"Be Creative @ Your Library" will be the 2009 Children's Summer Reading Program, held now through Aug. 1, according to children's librarian Susan Slater.
The summer reading program has both a reading component and a program component. While the purpose of both is to encourage children to visit the library and to read over the summer, the reading component actually awards prizes to children who keep track of what they have read.
Sign up for the reading portion of the program began Saturday, June 6, in the children's department. Once children sign up, they will receive a drawstring bag with a book log. Children will keep track of books read over the summer on the book log. Younger children (or their parents) can keep track of books read to them.
"We strongly encourage the children to read for pleasure over the summer," Slater explained. "Children should choose books that interest them so they will enjoy reading them."
Audio books do count. Audio books are a fantastic way to entertain the whole family in the car while on long trips. Audio books also often work well for reluctant readers.
Return book logs (in the children's department) from the dates of July 20 through Aug. 1 for prizes. The library will not keep the book logs; staff will just take a look at them and write down the child's name for statistical purposes.
Staffing in the children's department will be scarce throughout August, so be sure to return the book logs during the above dates. If you are going to be out of town during those dates, talk to the children's librarian for an alternative.
Children will get to choose one book and one toy out of the prize boxes. The first 100 children to return their book logs will also receive a specially designed Be Creative coloring book. Children only get to pick their prizes once, which is another reason we keep track of names.
Weekly Programs
No need to preregister for these, just show up when you can.
Toddler Time: Mondays at 10 a.m. in the Children's Room. Ages 0-3. Theme-based stories and songs. Children will get to engage in creative play and/or color at the end of each program. June 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27.
Children's Evening: Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Room. Ages 3-8. Stories, crafts and short movies. June 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27.
Woof It Up at the Warren Public Library: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Children's Room. All ages. Stop by to visit and share a book with some of the New Hope Assistance dogs. June 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
Pre-K Time: Thursdays at 11 a.m. in the Children's Room. Ages 3-5. Theme-based stories, songs and crafts. June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
Crafty Saturdays: Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Children's Room. All ages. Most Saturdays there will be some one-dimensional and three-dimensional crafts available for children to work on so they can Be Creative at their library. Some of the dates will revolve around special crafts in conjunction with the Flip, Jot and Flick summer movies that will be shown at the Struthers Library Theatre. June 6 (Be Creative Extravaganza), 13, 20 (Tales of Despereaux), 27; July 18 (Kit Kittredge), 25. Even though summer reading will culminate on August 1, there will still be crafts that relate to Nanny McPhee on Aug.15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the children's department.
Other offerings
Embroidery lessons will begiven by the Chautauqua Regional Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. This free class is for children age 6 and older. There will be a total of eight classes (twice a week in July) and each class will teach a specific stitch. Each lesson will build upon the previous lessons. Those who sign up should be able to attend all eight classes. Those who attended previous classes will learn new stitches.
Class size limited to 15. Sign-up sheet will be available in Children's Department starting June 1. Embroidery classes will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Department on the following dates: July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30.
Each student will receive a fabric bag, booklet, fabric, hoop, needle, and some floss. Stitches taught will include: running, back, outline, chain, French knot, lazy daisy, blanket and satin stitch. Again, those who previously took the class will learn some new stitches.
Classes will take place in the Children's Department. Teachers will be Betty Przepiora and Allene Hooper. Children's staff will not be teaching, but will be on duty during the class.
Other events
Sign up for these one-time events in the children's department or by calling and leaving a message for the children's department. Two events ask preregistration as a courtesy while one requires preregistration as mandatory for attendance. Sign-up sheets are available now.
Betsy and Friends puppet show and workshop: On Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 till 12:30 there will be a puppet show followed by a puppet workshop. Betsy will put on a puppet show with her homemade puppets and then children will get to make and name their own puppet. The puppet-making workshop materials will be set up in a buffet style. Betsy strongly encourages children to name their puppet after making it.
This program is limited to 40 children. This is because of the puppet-making workshop following the program. Registration is mandatory for attendance. Names will be checked at the door.
Bruce Weaver and Friends. Ventriloquist and puppeteer Bruce Weaver returns to Warren with his Spark Your Imagination at the Library puppet show on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m. Children and parents enjoy Bruce so much that we have brought him back for yet another show. This event will serve as our culmination to the summer reading program. Popsicles will be served after the event, which is why preregistration is appreciated so we can determine how many Popsicles to purchase.
Flip, Jot and Flick
This program involves reading a book, writing a creative poem or story and then enjoying a movie version of the book. This collaboration between the Struthers Library Theatre, the Warren Public Library, Times Observer and CNB Bank involves a writing contest for children ages eight to fourteen.
The first step for those who want to participate in the contest is to pick up a writing packet at either the Warren Public Library Children's Department or at the Struthers Library Theatre. Writing guidelines are included in the packet. The first twelve children to pick up a packet will receive a free paperback copy of the book. There will be 10 copies of the book available at the Warren Public Library Children's Department, and two copies available at the Struthers Library Theatre.
The second step involves creating a story or poem based on the particular story. The third step can be enjoyed by those who participate in the contest as well as those who do not. This involves enjoying a free movie and some (purchased) popcorn at the Struthers Library Theatre. There is a title for June, July and August.
JUNE: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. Writing packets will be available starting May 26. Submissions are due into the Children's Department by June 12. First place winner and three honorable mentions will be announced prior to the movie at the Library Theatre on June 20 at 1:00. First place will win a DVD version of the book. The first place story and author photo will be published in the Warren Times Observer in the week following the movie.
Families can stop by the Warren Public Library Children's Department on Saturday, June 20 from 10:30-noon to engage in some related crafts before attending the 1:00 showing of the movie at the Struthers Library Theatre. This will be a great pre-movie activity.
JULY: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl by Valerie Tripp. Writing packets will be available starting June 15. Submissions are due by July 10. Families can stop by the Children's Department for related crafts on Saturday, July 18 from 10:30-noon before the 1:00 showing of the movie at the Struthers Library Theatre.
AUGUST: Nanny McPhee by Christianna Brand. Writing packets will be available starting July 13. Submissions are due by August 7. Families can stop by the Children's Department for related crafts on Saturday, August 15 from 10:30 till noon before the 1:00 showing of the movie at the Struthers Library Theatre.
Portions of Be Creative @ Your Library are possible due to the generous community response at the Second Annual Midwinter Library Benefit.
Please note: Groups of six or more are asked to contact the librarian to schedule specific programs.