Library Offers Programs for All Ages

The following programs are being offered at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.

Story-time Opportunities
Toddler and Preschool storytimes are underway 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. Due to space limitations, day cares and pre-schools interested in attending these storytimes are asked to contact the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245 to set up a separate session for their children.

A monthly After School Storytime is being offered for kids ages 4-10, with the first of the year scheduled for Tuesday, January 25. from 3:30-4:30pm. Storyteller Keiko Skow shares her favorite stories and her imaginative craft ideas and activities with those in attendance. All children must be accompanied by a parent. Registration is requested and may be done by calling the library at 262.636.9245 or by registering online at www.racinelibrary.info.

Family Fun Nights are special activity nights for families looking for some quality time together. Held once a month on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm, they feature stories, crafts, activities and special guests. This month's family night is being held on Thursday, January 27 and is appropriate for kids ages 4-10 and their families. Younger siblings welcome. Registration is requested; call 262.636.9245 or register online at www.racinelibrary.info.

Ruff Readers is the library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program for kids ages 6-12. Youth are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of our therapy-trained listening dogs. This is a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading. Registration for this program is strongly suggested. For a complete list of available days and times, contact the library at 262.636.
9245.

Teen Activity Night!
Teens ages 12-17 are invited to an activity night at the library on Thursday, January 27 from 6:30-7:30 pm in the library's Atrium. Video games, board games, art projects and other activities will be available. This is a free program; no registration is necessary.

Medicare and You
A representative from Physicians Mutual will present an unbiased view of Medicare including changes for 2011, common misconceptions, and a general overview of how the program functions. The free presentation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is requested; call 262.636.9217 or register at www.racinelibrary.info.

To stay up to date on all of the library's programs, services, and resources visit our website at www.racinelibrary.info, read our blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The Racine Public Library is located at 75 Seventh St. on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan in downtown Racine.

Racine Public Library Programs for All Ages

The Racine Public Library continues its fall programming with these great educational and entertaining opportunities for all ages. All programs are free and open to the public. Some registration is required and may be done by visiting the library at 75 Seventh St, calling the library at 262.636.9245, or by visiting the library's website at racinelibrary.info.

1. YOUTH BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS are available for students in grades 3, 5 and 6. Book Br@ts for 3rd graders meets on the third Monday of each month at 6pm. BookCh@ts for grades 5 and 6 meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4pm. Both groups introduce readers to exciting works of juvenile fiction and offer them the opportunity to explore the stories in depth with others. Sponsorship is provided by the Friends of the Library. Participation is free and members are able to keep their own copies of the books read. Registration is required.

2. AFTER SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL CHESS is being held on Thursdays from 4:30 6:30pm through October 28. These weekly gatherings are open to ages 5 and older, and beginners are welcome. A volunteer chess instructor will be available to assist beginners. A recreational tournament for all participants will take place on October 21 and 28. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and registration is required.

3. TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL STORYTIMES begin October 5 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.

4. AFTER SCHOOL STORYTIME is being offered for kids ages 4-10 on Tuesday, September 28 from 3:30-4:30pm. Storyteller Keiko Skow shares her favorite stories and her imaginative craft ideas and activities with those in attendance. All children must be accompanied by a parent. Registration is requested.

5. RUFF READERS is the library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program for kids ages 6-12. Youth are invited to spend 15 minutes reading to one of our therapy-trained listening dogs. This is a relaxed and fun way for kids to practice reading. Registration for this program is strongly suggested. The following schedule begins September 20:

Mondays 4:00-5:00pm
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm and 6:00-7:00pm
Wednesdays 3:30-4:30pm
Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm

6. BONK! The Racine Public Library invites you to enjoy an evening with some very talented artists during this free monthly performance series held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 6th St, in downtown Racine. The series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. This month's event is being held on Saturday, September 25 from 6-8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. The library's featured performers will be poet/writer Kathleen Rooney, poet Nate Slawson, and the dance troupe from Laurenzi Dance Studios. No registration is necessary.

Kathleen Rooney is a founding editor of Rose Metal Press and the author, most recently, of the memoir Live Nude Girl: My Life as an Object (University of Arkansas Press, 2009) and the essay collection For You, For You I Am Trilling These Songs (Counterpoint, 2010). With Elisa Gabbert, she is the co-author of the poetry collection That Tiny Insane Voluptuousness (Otoliths, 2008) and the chapbooks Don't ever stay the same; keep changing (Spooky Girlfriend Press, 2009) and Something Really Wonderful (dancing girl press, 2007). Her first solo poetry collection, Oneiromance (an epithalamion) won the 2007 Gatewood Prize from the feminist publisher Switchback Books. She lives in Chicago.

Nate Slawson designs books for Cinematheque Press. He is the author of two chapbooks, most recently The Tiny Jukebox (H_NGM_N Books, 2009). His work has appeared or is forthcoming in Slope, Handsome, Cannibal, Corduroy Mtn., Forklift, Ohio, Typo, and other places.

Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances, please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.

BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.

7. BANNED BOOKS WEEK - "Think for Yourself...and Let Others Do the Same" - September 27-October 2 marks the library's annual Banned Books Week celebration. Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. Targets range from books that explore contemporary issues and controversies to classic and beloved works of American literature. Check out the library's website for a list of banned books or visit our banned books displays at the main library, 75 Seventh St. Be adventurous; read a banned book and think for yourself.

To stay up to date on all of the library's programs, services, and resources visit our website at racinelibrary.info, read our blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Racine-WI/Racine-Public-Library/6078666343, or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/racinelibrary.

You may also call the library at 262.636.9245 or visit in person at 75 Seventh St. in downtown Racine.

Summer Kickoff Week at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, has kicked off its lineup of summer programs for all ages. Here are the week's events!

• Geneva Red's Harmonica Blues Concert - In partnership with the Junior Women's Club of Racine, the library is offering a one-hour musical performance and Hohner Harmonica Blues workshop with acclaimed blues musician Geneva Red on Monday, June 21 at 6:00pm.
  
  With her partner, Jackie 5 & Dime, on drums and guitar/banjo, Geneva Red will present an hour of music, history and interactive harmonica instruction. The audience will embark on a musical journey that starts in Chicago, heading south along the Mississippi River, to St. Louis, Memphis, the Juke Joints of the Mississippi Delta, and down to New Orleans. Participants are introduced to this small but powerful instrument with an insightful introduction to beginners Blues harmonica. A limited number of harmonicas will be available for use by participants. It is suggested that those attending come with their own harmonicas, Hohner being the recommended brand. A 10 hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is needed. Free; call the library at 262.636.9245 to register your attendance.
  

• Ruff Readers - The library's award-winning read-to-the-dogs program kicks off another season on Monday, June 21. 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. Days and times vary. Call 262.636.9245 for more information.

• 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 Activity Day: "Just Add Water!" - This weekly story and activity program will be held on Tuesday, June 22 at 2:30pm. This week's topic is all about the things water can do when we "just add it" to things and situations. Registration is required. Call 262.636.9245.

• Storywagon Performance: "Pint-Size Polkas!" The first in this series of performances by professional entertainers will be held on Thursday, June 24 at 10 am and 1:30 pm in the Youth Services Dept. The program will feature an entertaining and educational live polka musical experience for children of all ages and their families. Free; no registration.

• Family Fun Night: "Growing Power!" A special activity night for families looking for some quality time together. On Thursday evening at 6:30pm families will spend time with the Master Gardener's Club learning all about growing your own family garden. Registration required; call 262.636.9245.

• BONK! It's the season to hit the streets and enjoy some of Racine's finest evening entertainment. Enjoy an evening with some very talented artists on Saturday, June 26 from 6-8pm, for another installment of "BONK!", a free monthly performance series in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists. This month's event will feature poet NINA CORWIN, spoken word artist NIGEL WADE, and musicians KEVIN MACPHAIL, AUSTIN SPIKA, CODY HESS.

For more information about the Racine Public Library's summer event schedule, call 262.636.9245, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, subscribe to our blog (rplinfo.blogspot.com), or just visit our website at racinelibrary.info!

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.

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.

Storytime and Reading Opportunities at the Library

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering a winter reading challenge and several exciting storytime programs for kids of all ages beginning in January.

For kids in grades 3-10, the library is offering the Milwaukee Bucks Library Reading Program. Participants have until Feb. 13, 2009 to complete a 500 page reading goal. Readers score points for each page read from a book, magazine, or newspaper. All participants will receive a Milwaukee Bucks poster, stickers and bookmark when a reading record is turned in. 500 points scored earns each participant a voucher for a free ticket to one of two select Milwaukee Bucks Basketball games. Students who read more than 750 pages will have their names entered into a drawing for an official Milwaukee Bucks autographed basketball. Six randomly selected children will participate in the Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup for each game date and 10 randomly selected children will be recognized at halftime for each game date. Reading logs and instructions may be obtained by visiting the Youth Services Dept. at the Main library or the Mobile Library. Call 262.636.9245 for more information.

You'll find the library's enthusiastic storytellers on the road this month as they perform a Saturday morning event for kids from ages 3-10 and their families. On Saturday, January 30 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. These Saturday Family Storytimes will be held monthly on the last Saturday.

The library's popular preschool storytimes, held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., will begin on January 19 and run until 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 in storytime on their own 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, January 26 from 3:30-4:30 pm. Monthly after-school storytimes will be held on the 4th Tuesdays.

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. This season's Ruff Readers program will begin on Monday, Jan. 18, 2009. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for days and times, or to reserve a reading spot.

Kids ages 3-10 and their families are also invited to attend Family Fun Nights once a month. These hour-long events explore a variety of topics through stories, games, activities and crafts. The next event, We Have a Dream, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Join the storytellers as they celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other significant figures in Black History.

All storytime events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary unless otherwise indicated.

Fall Storytime Opportunities at the Library

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

The library will begin its fall season of popular preschool storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning September 22-November 10. Children ages birth - 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 Baby & Me program where material is appropriate for ages birth-2. Both programs are held simultaneously at 10 a.m. No registration is necessary.

Preschool Open Playtime will also be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:45 am-12:00 pm, and on Fridays from 11 am-2 pm. These free drop-in play dates will be held in the Martin Room and offer kids ages 1-5 games, toys and activities to promote early literacy skill development. All young participants must be accompanied by an adult. 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 September 21. The canine friends visit the library on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-5 pm, Wednesdays from 3-4 pm, and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm. Time slots are available on a first come/first served basis or may be reserved by contacting 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.

Afternoon and evening family storytimes are being scheduled for the fall months as well. These programs generally feature stories, activities and simple crafts for families to share together. Contact the Youth Services Department at 262.636.9245 for program dates, times and topics.

All storytime events are free and open to the public. For a complete up-to-the-minute account of what's new at the library, visit us on-line. You'll find the Racine Public Library on the web at facebook.com, rplinfo.blogspot.com, and most recently at twitter.com/racinelibrary (get hourly recommendations of new books
being added!).