Become active with your local library to find great books
by Julie Engelhardt Special to South Valley Newspapers
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, many parents might be in a panic as they wonder how they’ll keep their children amused during the next few months. There are local beaches, amusement parks and malls, or you could head to your local public library for some free, educational fun.
Libraries in San Benito County, Gilroy and Morgan Hill, as well as surrounding counties and cities, are preparing to launch their summer reading clubs and programs. Some only offer programs for kids, but plenty have opportunities for teens and adults, too.
Tomorrow kicks off the summer-reading program season for both the Gilroy and Morgan Hill libraries. Like many libraries across the state, the theme of each library’s program is “Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales,” and will focus on different types of animals. Programs for children, teens and adults will be offered.
Rosanne Macek, community librarian for the Morgan Hill branch, said she’s looking forward to this year’s summer reading club. Participating libraries have one goal in mind: to encourage kids to turn off the TV and pick up a good book.
“A lot of different people put our specific program together, including the librarians in all eight libraries as well as members from our administrative headquarter staff,” Macek said. “We know from various studies if we can keep the kids … reading in the summer then they have a little bit of a head start academically when they return to school in the fall.”
The Morgan Hill program kickoff starts at 3pm and will feature popular children’s entertainer Python Ron accompanied by some of his slithery, slimy friends. In Gilroy, the ceremony begins at 11am and will be followed by a drop-in craft program to create pet puppets. In addition, Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro will make a special appearance.
The San Benito County Free Library’s summer reading program begins June 19.
Special guests will make appearances at 2pm Thursdays at the library, including Hollister resident, author and artist Shannon Grissom, rangers from Hollister Hills, and Adell Pimintel, who will entertain the kids with animal puppets.
Children who sign up for the reading program will have the chance to earn different prizes depending upon how many books they read during the summer. The library will also offer special days for arts and crafts. Carol Willette, the library’s preschool storyteller, will continue with her three story-time programs throughout the summer months.
Throughout the summer each library will have special programs ranging from puppet shows to ventriloquist and magic acts.
