Read and Win! Summer Reading Challenge and Events Begin June 19 at the Racine Public Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is launching is 2010 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages beginning Saturday, June 19 and running through Saturday, July 31. Registration may be done after June 19 at any public service desk at the main or mobile library, as well as on the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info. Participants of all ages, once registered, will be given a reading record and asked to complete a challenge: either to read a specified number of books or to read for a specific amount of time. Once the challenge is completed, reading records are turned in to the main or mobile library, and participants receive a gift and an entry into the library's grand prize drawing. A library card is not needed for participation in the reading challenge, although one is recommended so that full use may be made of the library's many resources. Library cards for all ages are available for free by completing a simple registration form. Forms may be obtained from any library information desk or at the mobile library.

In addition to the reading challenge, the library will be celebrating summer reading through its series of special events. The following programs will offer something of interest to all ages.

Early Childhood Storytimes begin June 22 and will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am in the Youth Services Dept. Two different age appropriate programs are held simultaneously to accommodate different learning levels. Both programs are designed to teach crucial early literacy skills. Children ages 1-3 are invited to sit with their parents in a 20 minute storytime featuring songs, fingerplay, and short stories. Children ages 4-5 who are able to sit independently are invited to attend a longer preschool storytime offering more complex stories and activities. These are drop-in events and no registration is needed to attend.

Make a Splash! summer programs are designed for kids ages 5-10. The library is offering the following opportunities for kids to experience music, stories, and other fun activities. Some registration is required as listed below. For more information or to register call the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245.

• Storywagon Series - This series of performances by professional entertainers is held on Thursdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm inthe Youth Services Dept. Thursday, June 24 will feature the musical fun of Pint Size Polkas; Thursday, July 1 the library hosts dramatic demonstrations in "Get Excited About Science" with Steve Bellevue; on Thursday, July 15 Bassmeister Curt Strutz will send you into side-splitting laughter with his Fishing Comedy Show. All programs are free and no registration is necessary.
  
  
• Family Fun Nights - Special activity nights for families looking for some quality time together. Programs are held once a month on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm; registration is required. June 24 families will spend time with the Master Gardener's Club learning all about growing your own family garden. July 22, families are invited to participate in a game night with board games, Wii gaming, and some fun group games. August 26, the library will host a family "End of Summer Pity Party".
  
  
• Make a Splash Activity Days - Story and activity days are held weekly on Tuesdays at 2:30pm. Registration is required. Themes vary weekly with such topics as Water Science, Pirate Parties, and Outdoor Water Games.
  
  
• Ruff Readers - The library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program continues over the summer. Kids ages 6-12 are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of our specially-trained listening dogs. This is a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading over the summer. Participants may drop-in during the reading times or may call 262.636.9245 to reserve a time slot. The following schedule begins June 21:
• Mondays @ 10:30am : Dewey or Daisy
• Mondays @ 4pm: Hobbs
• Tuesdays @ 1pm: Lucy
• Tuesdays @ 4:30pm: Bowie
• Thursdays @ 4:30: Marshall & Epstein
  

Make Waves! is the library's series of activity days just for teens ages 11-17. These programs are held on Mondays at 2:30pm. Registration is required and space is limited for some of the events. Call 262.636.9245 for more information or to register. The following is a schedule of upcoming events:

- June 28 - Water Your Imagination with cool science experiments and creative art activities
- July 12 - Beach Bum Day - Join us for beach games, crafts, and a community service cleanup at North Beach.
- July 19 - (Tentative) Kayaking and Orienteering at REC on Sixth St. Space is limited.
- July 26 - Water Wars - Outdoor water games.


Water Your Mind! just for adults. Summer fun isn't just for the kids! The library has created some interesting and thought-provoking entertainment just for grownups. Some registration is required as listed below. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for more information.

• Watercolor Workshop - Thursday, July 1 at 10am. - Our friends from RAM will lead you through a hands-on mini watercolor project. Supplies provided. Registration is required as space is limited.
  
  
• Great Lakes Diving Adventure - Friday, July 2 at 11:15am and 3:00pm. - A presentation by a mother/son duo who have explored shipwrecks in many of the Great Lakes and throughout the world. They'll be introducing us to diving history, equipment, safety and what's to be found in our own watery backyard. No registration necessary.
  
  
• Protecting Our Local Waterways - Thursday, July 15 at 6:30pm (tentative)- A presentation by the Root River Environmental Center about water conservation, watershed projects, and the REC's role in the Root River revival. No registration necessary.
  

• Sierra Club Presentation - Thursday, July 22 at 6:30pm - This local environmental group presents intriguing and educational programs. Join us as they explore practical ways you can help to protect our valuable natural resources. No registration necessary.

• Wii Gaming for Adults - Tutorial Days on Thursday June 1 & July 8 at 10am; Game Days on Thursdays beginning July 22 from 10-noon. Come have some fun with this popular active video game experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere! Drop in only; no registration.

All of the above programs are free and open to all. Dates and times may be subject to change. Visit the library's website (racinelibrary.info) or call 262.636.9245 to confirm events.

The library is also offering two free concerts for all ages.

Geneva Red Harmonica Blues Concert - Monday, June 21 at 6:00pm - World renowned Blues Harmonica player Geneva Red will give an introduction to America's Blues music through performance by her juke joint duo The Original Delta Fireballs. This is a hands on harmonica workshop for participants. Bring your own harmonicas if possible (a 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is needed); the library has a limited number available for use. Call 262.636.9245 if you plan on attending.

Comedy Juggler Steve Russell - Monday, August 2 at 6:30pm - In this slightly off-center variety show, you get all the laughs of a stand-up comedian with the added bonus of disappearing bananas, impaled potatoes and adeptly juggled luncheon meat. Lots of laughs, fun and surprises for ALL ages. Free; no registration necessary.

For more information and a complete listing of summer programs, visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info or call 262.636.9245.

Storytellers "Going Buggy" at the Library

It appears that storytellers at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., have done more than "Catch the Reading Bug" during this summer's reading challenge…they've gone downright "buggy!"

On Thursday, July 24 from 1:30-2:30 pm the library's animated and enthusiastic storytellers will be sharing their favorite stories and crafts about insects of all types. Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to share in the bug-mania during this free program in the Youth Services Dept.

Kids ages 5-10 will also want to mark the calendar for "Miss Spider's Tea Party," coming to the library on Thursday, July 31 at 1:30 p.m. The beloved "Miss Spider" from the popular Daniel Kirk picture books will be on hand to lead stories, games, crafts and more. No registration is necessary for this free event.

For more information about library programs and services call 262.636.9245, or visit the website at www.racinelibrary.info and blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.

Beginning Monday, June 16: Summer Reading Challenge: Catch the Reading Bug / Metamorphosis

What insect attacks with a sharp beak and then sucks out body fluids? Which bug's bright orange wings warn that it's poisonous? Where can we find these answers? Try the 2008 summer reading challenge at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., and the Racine Mobile
Library!

As summer approaches and insects awaken from their winter nap, the library's putting the final touches on its 2008 summer reading challenge, "Catch the Reading Bug/Metamorphosis." From June 16-August 2, readers of all ages are invited to take the challenge,
experiencing special programs, events and performers…and all of it about bugs!

Registration for the reading challenge will begin on June 16 at the Main and Mobile Libraries. Participants of all ages should complete a registration form, available from any public information desk at both locations and turn it in to a librarian to receive a reading record and other challenge information. After reading the required number of items for the appropriate age group, reading records may be turned in for a prize. All readers who turn in a reading record will be eligible for the library's grand prize drawing for a Nintendo Wii.

To celebrate the 2008 Summer Reading Challenge, the library is pleased to host another season of professional entertainers in the Storywagon Series. The following performances will be featured in June and July:

• Thursday, June 19 Bilingual Storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden
  
• Dance like you have ants in your pants, sing like a cricket, and enjoy stories in other languages with this awesome storyteller.

• Thursday, June 26 Bubbleology with Karl Debelack
  
• Learn how to make a square bubble, blow bubbles inside of bubble, create a spherical octahedral prism, and much more with this master Bubble-ologist!
  

• Thursday, July 10 Singer/Songwriter Allan Lieberman
  
• Join this award-winning singer and songwriter as he presents, "Singing Good and Feeling Good," and interactive musical event for all ages (grownups, too!)

• Thursday, July 17 Nature Education with David Stokes
  
• From the loved (butterflies) to the unloved (spiders), this award-winning educator will use live creatures, animal artifacts, and just plain silliness to help you learn about "Slugs and Bugs."
  

All performances begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Youth Services Dept. No registration is necessary and all programs are free. 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.

Saturday, June 14: Emmy Award Winning Storyteller Performs at the Library

Families are invited to join the Racine Public Library and the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast as they commemorate Juneteenth Day, a national African American freedom holiday, with a special guest performance by Emmy Award winning storyteller Bobby Norfolk. This unique event will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is necessary.

Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrations throughout the city of Racine, including an all day event at the Dr. John Bryant Community Center, focus on education and recognizing achievement.

This Juneteenth Day program will feature an exciting performance of The Story of Henry 'Box' Brown and other Extraordinary Tales by internationally known story performer Bobby Norfolk. This three-time Emmy Award winner and Parents' Choice honoree is one of the most popular and dynamic story-educators in the country today. A St. Louis native, Bobby Norfolk began his career as a stand up comedian in area comedy clubs. With a background in comedy and theatre, he naturally turned to storytelling and became a full-time teller in 1987. He is well known for his high-energy performances and lively animation. His stories promote character education, cultural diversity and self-esteem, and are geared for audiences of all ages. Bobby is truly a gift for the imagination!

This rare Racine performance will feature the story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave born in Virginia in 1816, who sealed himself in a small wooden box and had it shipped to friends and freedom. His narrative was published in 1849 to raise funds so that Brown could purchase freedom for his wife and children. He traveled the northern states speaking against slavery before the Fugitive Slave Law forced him to flee the country. In this theatrical reenactment, Bobby breathes life into this amazing story of a slave turned hero, along with other tales of ordinary people taking extraordinary risks in the name of freedom. Questions about the performance may be directed to the Racine Public Library, 262.636.9245.