Mifflin County Library announces summer programming
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LEWISTOWN -- With reading challenges, outdoor programs and prizes for book lovers of all ages, the Mifflin County Library hopes to celebrate the joy of reading this summer.
The library has scheduled a youth summer reading program for many years to combat summer learning loss, or the "summer slide," helping children develop a love of reading and assist struggling reading in catching up before the next school year.
But summer reading isn't just for kids anymore and it's not just about books, either.
The library's theme this year, All Together Now, invites readers of all ages to explore the community through activities, programs and all kinds of books. By enjoying the fun, participants can win prizes and connect with others through the power of stories.
"We're also taking that theme to celebrate Mifflin County and what Mifflin County has to offer," said Kelly Rodenbaugh, who manages children's services at the Lewistown branch. "We want to focus on the good things you can find in Mifflin County."
The Lewistown branch is located at 123 N. Wayne St., Lewistown, while the Kish branch is at 174 N. Penn St., Belleville.
Some highlights of the schedule are Make Your Own Neon Sign at 2 p.m. on June 27. Teens can create their own neon sign with some canvas and EL wire. This activity is geared for students going into grades 6 to 12.
There's also Storytime featuring Miss Stephanie's School of Dance dancers at 10 a.m. on June 29 in the Community Room. Come to storytime and learn a few dance moves from the dancers.
And, take a Dinosaur Expedition Adventure on July 18 and 20. Presenters Mike and Roberta Straka talk about the work of a paleontologist and how getting a dinosaur out of the ground is a team effort. The program includes audience participation, touch of magic, show and tell with rare fossils and a mystery fossil game show. The show also features the skull of an Albertosaurus named Elvis. The show will be held at 2:30 July 18 at the Lewistown branch and 10 a.m. July 20 at the Kish Branch.
"For summer reading, we really want to do things that will help you enjoy reading," Rodenbaugh added. "The library is here to provide relaxing, fun family time where everyone can enjoy reading together."
Some of the other upcoming programs include:
• Summer Trivia and Guessing Games - Through Aug. 5, answer a different trivia question each week to win a prize.
• Outdoor Storytime - Through July 26, bring a blanket for outdoor storytime to sit on as the Kish Branch will hold a session on July 5 and Lewistown will follow on July 26. Storytimes begin at 10 a.m.
• Watercolor Painting from 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. July 19 as children can relax their brains with art and explore painting with watercolors.
• Chopped: Teen Edition for students going into grades 6 to 12 at 2 p.m. July 25 - Work with a group to create something new out of a box of mystery ingredients. This is the perfect activity for National Culinary Arts month in July.
• Back to School Bingo allows children and teens to play their favorite game and have the opportunity to pick out a back-to-school supply or book, if they win. Say bingo at the Kish Branch at 10 a.m. July 27 and at the Lewistown branch at 10 a.m. July 28.
• National Night Out will see the library participating from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 at Kishacoquillas Park in Lewistown.
• Life-Size Candy Land: Mifflin County Edition - Become a game piece on a life-size game board to play Candy Land with a Mifflin County twist on Aug. 2 to 4.
• Chalk the Walk allows children and teens to leave an end of summer message or picture on the sidewalks outside the library. Chalk provided.
Registration is required for most programs. To register, sign up at the library. For more information, visit www.mifflincountylibrary.org.
The Lewistown branch is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except Tuesday when it's open to 7 p.m.
The Kish branch is open noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.mn. Wednesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.