Saturday, June 16, 2012

Summer Reading Well Underway

Greetings from the ‘eye’ of the summer reading ‘storm’ as we experience a whirlwind of activities here at the library.  We are truly in the midst of our program, as we saw the end of week three on Friday and will usher in week four on Monday, the 18th.  And what better way to welcome the new week but with a special program?
Storyteller Rosie Cutrer will be joining us in the Children’s Library at 10 a.m.  This program is not only for our summer readers but also for the citizens of the community.  Rosie has been telling stories professionally for 15 years. Do plan to come and enjoy her presentation.
Our weeks have moved by quickly.  Week one focused on night animals and our young enrollees got into our individual age groups and learned some interesting things, made some fun crafts, and just had a good time.  The adults had their first event on May 31.  It was a fun, social gathering.
Week two, we focused on NASA.  On Tuesday, we shared some NASA clips so that the young people learned a bit about life in space.  On Wednesday, our older students (fifth and sixth graders) tackled a moon habitat project which they made from tightly rolled newspapers.  Two hours later, however, they had to admit defeat.  They were trying to construct one twice as big as the model in the alcove.  They quickly learned where their engineering errors were, but we were out of time to start the project over.  Most of them took home the plans and supplies to construct the smaller one at home.  They had a great time, even if they didn’t have expected outcome. 
The teens experienced a bit of CSI Liberal with a presentation during week two by Patsy Guinn of the Liberal Police Department.  She truly sparked the interest of the young people and we appreciate her willingness to contribute to our programming agenda.   The adults did Library and Lunch on the 12th and discussed books they were currently reading. 
Week three was entitled Night Shivers.  Our activities were not too scary, if you don’t ask the first and second graders!  Those who came Wednesday afternoon to our presentation by Mad Science of Central Kansas had a rollicking good time with Becky Myer as she mixed together all sorts of interesting things.  The following day, students ages 10 and up got to attend Who Glows There? by Dr. Patrick Ross of Southwestern College in Winfield.  It was a fascinating program in which the kids got to ask lots of questions and see things first hand. 
Alli Lyon came to the library last week to lead the teens in some Yoga.  Some of the participants reported that they felt fine during the yoga but a bit sore if they slouched afterwards.  Good posture is important.  A big ‘thank you’, Alli for leading us!
Now we are ready for week four.  Besides storytelling Rosie this week, we are also offering a special sleepy story time and stuffed animal sleepover.  Children 5, 6, and 7 are invited to wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal.  Following the story time, the humans leave and the animals stay for a night in the library.  This is a reservation-only event and participants must be signed up for our summer reading program.  There are a few spots left, so phone the library first thing Monday!
The teens will be enjoying a movie this week on Thursday at 3.  In this 1985 film, a nice, average teenage basketball player begins to show werewolf tendencies that suddenly make him popular at school when he leads the team to victory. The underlying message is to be yourself, regardless of how much hair you have on your body.
The adults will be taking part in Book & Movie on Thursday evening at 6 p.m.  Featured will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. Come and join us for a discussion about the play!
Week four will wrap up with the Teen program Tai Chi at 2 p.m. on Friday.  Lydia Augustine will be our presenter.  Teens, stop by and experience this ancient art.  Wear comfortable clothing. 
Summer reading is truly a lot of fun!  Hope you can take part in some way and we’ll see you at Memorial Library!

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