Not only is the Summer Library Club full of reading adventures, but it is an important part of a child's educational growth. Studies show that children who continue to read during the summer are better prepared for the upcoming school year. Kanawha County Public Library takes a leadership role in keeping children reading by providing excellent resources and quality programming. These pages give complete information about how you can join the Club and provide a schedule of exciting free programs awaiting you at your local library this summer.
Want to join the club? Here's how it works:
- Absolutely ArtRageous! Summer Library Club begins June 3 and end July 22, 2006. Children ages 12 and under are invited to register at their local branch library.
- You will need a current Kanawha County Public Library system card. Don't have a library card? Sign up at any library location. Remember, your parent or guardian must sign your card application if your are under 14.
- How do you participate?
- Read! The goal for children ages birth-5 years of age is to read or be read to for 1,000 minutes: Older children (6-12 years) must read or listen to unabridged audiobooks for a total of 1,500 minutes during the reading club. One way to reach this goal is for children ages birth-5 years to read or be read to at least 20 minutes per day of the club; older children can read or listen to unabridged audiobooks for at least 30 minutes per day.
- Attend free programs and other activities! The game sheet has three squares that allow you to choose one of two options: 1) You may attend a library program, or 2) Read for 30 minutes. These three squares will count toward your goal of completing the club.
Other things you need to know:
- Bring your Game Sheet with you each time you visit the library this summer so we may record your progress.
- To be counted on your game sheet, books must be checked out of the library and taken home before you can color a square on your game sheet.
- The last day for recording your books on your game sheet at your local library is the close of business on Saturday, July 22. Nitro's last day is July 24.
Rewards: How can you earn them?
- READ! The more you read, the more you'll win!
- Your game sheet is your path to rewards! Depending on your age, for every 20 or 30 minutes that you read, you will color in one square on your game sheet (For example, if your are a 6-12 year old, and you read for one hour, you can color in two squares on your game sheet). As you reach one of the symbols on the sheet, you'll receive a reward. Bring in your game sheet so we can record your progress, and you can receive prizes.
- When you finish the last square on the game sheet (make sure it is recorded by a library staff member), you'll earn a T-shirt that can be picked up starting Saturday, August 19 (August 21 at Nitro).
- Continue reading! After you finish your first game sheet, start a new game sheet. Instead of receiving prizes, your name will be entered into a Grand Prize Drawing.
- Be a Star Reviewer! Star Reviewers (ages 7-12) read or listen to J fiction or J 398s (Folk or Fairy Tales) and win an extra prize. Ask the library staff how you can be a Star Reviewer.
- Receive a certificate. The number of minutes that you logged will be recorded on a certificate that you'll receive at the end of the club.
These free programs and many more will be held at area libraries
Juggernaut Jug Band: Down on the Corner
- Locations
- Main Library June 7, 6 p.m.
- Marmet June 8, 10:30 a.m.
- St. Albans June 8, 2 p.m.
- Sissonville June 7, 1:30 p.m.
What kind of music will you hear "Down on the Corner?" The band plays a form of American music that uses "found" homemade and traditional instruments from the turn of the century through today. You'll have fun learning how to improvise and make music with what is at hand, and how American music has evolved from ragtime, blues and folk into the popular music of today.
All ages. Registration required
Kulture Kids: Talk-Talk-Talk
- Locations
- Clendenin June 20, 11 a.m.
- Dunbar June 21, 10:30 a.m.
- Elk Valley June 20, 2 p.m.
- St. Albans June 21, 1 p.m.
- Sissonville June 21, 4 p.m.
In "Talk-Talk-Talk," the Kulture Kids take us on a journey to Africa, where we will meet...a talking yam? A talking loom? A talking river? As you learn this African story/dance, realize that things are not always the way they seem.
All ages. Registration required
John Manders, Illustrator
- Locations
- Main Library July 13, 4 p.m.
- Cross Lanes July 12, 1:30 p.m.
- Dunbar July 12, 10:30 a.m.
- Marmet July 13, 10:30 a.m.
- Riverside July 13, 1 p.m.
- St. Albans July 12, 3:30 p.m.
Ahoy, matey! Come on deck with illustrator John Manders, who reads aloud from his new book, Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. Manders leads us in a buccaneer bunny sea-shanty sing-a-long while simultaneously painting a buccaneer bunny! He explains the tools and materials that he uses to illustrate his books and talks about drawing and mixing color.
All ages. Registration required
Randel McGee & Groark
- Locations
- Main Library July 18, 6 p.m.
- Clendenin July 18, 11 a.m.
- Cross Lanes July 19, 1:30 p.m.
- Elk Valley July 18, 3 p.m.
- Riverside July 19, 10:30 a.m.
- St. Albans July 19, 4 p.m.
This unique puppet/ventriloquist act has entertained children and adults all across the United States and Asia at puppetry and storytelling festivals, schools, conventions, libraries and special events. McGee's live performances appeal to youg and old alike with a fast-paced, high-energy blend of stand-up comedy, witty banter, original songs and hilarious storytelling.
All ages. Registration required
Kala Jojo, the Tall Storyteller: Summer Library Club Finale
- Locations
- Main Library July 25, 6 p.m.
- Dunbar July 26, 10:30 a.m.
- Elk Valley July 25, 2 p.m.
- Riverside July 27, 6:30 p.m.
- St. Albans July 26, 2 p.m.
- Sissonville July 27, 1 p.m.
Celebrate the end of an Absolutely ArtRageous Summer Library Club with nationally renowned folklorist, educator and musician Kala Jojo. using traditional African folk tales and instruments, Kala Jojo shows us that, like a river which is connected to all of nature, so are the books we read, our languages, music, songs and stories. Kala Jojo combines the arts of drama, storytelling and music as he shares universal stories about life lessons through music, humor and song.
All ages. Registration required