Hundreds of free programs are scheduled this summer at the Maple Grove Library, 8351 Elm Creek Blvd., and the Osseo Library, 415 Central Ave. The fun includes lots of literacy-based programs for kids and teens, technology, and gaming, plus programs for new immigrants, author talks, and other programs for adults. All programs are open to the public free of charge.

Following are July programs at the Maple Grove Library:

"Friends Meeting," Wednesday, July 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Join fellow library enthusiasts to hear what's happening at Hennepin County Library. Help support the library by planning and volunteering at book sales, programs, and special events. The Friends look forward to meeting participants. General membership meeting.

"Used Book Sale," Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - The Friends of the Library will host a sale of hundreds of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced $1 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library.

"Game On! Gaming Tuesdays," Tuesdays, July 14 and 28, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. - For teens entering grade six and up. Play PS2 or Wii games at the library. Grab a friend, bring a favorite board or card game, or play the library's. Sponsored by the Friends of the Maple Grove Library.

"Teen Carnival," Thursday, July 16, at 1 p.m. - For teens entering grade six and up. Join other teens for an afternoon of Guitar Hero and Wii games, a showing of the movie "Kung Fu Panda," and other games and activities. Sponsored by the Friends of the Maple Grove Library.

"Baby Storytime," Fridays, July 17 to 31, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. - Registration is required and limited to 25. For children from birth to 24 months. Delight and stimulate a baby's senses with books and music. Build brain power.

"Meet Author Lynne Jonell," Thursday, July 23, at 1 p.m. - Join the library for a discussion with Minnesota author Jonell, whose books include "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat" and "Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls." Funded by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.

Following are July programs at the Osseo Library:

"Art Out of the Box: Lions and Tigers and Barye," Thursday, July 9, at 1 p.m. - For kids entering grades two to five. Explore images of lions, tigers and other fierce creatures through the eyes of an artist. Learn basic drawing techniques and sketch sculptures by Antoine-Louis Barye, a French sculptor whose "Lion Crushing a Serpent" will be on exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in the fall. This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation by the Minneapolis Legislature. Sponsored by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

"Friends Meeting," Monday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m. - Join fellow library enthusiasts to hear what's happening at the Hennepin County Library. Help support the library by planning and volunteering at book sales, programs, and special events. The Friends look forward to meeting participants.

"Be Creative With Animal Masks," Thursday, July 23, at 1 p.m. - For kids entering grade two and up. Animals represent different characteristics in different cultures. Learn about them, decide what animal to be, then make a cool mask to take home. Supplies provided. Sponsored by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

Hennepin County Library Online events:

"Read to Win for Kids This Summer," through Aug. 15 - What are kids reading this summer? Tell other kids by writing a short review at your local library or online at www.hclib.org/kids/books/reviews. Each review earns kids a chance each week to win a free book. The reviews will help other kids find great books.

"Girls Only Book Club Online," Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31 - For girls entering grades four to six. Online book clubs are great fun for kids with busy summer schedules. Participate in the book discussion Web page every day, any time of day, Monday- Friday. You must have a current e-mail address (may use family e-mail), a computer and Internet access. Book Club participants should request the book we are reading from a Library catalog. Allow enough time to finish reading the book before July 27. Participants will receive log-in instructions via e-mail before the book club begins.

"Guys Read Book Club Online," Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31 - For guys entering grades four to six. Online book clubs are great fun for kids with busy summer schedules. Participate in the book discussion Web page every day, any time of day, Monday-Friday. You must have a current e-mail address (may use family e-mail), a computer and Internet access. Book Club participants should request the book we are reading from a Library catalog. Allow enough time to finish reading the book before July 27. Participants will receive log-in instructions via e-mail before the book club begins. Guys Read is made possible by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County with generous support from the Best Buy Children's Foundation and the Ann and Jack Cole Children's Fund.

To register or for more information, call the Maple Grove Library at 952-847-5550 or the Osseo Library at 952-847-5750.