Beyond the Bookshelf: What’s Happening at Parsons Public Library This Week

If you still think libraries are just quiet rooms for dusty paperbacks, you haven’t stepped into the Parsons Public Library lately. From outdoor morning walks to high-energy teen challenges and creative tech hours, the calendar for July 20 to July 25 is packed.

Whether you’re looking to feed your kids, your mind, or your creative spark, here is a curated look at this week’s absolute must-attend events.

1. The Monday Night Double-Feature: Line Dancing & Food Challenges

Start your week by shaking off the Monday blues.

• Line Dancing for All Ages (Monday, 5:00 p.m.): Dust off your boots and get moving. No experience required—just bring your energy.

• "Will It?" Food Challenge (Monday, 6:00 p.m.): Calling all brave culinary souls aged 10 to 18. This is a high-stakes, experimental food challenge where tastebuds will be tested. Will it taste good? Only one way to find out.

2. Get Hands-On: Make Your Own Book

• Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. (Ages 6–18): Instead of just reading stories, why not build one? This workshop guides young creators through the process of making their very own physical book. It’s the perfect blend of writing, art, and hands-on crafting.

3. Level Up with "Let’s STEAM!"

• Thursday, 4:00 p.m. (Ages 10–18): Thursday afternoon is all about future-proofing. Drop by the library to try out various types of technology. It’s an open-ended, hands-on opportunity for older kids and teens to tinker, code, and create using modern tech gear.

4. Friday’s Craft Double-Header

End the week by making something beautiful (or delightfully prehistoric).

• Dinosaur Eye Magnet Craft (Friday, 10:00 a.m. | Ages 6–10): Note: Sign-up is required for this one, so jump on the library’s website to secure a spot.

• Crystal Mirror Craft (Friday, 4:00 p.m. | All Ages): A brilliant way for the community to come together and build a stunning, reflective keepsake to take home.

Fuel Up: Free Summer Lunches 🥪

We can't talk about this week's schedule without highlighting the library's fantastic lunch program. Every weekday (Monday through Friday), free lunch is available for kids and teens aged 18 and younger:

• 11:30 a.m. at the Parsons Public Library (PPL).

• 12:00 p.m. at the Parsons Middle School Art Room (enter from the north/back parking lot).

The Details

• Where: Parsons Public Library, 311 S. 17th St., Parsons, KS

• Registration: For any events requiring sign-up (like Friday’s Dinosaur Eye craft), head to parsonslibrary.org to fill out a quick form. Registration opens 7 days before the event and closes 24 hours prior.