SOMETHING SPECIAL IN JUNE
Stevens Puppets to Stage Beauty and the Beast
 
World-renowned Stevens Puppets will bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to life at Rodman Public Library at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.
 
The marionette show, described by audiences as exceptional and enchanting, is full of chuckles and drama in its rendition of the classic fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and first published in 1740.
 
Both touching and humorous, artistic staging and clever effects accented with harp music bring the ever-popular story to life in the 45-minue show that is fun for the entire family.
 
Stevens Puppets, originally from Middlebury, Indiana, is celebrating 80 years of producing one of a kind productions for children with marionettes authentically created in the traditional old-world style.
 
The program is free, thanks to support from Friends of Rodman Library, but space is limited and registration is required.
 
 
YOU'RE INVITED TO A SPECIAL EVENT
WEEKLY SUMMER FUN 
Babies and toddlers up to age 3 will enjoy this action-packed lap bounce program. Caregivers will bounce and lift children to rhymes and songs, as well as hear age-appropriate stories. Babies and toddlers will also get their first experience with art as they complete an art project each week. 
 
Children are invited to the Main Library every Thursday in June for Summer Reading Stories and More, an hour-long, action-packed program.
 
Starting at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday, children will be delighted with special characters, activities, and crafts.
 
Each week features a different theme, including:
  • June 5 – Bluey Party
  • June 12 – Draw a Story With Me
  • June 19 – Stuffed Animal Pet Show (Bring your favorite plushie)
  • June 26 – Stories on the Lawn
  • July 3 – Color Obstacle Course.
AT THE BRANCH
Color Our World Storytime will be held at the Rodman Branch every Tuesday during June and July.
 
Identical sessions featuring lots of art, crafts, games, and science experiments will be held at 10:30 a.m. and at noon.
 
Following the theme of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, children attending are encouraged to wear clothing that matches the featured color of the week for extra fun.
 
The weekly colors include:
  • June 3 – Black
  • June 10 - Red
  • June 17 – Orange
  • June 24 – Yellow
  • July 1 – Green
  • July 8 – Blue
  • July 15 – Purple
  • July 22 – White
  • July 29 - Rainbow
SUMMER READING IS HERE
Sign Up For Summer Reading
 
The 2025 Summer Reading Program will run May 27 through August 2. With a theme of Color Our World, readers of all ages have the opportunity to earn entry tickets for grand prizes throughout the duration of the program.
SOMETHING FOR KIDS 10 AND OLDER
Have Big Fun at the RPL Tiny Paint Party
 
Area youth, ages 10-18, are invited to Rodman Public Library for big fun during a Tiny Paint Party at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19.
 
The program will feature an hour of creative relaxation when participants will have the opportunity to paint their own masterpiece on a small canvas while eating mini-sized snacks.
 
The program is free, thanks to support from Friends of Rodman Library. 
 
No registration is required.
Video Gaming Day
 
Area youth, ages 10-18 are invited to Rodman Public Library to play their favorite video games on a selected Thursday each month.
 
In May, a session is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 12 in the Main Auditorium.
 
During Video Gaming Days 10-18, youth have the opportunity to play games on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Playstation 4 & 5, a Meta Quest 3, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo WiiU. Games with ratings from “E” for Everyone, up to “T” for Teen level will be offered.
 
No registration is required for these free gaming events.
 
For more information, call the library at 330-821-2665, ext. 217.
 
ARE YOU A KID WHO LIKES TO READ?
JOIN OUR KIDS BOOK CLUB
Visit rodmanlibrary.com/Rodman-Book-Clubs for future selection titles
THIS MONTH'S KIDS BOOK CLUB SELECTION
Click on the Book Cover to Place a Hold on the Selection of the Month
 Kids Book Club
Meets June 18
 
Rodman Public Library invites children,
ages 8-12, to join the Kids Book Club, which meets every third Wednesday of the month at 4:15 p.m. at the Main Library.
 
The June session
will be held June 18
when the selection will be
The Lemonade War
by Jacqueline Davies
  
Registration is required to attend.
Meetings include a brief discussion of the book, a fun activity, and a snack.
 
 
 
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Tabletop Gaming
 
 
Tabletop Gaming, a popular all-ages program continues at the Main Library at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.
 
Each month, a new game is featured so that patrons can learn a new game. Of course, games from the library’s collection are also available and visitors are welcome to bring their own games.
 
The free monthly event  is held on the first Tuesday of each month.
 
The aim of the family program is to give area residents an opportunity to gather with others to play their favorite card and board games and make new friends.
 
Light snacks will be offered and no registration is required to attend the monthly program.
 
Although the program is open to players of all ages, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
 
Rodman Chess Club
 
The popular Rodman Chess Club will meet at Rodman Public Library on June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30  p.m. in the Main Auditorium. Although it is called a club, the program has no formal membership and is open to all interested in the ancient game of strategy. Players of all ages and levels are welcome to come and go throughout the evening. Several boards are set up in the auditorium and players mingle to find opponents. Chess Club is held on the third Wednesday of each month.
 
GET CRAFTY AT THE BRANCH
Branch Take and Make
 
Starting Monday, June 2 kids can stop by the Branch to pick up a floating fisherman take and make craft (while supplies last).  Monthly projects are free, thanks to the Friends of Rodman Library.
RPL ON THE ROAD
Bookmobile is Out and About
This Summer
 
The Rodman Public Library Bookmobile
will make 12 weekly public stops this summer.
Printed schedule brochures are available at the Main and Branch libraries. A digital version and map can be viewed at
 rodmanlibrary.com/bookmobile.
 
FEATURED DATABASES
What's That Snake? & What Tree Is It?
 
As you venture into the great outdoors this summer, you will most definitely encounter trees and you may also find a snake or two.
 
If you find yourself trying to identify the species of either, Rodman Public Library has a couple of databases that can help you do just that.
 
What’s That Snake? is a guide to the snakes of Ohio. The resource lists all snakes known to live in the Buckeye State and provides a fact sheet for each complete with a photo. It also contains a “Quick ID” feature as well as a frequently asked questions section that can help dispel myths about snakes.
 
The What Tree Is It? database provides three ways to help users identify the species of a tree, including by name, by leaf, or by fruit. Under the name section, each tree has a fact page complete with a description and pictures of the species fully grown, its bark, its leaves, and its fruit (or seeds).
 
You can find all 70+ databases offered by Rodman Library at rodmanlibrary.com/databases.
 
For information or help accessing RPL’s free databases, call 330-821-2665, ext. 217.
 
Rodman Public Library
215 E Broadway St
Alliance, Ohio 44601
(330) 821-2665
https://www.rodmanlibrary.com/