Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Wednesday, April 27: Dia De Los Niños/Dia de los Libros at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites children ages 5-10 and their families to celebrate Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros or Children's Day/Book Day at the monthly Family Fun Night being held on Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-7:30pm.

The evening will feature a fun-filled storytelling performance by Bilingual Storyteller Kay Weeden, entitled ¡Say Olé!, with stories, rhythms and dance in English and Spanish for both English and Spanish speakers. The storytelling will be followed by a children's activity. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

El Día de los Niños is a gift from the Latino community to all children. Many nations throughout the world, and especially within the Western hemisphere, celebrate "El Día de los Niños" on April 30th to honor and celebrate children—who represent the hope and dreams of every community.
In the United States, a growing number of cities, schools, libraries, museums, churches and other community organizations are embracing this celebration by planning celebrations and activities reflecting family, community, cultural diversity, and the well-being of children.

On April 30, 1997, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, children's author and poet Pat Mora launched the first collaborative event celebrating both Children's Day and Book Day in an effort to link literacy as being central to the well-being of children. The Dia de los Niños/Dia de los Libros tradition was then picked up by the American Library Association and is now celebrated in libraries across the country.

Questions may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, at 262.636.9245.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Monday, August 2: Comedy Juggler Steve Russell at the Library

For more than half of his life, Steve Russell has literally juggled his way around the world. His travels and talents have taken him from the Pyramids of Egypt to the Amazon Basin. Notable performances include the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Lincoln Center in New York.

Now, to help celebrate the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge in Racine, this former trainer for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus will bring his show of skill and laughter to the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. His show is appropriate for all ages and will be presented on Monday, August 2 at 6:30 pm in the Youth Services Department. The event is free and open to all. Seating is available on a first come/first served basis. No registration is necessary.

Steve picked up the skills of juggling from a book he borrowed from a library when he was 15 years old. The skills turned into a hobby, the hobby turned into an obsession, then to a profession. In the years he has been performing professionally, Steve has visited 35 countries and all 50 states with his unique mix of juggling, magic, comedy and audience participation.

"I love performing for libraries!" says the Wisconsin native. "The Summer Reading Programs are a wonderful way to keep children reading throughout the year. I tell them that books can be keys to the world. In my case, it was literally true."

Russell has shared the stage with Penn and Teller; has performed for film director Ron Howard; and has appeared before the Royal Family of Spain.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Thursday, July 22: Families Get Their Game On @ the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is hosting its monthly Family Fun Night on Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm in the Youth
Services Dept. These free programs offer children and their adult caregivers an opportunity to share in stories, crafts and activities together.

This month's featured activity is family friendly game competition! Families with children ages 5 and older are invited to join the librarians for intriguing mystery stories, group games, board games, and Wii video gaming. Participants will also create their own "make and take" games. Younger siblings are welcome; all children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities begin promptly at 6:30pm.

Registration is required for this free program. To register your family for the event, please contact the library at 262.636.9245 by Tuesday, July 20.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Monday, May 17: Kiwanis Youth Artists Present at the Racine Public Library

Families are invited to participate in a variety of free and entertaining Spring events hosted by the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. All programs are free and open to the public; no registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 or visit the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to attend a musical evening event on Monday, May 17 from 6:30-7:30 pm with a special performance by the Racine Kiwanis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Symphonette, and Children's Choir. The evening will feature, not only fabulous music by talented young musicians, but poems and short stories read to the music of the symphony orchestras. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend this wonderful event.

You won't want to miss the library's enthusiastic storytellers for the final "On the Road" Saturday storytime. Each month, the storytellers perform a Saturday morning event for kids ages 3-10 and their families and Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. The final event of the season will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 9:30 am. Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with and hour of interactive storytelling and crafts with your young ones. Enjoy a leisurely morning of quality family time and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

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 award-winning Ruff Readers Program. Our loving canine friends visit the library after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and provide a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for available times and to reserve a reading spot.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Family Storytime Opportunities at the Library

Families are invited to participate in a variety of free and entertaining storytime events hosted by the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. All programs are free and open to the public; no registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 or visit the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

You'll find the library's enthusiastic storytellers on the road the last Saturday of each month as they perform a Saturday morning event for kids ages 3-10 and their families. On Saturday, April 24 at 9:30 am , a storyteller will be present at Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St., to entertain with an hour of stories and a simple craft. Enjoy a leisurely morning of quality family time and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The library is also offering an After-School Storytime with stories and crafts geared to kids ages 3-10. The next event in this series will be held on Tuesday, April 27 from 3:30-4:30 pm. Storyteller Keiko Skow shares her favorite stories and her imaginative craft ideas with those in attendance.

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. These canine friends visit the library after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for available times and to reserve a reading spot.

Kids ages 5-10 and their families are also invited to attend Family Fun Night. These monthly events explore a variety of topics through stories, games, activities and crafts. The next event will be held on Thursday, April 29 from 6:00-7:30 pm with a special presentation celebrating Dia De Los Niños/Dia De Los Libros or Childrens Day/Book Day. A fun filled storytelling performance by Bilingual Storyteller Kay Weeden, entitled ¡Say Olé!, will feature stories, rhythms and dance in English and Spanish for both English and Spanish speakers. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend this wonderful event.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Thursday, March 25: Library Features Laura Ingalls Wilder at Family Night

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host its March Family Fun Night on Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Youth Services Dept. Each month the library invites families of children ages 4-10 to attend an evening of stories, activities and crafts. The events are free and open to all. No registration is necessary.

For this month's Family Night, the library is pleased to host a "Laura Ingalls Wilder and Life on the Prairie: From Pepin to Mansfield and In Between." Visiting storyteller Lynn Urban will share stories, artifacts and activities about Laura Ingalls Wilder, beloved author of the Little House series. Dressed in period costume and totoing her "sack of surprises," Lynn recounts the stories and history of the Ingalls/Wilder families.

Lynn has an education degree and has been a school mistress and manager for Racine's 1888 Museum school house. She has presented at Old World Wisconsin's annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Day. Lynn's presentation will share her discoveries of Laura Ingalls Wilder's world and the simple joys of pioneer life.

Questions may be directed to 262.636.9245.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Family Storytime Opportunities at the Librar

Families are invited to participate in a variety of free and entertaining storytime events hosted by the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. All programs are free and open to the public; no registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 or visit the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

You'll find the library's enthusiastic storytellers on the road the last Saturday of each month as they perform a Saturday morning event for kids ages 3-10 and their families. On Saturday, February 27 at 9:30 am , a storyteller will be present at Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St., to entertain with an hour of stories and a simple craft. Enjoy a leisurely morning of quality family time and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

The library's popular preschool storytimes, held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., continue through March 10. Children from birth to age 5 may attend these 30 min. events. The programs feature fingerplays, stories, music and more designed to develop age-appropriate early literacy skills. Children who are able to sit independently in storytime may attend the Preschool program. Children who prefer to be accompanied by an adult may attend the Infant & Toddler program. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m.

New to the library's preschool storytime schedule is the addition of Educational Open Play days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30-12:30 and Fridays from 11 am-1 pm, the library will turn its storytelling room into an educational exploration area with a wide variety of educational toys and learning aids available. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Play days are held during the storytime season only.

The library is also offering an After-School Storytime with stories and crafts geared to kids ages 3-10. The next event in this series will be held on Tuesday, February 23 from 3:30-4:30 pm. Storyteller Keiko Skow shares her favorite stories and her imaginative craft ideas with those in attendance.

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. These canine friends visit the library after school several days a week. This is a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots available on a first-come/first-served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for days and times, or to reserve a reading spot.

Kids ages 5-10 and their families are also invited to attend Family Fun Night. These hour-long events, held approximately once a month, explore a variety of topics through stories, games, activities and crafts. The next event will be held on Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-7:30 pm with a special presentation about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her pioneer heritage. Local educator, Lynn Urban, will share stories, artifacts, and activities about the Wilder/Ingalls families. Dressed in period costume and toting her "sack of surprises" Lynn recounts the stories and history of this beloved author of the "Little House" books.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Saturday, February 20: Family Game Day at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will host a family game day on Saturday, February 20 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm, sponsored by Belle City Games. A variety of board games for all ages will be on hand and families are invited to visit at their convenience to play.

Belle City Games is an online game store aimed at educating children and bringing families closer together. They provide games for all ages and sponsor family game days at the library several times a year.

This program is free and no registration is necessary. Games are available on a first come first served basis.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Library Offers Fun Family Events for the Holidays

Families looking for quality time together are encouraged to check out the Racine Public Library's current line-up of programs and events. Family fun activity nights and game days are being offered throughout December.

On Saturday, Dec. 5 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Belle City Games will host a family game day. Families are invited to visit at their convenience to play a variety of board games for all ages. Belle City Games is an online game store aimed at educating children and bringing families closer together. They provide games for all ages. This program is free and no registration is necessary. Games are available on a first come first served basis.

The library will host a celebration of its Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 4:30-5:30 pm. Take a moment to bring your child in to meet our gentle four-legged listening friends and share refreshments. The Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program was recently recognized with the Wisconsin Library Association's (WLA) Highsmith Award as a program of outstanding contribution to its patrons and community. The collaboration between the Racine Public Library and the members of Therapy Dogs International gives the children of Racine an opportunity to practice their reading skills with non-judgmental listeners – certified therapy dogs that visit the library with their handlers. The program fosters a love of reading with the 1,000 directly participating children and a relationship between local schools and the library. As well, the unique event motivates pre-readers to begin reading, and even helps patrons learn more about pet ownership and interactions with animals.

On Tuesday, Dec 22 from 6:30-7:30 pm, the library invites families for an evening of Bedtime Stories, hot chocolate, cookies and favorite stories. Kids are encouraged to come in their PJ's with a favorite book and stuffed animal. Participants will have the opportunity to help paint the library's windows for the winter season, so bringing a cover-up is recommended. The library will also be collecting donated items to include in its teen community service project: Project Sleep Tight. For this project, library teens will be putting together gift bags to give to homeless children to ease their nights spent in homeless shelters. Those attending the Family Fun Night are asked to bring a gift to donate to the cause: new small blankets, stuffed animals, books, and pajamas or slippers in kids sizes are needed to stock the gift bags. Donations may also be dropped off to the Youth Services Dept. of the library, 75 Seventh St.

All programs are free and open to the public. The Racine Public Library is located on the shores of Lake Michigan at 75 Seventh St. For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit the website at www.racinelibrary.info, or call 262-636-9245. The library may also be found on-line at rplinfo.blogspot.com, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday, November 17: Library Hosts Thanksgiving After-School Storytime and Family Fun Night

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting two events for children ages 5-10 and their families.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 3:30-4:30 and on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6:30-7:30 librarians will present family fun events in which children will hear stories of the season and create simple holiday crafts.

The programs are free and open to all; no registration is necessary. Questions may be directed to the Youth Services information desk at 262.636.9245.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Thursday, October 30: Family Night at the Library Features Pumpkin Decorating

Families of children 10 and younger are invited to attend a Family Night Halloween Celebration at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm. The one-hour event will feature stories, pumpkin decorating, and refreshments. Children are invited to come in costume. The program is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary. Questions may be directed to the Youth Services Dept at the Racine Public Library, 262.636.9245.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Library Offers Fun Family Events

Families looking for quality time together are encouraged to check out the Racine Public Library's fall line-up of programs and events. Storytimes, activity nights and game days are being offered throughout the upcoming months.

Families of children ages 5-10 are invited to attend monthly Family Fun Nights to enjoy stories, and other activities together. On Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-7:30 pm, the library will host an evening of math exploration. Prairie school student Sandeep Reddy will be on hand to share fun math activities and excellent websites with interested kids. 11 Year old Sandeep recently participated as a 2009 Finalist in the NSF National Math Bee. Sandeep has achieved many math awards and accomplishments ...including successfully completing EVERY problem in an 800 page text book! Parents are invited to attend a discussion with Sandeep's parents and other educators on raising strong math literate children. The library's extensive resources on math activities and math literacy curriculum will be on display for checkout. The program is free and no registration is necessary. Family Fun Nights will also be held on Thursday, Oct. 29 (Pumpkin Palooza!); Tuesday, Nov. 24 (Celebrating Families); and Tuesday, Dec. 22 (Bedtime Stories).

On Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Belle City Games will host a family game day. Families are invited to visit at their convenience to play a variety of board games for all ages. Belle City games is an online game store aimed at educating children and bringing families closer together. They provide games for all ages. This program is free and no registration is necessary. Games are available on a first come first served basis.

Looking for a fun after-school activity for your school-age child? The library will also offer monthly after-school storytimes for kids ages 4 and older. On Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 3:30-4:30 kids are invited to sit in on a short storytime and then stay to make their own unique and colorful wind-sock. Additional after-school storytime activities will be held on Tuesdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 17.

The Racine Public Library is located on the shores of Lake Michigan at 75 Seventh St. For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit the website at www.racinelibrary.info, or call 262-636-9217. The library may also be found on-line at rplinfo.blogspot.com, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Saturday, August 6: Family Fun Day Celebrates Summer Reading and Emily A. Lee

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 8 from 1:30-3:30 pm to celebrate the completion of the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge. Families of children ages 3-10 are encouraged to visit the Youth Services Dept. anytime during the event to share in a number of fun family activities.

The library's listening dogs from the Ruff Readers program will be available to listen to all kids read. Teen Book Buddies will be on hand to share their favorite books with any kids who would like to listen. Families can spend time playing board games and scavenger hunts, exploring the preschool activity room, and creating fun art and craft projects. Sandeep Reddy, a 2009 finalist in the NSF National Math Bee, will offer fun math literacy activities for kids of all ages. As well, the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge grand prize winners from each age group will be announced.

In addition to celebrating successful summer reading during the August 8 event, the library will recognize the birthday of Emily A. Lee, the library's first benefactress who was born on August 10, 1849. In 1927, Emily bequested $100,000 to the Racine Public Library, a donation that by today's standards would exceed one million dollars. Emily Lee was the wife of Charles H. Lee, the first President of the Library Board of Directors. Mr. Lee oversaw the development of the library from its very beginnings. To honor Mrs. Lee, the library will serve a special birthday cake at the Family Fun day event.

Family Fun Day is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 for more information.

Monday, June 15, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Be Creative @ Your Library...Take the Summer Reading Challenge

"Be Creative @ Your Library" this summer and explore the world of music, dance, art, books and more. The Racine Public Library's 2009 Summer Reading Challenge is open to people of all ages, youth and adults alike, with programs and special events, prize drawings, story hours, and more.

Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge begins on June 18, 2009. Registration forms will be available at the Racine Public Library's Youth Services Dept, 75 Seventh St., at the Mobile Library, and on the Library's website at racinelibrary.info. Participants of all ages should complete and submit a registration form to receive a reading record and other challenge information. After reading the required number of items or minutes for the appropriate age group, reading records may be turned in for a free gift. All readers who turn in a reading record will be eligible for the library's grand prize drawing. Bonus activities are also available for those participants who would like to earn an extra chance in the grand prize drawing.

To celebrate the "Be Creative @ Your Library" 2009 Summer Reading Challenge, the library is pleased to host another season of professional entertainers in the Storywagon Series. The following performances will be featured on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. in June and July:

  • Thursday, June 18: Morris, The Magic Man!
    With over 30 years of experience, Magic Man Morris Taylor is guaranteed to thrill and engage children of all ages with his combination of audience participation, puppetry and magic.
    This is our Summer Reading Challenge kickoff day! Enjoy this exciting show and register your family for the challenge.

  • Thursday, June 25: Naturalist/Humorist David Stokes
    Always a popular addition to the library's summer Storywagon series, David Stokes brings
    his live animals, craziness, laughs, and other animal antics to his highly entertaining environmental education program.

  • Thursday, July : The Muses
    If Celtic music brings a tap to your feet and a clap to your hands, then The Muses are the band for you.
    With vigor, strength and passion, Tanya Brody and Matthew Gurnsey play a plethora of exotic instruments ranging from bohdran & concertina to harp & hammered dulcimer, among others.

  • Thursday, July 16: Stuart Stotts
    Singer, songwriter and consummate storyteller Stuart Stotts has graced several Racine Public Library programs in the past and
    has become an audience favorite. His popular performances encompass foot stompin' music, interactive storytelling, and plenty of laughs all around.

  • Thursday, July 23: The Rambling Sailors
    The library is excited to host
    this first appearance by the Rambling Sailors. This duo act is dedicated to performing traditional and modern sea shanties and ballads of the sea, delivered with their original passion, and better instruments. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, strong harmonies, and a mood range from the sweet to the epic. We're sure this is going to be a must-see performance.

All performances begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Services Dept. No registration is necessary and all programs are free. Seating is available on a first come/first serve basis. Sign language interpreters are available for these performances with advance notice. Contact the library at 262.636.9245 for more information. The Storywagon Series is sponsored by Lakeshores Library System and supported in part with LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant funds.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thursday, April 23: Turn off Your TV and Join the Family Fun @ Your Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is encouraging families to become "screen free" from April 20-24 for National Turn Off the TV week. The library will host a family activity night on Thursday, April 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Families may drop in at anytime that evening to participate in board games, arts & crafts projects, and special reading events; or may just relax and browse the many items available for checkout. The library's Ruff Reader listening dogs will be on hand for kids to visit with and read to, and special reading areas will be set up for families to share books and other material together.

Turn Off the TV Week is a semi-annual event emphasizing the importance of spending time away from television media. First established in 2001, the event is supported by the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Education Association and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Research has shown that, on average, people in the United States watch over four hours of television daily, while spending another four hours of recreational time on the use of computers, videos, personal audio devices and cell phones. Excessive use of electronic screen time can be considered a cause of obesity in adults and youth, as it cuts into active family recreational time and can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Turning off the screen encourages time to think, read, and create; and allows people to connect with families and engage in community activity.

The Turn Off Your TV Family Night is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information about activities to share with your family, visit tvturnoff.org. Contact the library at 262.636.9245 for information about the library's program.

Library's Ruff Readers Program Begins Spring/Summer Season

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.,, is once again hosting its popular Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program this spring. The library has invited registered therapy dogs from Proper Paws University and the Racine Kennel Club to spend afternoons listening to kids read. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m.. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle, non-judgmental listeners. Although registration is not required, time slots are available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child calls ahead to reserve a spot. Slots may be reserved ahead of time by contacting the Library at 262.636.9245. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.

Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although our handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection.

For more information bout the Ruff Readers program, please contact the library at 636-9245.

Thursday, April 30: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day @ the Racine Public Library

Children's Day/Book Day, or El Día de los Niños/El Día De Los Libros, is a gift from the Latino community to all children. Many nations throughout the world celebrate "Día de los Niños" to honor children—who represent the hope and dreams of every community.

In the United States, a growing number of cities, schools, libraries, museums, churches and other community organizations are embracing this celebration by planning fun and exciting events designed to capture childrens' imaginations, involve family and community, and to inspire new generations of achievers.

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a Children's Day/Book Day celebration on Thursday, April 30 from 6-8 p.m. with a special performance by Ballet Folklórico Nacional, a storytime with bilingual storyteller Dixie Van Remmen, arts & crafts projects, and refreshments. The program is free and open to all; no registration is required.

Ballet Folklórico Nacional of Milwaukee is an innovative, theatrical body of dancers committed to the preservation of one of the richest artistic manifestations of tradition and culture in Mexico – "El Folklore". The group was founded by enthusiastic dancers with different degrees of experience in Mexican folk dance and traditional Aztec dance, and with a mission to promote Mexican Folklore dance with quality and authenticity. Every performance lights up the stage with its dazzling costumes and colorful depictions of Mexico's diverse culture and folklore. The repertoire includes such regional dances as Traditional Aztec Dance, Michoacan, Durango, Veracruz, Chiapas, Yucatan, Sonora, Norte (Polkas), Oaxaca and Jalisco including "Floreo de Soga" Trick Roping.

For more information contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9245.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Library Events at Java Vino

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is providing several free programs in partnership with JavaVino, 424 Main St. in Downtown Racine.

  • Local film enthusiasts are invited to attend Cultural Film Nights at JavaVino to preview some of the Racine Public Library's collection of intriguing foreign films. Appetizers, wine and coffee are available for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner.

    The next film in the series will be shown on Saturday, April 11 at 5 p.m. This month's feature is "August the First," the story of an urban black family in the United States. The morning of main character Tunde's graduation party begins to unravel. Tunde has managed to alienate his sister, Simisola; is persistently criticized by his older brother, Ade; and watches helplessly as their mother begins drinking again. Unbeknownst to his family, Tunde has orchestrated the return of his long estranged father, resurrecting unresolved family anguish against the backdrop of Tunde's celebration. Layer by layer, deception and half-truths are peeled away as secrets are uncovered in what will be become the most unforgettable day the family has ever experienced.

    "August the First" directed by Lanre Olabisi is a multiple award winner taking Best Feature Film at the San Francisco Black Film Festival and Audience Award at the Urbanworld Film Festival. IndieWire calls the film, "A smart and engaging debut…..notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it portrays black middle-class Americans in a normal domestic crisis situation sans guns, drugs, dealers or pregnant teens...."

    Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.
  • Families of children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend select Saturday mornings with storytellers from the Racine Public Library at JavaVino's monthly Saturday Stories. The next storytelling event will be held April 18 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling with a simple craft. Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast fun with your children. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.

  • Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable, to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Java Vino, 424 Main St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.

    This month's poetry discussion will be held on the 2nd Saturday, April 11, 12-2 p.m. (Please note date change). The group will be exploring the works of poet K. Silem Mohammad whose work has been characterized as "Goofy, weird, beyond funny, wise…wicked."

    Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info or visit the Poetry Roundtable page at racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet,including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more.

    For more information about upcoming library programs, contact the library at 262.636.9217 or visit the library's blog atrplinfo.blogspot.com and website at racinelibrary.info.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Library Events at JavaVino

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is providing two programs in partnership with JavaVino, 424 Main St. in Downtown Racine.

• Cultural Film Series – Local film enthusiasts are invited to attend Cultural Film nights at JavaVino to preview some of the Racine Public Library's collection of intriguing foreign films. Appetizers, wine and coffee are available for purchase during the film. Participants are encouraged to then visit Downtown Racine's finest restaurants for dinner.

The next film in the series will be shown on Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. The movie is free and no registration is necessary.

This month's feature is "The Grocer's Son" from France. In this film, 33 year old Antoine is forced to return from city living to his family home in Provence to help maintain the family business while his father is ill. As he assumes the lifestyle of a grocery cart driver delivering from hamlet to hamlet, he begins to rediscover life and love in the countryside.

"The Grocer's Son," directed by Eric Guirado is a multiple award winner at international film festivals. Film Journal International calls the film, "Captivating…intoxicating. This valentine to country life is…that proverbial gem that art-house fans should discover and savor."

Because these films are not rated, the Racine Public Library is unable to recommend them for children under age 17.

• Saturday Stories - Families of children ages 8 and younger are invited to spend select Saturday mornings with storytellers from the Racine Public Library at JavaVino. The next event will be held March 21 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and will feature storytelling with a simple craft. Enjoy a relaxing morning of breakfast fun with your children. This is a free event and no registration is necessary.