The Dolores Public Library invites youths to participate in “Build A Better World” this summer to provide reading programs, promote literacy and engage in science, technology, engineering, art and math activities.

The Build a Better World theme is presented by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, which offers a unified summer learning theme to states across the U.S.

This summer’s theme makes use of the appeal of creating, repurposing and building, according to Shaine Gans, youth services coordinator at the library.

Through programs, activities, books and games, participants will discover ways to look at the world around them and make positive change, Gans said in a news release.

Participation in the Dolores Public Library summer program continues through July. Infants to 17-year-olds can be registered to participate in the free programs. By completing reading logs and participating in programs, everyone can earn chances to win books and prizes at the end of the summer and earn frozen treats along the way, thanks to the Dolores Food Market.

On Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Storytime will incorporate topics related to the Build A Better World theme such as Houses Around the World. Storytime is geared to children ages birth to 17 years.On Thursdays at 9 a.m., youths of all ages are welcome for Dogtime to read aloud to a certified therapy dog.On Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m., there’s Gametime, for youths ages 8 and up.On Fridays, two Legotime days take place on July 14 and 28 at 2-3:30 p.m.On Tuesday, July 18 from 1-2 p.m., the final Buildtime of the summer gives participants the chance to build a birdhouse. On Wednesday, July 19 at 10 a.m., local author Marykay Shellman will read from her book “Gulliver’s Babies.”On Tuesday, July 25 from 3-4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 26, at 10 a.m., the library wraps up the summer season with screenings of the short films selected for the Telluride Mountain Film for Students Tour.

On Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Storytime will incorporate topics related to the Build A Better World theme such as Houses Around the World. Storytime is geared to children ages birth to 17 years.On Thursdays at 9 a.m., youths of all ages are welcome for Dogtime to read aloud to a certified therapy dog.On Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m., there’s Gametime, for youths ages 8 and up.On Fridays, two Legotime days take place on July 14 and 28 at 2-3:30 p.m.On Tuesday, July 18 from 1-2 p.m., the final Buildtime of the summer gives participants the chance to build a birdhouse. On Wednesday, July 19 at 10 a.m., local author Marykay Shellman will read from her book “Gulliver’s Babies.”On Tuesday, July 25 from 3-4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 26, at 10 a.m., the library wraps up the summer season with screenings of the short films selected for the Telluride Mountain Film for Students Tour.The Dolores Public Library also plans special events including hosting a local chef, children’s author, singer/songwriter and award-winning films for residents’ entertainment. They are:

On Tuesday, July 11 from 1-3 p.m., Stonefish Sushi & More chef Brandon Shubert will offer a hands-on Sushitime cooking demonstration for preregistered tweens and teens.On Wednesday, July 12, the library teams up with the local Cooking Matters program to Build A Better Meal as part of the nationwide Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry Initiative.On Monday, July 17 from 3-4 p.m., guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Weeks will give a free family concert.The summer library program is supported by the Colorado State Library and locally by the Dolores Food Market.

For more information, visit www.doloreslibrary.org or call 970-882-4127.