Scott Swanson
For youngsters who like reading, this summer is a chance to “Dig In” for the Sweet Home Library’s Summer Reading Program, which starts registration June 12 at 1101 13th Ave.
Librarian Sandi Leonard said that “digging in” is the theme for the program, which runs through the end of July and provides awards for children who accomplish reading goals.
Participants who register on Thursday, June 20, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., or Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will receive a free library card and book.
Programs are offered in three different age groups – Pre-schoolers and Tots, Elementary, and Teens.
Activities for the youngest participants, who will meet Fridays at 9:30 a.m., include stories, crafts and weekly reading with parents.
“We keep it flexible for parents,” she said.
Special activities for the toddlers include digging up worms on June 28, digging pirate treasure (dressed as pirates) on July 5, digging with big trucks on July 12, digging dinosaur bones on July 19, and animals that dig (bring your favorite stuffed animal) on July 26, with the final wrap-up and awards ceremony for all ages on July 31.
For elementary students, who meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, activities include a fossil demonstration with geologist Robert Rosé of Cascadia on June 26; puppeteer Penny Walter presenting “Down in the Burrows,” an introduction to “creatures who live underground” with lots of singing, dancing and audience participation on July 3; real road equipment on July 10, presented by the Linn County Road Department; an exploration of burrowing animals with University of Oregon Assistant Professor Samantha Hopkins of the geological sciences department on July 17, and an adventure program with performer Rick Huddle, “Secret Agent Underground,” on July 24.
The teen program, “Beneath the Surface,” will run Thursday nights at 6 p.m. starting June 27 with “Underground Music” presented by DJ Zekander (aka Sweet Home High School student Gabriel Redick). Rosé, the geologist, will demonstrate some geological techniques on July 11, and July 18 will be a Pirate Party, with participants encouraged to eat, dress and talk like pirates.
A talent show will be held on July 25, with free pizza donated by Figaro’s, and teens are invited to demonstrate their gifts – writing, art, comedy or whatever.
Each program has a series of goals or challenges that participants must meet, and as they accomplish those, they get entered in drawings for prizes. As the challenges get stiffer, the prizes get bigger. Smaller prizes will be awarded weekly and the big ones will be handed out on July 31.
Leonard said those awards have been donated by a wide variety of businesses, for which she is appreciative.
“Interest has mounted,” she said. “I’m really excited to see people get behind the reading program. Some of these are little mom-and-pop businesses. I’ve been doing this for 16 years and to see this is really encouraging.”
Of particular note, she said, is a “mystery prize” that will be awarded in the teen competition. She won’t say what it is, but Leonard said it will be well worth it for the fortunate winner.
She said there is no limit on participants and she’s been to all the schools in the district to promote the reading program. She expects youngsters to enjoy the hands-on nature of the programs.
“I think we’ll have fun,” she said. “The kids like to get their hands dirty.”
For more information, contact the library at (541) 367-5007.