Pella Library Summer Reading Program Opening Next Week

The Emporia Public Library is going to amp up its summer reading program this year with the theme of “Libraries Rock”.

“The theme is fun because reading can take you physically or figuratively anywhere”, said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. On June 9, the real fun begins with an after-hours party held exclusively in the program’s honor.

Wild Wonders, Walk on the Wildside Around the World is the program at 6 p.m. Monday, June 4, at the Villasenor Branch Library, 525 N. Mount Vernon Ave. The Lonsdale Lions volunteered to cook and serve the pizza, which Mackenthun’s will donate along with lemonade.

“We always do the summer reading program because of how much my daughters like to read”, Jessica Bonvillian said of Ella, 8, and Ava, 10. The ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ program challenges those in the young, middle and teen age groups to read 100, 50 and 25 books, respectively. Kids and teens can earn prizes by reading books, and there is even a party at the end. Once a reading log of so many minutes (minutes vary by age group) has been completed, it can be turned in as an entry into the grand prize drawing for the appropriate age group. Prizes include trinkets like rubber duckies for pre-readers, noisemakers for readers, and keychains for teens. Featuring free family activities, entertainment, face-painting, balloon sculptures, and more, it also introduces families to a variety of organizations that provide local activities and services.

“I think it will encourage me to try new books and to spend more time reading than I normally would”, she said.

“Our district is extremely grateful for the energy and planning CCPL is putting into the Summer Reading Program”, said Cindy Ambrose, CCSD’s Deputy Superintendent of Learning Services. They helped get the program underway at the library by playing songs using an array of musical instruments to entertain children and their parents.

Children 2 to 3 years old can join “Mother Goose on the Loose” from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Summer reading activity logs may be picked up at this time.

June 20: Local Domaci Czech dancers perform traditional Slovak dances, a popular annual event. In June, the Main Library has invited Adrienne, from Township of Union Community Garden to demonstrate how to paint decorative rocks for your garden.

“He also gives the kids the opportunity to play on the drums”, she said. The goals vary based on the child’s age and reading level.

Spend a morning with the family at Ascension Parish Library’s Dutchtown Branch, where Disney’s “Moana” will be shown at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Muhlenberg County Public Libraries will host the next in their Chautauqua series on June 7 at 7 p.m.at Thistle Cottage. The session includes snacks.

The library introduces a new craft every week.

Participants age 12 to 17 will receive incentive prizes after reading eight books or 800 pages or reading for eight hours.

It’s the second year the library’s program is open to anyone, regardless of residency.