Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration!

Friday, June 2

Summer Reading Kickoff - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Outside on the plaza

Children's Used Book Sale - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Meeting Room A

Join us on the library plaza to enjoy some fresh air and peppy music as we kick off the summer reading season. This year's theme is "All Together Now," and we look forward to celebrating all the possibilities of what we can do together when we join in as a community. At this event, we will be available to answer questions about the summer reading program and Beanstack, our online reading program platform. We'll also have temporary tattoos, a giant coloring page, chalk art, bubbles, bookmarks, and our famous button-making station where participants can design their own buttons. The Burleigh County Library will have the bookmobile parked in the lot so visitors can hop on and look around.

In addition, the Friends of the Bismarck Public Library will be hosting a sale of children's books in the lower level of the library from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. We hope you can stop by to enjoy some fun with us. All together now!!

Welcome to the Labyrinth

When you’re in the neighborhood this summer, stop by and check out our new labyrinth on the north side of the library. Since ancient times, people have walked through labyrinths as a form of meditation, a path of healing and wholeness, or as a symbolic journey through life. You are encouraged to walk at your own pace with an open mind and heart, focusing on your personal journey of balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Pause at the entrance of the design and follow the path to the center. When you arrive at the center, retrace your path back to the entrance.

Thank you to funding by Orville and Kathy Eide through the Bismarck Library Foundation, Inc. for this great addition to our grounds. 

Outdoor Adventures Begin @ the Library

Summer is here! There's no better time to stop by the library to check out a North Dakota State Park pass and get outdoors to explore all the natural beauty our state has to offer. A park pass grants free daily vehicle entry into any state park in North Dakota, including great nearby parks like Cross Ranch, Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson, and Fort Abraham Lincoln. To make your outdoor adventure extra fun, the library also has fishing poles (with tackle box) and kids' life vests to check out! Park passes check out for seven days; fishing poles and life vests check out for 14 days.

Coming soon! Disc Golf sets! Watch our website and Facebook for forthcoming details.

Magic Show with Jeff Quinn

Monday, June 5, 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Meeting Room A

Join Nebraska magician Jeff Quinn for a fun and engaging summer reading-themed show. With "All Together Now," the entire audience has to join together to make the magic show work. Whether it's a single person volunteering or the entire crowd shouting magic words, everybody gets to contribute to make this amazing magic show a success! It's a lot of fun and everyone will leave believing that it really was THEIR magic show...and that Jeff just helped a little bit. There are 2 shows, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with the same content - appropriate for all ages. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Bismarck Public Library.

Library Game Night

Thursday, June 29, 6:00-8:00 PM

Meeting Room A

We love board games, and we know you do too! Join us for game night to meet new people and try out some fun games from the library's extensive collection. Open to all ages, there will be board games, card games, group games, and games for kids - plus fresh popcorn!

Beginning Computer Classes

Computer & Internet Basics - Tuesday, June 6, 10:00 AM

Introduction to iPads/iPhones - Thursday, June 8, 10:00 AM

Beginning Microsoft Word – Tuesday, June 27, 10:00 AM

Introduction to Android/Samsung Phones & Tablets – Thursday, June 29, 10:00 AM

Learn the basics of how to use a computer, mobile devices, and Microsoft Office software. Seating is limited to six participants per session, and registration is required – register at the Information Desk or call the library at 701-355-1480. All classes last approximately one hour and are held in the Computer Training Lab.

Love the Library? Be a Friend!

The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing public awareness and use of the Library through cultural, educational, and social activities. The Friends also raise funds to supplement and enhance library programs and services. If you love the library, show your support by becoming a Friend!