SUMMER READING GAMES are Here!

Note: Before the dawn of up-to-the-moment social media, I kept folks up to date on my doings through an e-mail newsletter list.   Now that most people have access to online resources such as Facebook & Blogger, I decided it's time to phase out the labor-intensive, old-school newsletter.  Here's the final one:

June is here, and lots of summer reading fun & prizes for all ages lay ahead!  In this e-mail, I'll talk about what's up at local libraries, where I'll be performing (and where I've been lately), and share a few resources.  Finally, I'll be signing off from these e-mail newsletters, giving you new options to keep track of the family & literacy-related bits that I share.

1.      Join your local library for the Summer Reading Game!

2.      Where I've Been, & Where Else I’ll Be

3.      A Few Great Books

4.      GOODBYE... to this newsletter (but let's stay connected)

1. Summer Reading Games: One World, Many Stories @ Your Library!

            When school is out, reading is in, with library calendars that are packed with FREE shows, storytimes, crafts and prizes!  Each library is a little different, but look and you will find games for pre-readers, school-aged kids, teens, and even adults.  Stop by your local library & ask how to sign up & get in on the fun!  There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: animal programs, magic, puppets, music & dance—check out the calendars of your libraries with a simple web search, or start with one click here! 

            As for the library system where I present storytimes & book special events—the Livermore Public Library—here’s just part of what you can find going on there this month (a printable calendar of ALL of the summer's performances, storytimes & crafts is available at this link):

Every Monday (beginning 6/13):

10:30am: Preschool Storytimes with Kelly; School-age Storytimes with John

7pm: Family Storytimes with John

Every Friday (beginning 6/17):

10:30am: Preschool Storytimes & Music with Clara Yen; School-age Storytimes with John

FREE Special Family Performances!

June 15, 2:30: Folk music, stories, & dance of Mexico & the Caribbean with Dúo Cascada de Flores

June 22, 2:30: Chinese-style juggling, balancing & contortion with Red Panda Acrobats

June 28, 6pm: An interactive "Adventure in Space" with Kenn Adams' Adventure Theater

June 29, 10:30: Hilarious & exciting Cowgirl Tricks with Karen Quest

--and that's just for starters!  In July & August, the Livermore Libraries will welcome guest storytellers, a gamelan orchestra presenting the music of Bali, silly clown magic, a juggler who will leave you in stitches, puppetry-- and a REAL-LIVE MOUNTAIN LION.  If the times & locations do not work for you, explore the other library links above, as many of these presenters will be appearing at other libraries in the region this summer.

2. What I've been up to-- & what I'll be getting up to!

     I've not been sending out these newsletters much; I've found I keep in touch much more quickly through my page on Facebook and on my blog.  I'm still sharing stories all over, though!  I started 2011 in Hawaii, with storytelling visits to the Waikiki Aquarium and the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center-- you can see several photos of my performances at that Facebook link.  Back in California, I attended the annual Asilomar Reading Conference, and was soon back at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, a perfect place for fertilizing budding imaginations with lively stories!  In the spring, I took part in the annual Sunnyvale Library Storytelling Festival, and also have been storytelling at libraries in San Jose & San Leandro, as well as at elementary schools & preschools throughout the Bay Area. 

THIS MONTH (in addition to my Livermore Library duties), I'll be doing my storytelling at the following public locations:

June 18 & 19th at 1:30 & 2:30: Children's Fairyland, Oakland

June 29 at 2pm: San Jose Public Library, Rose Garden Branch

Hope to see you somewhere along the way!

3. Looking for some good reads?

From time to time on the "Read Up" section of my blog, I'll share some great picture books, both old & new. Take a look--I think it's a good place to get started on some fun family summer reading!  I'd also love to hear of any favorite books you have.  Ready to get started? READ UP!

4. Goodbye-- but not really, I hope.

I started communicating by e-mail "newsletter" long before the days of Facebook.  I used to do this about once a month--and it takes a LONG time!  Through my Facebook page and my blog, though, I can add bits of news and longer entries alike on a more timely basis, and you don't have to wade through (or delete) a long email (which may be landing in your spam folder in the first place)!  PLEASE-- do get reaquainted with me over on the social network, and/or subscribe to the blog; I try to share useful information, funny bits, and hopefully something you'll occasionally find worthy of passing along to your own friends & contacts.  Please do connect & say hello.

Here’s to a beautiful summer with your family, & thanks for supporting storytelling,

--John