Library schedule heats up for summer
TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM
The Maryville Public Library is preparing to launch its Summer Reading Program Tuesday. Holding a copy of “Bulldozers” by Amanda Askew, library Director Stephanie Patterson stands beside a display of children’s books written on topics relating to construction and heavy equipment.
School is out, which means the Maryville Public Library at 509 N. Main St. is gearing up for its annual slate of warm-weather events, including the annual Scholastic Book Fair and this year’s Summer Reading Program for children and teens, which kicks off Tuesday.
Library Director Stephanie Patterson said 440 young people participated in last year’s summer reading emphasis, and that she is hoping the program will continue what has been a steady pattern of growth over the past several seasons.
This year’s book fair, again sponsored by the Scholastic Corp. publishing house, begins Friday, June 5 and will run during regular library hours through Tuesday, June 16.
The library is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Themed “Book Fair Under the Sea: Explore an Ocean of Books,” the sale will offer families a chance to choose from a large selection of titles targeted at preschoolers through young adult readers.
Thirty percent of total sale receipts are returned to the library in the form of Scholastic books, and Patterson said the event typically adds between $300 and $400 worth of new children’s and youth titles to the library’s permanent collection annually.
Scheduled to run Tuesday, May 26 — the day after Memorial Day — through July 31, this year’s Summer Reading Program provides participants with a “summer reading pack” that includes a logbook in which to record the number of minutes kids spend either reading or being read to.
Those minutes translate into prizes, and youngsters who read at least eight hours over the summer will have a chance to win science kits, a Perplexus Epic puzzle ball, a stomp rocket or a bracelet-making kit.
“Parents tell us that incentives like these help motivate their kids to set reading goals over the summer,” Patterson said. “Fortunately many of them also discover a true love of reading during that process, and that’s really what we like to see.”
Patterson added that the library will offer several hands-on learning experiences over the summer in addition to books covering a wide variety of literacy levels and interests, including titles on science, sports, history, humor and fiction.
Summer reading events planned at the library include:
• First day for sign-ups, Tuesday, May 26.
• Minecraft (video game) party, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 28. Ages 7-13 only.
• Early literacy event, Friday, May 29. Call 660.582.5281 for more information.
• Early Literacy Night (toddlers to children 8 years old), 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4. Register by calling 660.582.5281.
• Local young adult author Larry Anderson (“I, Eugenius”). Pizza. 5:15 p.m. Thursday, June 4.
• Teen movie night. “Captain America: Winter Soldier.” Ages 12-18 only. 3-5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11.
• “My Dad is My Hero” story hour, 9:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 16. Register by calling 660.582.5281.
• “Animals Around the World” Zoomobile. Ages 4 and up, refreshments provided. 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Registration required by calling 660.582.5281
• Super Crafty Night for Teens. Participants to make a necklace or keychain featuring an image or quote from a favorite book the book. Ages 12-18 only. 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18.
• Teen book discussion: “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell. Book to be read by July 9. Scheduled 3-5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Those who have not read the book can still come to the Fan fiction Writer’s Workshop at 4 p.m. Ages 12-18 only.
• Super Trivia Night. Ages 12-18 only. Thursday, July 17.
• “Firefighters: Heroes who save lives” story hour. 9:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. Register by calling 582-5281.
• End of summer reading party, Saturday, Aug. 1. Certificates and free books to be awarded. Ice cream sundaes. Registration required.
• Weekly programs throughout the summer: Toddler story time (birth to 3 years), 9:45-10:15 a.m. each Thursday; preschool story hour (ages 3-8), 9:45 a.m. each Tuesday.
