Are YOU Up to the Challenge?

This summer, the Frank Sarris Public Library is issuing a challenge to the community…a million minute challenge. Staff members are asking that everyone, young or old, summer reading participant or non-participant, keep track of the amount of time they spend reading this summer, (through July 25).

It doesn’t matter whether you’re enjoying the current bestseller by John Sandford or reading the latest Mo Willems to your kids, it all counts! “Do only books count?” you ask. No, any reading material is acceptable, whether it’s a magazine, an instruction manual or the back of your breakfast cereal box. You needn’t borrow the item from the library (though we certainly encourage you to do so!), nor does it have to be a physical item – time spent reading electronic books and magazines counts, too.

The library will provide you with the supplies you need to record your reading and staff members will keep track of the community’s progress…you’ll be able to watch us move toward our goal of one million minutes both within the library and through its social media sites.

On your mark, get set…READ!

BINGO!

Well, maybe not Bingo in the traditional sense, but you can find a “literary” version of it at the library this summer. If you haven’t been to the Children’s Department lately, you’re probably unaware of the other summer reading stuff that’s happening over the coming weeks. This year, you don’t have to sign up for the camp-style Summer Reading program to be involved (though there are still some spots available for the 5-8 grade weeks) – you can do it “freestyle”!  At the Children’s Desk, you’ll find three “Bingo” cards – one (green) for those going into 1st through 3rd grades, another (blue) for children entering 4th through 6th grades, and one in yellow for students who will be in 7th through 12th grades this fall – and each card offers a variety of activities.

For the youngest group, options include attending a library program, reading a book with a color in the title, and reading to a dog (appointments with Tail Waggin’ Tutors can be made at the desk). When four activities have been completed, you’ll receive a ticket to use to enter the drawing of your choice. If you’re using a blue card, doing things like reading a book set in the past – or one set in the future – and reading a book with a one-word title will get your card stamped…five stamps in a straight line give you a Bingo and get you a ticket to use in the raffle. Teens, too, have choices to make when it comes to how to get the stamps needed for a Bingo…for example, they can check out an eBook through Overdrive, read a book that’s at least 10 years old or one by a new-to-them author. No matter what age, stamps can be earned for making a book recommendation (forms available at the desk) or completing an age-appropriate challenge (more information is available at the desk).

If you didn’t get your card at the Summer Reading Kickoff Party, it’s not too late to get started – you can pick one up at the Children’s desk at any time!

The Clock’s Ticking – Don’t Wait ’til it’s too Late!

Here it is, June already.  The school year is almost over and that means that the beginning of the Summer Reading Club at your library is right around the corner.  This year’s theme will focus on science and the slogan is “Fizz Boom – Read!” Like last year, we’ll be offering three weeks of programming to children finishing grades K-4 and two weeks (plus two field trips!) to children finishing grades 5-8.

Each session is filled with activities Tuesday through Friday from 10:15 to 12:15 and registration is limited. You may sign up by phone (you’ll need the Children’s Desk) but your registration won’t be considered complete until all forms have been returned and payment has been received.  The clock’s ticking – in fact, for the younger crowd, registration is nearly full – so don’t wait ’til it’s too late!

If the camp-style summer reading program won’t work for you, don’t fret…there are other options! This year, we’ll be having an incentive-based summer reading program AND we’re again having certified therapy dogs coming to the library to act as an audience while your child reads aloud.

And? If that’s not enough, we’re going to be holding a summer reading kick-off Party on Thursday, June 12 from 6-8.This will be your chance to get a sneak peek at the Mad Science fun that will be coming with Summer Reading Camp. Activities abound, admission is free, and so are the hot dogs!