This Summer at Your Library: Dig in to Reading!

Summer Reading Programs: “Reading is So Delicious!”

     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 (or a LOT 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.sccl.org/research/best-of-the-web/other-local-libraries

 As for the library systems where I have the pleasure of booking the special events, the Menlo Park Library and the Livermore Public Library, there is a big summer ahead, and you will definitely want to pick up or download the event calendars (available online NOW)!  At both libraries, the majority of special shows will take place on Wednesday mornings (as event host in Livermore, that means I have to miss all the exciting shows I booked for Menlo Park--BOO!).  There will be a full slate of puppet shows, animal presentations, storytellers, magic, interactive music & more--most designed to address California State Educational Standards, as well as being entertaining for all ages!  Again, I thank the Friends of the Library, without which this enriching entertainment would not be possible.  In addition to the entertainers, both of my libraries will be hosting a Stuffed Animal Sleepover: leave your stuffed animals at the library overnight, then come back for them the next day & see photos of all of the fun they had!  Menlo Park is expecting a couple of very exciting & famous visitors: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the Mouse from If  You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  These literary giants will be around for hugs & photo ops, and there will be very special crafts on those days.

You like commercials?  Both libraries have commercials this year!  Here you go:

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!

I am very excited about Menlo Park's Adult Summer Reading Program, which I've had the pleasure of putting together.  Grown-ups get to play BINGO, marking off reading & library explorations on their sheet.   A BINGO results in a free book and a drink from Peet's Coffee & Tea, plus entry into a drawing that offers a great selection of special prizes: a year's coffee "subscription" from Peet's, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Francisco City Pass, certificates from Trader Joe's or Draeger's, shopping at Kepler's Books, dinners, movies... READERS ARE WINNERS!

Please, wherever you live, find out what's going on at your library & take part!  If there's anything super-special you're excited about, share!  I love to hear what's happening at other libraries, and sneak into a special program now & then.

Storyteller John Weaver

For regular updates, connect with me on Facebook!

Check out the book: How to be a Storyteller: Essays and Advice on the Art of Storytelling (link HERE)!