County Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program

Though the school year has ended, the county library is just gearing up for its free annual summer reading program for children of all ages.

“Kids entering grade 12 and younger are invited to stop by their local library this summer and join the 2011 Summer Reading Club,” said Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) spokesperson Laurie Hayes. “Students can sign up anytime, at any branch.”

All branches have suggested reading lists, with award winning books that have been identified as suitable and appropriate for all grade levels.

The library’s club-related programs and activities start today and run through July 30.

A special kickoff event will occur in the Broadneck branch Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. Special guest and award-winning Australian face painter Christalene Karaiskakis will be on hand as kids ages 3-12 decorate the library’s meeting room for the Summer Reading Club by making crafts from around the world, then successfully complete the Scavenger Hunt in the library to win a prize.

For elementary age children and their families, local libraries are hosting several weeks of free special events, including:

• “Go Green with Pam and Rascal” that will be appearing at the Broadneck branch on Thursday, June 30 at 1:30, 3:30, and 7 p.m. This interactive "green" show for all ages features stories and songs about the environment, providing reminders on how we can all appreciate and take care of Mother Earth.
• Rock out with Rocknoceros at the Broadneck branch on Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Rocknoceros (pronounced like "rhinoceros") is a band for all ages with “Coach Cotton,” “Williebob” and “Boogie Bennie” providing a fun evening outdoors, weather permitting. (In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be held indoors and seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first- served basis.)
• "Things That Go Boom" with Mad Science will appear at the Broadneck branch on Wednesday, July 13 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The wonder of sound waves is featured in a spectacular science show featuring cool sound effects, amazing vibrations, colorful chemistry and radical reactions of all kinds.
• Jim Hossick  performs “One World, Many StorySongs...with Kidsinger Jim!” appears at the Broadneck branch on Tuesday, July 19 at 1:30, 3:30, and 7 p.m. Kidsinger Jim provides original StorySongs, a combination of storytelling and songs, featuring memorable characters from around the world. This show would be fun for all ages.
• Joe Romano’s “Books! The Magic is Real!” is appearing at the Broadneck branch on Monday, July 25 at 1:30, 3:30, and 7 p.m. This local entertainer promises to bring books to life through the art of magic and illusion, while using characters and plot lines from favorites like "Harry Potter" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

Think your teen is too old for these programs? This year, middle and high school students are offered a special summer workshop just for them. Titled “Creative Cartooning,” this 90-minute event is led by local artist Michael Cotter and features demonstrations and exercises to develop drawing skills. The cartoons will feature ideas on social issues and current events (bullying, social media, global warming, etc.) and some of the works will be featured on the library’s Teen Facebook page. 

The workshops will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at:

• West County Library, Tuesday, July 12;           
• Brooklyn Park Library, Tuesday, July 19; and
• Annapolis Library, Tuesday, July 26.

Note:  Registration is recommended and can be made by calling the local branch that is hosting the event.

As a new bonus this year, middle and high school students who “LIKE” the Anne Arundel County Public Library Teen Facebook page by midnight on July 2 are eligible to win an iPod Touch.

The library is also hosting a Summer Reading Night at the Bowie Baysox stadium, where reading program participants aged 16 and younger are recognized and get to march on the field in a celebration pre-game parade. The event will be held on Sunday, July 24.

For more information on this or other events, pick up the summer edition of “Library Happenings” available in all library branches or online at www.aacpl.net.

Or get up-to-the-minute information on events and other library news on the AACPL Facebook page.