ADVENTURE BEGINS AT YOUR LIBRARY

Ripon, WI- An adventure-themed summer continues with the Ripon Public Library’s something-for-everyone summer lineup! Thanks to the Friends of the Library and other generous partners, programming is always free, and registration is not required unless noted.

MONDAY, JULY 8 at 12 PM | ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Explore the world from the comfort of the library or your own home with “Armchair Travel,” a six-week series occurring most Mondays at 12 PM in which locals share their travel adventures! Join in person or via Zoom. This week Dawn and Gary Scholtens will present pictures and stories about their travels to National Parks. Bring your own snack or lunch if you wish. Cookies & beverages served. Mark your calendars for the next adventure, July 15, to Jamaica with Julia Manor. Series suited to ages 10 years and up. A Zoom link is available on the library website and Facebook page.

MONDAY, JULY 8 at 5-8 PM | D&D AND MORE!  Join us for an evening of Dungeons and Dragons and other roleplaying games in which you immerse yourself in a world and character while problem-solving and collaborating with others! Beginners welcome. Recurs on the second Monday of August. Games are suitable for ages 11 years and up.

TUESDAY, JULY 9 AT 4-6 PM | CHOCOLATE TASTING FOR TEENS What’s your favorite chocolate? Dark? Milk? White? Join us to explore and enjoy the many flavors of chocolate with unique dipping options! This event is for ages 11-17 years and registration is required so we are sure to have plenty of chocolate, snacks, and drinks for everyone.  Register by calling 920-748-6160 or visiting the friendly front desk staff at the library. Mark the calendar for August ‘s teen event featuring Glow-in-the Dark Painting!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 | ANIMAL-THEMED TAKE & MAKE: Drop in to pick up a kit while supplies last. Choose from three adorable projects – snake, frog, turtle – then show off your completed project at the Zoozort show on Friday, July 12 at 1 PM!

THURSDAY, JULY 11 at 10 AM | FAMILY FUN WITH SMOKEY THE BEAR Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80^th birthday, including cupcakes and fire safety tips. PLUS visit with a firefighter and tour a firetruck from the Ripon Area fire District! Next week, July 18, enjoy children’s music with Micah Sommersmith. Family Fun features stories, music, and hands-on activities with ages 3-8 years in mind but fun for the whole family!

FRIDAY, JULY 12 at 1 PM | ZOOZORT LIVE ANIMAL SHOW | REGISTRATION REQUIRED Zoozort’s Noelle Bezio introduces a variety of fascinating animals closeup! We’re expecting Wanda the Wallaby, Bob the Tegu, Tallula the Fennec Fox, Mimi the Armadillo, Leon the Chameleon, Snowflake the Chinchilla, and Oliver the Kinkajou. Wonder at their habitats, lifestyles, and amazing adaptations. Occasionally animals get sick or may not be in a good mood, so animal substitutions can happen.

Registration is required. Please contact the library by visiting 120 Jefferson Street or call 920-748-6160.

Noelle has been a USDA licensed animal educator since 1990. As a former preschool educator, her ability to capture & maintain the attention of children of all ages is remarkable while her enthusiasm for sharing her passion is contagious!

PRIZES FOR KIDS, TEENS & ADULTS!!

Don’t miss this chance to win prizes and valuable gift cards to local businesses including Mugs and More, Sweet and Saulty, Sassy’s Pops A Lot, Campus Cinema, Chamber Bucks, Kwik Trip, Knuth’s Brewing Company, and Roadhouse Pizza!  All it takes is 30 seconds to register at the library’s front desk, then every time you check out reading materials your participation is automatically logged by staff. Check out reading material 3 out of 4 weeks each month to be eligible for prize drawings.

Visit the library’s website or follow Ripon Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for detailed information and the latest library news on programs and resources, or call a friendly librarian, 920-748-6160.

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Linda DeCramer | Youth Services Librarian

Ripon Public Library | 120 Jefferson Street

Ripon WI 54971 | 920-748-6160

decramer@riponlibrary.org

she/her/hers

Website: https://www.riponlibrary.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiponPublicLibrary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ripon’s Little White Schoolhouse Replica will make its way to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention

RIPON, WISCONSIN — July 2, 2024 — As Milwaukee, Wisconsin prepares to welcome guests attending the Republican National Convention (RNC), the historic Little White Schoolhouse stands ready to offer a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American political history. Located just 1.5 hours from Milwaukee, the Schoolhouse is a testament to Ripon’s role as the birthplace of the Republican Party, founded here 170 years ago.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Little White Schoolhouse opens its doors daily from 10am to 4pm, with extended hours until 5pm from July 12th to July 21st. Visitors can explore this iconic building and immerse themselves in the story of how concerned citizens gathered here in 1854 to form a new political movement that would shape the course of American history.

For those unable to visit Ripon, the excitement continues with a special addition to the Convention Fest area: a meticulously crafted replica of the Little White Schoolhouse. Constructed by Ripon High School students at ⅓ scale, this replica serves as a centerpiece in parades and city events. It’s an opportunity for convention attendees and visitors alike to learn about Ripon’s pivotal role in American politics, conveniently located right at the heart of the convention activities.

Mandy Kimes, Executive Director of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing Ripon’s unique history: “We are so excited to have a way to showcase the incredible history that took place here in Ripon 170 years ago. This is Ripon’s unique history and contribution to the development of our nation.”

Private tours of the Little White Schoolhouse can be arranged by calling 920-658-5974 or emailing birthplace@ripon-wi.com, offering a personalized experience for those eager to delve deeper into this historical museum.

For more information about the Little White Schoolhouse visit www.lwsh.org

Media Contact:

Mandy Kimes, Executive Director

Ripon Chamber of Commerce

Phone: 920-896-5707

Email: mandy@ripon-wi.com