Staff members at the new Brighton Anythink Library are thrilled to offer their first summer of programming. And, in true Anythink style, this summer is going to be a little different from the norm.  

In 2009, Rangeview Library District reinvented itself by launching the Anythink brand and establishing a new philosophy for its libraries based on the idea that a library can be a place of play, discovery and exploration as much as it is a house for books.

This summer, the evolution of the library system continues. The district launches mySummer: Read Think Do. The program runs June 7 to July 31 and kicks off at 1 p.m. June 5 with a Bon Voyage party.

From Lego builds to Mad Hatter tea parties for kids, comic making and Zombie Survival class for teens and scavenger hunts for the whole family, Anythink adult services guide Crystal Falconer said the library is going to be a hub of activity all summer long.

“Pretty much any time you come to the library this summer, something is going to be going on,” she said.

The concept of mySummer: Read Think Do, Falconer said, is much different than traditional library summer reading programs.

“It used to be all about the obligation to read,” she said. “We’re getting away from the obligation and trying to make it something they do because it’s fun. What we’re doing is we’re trying to encourage people to read in an indirect way. We want to encourage people’s curiosity.”

The library is not requiring reading, nor will it pass out weekly prizes as in years past. Instead, mySummer provides tools for individuals and families to set their own goals, whether those including reading or participating in programs together as a family. By providing, hands-on programs, people of all ages can learn something new and continue on their own explorations.

mySummer is based on the idea that at Anythink, patrons can read books, watch movies or listen to music, contemplate what they’ve learned and go out into the world and do something with that knowledge. There will be a variety of programs and creative outlets for children, teens, adults and seniors.

To participate, visit the Brighton Anythink Library and ask for a mySummer itinerary. Fill it out with a to-read list, summer goals, and ideas to explore and turn it in to receive a mySummer scrapbook. The scrapbook is a way for individuals or families to record the books they read and the experiences they have at the library and beyond.

This year, mySummer focuses on destinations. Participants are transported to another world " real or imaginary. Every two weeks, explore a different adventure at each location, from Back to Nature to Time Travel and Mysteries of the Universe.

“These are things people wonder about but sometimes don’t take the initiative to learn about,” Falconer said.

Here are a few of the options:

Time Travel: Let Anythink guide you on a trip through time. See dinosaurs, visit your ancestors or slip into the future.

Fantasy Worlds: Transport to your favorite fantasy world " whether it’s Little Mermaid’s ocean or Middle Earth " or create your very own.

Staycation: Why go away on vacation when you can staycation? Local and stay-at-home ideas for fun, entertainment, and education.

Mysteries of the Universe: Explore lost civilizations, ancient ruins, sacred writings, and scientific mysteries " send your imagination to whole new worlds.

Back to Nature: Explore nature through destinations around the world or right in your backyard.

Road Trip: Where would you go and what would you do? Let your imagination drive you along the road to adventure.

Registration begins June 4 for individual programs. Falconer encourages registration, especially for children’s programs, as they tend to fill up quickly.

“This summer’s going to be anything but boring,” Falconer said.