Now that you're staring down the hole of 11 endless weeks of summer – yes, 11 – you might be wondering what to do when you run out of things to do on your hang time (except for summer work, that is).
One source of fun that you may not know about is Arlington’s public libraries – and you don’t necessarily have to be into reading to find something that interests you. The libraries are hosting 25 free events -- including gaming, film showings and arts and crafts workshops -- over the course of the summer.
So, whether you’re up for some action or just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the show, a local library may be the place for you. The library has a full calendar that lists everything (just ignore all the story times; they obviously aren't for us) or go to TATAL Online for the teen-only events that are just about to happen.
Event Overviews
Shows: In addition to the Harry Potter No. 6 lead-up (including upcoming showings of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", Shirlington is showing Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, both anime films directed by Hayao Miyazaki. For a complete listing of films, be sure to click "film events" on the calendar.
Performing Arts: Experience Australian music with “Didgeridoo Down Under” (multiple times, dates and locations), and try out some theater improv and Wii gaming (that counts as a performing art, right?) at Shirlington. Central is also hosting a Traveling Players performance of a play by Molière on Aug. 13 at 7:30 pm.
Arts and Crafts: Make buttons and bead jewelry with the Joy of Beading store at Central, and also do cartooning with Larry Rodman; at Shirlington, try your hand at knitting – using recycled plastic bags.
Other Art: Try dance and body art at “Express Yourself with Your Body” at Central; do a two-part photography workshop and make your own video games and animations at Shirlington.
All these events are related to the Teen Summer Reading Program, but you don't have to read anything to attend them. If you do want to read, the goal for the teen summer reading program is four books, and, yes, school reading counts! You can register online and print out a bookmark to fill out as you read, or take care of both at your nearest library. The last day to register is Saturday, August 1.
When you’ve completed your reading (and your bookmark), go to your library to collect your prize as early as Monday, July 6 and no later than Saturday, September 12. Also, don’t forget to attend the End-of-Summer Party on Thursday, August 20 at 7 pm at Central for ice cream, gaming and the announcement of the Grand Prize Drawing winner, who will go home with a Flip video camcorder. (You also don’t have to attend to win – they’ll contact you.) See the Teen Get Caught Reading page for more details.
