RIVER FALLS – If you’re looking for fun things to do this summer, look no further than the River Falls Public Library’s Adult Summer Library program. From Bingo to walking, running and hiking challenges, adventures await.  

When Adult Services & Circulation Librarian Heather Johnson first took over the Adult Summer Library program roughly a decade ago, she knew she wanted to figure out two burning questions.  

“What do adults really want to do in the summer?” she asked. “What motivates them to come in the library and be engaged?” 

Adults were coming to the children’s programs with their kids and grandkids. But they weren’t coming to the programs in the evening. People are just so busy, she thought. She didn’t let that deter her.  

Last year during the 100th anniversary of the River Falls Public Library, she used a 100-square Bingo sheet with all kinds of ways to earn raffle tickets that can be used to try to win one of 75 prize bundles. The variety of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And better yet, the activities can be done solo or with family and friends. Some even warrant earning bonus tickets. 

Some examples of Bingo squares include: 

• Using resources that the library has: An example would be using “Transparent Languages.” Learn the word for adventure in another language and write it down.  

• Story Walk at Hoffman Park  

• Bring a friend or family member to get a bingo sheet you get a bonus ticket 

• Attend a library program to get five bonus tickets 

• Go for a bike ride 

• Read or listen to a banned book 

• Make a list of 50 places you want to visit in 2024 and tell us one of them 

• Check out a projector from the library and host a movie night with family and friends 

• Listen to local music 

• Visit a food truck and tell us what you ate 

• Watch a fireworks show 

Johnson uses activities that don’t involve being on social media and can get people out in the community and region enjoying the historic sites, parks, trails and culture the area has to offer. Another goal is to inform people about all the resources and programs at the library. 

“We try to meet them where they’re at and what they’re involved with,” Johnson said. “The whole sheet gets them learning and engaged in the community. And that’s what libraries are all about.” 

Johnson added in the running, hiking and biking challenges last year.  

“People really seemed to like that as well. Why not reward adults for things they’re already doing? I’m a contest person,” she said.  

The Adult Summer Library Program is for adults 18+ and runs through Sept. 7. Here’s a rundown of what you can do: 

Bingo: Bingo sheets and registration forms are available in the library. Each adult participant will need to fill out an adult SLP registration form. By filling out the registration form, each participant will have the chance to win a pair of Ray Ban Meta Smart Sunglasses! The sunglasses allow you to use your voice to get answers to questions with Meta AI, capture photos using the built-in camera, make and receive phone calls, listen to music, Livestream, and more! After filling out the registration form, pick up a copy of the blue adult Bingo sheet and cross off squares to earn tickets for chances to win prizes. There are 100 squares on the BINGO sheet. Each square is worth 1 raffle ticket, with some squares having bonus opportunities to earn up to 10 additional bonus tickets. Participants put their name and phone number on the back of the tickets and put the tickets into any of the 75 ticket buckets next to the assorted raffle prizes.  

Prizes include book bundles, book and puzzle bundles and themed book and prize bundles ranging from sourdough starter kits, camping, hiking and road trip packages and even a 17” Blackstone griddle, Johnson said.  

The MORE Libraries Passport Program and the RFPL Park Passport Program are also part of Bingo again this year. Both passport programs strive to get people involved with the libraries in the MORE system and the parks in River Falls. A list of additional summer library programs, historical sites in River Falls, and other helpful information are listed on the back of the Bingo sheets. Adults can stop by any participating MORE library to pick up a copy of the MORE passport. Passports can be stamped June 1-Aug. 31. For every 10 stamps or codes collected, you can get an entry form for a chance to win great prizes. At RFPL, adults receive a bag with coupons for Culver’s and Dunkin Donuts while supplies last.  

“People have such a blast with it because they get to see libraries in other communities and even make daytrips out of it. We’ve already surpassed the number of passports we had last year,” Johnson said.  

RFPL Park Passport sheets to earn a park passport can be picked up in the River Falls Public Library. Walking, biking and reading challenges: To make the challenges fun and adventurous, each of the challenges have been associated with Wisconsin trails and libraries in the MORE system. Adults track their walking/running/hiking miles, biking miles and minutes spent reading/listening to audiobooks. Participants reaching these goals can turn in their tracking forms for a chance to win $100 gift certificates to Fox Den Books or Garage Bikes + Brews or a Fitness tracker.  

Participants can walk, hike or run the distance of the Great River Road Mississippi River Trail. The minimum walking/running/hiking requirement is 250 miles. The Great River Road Bikeway, Mississippi River Trail route goes for 250 miles in Wisconsin and is located primarily on the Great River Road (WIS 35) between Prescott and Prairie du Chien.  

Or you can bike the distance of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The minimum biking requirement for the challenge is 600 miles, but participants can bike up to 1,200 miles. The Ice Age Trail is open for hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing. Many segments support cross-country skiing, too, Johnson said. The trail occasionally coincides with state bike trails – biking is allowed on these sections only. T 

Last year there were 584 adults who registered for the BINGO program and the additional challenges.  

“The more people who participate, the better,” Johnson said.  

Many of the prizes offered come from the Library Foundation and book donations. Johnson bases her prize bundles off what’s popular and trending, such as the current trends of sourdough bread baking, sustainable housecleaning or Blackstone cookbooks.  

“One of the baskets this year is a glamping basked,” Johnson said. “It comes with an inflatable camping couch, in a groovy pattern, a backpack, and don’t need even need a pump.” 

Johnson appreciates the multi-generational aspect of this program, so she also provided prizes that family members of all ages can do together, such as a donut maker, fondue kit, or tie dye kit. 

“I like to tie in life-long learning,” Johnson said. “I also try to incorporate mental health aspects and inspire healthy habits. You see a lot of kids who loves the prizes, because they can do them with parents and grandparents.” 

To learn more about the program, stop into the River Falls Public Library (140 Union St.) and join the adventure.