Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home Public Library Summer Reading Program gets under way on June 20.
Registration is 3 to 5 p.m. on June 14 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 16. Children can register at any time, but registering during those times will net children ages 0 to 18 a free book. All children participating in the Summer Reading Program will receive a library card valid throughout the summer.
“The schools close,” said Librarian Sandi Leonard. “There’s not even summer school, so there’s no access to books.”
The Summer Reading Program gives children access to books, rewards for reading throughout the summer and activities each week.
The theme is “Dream Big.”
The first event, “Jugglemania,” will be held at 11 a.m. on June 15 at the library for all ages. Rhys Thomas will perform comedy, juggling and circus tricks.
The Summer Reading Program for teens, ages 12 through 18, begins at 6 p.m. on July 6 and continues on Thursdays throughout the month, Leonard said. The first night will feature “Shake the Stacks” live music. The remainder of the teen programs will be announced later.
Preschool, ages 0 to 5, begins at 9:30 a.m. on June 22 and runs weekly through July 27.
“I like working with the preschoolers,” Leonard said. One particular event she’s looking forward to is the July 20 program, “The Singing Princess and Her Soldier.” Children will dress up for that one.
Ages 5-11 (5-year-olds have their choice which program to attend) begins at 10 a.m. on June 20, continuing weekly through July 25.
Highlights include a visit from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, with a presentation on bats, and a “Walk on the Wild Side” with the Cascade Raptor Center and a presentation on birds of prey, Leonard said.
The business community has stepped up to make the Summer Reading Program possible, Leonard said. “I’m excited about the businesses in Sweet Home being behind us. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of our businesses in Sweet Home.”
Business after business has responded before she could even open her mouth and tell them why she is looking for prize donations to keep children reading, Leonard said. Even in a tough economy, they’re still willing to give.
“To me that is an overwhelming testimony of our town to show the community really is behind these kids, to keep them reading,” Leonard said.
Weekly and grand prizes include pizza, movie rentals, food, toys and gifts, she said. The students can receive prizes for meeting reading challenges throughout the summer. An awards program is set for 10 a.m. on Aug. 1 for all age groups.
The Library Dragon will travel around town again, Leonard said. When children see the Library Dragon at local businesses, they simply need to go to the library, 11-1 13th Ave., and tell a librarian where it is to receive a prize from the dragon’s treasure chest.
For more information about the Summer Reading Program, call the library at (541) 367-5007.
The kindergarten through sixth-grade program includes the following events:
n June 20, 10 a.m., “Starry, Starry Night” – Create your own starry night drawing based on the artwork of Vincent van Gogh.
n June 27, 10 a.m., “Dream Catchers” – Dream catchers catch both good and bad dreams in their webs. Come and learn the Native American legend and make your own dream catcher.
n July 11, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., “OMSI Going Batty” – Explore the intriguing world of bats and learn the truth ab out the most misunderstood and beneficial creatures on earth. Presented by OMSI. Space is limited, and registration is required.
n July 18, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., “Walk on the Wild Side” – Cascade Raptor Center invites you to join them and learn about birds of prey. Space is limited, and registration is required.
n July 25, 10 a.m., “LEGO Fun Day” – Come and play at the library. Create your own LEGO masterpiece.
The 0-5 program includes the following events (all programs begin at 9:30 a.m.):
n June 22, “Wish Upon a Star.”
n June 29, “Whoo! Whoo! Owls!”
n July 6, “Teddy Bear Stories” – Bring your favorite stuffed animals.
n July 13, “Gorilla at Night.”
n July 20, “The Singing Princess and Her Soldier” – Dress up for this one.
n July 27, “Stellaluna.”