It is July, and high temperatures, backyard parties, beach trips and summer vacations have arrived.  If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, something to keep the children entertained, fun food for summer events, or great summer reads, MPHPL can help.  Please take a look at our recommendations below.

Summer food

Summer is a great time to try new recipes.  You may want to make some ice cream to beat the heat, picnic food for outdoor adventures, or barbecue for summer gatherings.  Here are a few popular and new titles from our collection that you might enjoy:

• The Perfect Scoop : 200 Recipes for Ice Creams, Sorbets, Gelatos, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments
• Food52 Ice Cream & Friends
• Cookies & Cream
• Any Night Grilling
• Cool Smoke
• How to Grill Everything

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor activities and events, there is a lot happening at our Mishawaka parks, including splash pads, concerts, special events and more.   Find more information on the Mishawaka Parks & Recreation webpage, including a summer activity guide and summer concert series schedule. 

Here are a few popular and recent books from our collection about summer sports:

• Hiking Indiana : A Guide to the States Greatest Hiking Adventures
• Swimming : Steps to Success
• Kayaking Made Easy : A Manual for Beginners with Tips for the Experienced
• Stress-free Motorboating : Single and Short-handed Techniques
• The Complete Sailing Manual
• Be A Player:  A Breakthrough Approach to Playing Better on the Golf Course

Activities, Trips and Projects to Make for or with Children

If you need to find some activities to keep your children entertained during their summer off from school, here are some books that might help:

• Little Swimmer : Improve your Child's Confidence and Physical Development
• Backyard Treehouses:  Building Plans, Tips, and Advice
• Backyards for Kids:  A Sunset Outdoor Design & Build Guide
• Boredom Busters: Over 50 Awesome Activities, Recipes, Experiments and More for Children Aged 7 Years +
• Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids:  175 Projects for Kids of All Ages to Create, Build, Design, Explore, and Share
• Boycraft:  Loads of Things to Make for and With Boys (and Girls)
• Cool Outdoor Activities, Great Things to Do in the Great Outdoors
• Kids Love Indiana
• Fun Family Projects

Outdoor projects

Here are some books that offer projects that will help you create an outdoor living space:

• Building Outdoor Kitchens
• Building Outdoor Furniture : Classic Deck, Patio, And Garden Projects That Will Last A Lifetime
• The Complete Guide to Porches and Patio Rooms
• Stanley Decks : A Homeowner's Guide
• Handbuilt Outdoor Furniture

Summer Reading

Do you need some great reads for the summer?  Stop by our reference desk for some recommendations or take a look at our Try These On for Summer and Books in the National Media recommended reads lists to find some great beach reads.