Let’s start the summer out “All together now” at the Library

Grab a friend and jump in together to let your imaginations soar as you explore the wonders of reading during the Summer Reading Program “All Together Now” at the Hartington Public Library. There will be games and activities, cute crafts, explorations, silly songs, special visitors and, of course, stories and tales that will not disappoint.

This annual program encourages all area children to continue reading during summer vacation, so that valuable skills will not be lost. By spending time reading, kids will keep their brains active and will enter school in the fall more prepared to learn and to succeed.

Registration day is set for June 7, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at the library. This program is free and open to preschool children, age 4, through those entering fifth grade. Each family will receive a colorful bag for books, reading logs, stickers and tattoos.

The story hour program consists of four weekly sessions held on Wednesdays, at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., for Pre-School (4 yrs) to second grade. Week 1, Wed., June 14, “To The Rescue.“ In between some great stories, kids help squirt out some “flames,” dress community helpers in their uniforms and create a wearable hat. Week 2, Wed., June 21, is the “The Dirt Zone.” During this session kids will get a little dirty, after listening to some awesome stories they will work together to run the farm, dig a little dirt and create a mailable HUG. Week 3, Wed., June 28, “Healing Hands.” Together we will read some amazing stories, then the kids will assist in treating some “medical cases.” Before they head home they will make their own stethoscope. Week 4, July 5, “All Together Now,” there will be stories and a carnival of activities for the kids to explore in the library’s backyard.

Head, Heart, Hands, Health are the four Hs in 4-H. Nebraska Extension in Cedar County is excited to partner with the Library to provide hands-on summer reading workshops for youth grades third-fifth grade. They will provide four weekly sessions on Wednesday mornings, at 10 a.m., held in the basement of city auditorium.

Wed. June 14, HEAD – “Teamwork:” During this first session youth will learn how to identify their emotions and how to find common ground with team members. The second session, HEART, June 22, is “You are enough:” Youth will learn about words of affirmation. They will see their strengths in a positive light and learn how to share kind words and thoughts with others. June 28, HANDS – “Simple Machines:” Youth will learn about the engineering design process as they make their very own compound machine. The final session July 5, HEALTH: How do you keep apples from turning brown? Youth will learn the answer to this question as they explore the chemical reactions during an apple oxidation experiment.

The library program will end July 11, at 10 a.m., with a finale, featuring performer, Toby Kid at the city auditorium. Toby puts on an award-winning show designed to help kids make new buddies and laugh uncontrollably. As a recognized Master Clown, Toby knows how to tickle the funny bone and have kids singing, dancing and clapping along. Contest winners will be announced after the program.

Join the fun and be sure to take advantage of what your public library has to offer. Ask us about our “BookMark Challenge” during the month of June and July. For more information about this year’s program, please call the library, 402-254-6245.