Here's a mid-month update from your library!

Our June mid-month newsletter features announcements about what's new and notable, updates on how the library has helped the community, and resources you might not know about. Read on to learn more!

Free Summer Lunches for Kids at Downtown Library
Children need healthy and nutritious meals to learn and grow. Chandler Public Library's Downtown location is partnering with CUSD Food Services and the Summer Food Service Program to be a site for free lunches for ages 18 and under, through July 18. Monday through Thursday at Chandler Downtown Library, 11:30 - 12:30 or while supplies last. Learn more.

Summer Reading
Summer Reading is well underway! We are only a few weeks into the Summer Reading Challenge, and nearly 6,500 individuals of all ages are registered, with almost 2 million minutes read! Our highest participation comes from kids ages 5 to 11. The schools with the top percentage of youth participation include Chandler Traditional Academies, Knox Gifted Academy, Weinberg Elementary, Kyrene del Norte, Kyrene del Cielo, and Arizona College Prep. Learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge and all the ways you can earn points!

Culture Programs in June
With support from the Chandler Human Relations Commission, the library is offering two exciting world culture programs in June, part of a monthly series that takes kids on a digital safari to places around the world. These programs are funded through a grant from the Chandler Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Cranes for Cancer - Cranes for Health
In April and May of 2023, Chandler Library volunteers, staff, and patrons of all ages worked together to create 1,000 origami cranes (known as "senbazuru") in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. These colorful paper crane strings were donated to Cranes for Cancer: Cranes for Health, an organization that provides these symbols of hope, recovery, and future happiness to individuals with serious medical needs. Friends of Chandler Public Library donated the paper used in this community project at all four libraries!

Story School
Chandler Public Library has partnered with Make Way For Books to bring evening sessions of Story School, a free reading program, to families of children aged 0-5 and their caregivers. Since January, these 6-week bilingual programs have offered interactive videos, in-person learning, at-home activities, literacy skill building, and, of course, FUN to families that may not have access to quality preschool experiences. Our next session begins August 22 and registration opens August 7.

Make Way For Books is funded in part by the Chandler Education Foundation and Read On Chandler.

Vision Gallery Collaborations
The Library partners with the Vision Gallery in various ways throughout the year, and this summer we provided recommended reads focusing on mindfulness, intentional space, and desert life in conjunction with the exhibit, "Frank Gonzales: Sacred Spaces." In addition, participants in the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge can visit "Sacred Spaces" at the Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery and earn 25 points when they find and apply the secret code!

Welcome to the Book & Board Library Lounge! We have a collection of board games you can play while enjoying refreshments in Downtown Library's new cafe space. This month's featured game is Outfoxed.

Outfoxed is a cooperative family game, perfect for the Summer Reading Challenge. A fox has absconded with Mrs. Plumpert’s prized pot pie and it is up to you and your fellow chickens to gather clues and identify the thief before they escape! Roll dice to reveal suspects or gather clues as you traverse the gameboard. Consult the Clue Decoder to eliminate suspects. But don’t falter or the fox will get away!

Outfoxed is a cooperative whodunit game for 2 to 4 players. The recommended age is 5 and up. The average play time is 20 minutes.

In line with this year's theme of "All Together Now," you can get to know your community this summer and earn bonus points, too! Learn more.