There’s more than reading for kids at Warren Public Library this summer.

The library’s summer programming includes reading, writing, painting, and virtual time travel.

SUMMER READING

“The Warren Public Library encourages children to read year-round,” according to Children’s Librarian Susan Slater. “During the summer children can get prizes for reading by registering for the Tails and Tales Reading Component of the summer programs.”

“There are two ways to keep track of books,” Slater said. “Parents or children can pick up a Tails and Tales book log by registering at the Children’s Department staff desk. Parents who prefer the online method may use Reader Zone — readerzone.com — which can be accessed via the Reader Zone website or put a Reader Zone app on their smartphones. Use the code 1f892 to join Reader Zone.”

“We encourage children to read for pleasure, so there are no expectations for a specific amount of books,” she said. “All formats count: e-books, audio books, chapter books, picture books, nonfiction books, comic books, graphic novels, etc.”

For those who are too young to read, records can be kept of books read by parents.

“Keep track of books read on the book log and bring it into the library at the end of July for prizes,” Slater said. “Those using Reader Zone will receive an email message in July with instructions for reporting books read.”

DINOSAURS ROCK

“Dinosaur enthusiasts to join Dinosaurs Rock Studios and Studio Expert for a 40-minute virtual Jurassic journey on Zoom at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 29,” Slater said. “Learn about dinosaur eggs, footprints, claws, teeth and more during this fascinating, fun and interactive virtual show with museum-quality life-size dinosaur and fossil specimens as the backdrop.”

“Participants will receive real fossils and a 12-page Fossil ID Guide and some other fun dinosaur tidbits after the show,” she said. “Check out www.DinsoarusRock.com for more information.”

Virtual attendance is limited and those interested may register by emailing Slater at sslater@warrenlibrary.org. The Zoom link and a link to the 12-page Fossil Guide will be sent to registrants.

A copy of the Fossil Guide along with real fossils will be sent to participants after the program.

TAILS AND TALES

“When you walk around town you have probably noticed that people are still painting really cool rocks and leaving them all over the county,” Slater said. “The Warren Public Library would like to have a Rock Garden of our own this summer. Please help us by painting and submitting a rock for our garden, which will be located just outside of the library doors facing the parking lot.”

“Youngsters ages three to eighteen are welcome to submit one rock,” she said. “Participants will have their names entered into a random drawing; four winners will each receive a $25 Dairy Queen gift card.” The drawing will be held on July 1.

Painted rocks may be dropped off at the children’s department through June 30 with a piece of paper including the child’s name and age, and a parent’s name and phone number.

“Rocks will be on display outside as we receive them and remain there until August 7,” Slater said. “Participants can pick up their rock if they wish starting August 8, or just leave them. We cannot guarantee rocks will remain since they are outside, but we will post a note in the garden: ‘Tails and Tales Rock Garden. Please do not take rocks.'”

WRITING CONTEST

“The library encourages children ages six to eighteen to try their skill at writing a creative story just for fun,” Slater said. “Can you make up a good story where an animal is the main character? Create a story about an animal, any genre: fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, humor, science fiction, etc. There can be people in the story, but the main character should be an animal.”

Tails and Tales story entries are due at the children’s department by July 26. Entries will be judged in age categories and three winners – who will receive $25 gift cards to Dairy Queen – will be announced on Aug. 2.

Entry Forms with contest details are available in the Children’s Department or through www.warrenlibrary.org on the Children’s Programming page under the Events tab.

Slater can be reached at (814) 723-4650 ext. 126.