The bard, Smokey's birthday celebration at Douglas County Public Library this week

The Nevada Shakespeare Company presents a play for teens based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" during the YNK, or You Never Know, summer reading program 6 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Douglas County Public Library.

The free interactive workshop features activities to help youth age 12 and older to understand Shakespeare and theater as a whole. This project is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency.

The Douglas County Public Library is located at 1625 Library Lane, Minden. For more information, go to douglas.lib.nv.us or call 782-9841.

Smokey Bear has 63 candles this year

Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear! Smokey Bear will make a special appearance at the Douglas County Public Library in Minden at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Smokey Bear's birthday is Aug. 9, 1944. People all over the world recognize Smokey Bear and his message, "Only you can prevent forest fires."

Miss Carol from the Douglas County Public Library will tell the story of Smokey and how he came to be the animal symbol for fire safety. Stacy Saucedo from the U.S. Forest Service will talk about how to use fire and matches safely.

To celebrate Smokey's birthday we will make homemade ice-cream-in-a-can. Children should bring their own toppings such as chocolate sauce, cherries and whipped cream. Please bring small clear coffee can lids from 13-ounce coffee cans. Raley's and the library will furnish other supplies. Children must register by the morning of Aug. 7 to attend this program.

For more information or to register for this and other summer reading activities, come to the Douglas County Public Library in Minden, 1625 Library Lane or call the library at 782-9841.