Summer is fast approaching and it’s once again time for the Scotland County Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year the program theme is “The Universe of Stories!”
Statistics have shown students who take part in their local library’s summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills. In fact, children who don’t read over the summer experience summer learning loss Studies have shown that children who read for fun often out-perform in school those children who don’t read for fun!
Wondering how to keep your family busy and happy this summer? The Summer Reading Club with all of its associated activities is absolutely free, offering everyone safe, educational opportunities throughout the summer. Registration for the Summer Reading Club begins May 28 and continues through June 19, when the reading club officially begins. Activities include programs on snakes and creepy critters, night predators, fantasies in literature, unique animals, dream jobs, and magic.
The first major program of the summer will be “Snakes Alive” with Ron Cromer on Wednesday, June 19. Make plans to join us at the Scotland County Memorial Library for this great presentation on reptiles, snakes and more! What does a snake feel like? Where do bearded dragons live? What do these reptiles eat? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore the wonderful world and learn what it means to be a Herpetologist. We will have two programs, one starting at 10:30 a.m. and one again at 1 p.m.
Our next program will be two different programs by the staff of Bright Start Theatre on Wednesday, June 26. The morning program starting at 10:30 a.m. will be “Jacks Adventures in Space” and will be for those in pre-K through sixth grade. This program will take us into space to learn about the planets in the solar system. The afternoon program will be “Maximus Mars: An Antibullying Adventure” starting at 1:30 p.m. where Maximus will stand ready to challenge bullies wherever they may be found – in real life, online, or out of this world! Make plans to join us for both of these wonderful programs.
On July 3, Tyrus Jones, Scotland County’s own ‘homegrown’ storyteller will be here to spin his wonderful stories to show just how important we each are in this great big universe. Make plans to join us at the Scotland County Memorial Library for either the 10 a.m. or the 1:30 p.m. show.
The Carolina Raptor Center will present their program “Predators of the Sky” at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Hawks, owls, and an eagle will be featured and as always admission is free for the public. This program will help you discover their kinship with native wildlife and humans. Learn what makes raptors unique in the avian world and explore what actions can be taken to make a difference for wildlife and our environment. Check out the many books the library offers on birds of prey and North Carolina wildlife.
We will introduce Sharon Clarke from Connelly Springs on July 17 to weave together song with story, imagery with imagination to delight and captivate the listener. Her dramatic and unique style keeps her audience entranced … laughing and crying … as they quickly and unknowingly become part of the yarn spinner’s web. She will be preforming two shows; the first at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m.
Our major program schedule will wrap–up THE Summer Reading Program on July 24 when we host Mark Daniels, who is renowned for his unique, gentle, respectful approach with children and considered by many as one of the best in the business. The program incorporates terrific books, storytelling, puppetry, book talking, magic tricks, and audience participation, all blended artfully with the notion that we learn and are impacted on many different levels, many different ways. You will enjoy great books, tremendous fun, and more celebration of the joys of reading in a self-contained program with terrific music, an awesome sound system, and a fantastic stage set! Folks often mention how Mark beautifully incorporates music to punctuate and stimulate throughout the performance. Make plans to join us for the morning program at 10:30 a.m. or the afternoon program at 1:30 p.m.
Sign up now — remember, for information on this or other events at the Scotland County Memorial Library, call 276-0563 or visit www.scotlandcounty.org/library.
Leon Gyles is the director of the Scotland County Memorial Library.