Looking for some air conditioning and fun-filled activities after days spent at the beach? Newport Beach Public Library has you and your kids covered, offering opportunities to win prizes, make crafts, and various other hands-on activities to ensure an engaging learning experience all summer long. Head-on down to the Balboa Branch on July 13th and spark your curiosity with “Mad Science” demonstrations, or opt to get in touch with nature and help start a garden by decorating pots and planting seeds.

The library’s here to make sure your summer days aren’t all blissfully brainless with a host of events including the YAAC Science Fair, or for those of you more captivated by nature’s creatures, the Pacific Animal Productions where real live animals will be shown in the library! Interact with them and learn about the lives of our furry friends to grow a greater appreciation for how they survive in the animal kingdom.

Want to become “une vrai artiste” this summer? No problem. Exercise a different part of your brain and try your artistic abilities with Art by Design. Discover the potential in paper as you learn to create, fold, and glue the simple sheet into fantastical shapes and figures, or take the kids to see the interactive Swazzle Puppet Party where they’ll be recruited as the Green Rangers to help save the day!

A little bit of the Wild West is coming to the beach on August 12 with Cowboy Ken Frawley’s entertaining trick roping and cowboy songs. Listen to his pioneer stories and sing along to the ballads to celebrate the last day of the Summer Reading Program. However, no one quite paired the cowboy persona and Newport Beach like John Wayne, and if you’re a lover of western films or interested in the actor who made his home along the fine harbor of Newport Beach, visit the library to see the 15 lost archival prints of the rugged man himself. You’ll be treated with rare and never before seen photos of John Wayne onset and with crew and family taken by the renowned photographer John R. Hamilton. But come soon! This exclusive exhibit is only available to the public until September 9th.

Whether it’s science experiments, hands-on animal learning, artistic ventures, or cultural exhibits, the Newport Beach Public Library sticks with the city’s tradition of providing an all-access pass for entertainment and rare opportunities to all its visitors this summer. Locations and dates vary, so check out their website to plan your fun festivities and start the spark of creativity!