“Every hero has a story”
It’s time for summer reading programs for children and teens at the Jefferson public library. “Power up with books and join us for…Kaboom!…games… Zap!… contests…Splat! …movies, and…Wham!… prizes. We’ll be doing that and more,” said children’s librarian Terry Clark.
“Every Hero Has a Story” is the theme for the annual children’s summer reading program for children 4 years old through 5th grade. The Blank Park Zoo will bring animals in June for the “Every Animal Has a Story” program. In July, Jason Kollum will delight his audiences with megatons of energy, movement, audience participation, laughter and excitement. “Filled with eye-popping balancing, juggling, and variety stunts, he’s sure to be a big hit,” Clark said.
“We need your help to catch the book burglar. He slipped through Spiderman’s web and he’s faster than the Flash. More powerful than Superman, he can leap a stack of books in a single bound…and he’s…t r i c k y ! He’s snatching stories from the library. Bungling Book Bandits! I believe he left some clues just for you!” exclaimed Clark. “Join our summer reading program League of Superheroes and help us solve this case.”
The summer activity packet can be taken to the ball park, on vacation, or to Grandma’s house. Earn incentives for minutes read and tasks completed, along with a final party on July 20. Every child that completes the program earns a T-shirt, book, pizza and ice cream certificates, zoo pass, bookmark, and reading certificate. The grand prize, a new bicycle, and other prizes will be awarded at the final party.
”Unmask” is the theme for the annual teen summer reading program. Take off the cape and mask to reveal the true character of a hero, then go on adventures with daredevils and villains, explore and meet different types of heroes, and discover their own superpowers. Teens meet from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday afternoons for games, movies, reading, crafts, and other activities.
The first meeting will be June 4, however teens are welcome to join the program at any time during the summer. Registration begins June 1 and this program is free and open to teens in grades 6-12. Teens who participate in the program will be eligible for prizes at the final party on July 30. “’Ready, set…activate!’ and have fun with your friends at the library this summer,” said librarian Jane Millard.
Call the library at 515-386-2835 for more details or ask for more information at the desk in the adult department.
The summer reading programs are free due to the generous sponsorship of local businesses and organizations.
Why should children participate in a summer reading program at their local library? Research shows that children who read over the summer do better in school in the fall. Children who choose their own books and read for fun out-perform children who don’t. Reading just five books can prevent academic loss during the summer months.
Most local libraries offer summer reading programs. For more information, call your local public library.
Our super power is READING…What’s yours? Be a “Super Reader” this summer at the Jefferson public library…”To the library and beyond!”
