Youths of ages 6-12 are invited to learn how to build their own toolbox with an online workshop in early August.

As part of the Summer Reading Program, the North Olympic Library System invites children to build a toolbox with adult help and provided kits by following along with a demonstration set for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, on Facebook.

Beginning Monday, July 27, the free kits created by The Country Woodwright and lumber provided by Angeles Millwork will be available for pickup curbside at each NOLS branch, while supplies last; call NOLS at 360-417-8500, x2. to check on availability at your local library. Hammers are not provided.

Toolboxes can hold tools, books, art supplies, toys and more! This building project is an opportunity for kids and adults to connect with each other by talking, learning and creating together, library representatives say.

The theme for the 2020 Summer Reading Program is Imagine Your Story. This summertime celebration encourages children to keep reading during the summer break from school, and features a reading challenge with fabulous prizes, along with a multitude of virtual events for all ages.

Research shows that children who do not read during the summer experience “summer slide” and may lose up to a month of the instructional knowledge they gained during the previous school year.

Library summer reading programs have been shown to help alleviate the “summer slide” by providing access to books, enrichment activities, and encouraging young people to keep reading.

The 2020 Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 15.

The Summer Reading Program is supported by the Friends of the Library at all four NOLS libraries.

For more information about the Summer Reading Program and other events, visit www.nols.org/srp, call 360-417-8500 or email to discover@nols.org.