6/23/2010 9:59:00 PM
Reading programs make Prescott library a destination for summer fun
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Matt Hinshaw/The Daily Courier
Juan Sandoval, 7, decorates his balloon octopus Tuesday afternoon at the Prescott Public Library. Drop-in Crafts is one of many programs kids and parents can enjoy this summer at the Prescott library. |
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Matt Hinshaw/The Daily Courier
Annabel Young, 6, works on a bubble painting Tuesday afternoon at the Prescott Public Library. |
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The Prescott Public Library's summer reading programs for all ages have kept its doors swinging open.
On Tuesday alone, children and their parents filled the Founders Suite and another library meeting room for drop-in crafts, a weekly activity for youngsters that has a different theme each session.
The children were caught up in the "Bubble Trouble" program, making balloon octopuses and jewelry pieces for necklaces.
Annabel Young, 6, participates in the drop-in crafts "because it's fun," she said. She loves the library, her father, Adam, said, adding he has brought her to library crafts events for two years.
"We're a big fan of the library," he said. "That's one of the things we looked for" when his family moved here. "We wanted a good library and we found one." Adam also appreciates the fact that Annabel gets to meet other kids and see her friends from school. "They have great events for kids," he said.
Leia Cockerell, 6, was also having a great time Tuesday, showing off the bubble necklace she had made. "I come here all the time. I love it. It's really fun," she said.
Her mom, Wendy, added, "We try to come to all the activities here. Anytime they have an art day, we come."
To date this summer, 963 registered readers have taken advantage of the library's offerings. These numbers include 667 children up to age 12 who have logged more than 767 hours of reading; 141 teens ages 12 to 18 who have submitted 153 book reviews; and 155 adults who have submitted 171 book reviews.
Library Director Tony Kaus attributes the success of children's teen programs to Amadee Ricketts, lead librarian for youth services. Because of Amadee's creativity and the inspiration that she breathes into youth services, "she has made it a great place for kids and their families," Kaus said.
Teens have their activities as well, led by the Teen Advisors Group (TAG). One TAG team member, Ivy Broiles, 13, said the group helps at the library with children's events and plans activities for teenagers, such as an upcoming barbecue, an end-of-summer party and, hopefully, a Halloween party.
For the first time, the library has a summer reading program for adults called "Water Your Mind." It's an online venture, involving no meetings or events, Kaus said. Participants register via a link on the library's website and submit brief book reviews of titles they read or listen to on audio books. Every week there is a drawing for prizes that local merchants have donated.
People can sign up for library programs through July 17, Kaus said. Yet to come for youngsters are "Juggler James Reid" on July 1, animal and water tales by storyteller Donna Meyer on July 8, "Meet a Real Owl from Heritage Park Zoo" on July 10, "Great Arizona Puppet Theater" on July 15, an interactive musical extravaganza on July 22, and the "Make a Splash" closing party on July 24. The weekly drop-in crafts last until July 20.
"I love seeing all the buzz" that summer activities have brought to the library this summer, Kaus said. The programs are free to the public, because Friends of the Library picks up the costs.
For more information about programs at the library, log onto www.prescottlibrary.info.
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