Main event: Summer Reading Program kicks off **Free Access**

Poplar Bluff Library will kick off its summer reading programs Saturday, with activities at the main branch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The event will include lawn games, ice cream, a photo booth, face painting and free gifts for those who sign up.

The Traveling Through the Pages summer reading program offers activities from June 3-July 29.

It includes a program for adults with weekly gift card drawings, and giveaways of a kayak, Kindle and Nespresso machine.

Special events in June include: 10:30 a.m. June 10, a Geocaching 101 class; 6 p.m. June 16, a summer concert in the library garden; and all day June 24, an escape room.

Summer reading for grades 7-12 will also include prizes and events. Prizes will include a game console, bike, Nerf guns and other items.

June events for youth and teens include: Teen Hangout Night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 2; 3-4 p.m. June 9 and June 23, Culture and Cuisine programs with a class on how to make dishes from other countries; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trapped in a Story Book Escape Room; and 4-5 p.m. June 26, VR Travel Experience.

For ages birth to sixth grade, prizes will include a 3-in-1 scooter, Magna tiles, a youth scooter, a Kindle, a bike and an art set.

June events for this program will include: 10:30 a.m.-noon June 5 at the Main Branch, Lego Challenge; 10:30 a.m. June 6 at the Main Branch, story time; 2 p.m. June 8 at the Ridgel Branch, story time; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. June 12 and June 26 at the Main Branch, Crochet College; 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. June 14 at the Main Branch, Snakes Alive!; 2-4 p.m. June 17 at the Main Branch, Family Crafting; 4-6 p.m. July 19 at the Ridgel Branch, Fun With Play Dough and Other Gooey Stuff; 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. June 17 and 10:30 a.m. June 18, at the Main Branch, Marty the Magician.

Other upcoming events include:

— Aaron Lewis acoustic, 8 p.m. June 3 WHERE Black River Coliseum COST Tickets $25-$125 WHAT Lewis is on The Acoustic Tour, with Mikey Wayne opening.

— Jack Miller Memorial Kid’s Fun Day, 8-11 a.m. June 3 WHERE Lost Creek Pond WHAT This event is organized the Wappapello Lake Project Office. For information, call 573-222-8562.

— 25th Annual Jacks Fork Cleanup and Kayak Giveaway, 8 a.m. June 3. WHERE Buck Hollow, Blue Spring, Bay Creek, Alley Springs, Eminence Landing, Two Rivers. COST None listed. WHAT The Scenic Rivers Stream Team Association’s yearly river cleanup. Groups must provide their own river transportation, and canoes are available to rent from local facilities. Participants must register for the cleanup between 8-10 a.m. June 3 at their chosen location. Trash bags and a T-shirt will be handed out. The kayak drawing will be held at 5 p.m. The winner is responsible for picking up the kayak. More information about the event and Stream Team rental discounts is available by calling Jack and Mary Ficker at 573-729-7065 or emailing jack_maryficker@hotmail.com.

— Alcohol Ink Art Classes and Demos, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 3. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free. WHAT Artist Jackie Roberts will offer demonstrations and free one-hour classes on creating alcohol ink landscapes. Classes will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with demos the rest of the day. Materials are provided. Sign up is necessary as class size is limited. For more information, email swhitworth@pbcity.org or call MHAM at 573-686-8002 during open hours.

— Opry at the Rodgers presents Narvel Felts, 7-10 p.m. June 3 COST Tickets $20 WHAT A night of returning favorites will include Narvel Felts and Johnathan Len.

— 2023 Mental Health Conference, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, June 8 WHERE Tinnin Fine Arts Center COST Free WHAT The 2023 Mental Health Conference will focus on Risk and Resiliency. Experts will speak on mental health topics such as welcoming inclusive safe equitable service environments, LGBTQ+ mental health, conversations for suicide safer homes, and lived experience. This conference is a partnership with the Mental Health Coalition, Butler County Community Resource Council, FCC Behavioral Health and Three Rivers College.

— Bat tracking, 8-10 p.m. Friday, June 16 WHERE Greenville campground sites 102 and 103. This event is organized the Wappapello Lake Project Office. For information, call 573-222-8562.

— 16th Annual Upper Current River Cleanup and Kaway Giveaway, 8 a.m. June 17. WHERE Montauk State Park, Baptist Access, Cedargrove, Akers, Pulltite, or any put-in/take out area. COST None listed. WHAT A Father’s Day weekend gathering to keep the Current River clean. Registration is at river access points for Montauk Lodge, Cedargrove, Akers Upper Landing or Pulltite. Participants receive a mesh trash bag and T-shirt. Kayak drawing will be held around 5 p.m., winner responsible for pickup arrangements. More information is available by contacting Jack and Mary Ficker at 573-729-7065 or emailing jack_maryficker@hotmail.com.

— Fur, Feathers and Scales, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 17 WHERE Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center. WHAT This event is organized the Wappapello Lake Project Office. For information, call 573-222-8562.

— Carnahan & Co. live performance, 7-11 p.m. June 17 WHERE The Camp at Lake Wappapello COST $5 WHAT Live music and entertainment.

— Count It All Joy - 2023 Women’s Conference, June 23-25 WHERE Heartland Christian Family Church, 3025 S. Westwood Blvd. COST Free WHAT This annual Women’s Conference is a partnership between HCFC and God’s Power House. It brings special guest speakers Shirley Darnell, Susan Hartley, Bonnie Goons, Linda Klingle, and Virginia Thomas, each with a special message on how to count it all joy. Activities begin at 7 p.m. June 23; 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. June 24; and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

— Fourth Friday Cruise-In, 5:30-8 p.m. June 23 WHERE Gooch’s Good Eats, Piedmont WHAT Organizers say this is a chance to check out the local car scene. Visitors are invited to bring hot rods, classic cars, old trucks or motorcycles, or just come and enjoy some live music with “Just Kenny.”

— Tech N9ne, 7 p.m. June 30 WHERE Black River Coliseum COST Tickets $35-$55 WHAT Tech N9ne will perform with Joey Cool. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.

Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@darnews.com.

Editor's Note - This article has been updated to correct the day of the library kick off event.