Take Your Child to the Library Day

Today all around the world, people are celebrating libraries.

Special programs and events are happening just for children.

Libraries are showing off their programs, their books, and all that they do.

Take advantage of it!

Libraries are SO much more than books.

You can check movies, video games, board games, cake pans, museum passes, and so much more.

Check with your local library to see what they're offering.

If you don't have a library card, it's easy to sign up for one.

And it really helps with library statistics - which is how we get funding. Every little bit helps.

So head out today to support your local library.

Summer Reading Program at Your Local Library

Joining the Summer Reading Program at your local library is important for several reasons.:

For Your Child:

1. It helps prevent summer slide, reading just six books over the summer truly helps.

2. It helps give children time to read for fun - something they need to cement their love of reading. Let them choose to read whatever they think looks fun. 

3. There are TONS of programs at your library this summer - programs targeted for all ages.

For Parents:

1. Children model their behavior after parents, which means they need to see their parents reading. All of their parents. It doesn't matter what you're reading (although it's harder for them to recognize you're reading articles online). Let them see you reading; let them see you picking out books. I read before bed every night, but if your kids don't see you reading, you're missing a huge opportunity. Share your passion for reading with your kids.

2. Libraries have programs for adults too. (My library has a program where you read a book and get to pick out a free book. We also have weekly raffle prizes to local businesses)

3. Talk about books, authors, illustrators, and libraries - not in school based way but in general everyday conversation.

4. Read together 

5. Read aloud - it's fun for everyone. Plus you can talk about the story together.

For Your Library:

1. Summer is the busiest time of year for the library.

2. We count on summer to coast us through the lighter months (Winter in New England) when people don't come to the library as much.

3. We want you to come to our programs because we're hosting them for you.

4. But we want you to check out books; we need our circulation statistics to be amazing. 

5. Our summer numbers help boost us over the edge when it's budget time.

6. We want to help readers find books that they will love to read

7. Say hello to us, because we love it when we recognize library families. 

Also, some libraries have summer lunch for kids 18 and under, which helps replace the free lunch from school. If your library has it, it's available for ALL kids, no questions asked.

So head to your local library this summer, changes are they are doing amazing things!

Graphic Novel Review: All Summer Long

Bina's thirteen and going into 8th grade. Her BFF is leaving her for a whole month to go to soccer camp. Worse, he said they're too old for the summer index of fun. Bina's not sure what to do with her summer. She spends the first week binge watching a British TV show until her mom cuts off the internet and forces her to interact with the real world. She hardly hears from Austin. But luckily she has music to help occupy her time. She's learning a new song. Could this be the answer to her terrible summer?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I liked how Bina branches out during her boring summer, how she found new interests, and how she made new friends. I liked the moments of her listening to music and how it made her feel. I liked her moments with Austin and how they weren't romantic but simply best friends. I loved the different friendships throughout the story.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This middle grade graphic novel is perfect for the collection and perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (3)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time. 

These look fun to me especially for younger kids:

Making up a song:

Song Cubes:

Instrument Petting Zoo:

Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (2)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time.

These look fun to me:

Fun Decorations:

Backstage Passes:

Record Craft:

Speaker Craft:

Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (1)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time.

These look fun to me:

Microphone

Boombox Craft on Paper:

Boombox Craft 3D:

Guitar Decorating:

Teen Summer Reading Program: Libraries Rock Books

Gathering up some musical fiction for lists for the summer. This is not everything, but it's a start. There are a couple covers I can see in my mind, but can't remember the titles. If you know of more, add them in the comments please!

Out in April: