Free Summer-Long Initiative Offers Artistic Exploration and Mind-Expanding Opportunities for All Ages
THORNTON, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#adamscountycolorado—Anythink Libraries, the award-winning Colorado public library system serving Adams County, is putting artistic expression at the forefront of its annual mySummer initiative that runs from June 1 through July 31. New and returning Anythinkers are invited to discover their creative potential through a variety of free, hands-on programs, workshops and experiences designed to inspire the creative thinker in everyone. As schools wrap up for summer break, mySummer provides valuable, no-cost enrichment opportunities for Anythinkers of all ages to keep curious minds engaged all summer long.
“We believe everyone is creative and art has the power to bridge gaps and strengthen communities,” says Suzanne McGowan, Anythink’s director of customer experience. “This summer, we’re inviting everyone to discover new ways to express themselves and connect with others through creative exploration.”
Throughout June and July, Anythink branches will offer engaging programs for all ages, including:
Create Musical Theatre Magic (Children ages 6-10): In this energetic musical theater workshop, kids will explore singing, dancing, acting and stage movement. Conductors from the Colorado Children’s Chorale will lead fun, interactive activities designed to help young performers build creativity, confidence and teamwork.
Creative Cupcake Lab (Teens ages 13-17): Learn how to decorate cupcakes like a pro with expert decorators from Cake Crafts Denver. Explore piping techniques, frosting tips and creative tricks to make cupcakes pop with summer style. Each participant gets their own set of cupcakes to decorate and take home to share (or keep for themselves).
Turn Art Into Music (All Ages): Join the musicians of Playground Ensemble for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on music experience where creativity takes center stage and art and sound collide in surprising ways. Explore how shapes, colors and gestures can be transformed into music—then hear your ideas come to life, performed by live musicians in real time.
Create Your Own Herb Patch (All Ages): Dig into the joys of gardening with Chef Andrea Condes of Four Directions Cuisine in this hands-on, family friendly workshop. Learn how to start your own windowsill herb garden using easy-to-grow plants like mint, oregano and basil—perfect for small spaces and big flavor.
Create Your Own Style (Adults 18+): Dive into the world of personal style—what it is, how to find it and how to express it confidently in your everyday life. Anyone feeling stuck in a fashion rut, navigating a life transition or simply curious about refining their look will enjoy this class and its fun, supportive space to explore and experiment.
“Creative expression is fundamental to human development and community connection,” says Mark Fink, Anythink’s executive director. “Since the inaugural mySummer in 2010, Anythink has provided spaces and opportunities for people of all ages to discover their creative potential. When we create together, we not only develop new skills but also build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Branch-specific programming will also be ongoing throughout the summer and feature activities for all ages and interests to “Create,” like building Hot Wheels mazes in Bennett, squeegee painting classes in Brighton, coffee brewing courses in Commerce City, and creating memories at Thornton skatepark while decorating skate gear with custom stickers.
All Anythink locations will celebrate the start of mySummer with special kickoff events for the whole family. Customers can sign up for programs, receive their mySummer canvas messenger bag, meet staff members and enjoy creative activities:
Saturday, May 31, 1-4 p.m. — Anythink Bennett
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Anythink Thornton Community Center
Monday, June 2, 1-3 p.m. — Anythink Brighton
Monday, June 2, 1:30-3 p.m. — Anythink Huron
Tuesday, June 3, 4-5 p.m. — Anythink Wright Farms
Saturday, June 7, 2:30-4 p.m. — Anythink Perl Mack
Special programming for miniThinkers (Anythink’s youngest customers) will include board books as take-home incentives to encourage early literacy and creativity.
Community members are encouraged to join mySummer at any Anythink location or online at anythinklibraries.org/mySummer. Some programs require individual registration via the online calendar at events.anythinklibraries.org/events. Library cards are not necessary for mySummer programming but are required for other Anythink activities.
About mySummer
As an experience library, Anythink introduced mySummer in 2010 as a way for people of all ages—babies, kids, teens, adults—to let curiosity be their guide during the summer months. We encourage everyone to READ books that inspire, to THINK about new topics and questions and to DO all of the hands-on activities that help them experience the world around us. Programs like mySummer help close opportunity gaps by providing high quality, hands-on learning experiences to students of all ages and backgrounds.
About Anythink Libraries
Anythink, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado via its seven branches and a bookmobile. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7—including Anythink World, the library’s custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you’re exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org
Contacts
Media Contact
Casey Echols
Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency
caseyechols@mygrasslands.com
