Friday, May 23, 2014

Summer Science Countdown



Every year, the state picks a summer reading theme for all of the libraries to follow. This year, we’re donning lab coats and strapping on goggles because this year’s theme is “Fizz, Boom, Read!” and revolves around science, technology, and engineering. 

Check out these 5 ways to get scientific with us this summer at the Reading Public Library:  

#1 Summer Steampunk Party - June 7 at 11 am 

#2 Mad Science Junk Fair - Mondays at 4 pm (starting June 9). Entries due in August. 

#3 Magic Tree House Club - Tuesdays at 4 pm (starting June 10)

#4 Grossology - Saturday June 21, July 19, and August 16 at 12:30 pm

#5 Super Science Book Club - Saturday June 28, July 26, and August 23 at 11 am

Friday, May 9, 2014

No Kiddin': Kid Books Adults will Love


Kids shouldn’t have all the fun. Check out these children’s novels that are perfect for an adult to read:

The Riverman by Aaron Starmer
Details: Twelve year old Alistair gets a strange request from his even stranger neighbor Fiona: she asks him to write her biography. Claiming she can visit a dream world where a villain called the Riverman is attacking her friends, Alistair begins to wonder if his flaky neighbor can really visit imaginary worlds, or if her stories are a desperate plea for help with her real-life family.
Why adults should read it: The author knows what he’s doing—red herrings abound and a slew of creepy neighbors keep you guessing at the mysterious plot. The writing is sophisticated and action scenes are laced with danger—just because it’s a kids’ book doesn’t mean someone’s not going to get hurt.Hidden under the mystery and fantasy is a good old fashioned coming of age story. 
Excerpt:  "To sell a book, you need a description on the back. So here's mine: My name is Fiona Loomis. I was born on August 11, 1977. I am recording this message on the morning of October 13, 1989. Today I am thirteen years old. Not a day older. Not a day younger."
Want to read The Riverman? Put it on hold on our online catalog HERE.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Details: A father waves a sad goodbye to his family and embarks on a journey to a new country unlike anything he—or you—has ever seen.
Why adults should read it: It’s magic. Completely wordless, the reader must figure out the strange customs and bewildering surroundings in much the same way the main character must. You become so invested in this world that you are just as thankful as the main character when someone comes along to help him figure out how life works here. The various characters he meets tell their own stories of immigration (most are fantasy-veiled stories referring to very real plights) and their longing to find a better and safer place is tear-jerking.
Excerpt:
  Would you like to check out The Arrival? Put it on hold in our catalog HERE.

Monday, May 5, 2014

May Events in the Children's Library

Lots of great events are happening this month! Check out our May calendar:

Win tickets to see Scooby Doo Live at the Santander Performing Arts Center on May 16! How? Just check out a mystery book from our collection and fill out an entry form! 


The library's Family Play Dates are Mondays at 4 pm in May! Use this time to play with your child, meet other parents, and get parenting tips from education professionals! 
 

Our annual and award-winning Healthy Kids Fair is back on Wednesday May 21 at 4 pm. Visit our health stations to gather information on hygiene, exercise,  and nutrition. Our Fair also features cool giveaways and prizes! 


Get crafty with us every Wednesday at 4 pm at Crafty Corner. Children get to create a new craft each week.

Clara the therapy dog is coming to visit us on Wednesday, May 14 at 4 pm. Come read to Clara, a licensed therapy dog, and her owner who love reading with kids. Recent studies show that children who are intimidated to read out loud in class gain confidence when they get the chance to read in a non-judgmental environment with the best listeners around-- animals! 
 May storytimes are every Friday at 4 pm. Visit for fun stories featuring your favorite books. Stay for a cool craft!