a delicious cupcake!

Week 7
Grandstaff & McChord: Aug 6, 4:30 p.m. Country Jam & BBQ with the Olsen Brothers! Join us at Grandstaff Library for toe-tapping tunes, mouthwatering barbecue and a boot-scootin' good time!

Week 8

 Aug 16: Grand Finale Party at MWR Fest Tent 4-7 p.m.

Why summer reading is important
The benefits of summer reading are clear. National research finds that students who participate in library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than those who did not participate. Even adults who join the summer reading program benefit by reading to their pre-readers, showing tots how fun reading can be, plus reading books for their own pleasure.

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