Ark Valley News - From the library

From the library
By Janice Sharp, director
Last Updated: June 11, 2015

Next teen superhero challenge is June 12

The 2015 Summer Reading Program — "Every Hero Has a Story" — started with great programs of search and rescue dogs. The ladies that talked about their search and rescue dogs were very enlightening. Most importantly, did you realize that all of the work they do on behalf of everyone in a crisis is funded by them personally? That includes purchasing and training their animals, and travel and lodging expenses when they're called to such places as Houston during the recent flooding to assist in finding lost people. They are a part of the Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association. We have flyers in our foyer with information about the organization and where to make a tax-deductible donation.

This week our performer was Richard Holmgren of Flying Debris. He specialized in juggling a variety of items mixed with fun and hilarity. The third week of our summer programming will feature the Story Time Ladies of Goddard who have created a program using "Officer Buckle and Gloria."

We are once again having a stuffed animal sleepover where our kids can leave their animals for the night to have activities with Pages or Molly, our library therapy dog in training. Stuffed animals can be picked up the next day with pictures showing activities.

June 18 will be our family hot dog cookout at the library beginning at 6 p.m. We have arranged for vehicles from the fire department, police department and EMS to be here for everyone to touch and inspect and visit with personnel from each. We will provide the food. Those attending should bring a lawn chair.

The library is committed to offering a variety of free programming for all ages. Each week during June and July, we have story time at 10:30 a.m. for children up to 8 years old. We have a variety of programs Wednesday mornings at 9 and 11 a.m. held at Le Venue, hero movies at 2 p.m. Thursdays and gaming on Fridays, both at the library.

We do require registration forms for each child attending the Wednesday programs. The forms provide an approximate number of children attending to enable us to have adequate supplies and snacks. Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied by a responsible individual at least 12 years old. Please do not bring food items or drinks to the programs.

Children up to second grade in the fall are asked to read a minimum of 25 books. Children in third grade and above are asked to read a minimum of 25 hours. The deadline for the reading program is July 25, giving all participants plenty of time to complete their reading requirements. Our guideline sheet outlines the full details for the required reading and activities for the summer. On the reverse side we have provided a complete list of activities for all ages: toddlers for story times, children for the reading programs, teens for their parties and adults for their events.

Our adult program, "Escape the Ordinary," challenges adults to read books from HERO categories such as a lady, an animal and real life, among others. The guidelines and details of the adult program are on our website and at the library. The next adult program will be a henna tattoo presentation at 6:30 p.m. July 2. At the teen henna program last summer, we had requests from adults for a program only for them. This program will be for adults 18 and over. Refreshments will be served.

The theme for the teens — "Unmask!" — continues with their Super Hero challenge from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 12. We have restructured our age requirement and now include students going into fifth grade. There will be games and snacks for everyone. If teens wish to participate in the summer reading challenge, we are requesting they read a minimum of 25 hours during the program. Teens are not required to participate in the reading challenge to attend parties.

The library will host a free Indie publishing workshop by local author Sheila Schilling-Kreutner from 1 to 2 p.m. June 27. Sheila will discuss self-publishing and its challenges and rewards. She is the author of the adult fantasy novel "Book of Breathings." Copies will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served.

Upcoming Events

June — Fruit & vegetable month

June 11 — Hero movie: "Captain America: Winter Soldier" (PG-13)

June 12 — Gaming at the library

June 12 — Teen Super Hero Challenge party

June 14 — Flag Day

June 15 — Fly a Kite Day

June 16 — City Council meeting

June 17 — Story Time Ladies: Officer Gloria and Buckle

June 18 — Family night: Hot dog cookout