2008 Summer Reading
Program
“Get in the game, READ!”
Information and Events
Calling all readers . . .
The 2008 Helen Matthes Library Summer Reading Program is about to begin!
Registration Information
Helen Matthes Library is hosting its 2008 summer reading program, “Get in the game, READ!” This six-week reading challenge is open to children and youth from birth through 12th grade. Separate programs are planned for youth (birth – 6th grade) and teens (6th grade – 12th grade). Note: At the time of registration, 6th-grade readers must choose whether they wish to participate in the youth program or the teen program.
A LIBRARY CARD IS NOT REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE, and the program is FREE
thanks to the generous support of area businesses and civic organizations.
Registration begins May 27, with the reading challenge beginning the week of
June 9 and ending July 19. A catch-up week is set for July 21 – July 26 to
accommodate busy summer schedules. Kids are required to read a set number of
minutes per week according to their age and may read material of their
choice (books, newspapers, magazines). The library has recently added lots
of new, interesting titles to our collection for your summer reading
enjoyment. Program participants are encouraged, but not required, to read
library materials.
Exchange Shelf for Non-Resident Participants
New this year is the exchange shelf to accommodate book needs of our non-resident participants. A non-resident library card may be purchased for $65.30, which entitles each family member to his own card. Non-resident participants without a library card may borrow books from our exchange shelf located near the front door. For each book brought from home, non-resident participants may borrow an exchange book for summer reading. When the book is finished, simply return the exchange book and trade for another.
Reading Goals
The reading goals are set according to age. Grade level is based on the grade that the student will enter in Fall 2008. To make goal, a participant must read the set number of minutes in his level for five days each week. Youth readers will receive a reading log used to record daily reading. Teen readers will fill out a reading slip for recording weekly reading minutes. The reading goals are as follows:
· Birth to Age 3: 5 minutes
· Preschool to Grade 1: 10 minutes
· Grades 2 & 3: 15 minutes
· Grades 4 to 6: 20 minutes
· Teens: 30 minutes (look for teen programs in GREEN!)
Those readers who meet their goal may collect a weekly prize at the library. For youth readers, the weekly prize is a trinket from the prize bin and a food coupon. Youth readers who complete the 6-week reading challenge will receive a book of their choice, may select a library book to be dedicated in their honor, and get their names put in for the grand prize drawing on July 29. Teen participants who meet their weekly reading challenge may select a paperback book of their choice each week for a total of 6 new books. At the end of the 6-week reading challenge, teen readers who complete all 6 weeks will be eligible for the grand prize drawing on July 29.
Search for the Golden Book
Back this year is the daily search for the Golden Book in the Children’s Department. Summer readers will be able to search for the Golden Book every day during the 6-week program. Winner of the day will receive a small prize.
Program Calendar
Unless noted otherwise, all summer programs will be held in the Luttrell Room.
May
Family Castle Making Contest (entries due 5/28)
Summer Reading Program – Registration begins 5/27 at the library
June
Wed., 6/04, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Family Pirate Show (all ages welcome)
Join us for our Summer Read Kick-Off Event with Pirate Squiffy Paul O who will be sure to bring out the buccaneer in you with pirate tales, songs, and talk! The winner of the 2008 Family Castle-Making Contest will be announced. Registration required.
Thurs., 6/05, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Family Game Night with Instructional Chess (all ages welcome)
Families, grab the baby and your favorite board game and head to the library for an old fashioned game night. Bring a snack to share. Drinks provided. Registration required.
Tues, 6/10, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Lapsit Story Time (ages 1-3)
Program for children and their parent with stories, songs, body movement and a simple activity.
No registration required.
Theme: Balls
Tues, 6/10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Family Movie Night (all ages welcome)
Movie: "The Chronicles of Narnia / The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (PG)
Free movie and snack.
No registration required.
Thurs., 6/12, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. and 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
“Learn to Eat to Compete” (ages 8 and up)
Sports Nutrition with Liz Weaver from the University of Illinois Extension for Summer Read.
Make, Taste, and Learn!
Registration Required.
Fri., 6/13, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Teen Casino Night: Black Jack and Poker
Use “Book Bucks” (worth $1 per chip) to play with throughout the night. “Book Bucks” are added to the drawings for the prizes at the end of the Summer Reading Program and some smaller prizes will be given away that evening as well. (gift certificates and gift cards)
Sat., 6/14, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Chess Tournament (ages 8 and up)
A chess tournament with 2 levels of competition. Beginner players are those who have played under a year. Experienced players are those who have played over a year. Bring your own snack. Drinks provided. Registration required.
Tues., 6/ 17, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time “Little Highness Party” (ages 3, 4, and 5)
Calling all royalty. You are hereby invited to a Little Highness Party. Costumes are encouraged. There will be stories, games, crafts, and snacks.
Registration Required.
Tues., 6/17, 2:00 -3:30 p.m.
Royal Highness Party and Jousting Tournament (kindergarten and up)
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A royal highness party and jousting tournament is hereby proclaimed. Calling all fair maidens and chivalrous knights of this grand kingdom. Present thyself for a tournament of feasting and games. Costumes encouraged.
Registration required.
Tues., 6/17, 4:00 -- 5:30 p.m.
YAC meetings, 4pm-5:30pm
Join us in the teen area!
Wed., 6/18, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Teen T-shirt decorating & Sundae Making
Each teen is given a blank t-shirt to paint, draw, iron-on, tie-die, etc. and create a shirt for themselves. While the shirts are drying, the teens are invited to create their own ice cream sundaes! (In case of rain, reschedule for Friday, June 20th from 1pm-3pm)
Thurs., 6/19, 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Dave the Math Dog (all ages welcome)
Meet a dog that does math! No kidding.
Registration required.
Sat., 6/21
Last day to register for Summer Read!
Tues., 6/24, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
American Dog Tales (all ages welcome)
Meet American Dog Tales author Craig Pierce and his family pet Honey, a rescued greyhound. Mr. Pierce will read one of his books and talk about Honey’s rescue. He will have books for sale and will be available to autograph them for you. Mr. Pierce will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Effingham County Humane Society.
Note: A special "admission" is required to attend this program. Participants are encouraged to bring an item to benefit the Humane Society (such as dog or cat toys, cat litter, cleaning supplies, paper towels, animal collars or leashes).
Registration required.
Tues., 6/24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Teen DDR/Guitar Hero Night
Thurs., 6/26, 10:00 – 12:00 noon
Reading Buddies (ages 10 and up)
Sign up to get a chance to read to a dog or cat from the Effingham County Humane Society. 20 lucky names will be drawn. Winners will get their own story time with a pet. Drawing will take place June 16.
Registration required.
Thurs., 6/26, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Effingham County Humane Society Pet Adopt-a-Thon (all ages welcome)
Watch for details!
Mon., 6/30, 6:00 -- 8:00 p.m.
Family Movie Night
July
Tues., 7/01, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
American Girl Tea Party (girls ages 6 and up)
Girls, grab your favorite American Girl Doll and head to the library for tea. Be sure to come in period dress! The spotlight will be on Kit, book character and star in the upcoming movie, “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.” Local story teller Patty Winn will visit with guests and share what it would have been like growing up during the Depression. Win free movie tickets to see Kit’s new movie.
Registration required.
Wed., 7/2, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Teen Water War Game
Water-gun game where teams are selected (or players fend for themselves individually, depending on the number of teens involved) and each person is given a certain color of water to load into their gun. Each person wears a plain white t-shirt in order for the color to show up. Each player or team uses a large area (such as a playground or wooded area) and makes a strategy to “take out” members of the opposing team. The team with the most members, or last man standing (individual) is the winner. Players can only be “eliminated” if they are hit in the front or back of their white t-shirt. The player or team with the most eliminations at half-time can earn points for “safeties”. The team with the most points takes a vote as to who their “safety” will be for the next half. If playing individually, the person with the most eliminations will become the safety for the next round. Rounds are 15 minutes long in an hour-long game, and can be extended longer for longer games. Players are encouraged to use playground equipment and trees/bushes/etc for shelter. location: Evergreen Park
Tues., 7/08, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Lapsit Story Time (ages 1-3)
Program for children and their parent with stories, songs, body movement and a simple activity.
No registration required.
Theme: Pets
Tues., 7/08, 3:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Family Story Time (all ages welcome)
“If the Shoe Fits” Join us for stories, activity, and snack.
Registration required.
Wed., 7/9, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Casino Night
Black Jack and Poker. Use “Book Bucks” (worth $1 per chip) to play with
throughout the night. “Book Bucks” are added to the drawings for the
prizes at the end of the Summer Reading Program. Some smaller prizes will
be given away that evening as well.
Thurs., 7/10, 1:00-2:00 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Weird Science with Captain Cunningham (ages 6 and up)
Captain Cunningham is back! Don’t miss this amazing science fun!!
Mon., 7/14, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Teen Wii Olympics
Set up a Wii console and use the Wii games as a form of Olympics. Play tennis, baseball, bowling, boxing, etc. Each player creates their own specific profile player to compete. Wii profiles can be set up to look exactly like the player creating the profile. Gold, silver and bronze prizes will be awarded to the players with the top three scores in each category, and a grand prize will go to the player with the highest total number of points at the end of the Olympic Games.
Tues., 7/15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5)
Linda Thompson, guest reader
Mother Goose Olympics
Registration required.
Thurs., 7/17, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Family Puppet Show (all ages welcome)
A puppet show sure to please featuring the YAC Puppeteers
Snack: Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Registration required.
Tues., 7/22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Wacky Olympics (ages 6 and up)
Come out for some Olympic fun to celebrate your Summer Read Success!
Registration required.
Thurs., 7/24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Teen Movie Night
Disney’s “College Road Trip”, 83 minutes, free pizza, popcorn and soda
Sat., 7/26
Last day to turn in Summer Reading records.
Tues., 7/29
Grand Prize Drawing
Tues, 7/29, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
YAC Meeting
Join us in the teen area!
Thurs., 7/31, 6:00 -- 8:00 p.m.
Family Movie Night
Updated: 06/16/2008