ALLIANCE – Rodman Public Library has announced several upcoming activities in July.

Science Kits Available July 6

Starting July 6, children can pick up a “My First Science Kit” filled with instructions, materials and equipment to conduct more than 100 experiments at Rodman Public Library. With the STEM kit, kids will make fizzy potions, water fireworks, create an ocean in a bottle, conduct color science experiments, and make perfume – among others. The kits are provided through the Greater Alliance Foundation to celebrate summer enrichment and America 250. The kits, recommended for ages 4 and older, are available only at the Main Library on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one kit per family.

Minecraft Scavenger Hunt at RPL

Youth, ages 10 to 18, are invited to take part in Rodman Public Library’s Minecraft Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday, July 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. Participants will be split into four groups and will be tasked with following clues and completing activities throughout the library in order to gather pieces for a Minecraft-themed puzzle. Prizes will be awarded to the first team to complete the puzzle and snacks will be offered. Registration is required to participate at rodmanlibrary.com. The event is supported by Friends of Rodman Library.

Steel Drumming Workshop Offered at RPL

Youth, ages 10 to 18, will have the opportunity to play the steel drums when Steel Appeal conducts a steel drumming workshop at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. Registration is required to participate at rodmanlibrary.com.

Participants will discover the history and cultural roots of the steel drum, from its Caribbean origins to its modern-day evolution. The workshop explores how the instruments are built and tuned, and demonstrates performance techniques used by steel bands around the world. Along the way, attendees will be introduced to key musical concepts such as rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, timbre, musical forms, and dynamics.

The workshop is directed by Dr. Chad Floyd, professor of percussion at Campbellsville University in Kentucky, renowned for his dynamic performances and original compositions. He has toured extensively across the United States, Brazil, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, South Korea, and Trinidad. Many of his percussion compositions have gained international recognition, becoming staples in the standard solo percussion repertoire.

Since 2008, Floyd has directed Steel Appeal, bringing this vibrant educational music program to hundreds of schools and libraries throughout the United States, inspiring audiences with the unique sounds and cultural history of the steel drum.

Summer Reading Stories & More Continue in July

Rodman Public Library’s Summer Reading Stories & More programs continue on Thursdays in July at the Main Library. All programs are free, thanks to support fom Friends of Rodman Library, and begin at 10:30 a.m.

On July 2, just in time for Independence Day, children will celebrate America’s 250 with stories, games, a scavenger hunt, and craft during the Americana Chalk Obstacle Course.

On July 9, children are invited to a Rock Buffet where they will learn about the three types of rock – metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary – by using food items.

On July 16, children’s department staff members will bring to life various dinosaur stories through theatrical skits during All About Dinos. There will also be dinosaur races and children will make dinosaur sand art necklaces.

On July 23, the final Summer Reading Stories & More program of 2026, Rodman Public Library will welcome Steel Appeal, an interactive and educational music program that showcases the exciting world of steel drums, directed by Chad Floyd, a professor of percussion at Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Registration is required for all children and caregivers attending at rodmanlibrary.com.

Summer Reading Stories & More is held in conjunction with the 2026 Unearth A Story summer reading program, which runs through Aug. 1.

For information about children’s programming at Rodman Public Library, call 330-821-2665, ext. 223.

Bouncing Babies Storytime

Babies and toddlers up to age 3 will enjoy Bouncing Babies Storytime, an action-packed lap bounce program offered on Mondays in July at 10:30 a.m. Caregivers will bounce and lift children to rhymes and songs, as well as hear age-appropriate stories. Babies and toddlers will also get their first experience with art as they complete an art project each week. No registration is required to attend this special summer program.