Summer Storytime Opportunites at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering several exciting storytime programs for kids of all ages this summer.

The library will begin its summer season of popular preschool storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., from June 23-July 29. Children from birth to age 5 may attend these free drop-in events. The 30 minute programs feature fingerplays, stories, music and more designed to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills. Adults may select from two storytimes depending upon the needs of the child. Children who are able to sit in storytime on their own may attend the Preschool program where content is geared towards ages 3-5; children who prefer to be accompanied by an adult may attend the Toddler program where material is appropriate for ages 1-3. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m. No registration is necessary.

School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the Ruff Readers Program beginning June 22. The canine friends visit the library on various days and times, and time slots are available on a first come/first served basis. For a schedule of open time slots please contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener.

Kids ages 6-10 and their families are invited to attend "Be Creative @ Your Library," an hour-long monthly event where participants explore different topics through stories, activities, and crafts. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Call the Library's Youth Services at 636.9245. "Be Creative @ Your Library" programs are as follows:

• Thursday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m. – Exploring Calligraphy
  
  
• Tuesday, July 21 at 1:30 p.m. – The Art of Origami
  
  
• Saturday, August 8 at 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Family Fun Day (no registration required) – a drop in program with games, crafts, activities and special guests.

All storytime events are free and open to the public.

BE CREATIVE @ YOUR LIBRARY

Maybe it's in learning to write calligraphy, maybe it's in mastering the folds of origami, or maybe it's in creating a simple gift for mom. Wherever your child's creative curiosity might lie, the Racine Public Library has a program in which they may explore their interest through stories and activities.

Beginning in May, the library will host a series of programs entitled "Be Creative @ Your Library" for kids ages 6-10 and their families. The events will feature stories and activities that allow them to engage their imaginations and explore creativity.

The following programs have been scheduled:
Saturday, May 2, 1-2 p.m. – Create a Special Gift for Mom
Thursday, June 25, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – The Art of Calligraphy
Tuesday, July 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Simple Origami Techniques

The programs are free, but do require registration. Reservations may be made by contacting the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245 or by visiting the Youth Services Dept at the library, located at 75 Seventh St. in downtown Racine.