Summertime can be challenging for parents. How do you keep your kids occupied? How do you keep them from spending the whole summer inside on their screens? If you set limits, how do you keep them from asking for more screen time? We may have some answers. And it’s about more than just “books and reading.” We promise.

Thursday mornings are for tiny tot book lovers. Bring you wee ones to Big Hill Books for Storytime with our talented Friends of Big Hill Books volunteer readers. It’s never too early to introduce children to books. Local children’s author Melanie Heuiser Hill and other volunteers lead our Tiny Tots Thursday Storytime program.

Bring your early readers of all ages and their friends for some fun, live readings, and activities. Our talented Friends of Big Hill Books will choose selected titles every child will love. This weekly event is a chance for kids to learn to love reading and books.

Join us the third Saturday of every month for Open Mic Night. Big Hill Books will provide the stage, the spotlight, two mics and a speaker. You provide the music, comedy, magic, storytelling, poetry and singing. RSVPs encouraged but not required. If you’re game, then so are we. See you there!

Big news! Our new BHB Romance Book Club has launched, and we meet the third Saturday of each month. In honor of Pride Month, join us this night for The Pairing, by Casey McQuiston. Local romance genre enthusiast Maddy Hohenstein leads our newest book club. RSVPs encouraged but not required. Order your advance copy of the book today.

Wednesdays this summer are for kids, grades 3–7, who could use less screen time and more “analog” activities in their lives. Local authors and artists will lead these low-key weekly gatherings in our Ugly Church Basement. No cell phones, no iPads, no laptops. Just good old-fashioned book discussions, read-alouds, board games, journaling, crafts and more. Advanced registration required.

Wednesdays this summer are for kids, grades 3–7, who could use less screen time and more “analog” activities in their lives. Local authors and artists will lead these low-key weekly gatherings in our Ugly Church Basement. No cell phones, no iPads, no laptops. Just good old-fashioned book discussions, read-alouds, board games, journaling, crafts and more. Advanced registration required.

Big in Sweden is Big Hill Book’s Book Club pick for July. Local author Sally Franson will be in the house to lead the discussion for her own book. RSVPs encouraged but not required.

Join us to celebrate our second anniversary and the unveiling of our new neighborhood patio. It's a block party, so there will be music, ice cream and other treats. And everyone is invited to create a "book brick" for Big Hill Books' future community garden.

Wednesdays this summer are for kids, grades 3–7, who could use less screen time and more “analog” activities in their lives. Local authors and artists will lead these low-key weekly gatherings in our Ugly Church Basement. No cell phones, no iPads, no laptops. Just good old-fashioned book discussions, read-alouds, board games, journaling, crafts and more. Advanced registration required.

Join us for a book release party for The Scott Fenwick Diaries, the laugh-out-loud, feel-good sequel to the coming-of-age novel Worldwide Crush by Minneapolis author Kristin Nilsen. Let's celebrate with drinks, donuts, stickers, readings, questions and a little Sound of Music karaoke. RSVPs encouraged but not required.

At this outdoor event (weather permitting), local author Kristin F. Johnson will offer tips for pickleball newbies to improve their game and avoid injury. She’ll also share some pickleball insights and a few good laughs in a new collection of 80 humorous illustrated poems. Pickles and Paradise explores the game and its many nuances. This book is a gift that will surely make someone's day or your own. Johnson is also the author of Fearless: A Middle Grade Adventure, which has won two awards.

Wednesdays this summer are for kids, grades 3–7, who could use less screen time and more “analog” activities in their lives. Local authors and artists will lead these low-key weekly gatherings in our Ugly Church Basement. No cell phones, no iPads, no laptops. Just good old-fashioned book discussions, read-alouds, board games, journaling, crafts and more. Advanced registration required.

Wednesdays this summer are for kids, grades 3–7, who could use less screen time and more “analog” activities in their lives. Local authors and artists will lead these low-key weekly gatherings in our Ugly Church Basement. No cell phones, no iPads, no laptops. Just good old-fashioned book discussions, read-alouds, board games, journaling, crafts and more. Advanced registration required.