The Seattle Public Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off today with the theme “Where Does Reading Take You?” The annual program encourages everyone, especially children, to read during the summer.
To participate, sign up in person at any of the 27 Library locations, including the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Children can get a reading log and collect a sticker for each book read. Teens and adults can also track books at their local branch.
Children who participate in the Summer Reading Program will receive a free paperback book and a pass to the Burke Museum after reading 10 books. Children who read 10 books by Monday, Aug. 1 will be entered into a drawing for the city librarian’s popular Breakfast of Champions event held at the Space Needle in August. One winner from each Library location will be selected.
Participating in the Summer Reading Program is a great way for kids to have fun and improve reading skills during the summer break from school. A 2004 study in the Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk found that having elementary school students read just four or five books during the summer can prevent the reading-achievement losses that normally occur over those months.
The Summer Reading Program includes hundreds of free programs for families at library locations. Here are the programs scheduled for the Greenwood Library:
- Little Critters – 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 24. “Bring your littlest animal lovers to this fun program by the education staff from the Woodland Park Zoo! Learn about a delightful animal through fun stories, puppets, and other surprises, then meet (and even touch) that animal in real life! (Animal species vary, and won’t be known until the day of the program.) For ages 5 and younger.”
- DANCE This Family Workshop – 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25. “Discover how to move and groove as Seattle Theatre Group instructors help you explore the rhythms and movement of hip-hop and Afro-Brazilian dance. For ages 5-8.”
- Zinery 101 – Get published now! 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 29. “A zine is a magazine you print yourself. Learn the basics and make your own zine with Lucy Morehouse of Ong Ong Press. Limited to 20 people. For ages 10 and older. Call the branch to register.”
- A Musical Trip Around the World – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29. “Sing and clap with Miho and Diego as they introduce Japanese and South American folk music and musical instruments uncommon in the U.S. For ages 2-12.”
- Hands-On Henna – 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 . “Create and wear great-looking art! Learn about the fascinating history and traditions of this beautiful form of body adornment with artist Krysteen Lomonaco. Not suitable for large groups such as daycares or summer camps. For ages 10 and older. Limited to 30 people. Call the branch to register.”
- Make a Book – 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 13. “Instructors form the Seattle Center for Book Arts show you how handmade books can add a creative twist to traditional soft and hardcover books. All materials and supplies provided. Groups and drop-ins welcome. For ages 12 and older.”
- Comic-making 101 – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23. “Graphic novels combine writing and images to tell stories in ways unlike any other medium. A professional graphic novelist shares secrets and strategies to help you create your own comic book. Prior drawing experience is not necessary. Call the branch to register. For ages 9-18.”
- Brother Coyote and Sister Fox – 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 . “Join Thistle Theatre for a delightful and humorous adaptation of a beloved Mexican folktale featuring puppets and music. For ages 3-11.”
- The Land That Rock Forgot – 2:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. “Fast forward to 2012: the ultra high-tech Brian Waite Band is on its way to a gig when the plan crashes on a remote island. Their musical instruments now useless, the band members rediscover the beauty of nature and meet other castaways who teach them about their native music. The band’s new “back-to-earth” sound wins the heart of the island’s king, who offers the musicians a way home. Will the band return to the high-tech world now that they have reconnected with Mother Nature? See for yourself! For ages 3-7.”
- Going Global – 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 . “Join juggler Alex Zerbe for a high-energy comedy show that excites kids and adult alike about different cultures and phenomena from around the world. See why this two-time Guinness World Record-holder was voted Seattle’s Funniest Prop Comic. For ages 5 and older.”
