Tacoma's library's are full of free programs and events this summer for children and families. Space is limited at many libraries and seating is on a first-come, space available basis. Please note that some events require advance registration to ensure that enough supplies are available. These events are marked with an asterisk ( * ). To register for an event, telephone the library at 253.292.2001. You can register online using our interactive calendar at http://evanced.tacomapubliclibrary.org
Meet our incredible guest performers!
Steven's Puppets
Bringing Fairy Tales and Literature to Life.
Celebrating their 75th year of producing one of-a-kind marionette productions for children of all ages. Using hand carved and beautifully costumed puppets, these skilled artists bring the classic stories of Sleeping Beauty and The Wizard of Oz to life. Breathtaking magic! One World Taiko
One World Taiko is a professional Japanese drum ensemble that incorporates dynamic movement, lyrical melodies and rhythmic grooves with heart pounding percussion.  Alex Zerbe’s Imagination Circus
Alex Zerbe’s comedy show is a dynamic array of amazing stunts, physical comedy and audience participation. The show spotlights a variety of mind-blowing tricks like mouth juggling two ping pong balls and harpooning vegetables launched from a giant slingshot. In addition to his incredible juggling skills, he performs beat-boxing, music looping, silly dances and funny raps.
The Not-Its!
Back by popular demand, The Not-Its! are Seattle’s most rockin’ band making music for children. They make kids dance with up-tempo, power-pop hits that families love.
Bakra Bata
Simply unique. This steel drum troupe not only plays the breezy island music most people associate with steel-drum bands but combines it with dance, theater and masquerade for a vibrant program of music and movement from the Caribbean, Africa and South America.  Roberto the Magnificent
Crazy Comedy Stunt Show!
Be ready for an action-packed performance that highlights Roberto’s unique variety of circus-style skills that include riding very tall unicycles and industrial strength pogo sticks, juggling super sharp knives and other things too dangerous to mention. You will love his wild comical antics, high-energy pace and amazing stunts.
Mario Lorenz
Mario Lorenz mesmerizes audiences everywhere. He is funny and fun to watch but impossible to describe. He makes you laugh and smile and giggle. He juggles. He clowns around. He is a mime. He steals audience members and recruits them into his performance. He gets silly. Jeff Evans, Magician
An award-winning magician, Jeff brings an outrageously fun, new magic show to the library celebrating the magic of reading. Jeff attempts to recreate one of his childhood dreams; floating in mid-air. So amazing, you’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming!  The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land
Wild-eyed mixers! Grating graters. Forks, spoons, knives that come together as crazily creative creatures. A wildly imaginative show featuring whimsical characters made from recycled, discarded, and second hand junk. Great for the entire family.
Special stories, crafts & cool events!
Storytime and Craft:
Prince and Princess
Listen to Mr. Brian tell tales of enchantment from Yugoslavia, France, and Ukraine. Then
become Princes and Princesses with your own crowns! Registration required.
Storytime and Craft:
Fairytales from Japan & China
Enter the “Land of the Rising Sun” with Mr. Brian then climb the Great Wall. We will then make Chiyogami, Japanese Paper Doll bookmarks. Registration required.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons
Enjoy Dragon tales with Mr. Brian. Then celebrate the “Year of the Dragon” by making a Dragon!
Registration required.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters
Gather around Mr. Brian and listen to monster stories from Africa, Sicily, and Sweden. Then make a monster craft. Registration required. Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships
Blast off with Mr. Brian into outer space. Then create spaceships that can fly!
Registration required. Glowing Mad Science
Make glowing slime, glowing fairy jars, moon sand, and create glow accessories. Ages 10 +.
Registration Required. PajamaRama Preschool Dance Party
Let’s boogie! Wear your PJ’s and get ready to shake your sillies out at this high energy dance party. Angry Birds: LIVE!
Your favorite game is about to get real! Fling a plush Angry Bird and make an Angry Bird button. Pokemon Tournament
Gotta catch em’ all! Winners receive plush Pokemon and candy trophies. Make a button, enter the Pokemon drawing contest, or play Wii while you wait. Ages 7-19.
Your summer fun starts here!
Kobetich Main Moore Mottet South Tacoma Swasey Wheelock Fern Hill Library
756 South 84th Street
Tacoma, WA 98444 253-341-4724 Tuesday, June 26 @ 1 p.m.
Angry Birds: LIVE! Thursday, June 28 @ 3 p.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land Thursday, July 5 @ 3 p.m.
Alex Zerbe Thursday, July 12 @ 3 p.m.
Steven’s Puppets:
Sleeping Beauty Friday, July 13 @ 3 p.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician Thursday, July 19 @ 11:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters * Friday, July 20 @ 11 a.m.
Roberto the Magnificent Tuesday, July 24 @ 1 p.m.
PajamaRama Preschool Dance Party Wednesday, July 25 @ 2 p.m.
Pokemon Tournament Thursday, July 26 @ 11:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships * Thursday, August 2 @ 11:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Prince & Princess * Thursday, August 9 @ 11:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft
Fairytales from Japan & China * Thursday, August 16 @ 11:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons *
Kobetich Library
212 Browns Point Blvd NE
Tacoma, WA 98422 253-248-7265 Saturday, June 16 @ 1 p.m.
Mario Lorenz Tuesday, June 19 @ 1 p.m.
PajamaRama Preschool Dance Party Tuesday, June 26 @ 4 p.m.
Angry Bird: LIVE! Saturday, July 7 @ 3 p.m.
Alex Zerbe Tuesday, July 10 @ 3 p.m.
Steven’s Puppets:
The Wizard of Oz Wednesday, July 18 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters * Wednesday, July 25 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships * Friday, July 27 @ 3 p.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land Saturday, July 28 @ 3 p.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician Wednesday, August 1 @ 12 p.m.
Roberto the Magnificent Wednesday, August 8 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Fairytales from Japan & China * Wednesday, August 15 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons *
Main Library
1102 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402 253-292-2001 Saturday, June 16 @ 1-4 p.m.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Club! Face painting, balloon animals, mini golf, crafts and Bakra Bata Steel Drum Band at 2 p.m. Monday, June 25 @ 1 p.m.
The Not-Its! Wednesday, June 27 @ 11 a.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land Saturday, June 30 @ 1 – 5:30 p.m.
Experience Star Wars @ Your Library
An afternoon of Star Wars experiences! Come in costume, if you dare.
Feel the Force: Drop-In Fun @ 1-2:30 p.m.,
Teen Area
Explore a gallery of authentic Star Wars collectibles, enjoy photo-ops with costumed characters from the film, do Star Wars crafts, answer trivia. All Ages.
Jedi Training Camp @ 1 p.m.,
Olympic Room
Young Padawans, trained you will be. Begin the long path towards becoming a Jedi by honing your mind, body and sense. Ages 9+. Registration Recommended.
Call of the Wild Wookie Contest @ 2:30 p.m.,
Olympic Room. All Ages.
Interactive Screening of Star Wars: A New Hope (122 minutes) @ 3 p.m.,
Audience participation is encouraged at this somewhat silly interactive showing of the famous film. Prop bags provided to the first 75 families that attend. Refreshments served Saturday, July 7 @ 1 p.m.
MarioKart Tournament
Main Library, Olympic Room
Demonstrate that you are the king of Kart, MarioKart that is. Winners will receive a trophy and open gaming will be available. Make a MarioKart button while you wait.
For ages 6-12. Monday, July 9 @ 2 p.m.
Glowing Mad Science * Tuesday, July 10 @ 11 a.m.
Steven’s Puppets:
The Wizard of Oz Saturday, July 14 - 2 sessions
10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Fancy Nancy’s Day with Dad *
Fancy Nancy is having a party and you are invited! Dress in your finest party wear and spend some quality time with your dad, grandpa, uncle or other favorite guy.
For ages 5-up. Tuesday, July 17 @ 11 a.m.
Roberto the Magnificent Wednesday, July 18 @ 10:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters * Friday, July 20 @ 3 p.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician Monday, July 23 @ 2 p.m.
Pokemon Tournament Wednesday, July 25 @ 11 a.m.
Alex Zerbe Wednesday, August 1 @ 10:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Prince and Princess * Wednesday, August 8 @ 10:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft
Fairytales from Japan & China * Wednesday, August 15 @ 10:30 a.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons * Thursday, August 16 @ 7 p.m.
Spooky Stories
Bring your sleeping bag and join us around the campfire for some spine-tingling tales. Recommended for ages 5-up.
Moore Library
215 South 56th Street
Tacoma, WA 98408 253-341-4848
Saturday, June 16 @ 11 a.m.
Bakra Bata Saturday, July 7 @ 11 a.m.
Alex Zerbe Wednesday, July 11 @ 12:30 p.m.
Steven’s Puppets:
Sleeping Beauty Thursday, July 12 @ 3 p.m.
Glowing Mad Science * Thursday, July 19 @ 3 p.m.
Roberto the Magnificent Saturday, July 21 @ 3 p.m.
The Not-Its! Thursday, July 26 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships * Saturday, July 28 @ 11 a.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician
Tuesday, July 31 @ 1 p.m.
PajamaRama Preschool Dance Party Thursday, August 2 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Prince and Princess * Saturday, August 4 @ 11 a.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land Thursday, August 9 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft
Fairytales from Japan & China * Thursday, August 16 @ 4 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons *
Mottet Library
3523 East G Street
Tacoma, WA 98404 253-617-7680
Friday, July 13 @ 11 a.m.
Alex Zerbe
Wednesday, July 18 @ 1:30 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters * Wednesday, July 25 @ 1:30 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships * Wednesday, August 1 @ 1:30 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Prince and Princess * Wednesday, August 8 @ 1:30 p.m.
Storytime and Craft
Fairytales from Japan & China * Wednesday, August 15 @ 1:30 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons *
South Tacoma Library
3411 South 56th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409 253-617-7809
Wednesday, June 27 @ 3 p.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land Saturday, June 30 @ 3 p.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician Wednesday, July 11 @ 3:30 p.m.
Steven’s Puppet:
The Wizard of Oz Thursday, July 19 @ 2 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Monsters * Wednesday, July 25 @ 3 p.m.
Alex Zerbe Thursday, July 26 @ 2 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Spaceships * Wednesday, August 1 @ 3 p.m.
Roberto the Magnificent Thursday, August 2 @ 2 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Prince and Princess * Tuesday, August 7 @ 1 p.m.
PajamaRama Preschool Dance Party Thursday, August 9 @ 2 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Fairytales from Japan & China * Thursday, August 16 @ 2 p.m.
Storytime and Craft:
Dragons *
Swasey Library
7001 Sixth Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
Tuesday, July 3 @ 3 p.m.
4th of July Craft
Hooray for the USA! Celebrate Independence Day! Make a red, white and & patriotic bracelet.
Friday, July 13 @ 3 p.m.
Alex Zerbe
Friday, July 20 @ 3 p.m.
Roberto the Magnificent
Friday, July 27 @ 11 a.m.
The Zambini Brothers in
Stories from Junk Puppet Land
Tuesday, July 31 @ 3 p.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician
Saturday, August 11 @ 10:30 a.m.
Thomas the Tank Engine Party
All aboard for fun! Chug on down to the library for train stories, songs, and more. Registration required. For ages 6-under.
Wheelock Library
3722 N. 26th Street
Tacoma, WA 98407 253-617-7811
Family Gaming
Saturday, June 9 @ 2-5 p.m
Wednesday, June 20 @ 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, July 14 @ 2-5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25 @ 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, August 11 @ 2-5 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22 @ 5-7 p.m.
Come play board games, checkers, and more! Fun for the whole family.
Saturday, June 16 @ 11 a.m.
One World Taiko
Summer Family Movies
Saturdays @ 2 p.m.
June 23 – Adventures of Tintin
July 28 – Journey 2: Mysterious Island
August 25 – Big Miracle Pajama Storytime
Wednesdays @ 7 p.m. June 27- August 1
Bring the whole family to an interactive evening storytime and join us for stories, songs, rhymes and literacy based activities. Pajamas are welcome!
Thursday, June 28 @ 11 a.m.
The Zambini Brothers in Stories from Junk Puppet Land
Preschool Storytime
Fridays @ 10:15 and 11 a.m.
June 29 - August 3
Join us for interactive storytime: books, fingerplays, felt stories & fun!
Saturday, June 30 @ 11 a.m.
Jeff Evans, Magician
Thursday, July 5 @ 11 a.m.
Alex Zerbe
Thursday, July 12 @ 11 a.m.
Steven’s Puppets:
Sleeping Beauty
Thursday, July 19 @ 11 a.m.
Roberto the Magnificent
Saturday, July 21 @ 11 a.m.
The Not-Its! Stuffed Animal Sleepover
July 27 - Drop Off all day
July 28- Animal Pick Up & Storytime @ 11 a.m.
Drop off your stuffed animal friend on July 27. Stuffed animals will spend the night at the library listening to stories, playing games, and staying up late! Pick up your special friend on July 28 at 11 a.m. and join us for a fun-filled storytime where you will see pictures of what the stuffed animals did overnight in the library!
Thursday, August 9 @ 11 a.m.
Craft Time Together
Celebrate summer reading at this special craft time designed for the whole family. There will be a craft for preschool age children and school age children.
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