Read on the Wild Side

June 6 – July 18

Kids in kindergarten-fifth grade who read for 30 minutes a day, five days each week, will earn a prize. The first prize is a book. After that, pick out anything from the treasure chest. Collect raffle tickets through the summer for a chance to win prizes at the End of Summer Bash. Get tickets for signing up for the Summer Reading Club, having your reading log stamped, attending library programs and completing a weekly activity. Parents can earn tickets for a special raffle by bringing their children to the library for any club activity. Prizes will include gift cards to local stores, radios and other toys; or you can choose to use your tickets for a chance to win a pair of tickets to a Chicago Sky basketball game on Sept. 12. Sign up for the Summer Reading Club by June 15, for a chance to win four tickets to Broadway in Chicago’s “Mary Poppins.”

End of Summer Bash

Hoffmann’s Kingdom of Animals will have live animals to celebrate the end of our wild Summer. Get up close to and pet some of these wild critters, including a boa constrictor, hornbill, hedgehog and more! After the show we’ll hold the Summer Reading Club raffle and enjoy refreshments. Sponsored by Modern Heating Company, a 2008 Partner in Reading.

Monday, July 27, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Wildlife in Your Backyard

Join naturalist/humorist David Stokes as he shares his passion and enthusiasm for nature and the environment. David uses live creatures and animal artifacts, songs and short stories to make learning fun. Sponsored by Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, a 2008 Partner in Reading.

Monday, July 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Harry Potter Party

Second-and-third graders are invited to celebrate Harry’s new movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Join us for classes in Herbology, Divination and Care of Magical Animals. We’ll also have a library Quidditch match! Registration requested.
Tuesday, July 7, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Summer Showtime!

Perform or help with props, costumes and scenery.  Have a wild time as we prepare for our “Wild Thing” show. Every Wednesday we’ll play drama games and create sets and costumes. Show off your creative talent to your friends and family when you invite them to our big performance on July 18. For kindergartners-through-eighth-graders.
Wednesdays, June 10-July 15, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Sidewalk Drawing Party

Using chalk and your imagination, help transform the sidewalk in front of the library into a wild jungle and celebrate afterwards with a delicious sundae bar.

Monday, June 29, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

On the Wild Side

Read on the Wild Side with Comedy Magician, the Amazing Tim Adamz! Join Tim on a non-stop and hilarious adventure into the world of a reading safari, as he provides interactive fun for the whole family. Children will be amazed and have fun. Sponsored by Zion-Benton Kiwanis Club, a 2008 Partner In Reading.

Tuesday, June 23, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Win With Reading Club

Fourth-through-eighth-graders may pick up the Win With Reading Club booklet starting Aug. 1. The club continues through Jan. 31, 2010. You can win books, video coupons, a crazy pencil and a trophy! Get a head start by reading Win With Reading books for the Summer Reading Club and earn double prizes. The books will be on display beginning June 6.

Homeschool Curriculum Fair

All current and prospective homeschoolers are invited to hear presentations and view curriculum from vendors, including Usborne Books.  Homeschoolers are invited to sell, swap or give away any study materials that they have outgrown. Come see what’s available and fill some of your homeschooling needs. Sellers/swappers must register for table space. Registration is requested for all participants.

Thursday, June 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Fairy Tea Party

Learn about fairies and use your imagination to create your very own fairy.  Listen to fairy music and eat fabulous fairy food. Feel free to dress-up as fancy as you please! Registration is requested.

Thursday, June 11
Ages four-to-eight: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ages nine-to-fourteen: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Storytimes

Help your child get ready to read with stories and songs.  Both Infants and Toddlers Together and Tiny Tyke Time offer instruction and take-home sheets on the six pre-literacy skills, Brain Gym or baby sign language.  One caregiver per child is encouraged for children to age 3.

Infants and Toddlers Together [Newborn to age 3]  Registration required.
Mondays, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
June 1-22 and July 6-27

Tiny Tyke Time [18 months to age 3] Registration required.
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
June 2-23 and July 7-28

Preschool Storytime [Ages 3 to 6] Stories, fingerplays and songs. Each storytime session will have an activity that focuses on a skill needed before children learn to read. Registration not required.
Mondays, 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 6:30-7:00 p.m.
June 1-25 and July 6-30