Summer Reading is Coming!

Summer Reading Programs: “Dream Big: READ!”

     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.  There are some not-to-be missed shows taking place: guest storytellers, puppet shows, cultural arts programs, animal presentations, music & magic—usually all coming your way thanks to the Friends of the Library (PLEASE become a member; it’s cheap, and the Friends are any library’s lifeblood)!

This is a good time of year to gather up the event calendars of every library system within your personal stomping grounds!  Here’s a website that can connect residents of the SF Bay Area with many of the libraries in the region: http://www.santaclaracountylib.org/locallib.html

 As for the library system where I have the pleasure of booking the special events, the Livermore PublicLibrary, there is a big summer ahead, and you will definitely want to pick up the event calendar when it’s available!  Signups for the game are ONLINE this year, and the independent readers will enjoy the return of the spinning wheel of prizes (which made its debut last year).  There will be crafts at each library appearing on the calendar, plus…

Storytimes (beginning 6/11):

Mondays, 10:30am at Civic Center: A NEW SCHOOL-AGED ONLY READING CLUB hosted by John (hey, that’s me!) outside, and PRESCHOOL stories inside with Kelly

Mondays, 7pm at Civic Center: FAMILY Storytime with John (wear your pajamas; the kids can, too!)

Fridays, 10:30am at Rincon: All-ages Storytimes with John

Free Special Events!

Wednesday, June 13  10:30 Civic Center     

South Indian Art & Dance

Clap & dance along as Livermore resident Swetha Dixit and the Kalaikoil dancers present the culture, language, geography and music of South India through the traditional art form of Baharatanatyam.  The classical dance, much like ballet & the hula, tells a story through a combination of dance, music & drama.  Kalaikoil dancers will show you how to dance a few of the steps and even teach you to say a few Indian words.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.

Wednesday, June 20  10:30 Civic Center     

Wild Americas

Meet beautiful wild animals including a Canada Lynx & an Armadillo, and hear their stories as Wildlife Associates takes you into the secret world of wildlife, right at the Livermore Library.

**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Coming Wednesday, June 20 to Livermore's Civic Center Library!

Tuesday, June 26                   6pm Springtown

The Magic of Gerald Joseph

Gerald keeps the laughs going from start until finish, with stunning surprises, amazing sleight-of-hand magic and outrageously funny sight gags. The hilarious audience participation is no trick!

**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, June 27  2:30 Rincon                                                                

            Cowgirl Tricks with Karen Quest

Don’t miss this return visit from America’s funniest cowgirl!  Karen’s fun-filled Vaudeville-style Western comedy act features trick roping, whip cracking, magic, and a whole passel of kooky, family-friendly cowgirl shenanigans.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, July 11   10:30 Civic Center     

The Busy Bee Dogs in “3 Billy Goats Gruff”

Canine actors reenact the classic story using colorful props, silly dog comedy and amazing stunts! The doggie stars—formerly homeless shelter animals—will also present their production of “The Library Lion.”
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, July 18   7pm Civic Center       

            Goldilocks & the Three Sharks

Using the magic of black light, Puppet Art Theater transports the audience deep into an ocean environment to join Goldilocks the Mermaid under the sea as she looks for adventure and finds nothing but trouble
**INDOOR EVENT: Space limited, and no strollers allowed in room.  Attendees are advised to arrive quite early, as space is not guaranteed.  Just a few chairs will be out, for those with limited mobility.  Event recommended for ages 4+**

Saturday, July 21        2:30pm Civic Center  

            Lion Dance

Watch a performance of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance—and learn how to dance like a lion, yourself!  San Francisco’s Jing Mo Athletic Association martial arts group will be bringing the 1500-year-old art to Livermore, along with some nice loud drumming & a few martial arts moves!  Library-goers are invited to bring their own cameras to take photos with the Lion.
**INDOOR EVENT: Space limited, and no strollers allowed in room.  Attendees are advised to arrive quite early, as space is not guaranteed.  Just a few chairs will be out, for those with limited mobility.  Event recommended for ages 4+**  **LION DANCE programs can be LOUD!**

Tuesday, July 24                    6pm Springtown         

Storyteller Kenneth Foster

Kenneth Foster has collected a lifetime of stories, from his fond memories of his New Mexico childhood, to his travels far & wide, to his 28 years with the Livermore Lab.  Kenneth enjoys sharing the joy at wit of storytelling with audiences of all ages, and showing us we all have surprising stories to share.
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.  

Wednesday, July 25   2:30 Rincon

            Music & Stories with Juan Sánchez

Spanish-born recording artist & teacher Juan L. Sánchez performs internationally for adults and children.  He will be performing music on instruments including a charango, a daf (frame drum), and a violin, and will be sharing stories from Japan, Central America, and South Africa—including the beloved song-story “Abiyoyo.”
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+.  

Wednesday, August 1             10:30 Civic Center

            House of Samba Drum & Rhythm Show

Expect to dance, sing, get involved and be transported around the globe through the sounds of drums and percussion!  Samba Samba is an interactive educational workshop that uses music, rhythm, percussion instruments, and drums as tools for capturing the imagination of the participants. This program is suitable for all ages from children to adults. 
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  Stroller parking will be along sidewalk--not on grass.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2:30 Rincon

            Hansel & Gretel

Puppet Art Theater presents a hilarious new take on the Grimm old classic!  Will Hansel & Gretel escape the witch’s gingerbread house and find their way home?
**Event will be held outside, with audience seated on tarps on lawn.  Proper sun gear is advised, & early arrival for best parking & seating is advised.  All programs are recommended for ages 4+. 

GROWN-UPS: Please remember that many libraries offer an ADULT Summer Reading Program, and your participation—your example of reading—is an important gift to your child!