Are you enjoying these lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer? If you know the reference, you of a generation who enjoyed hearing Nat King Cole sing about summer days in 1963. That was a bit before my time, but my mother liked to sing the song and play the record.
The crazy days of summer reading are here, and we have activities, programs, and challenges for all ages. But before I dazzle you with information about our programs, let me share some quick statistics:
• 641 kids are enrolled
• 209 teens are enrolled
• 224 adults are enrolled (YES, adults can participate & win prizes!)
• 2,011 rewards have been earned
• 311,758 minutes or almost 5,196 hours have been read collectively!
The Illinois Library Association has chosen the theme, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” for this year. The Children’s Department has divided the 8 weeks into 4, two-week “camps” that explore STEM, Art, Space, and Dinosaurs.
We began with a petting zoo curtesy of A Zoo for You. During the two STEM weeks we hosted the SIUE Lifelong Learning Institute for programs on insects and owl pellet dissection. During week two, Professor Penelope Pickle Picket and her trusted side kick (husband in a pink bunny suit) dazzled their
young audiences with science experiments and asked the question, “Is it magic or is it science?”
Looking forward to art week we have several face painting workshops for kids in 4th – 6th grades. Registration is currently open for these workshops taking place on June 27, 28, & 29 from 1-2 PM. All supplies are provided.
Go to our website to register: ofpl.info/calendar
On Saturday, July 2, at 10:30 AM we look forward to a half-way party co-hosted by the fire department. Fire Chief White has agreed to let kids have rides in the fire truck bucket lift! We will have snacks and games with prizes. You can win books and other fun stuff.
On July 14, from 10-11 AM, come and make your own soda bottle rocket launcher. The only thing you will need to bring is an empty, clean, 2-liter soda bottle. Registration is required and opens on June 30. Go to: ofpl.info/events/rocket-launch
Does your child enjoy chess? We will be hosting a chess tournament on Saturday, July 16, from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Kids of all levels can participate and compete. Our chess guru, Kenneth Knoth will be officiating.
There will be prizes awarded. Registration is required beginning June 30: ofpl.info/tournament
Please check out upcoming space and dinosaur activities on our website calendar at: ofpl.info/calendar
On the teen scene, we have anime clubs, Books and Board Games, a Maker Space art experience, and we will be showing “Thor Ragnarok” right before the release of the new movie.
The teens have also been busy volunteering to help with the programs for the younger kids. There are 17 students taking time out of their summer to help at the library. There is still plenty of time to join the fun. Check out our website to learn more about Teen Summer Reading: ofpl.info/teens
The O'Fallon Public Library News 