Library announces summer reading program

The Madison County Library is looking forward to a great line up of summer activities and programs this summer. 

The theme of this year’s summer reading program is “Color Our World.” Sign-ups begin Tuesday, May 27, 4-7 p.m. Get a “summer swag bag” with a few free books and some book-related freebies!

On Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m., through June and July, the library will welcome the Paws to Read Dogs for children to have a chance to read to them.

All of the free shows in June and July are appropriate for preschoolers through middle school students. The first program will be presented by Science Heroes Wednesday, June 4 at 11 a.m. The show is entitled, “Adventures of the Missing Color.” On Friday, June 13 at ll a.m., the Wildlife Center will share some of the animals that are currently at the center. Learn amazing facts about a mammal, a reptile and a bird and get to see these animals up close. OnWednesday, June 18 at ll a.m., children will get to create their own Make it and Take It Art Projects at the gazebo on the library lawn. Kids who sign up will get to either decorate an umbrella or decorate and build a wind powered sailboat. Sign up for this event by calling the library at (540) 948-4720 or emailing froebuck@madisoncountyvalibrary.org with the number of school-age children attending and which art activity is preferred. On Tuesday, June 24 at 11 a.m., the Bright Star Theater will perform the play, The Wizard of Oz. 

The fun continues July 1 at 11 a.m. with Steve Sommers. He is “The Amazing Teacher Magician” who will perform a Color Your World Magic Show. On Tuesday, July 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Uncle Henry will be back to turn the library into a museum of sorts with his See & Touch Nature Gallery. He and Leila will bring a display of over 1,100 items, such as butterflies, mammals, fossils, sea-life and more! On Tuesday, July 15, at 11 a.m. enjoy two short plays. Pinocchio and Robin Hood that will be presented by the Bright Star Theater.

On Tuesday, July 22 at 11 a.m. Travelin’ Jack & Co. will entertain with puppets. The folktales that Christopher Hudert offers include a Jack tale, a slave-story song, and a morality tale that reflect the traditional nature and humor of early American storytelling. Then, on Wednesday, July 23, 10 a.m. to noon, enjoy the last event, “The End of Summer Blowout.” Come to the library lawn for two giant Water Slides, snow cones for all, tattoos, face painting and a whole lotta fun!

The goal is to encourage trips to the library and for kids to read often over the summer. The library wishes to offer entertainment, promote learning and to prevent the summer reading slide. Rising first graders through rising sixth graders can spin the Wheel of Prizes for each hour read. There is a limit of two spins for two hours of reading for each visit –with no more than two visits to the wheel per week. Prizes can be earned from Monday, June 2 through Saturday, July 26. The library officials look forward to people visiting at the Madison County Library!