This summer, many children from across the region will explore fitness, wildlife and magic.
And they will stretch their minds, too, with the main focus being on reading.
“On your mark, get set … READ” is the theme of this year’s summer reading program that will soon take place at area libraries. The program is open to children and, in some cases, adults.
“We look forward to this year’s summer reading program and all the children that decide to participate,” Bradford Area Public Library Program and Community Outreach Coordinator Judy Carr said on Tuesday.
At the Bradford library, the program will run from from 11 a.m. to noon June 14-30 with preschoolers and kindergarteners participating on Tuesdays, first- through third-grade students taking part on Wednesdays and fourth- through sixth-grade students getting involved on Thursdays.
Also, Teen Book Club adviser Marie Troskosky will head programs that include Read-A-Thons and Larry Causer will help children write a book.
“We will be covering information that consists of things that go along with the Summer Olympics,” Carr said. “We are very excited to have the children learn about the preparations of being in the Olympics, how athletes need to be fit and why.”
The lessons will revolve around good sportsmanship and dreaming big by making healthy decisions within their lives, Carr said.
Special programs will also take place, such as Penn State Extension worker Laurie Maletto leading an activity at 11 a.m. June 15-16, teaching the importance of a good diet and hydration for athletes and children.
At 11 a.m. June 22, Mister Jim & The Juice Box Heroes will perform music, part of a program to help children realize the importance of exercise.
“He is wonderful in making it an enjoyable experience and show it can be fun to be fit,” Carr said.
Beginning at 10 a.m. June 24, Michael Morton, with a petting zoo, will demonstrate that even animals need a specific diet and exercise in order to be fit. The same day, beginning at 11 a.m., Dave Jeffers Magic will be at the library starting at 11 a.m. June 29.
“Throughout the program there will be stories that will be read and discussed,” Carr said. “The reading program will consist of stories that go along with the Olympics. An example is Michael Phelps with Alan Abrahamson (book called) ‘How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals.’ This particular story explains what steps were made by Michael in order to win eight gold medals.”
Throughout the summer, children will fill out reading logs, which will be returned to the library for prizes.
“It is important to remember that just because it is summer reading can reinforce their abilities that will continue to enhance their next school year in reading skills,” Carr said.
For more information, contact the Bradford library at 814-362-6527.
Elsewhere across the region, the Summer Reading Club at the S.W. Smith Memorial Library in Port Allegany will meet Wednesdays from June 22-July 27, from 10-11 a.m. for preschoolers; 1-2 p.m., kindergarteners through sixth-graders; and seventh-graders through 12th-graders will be using a blog. Sign-ups run until June 15.
Jeffini the Great Magic Show will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 6 and is free.
Those who read 15 hours will receive free admission to the Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 with the location to be announced. Individuals who read less than 15 hours will have to pay one dollar to see the Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show.
For more information, call 814-642-9210.
At the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library in Shinglehouse, the summer reading program for young adults will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays in July and preschoolers through fifth-graders will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Adults will meet for six weeks, starting at 6:30 p.m. June 22.
For more information, call 814-697-6691.
On Wednesdays the Ulysses Public Library will host a reading program from July 6-Aug. 10 for 5-year-olds through 8-year-olds from 9:45-10:45 a.m.; 9-year-olds through 12-year-olds from 11 a.m.-noon; and teens from 11 a.m. to noon.
For more information, call 814 -848-7226.
Also, the Galeton Public Library will hold a summer reading program for those at least 12-years-old.
A Muggle Quidditch Match, a sport that combines rugby, dodgeball and tag, is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 23. At 5 p.m. June 29, a Candy Games Tournament and Video Game Tournament is slated, and a Board, Card and Dice Game Tournament and Library Scavenger Hunt is scheduled at 5 p.m. July 13. Craft day is on the calendar for 5 p.m July 20, and Poetry Slam and Marathon Storytelling is set for 5 p.m. July 27. Book-n-Movie Night featuring “Soul Music” by Terry Pratchett will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 3.
An End of the Summer Party is scheduled at 1 p.m. Aug. 11.
Also at the library, officials are challenging the children to read at least one book related to each continent on earth. An art contest is also taking place throughout the summer.
For more information, call 814-435-2321.
In Coudersport, the public library kicked off summer reading program registration on Monday.
“This year, the program is open to all ages — preschool through senior citizens,” officials said on the library’s website. “All are encouraged to join the Coudersport Public Library Summer Reading Team — be one of the first 100 individuals to read four books this summer, and receive a free t-shirt.”
For more information, call the library at 814-274-9382.
Meanwhile, sign ups for the reading program at the Ridgway Public Library launched Tuesday. Call 814-773-7573 for more information.
At the St. Marys Public Library, the reading program is open to both children and adults. For the older group, they can win a Kindle Fire, a coloring basket, a puzzle basket or a cooking basket. For more information, call 814-834-6141.
