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!
