The air buzzed with excitement as Owatonna's Children's Services ushered in the 2025 Summer Reading Program on June 6. From 3 p.m. through 6 p.m., children and families gathered to kick off a month-long celebration of stories, learning, and fun.

At the heart of the event was the distribution of reading logs, encouraging young readers to dive into a world of books over the summer months. Adding a touch of delightful chaos, there were ice cream stands and tattoos that added a festival-like atmosphere to the proceedings.

One of the program's most enthralling highlights was the appearance of the Zoo Man at 3:45 p.m., captivating audiences with an interactive presentation of reptiles and amphibians. His show mesmerized both kids and adults, making the wonders of the animal kingdom come alive right before their eyes.

But the excitement didn't end there. The Summer Reading Program is peppered with events throughout June that aim to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning. Starting June 10, the rhythms of Summer Storytimes will echo every Tuesday through August 19 for preschool-aged children. A Sustainable Safari Wildlife Show on June 12 promises to cover animal behavior and conservation efforts, captivating audiences of all ages.

Families can also look forward to the clever antics of Ventriloquist James Wedgwood on June 18. However, a pause in the fun will occur on June 19, when the library and city offices close for the day.

Culminating the month is the highly-anticipated June Book Fair on June 26. For young readers who have embraced the challenge of reading at least ten days, a special reward awaits—a chance to pick out a free, brand-new book, keeping ages 0-15 eagerly turning pages and pens poised above logs.

Throughout June, Owatonna becomes a hub of literary celebration and community engagement, proving that through reading and exploration, summer can be an adventure in itself.