Library launches Summer Reading Program
The Kids Summer Reading Program was launched last week at the North Fort Myers Library, a popular program there for many years. The library has been packed with children since the end of the school year.
“The theme this year is One World, Many Stories,” said Children’s and Reference Librarian Denise Singleton. “The children get a bag of material including a reading log and other goodies. They keep track of what they read throughout the summer.”
They collect stickers in their own personal log, said Singleton. “After six stickers they get a free book. The books are are part of our summer reading budget.”
Younger children and teens will have different programs. The teen program is called Read It! Watch It! Win It!
Teens can earn points for an end of summer party auction, and younger children can earn stickers for free books.
They will all also be treated to great speakers this summer, she said. There is also an opportunity to be part of poster contests.
If your child likes a mystery, decoders will actually be involved in an ongoing event. “This is a seven clue game and every week there will be a new clue.”
After the seventh week, it will be time to solve the mystery. “They can ask for a decoder to unscramble the clues.”
Singleton has been running these popular programs for the library system since 1996. She particularly likes the summer, she said. “I love working with children and see them excited about reading. They are eager to get their own books, and talk about what they have read.”
Volunteer Jessica Reed said she is also excited about the summer.
“Last summer I helped Denise with their program,” she said. She moved here from California and worked with several children’s reading programs there. “Helping children read gives them a foundation for the learning they will do for the rest of their lives. Anything we can do to help them master that skill is important.”
Storyteller Kaye Byrnes was the first presenter for the Kids Summer Reading Program, which was held on Wednesday, June 15. More programs are scheduled for Wednesdays throughout the summer. Tickets must be obtained for these events and are available now. They include, with descriptions provided by the library system:
— Green Earth Magic Show Presented by Robbie the Ringmaster on Wednesday, June 22 at 11 a.m.
Celebrate the many cultures of our world and learn how to protect our planet. With help from children in the audience, magical effects from many different lands will be presented and everyone will learn how we work together to make our world one big, happy place filled with stories. Robbie will be accompanied by his crazy puppet friends who bring their own special magic to the show! Attendance limited to children in grades K-5.
— World of Reptiles by John Storms 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 29
(Tickets available June 22)
See a variety of reptiles including turtles, lizards, and even a crocodile, in this informative and exciting show. No touching of the animals by the audience is allowed.
— Tales from India by Katie Adams
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 6
(Tickets available June 29)
Spice up your summer with exotic tales as storyteller Katie Adams makes them come alive. Original versions of “The Hungry, Hungry Cat,” “Manu and the Talking Fish,” “The Old Woman and the Red Pumpkin,” and “The Magic Cooking Bowl” are sure to enchant audiences of all ages.
— Out Of My Hands Juggling by Gerard Tricarico
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 13
(Tickets available July 6)
Lights! Magic! Juggling! Black lights, strobe lights, rings, balls, and clubs displayed in many colors are all part of the special effects in this interactive show. Add a few magic tricks and juggling to music and it’s sure to delight and amaze audiences of all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the North Fort Myers Public Library.
— Adventures Here, There & Everywhere by Showtime for Kids
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20
(Tickets available July 13)
The star of this show is Wally the Wacky Word Bird. Wally is always on a search for big wacky words. This time Wally has found a special message he would like to share, but where can he be? Help us unfold the mystery as we go on adventures here, there, and everywhere in a search for Wally the Wacky Word Bird! Along the way, you will see jaw dropping magic, awesome balloon sculpting and hilarious comedy. Who knew words could be so much fun!
— Explore The World by Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27
(Tickets available July 20)
Join J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge staff in exploring the world, through the animals’ point of view. Learn more about the fascinating tales that our animals in Southwest Florida love to tell.
TEEN PROGRAMS
— Manga Drawing
2 p.m. Thursday, June 23
Instructor Clayton Roberts will provide differentiated instruction along with a variety of cartoon books, children’s books, and graphic novels written and illustrated by American authors that can be used as resource materials while teens create their own stories using prepared 14″ by 11″ cartoon cell frames. Those that are already skilled artists may work on their own and draw characters in any way, be it a popular cartoon character or their very own original cartoons to tell the story. Registration is required.
— Fencing
2 p.m. Thursday, June 30
This program will feature a brief introduction of Foil, Epee and Sabre fencing, followed by a basic lesson in foot work and a demonstration fencing bout by members of the Southwest Florida Fencing Academy. Participants will then put to use what they learned in their footwork lesson and fence each other with foam practice Sabers. Registration is required.
— Creative Jewelry Workshop
2 p.m. Thursday, July 7
Join us and create the latest fashion accessory. Make a Junk Drawer bracelet or woven leather and bead bracelet using unique items to create a funky design. We will provide the supplies; you bring your creativity and style to make the design your own. Registration is required.
— Book Arts Workshop -ì Hand-Bound Journals
2 p.m. Thursday, July 14
Hand-bind a blank book using a simple, long stitch binding. Then, make your book unique by collaging the cover with beautiful papers, colorful yarn, unusual pictures, charms and beads. Bring a copy of a personal photo or a copy of a special letter or poem if you’d like to include one in your collage. Registration is required.
— Ancient Games
2 p.m. Thursday, July 21
Ignore your iPod, tarry from texting, abandon your blog, and join us instead for ancient games of skill and strategy played by teens thousands of years ago like Go, Mancala, Chess, and more.
— End of Summer Party & Auction
2 p.m. Saturday, July 30
You’ve read, you’ve watched, now it’s your time to win it! Bring all your Teen Bucks and join us as we have our end of summer party and auction for cool prizes. You must have teen bucks to attend the end of summer party.
The North Fort Myers Public Library is located at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE. For more information about a program or to register, call the library at 533-4320. A sign language interpreter is available with five business days notice to library staff. Assistive listening system available; request at desk.