Silver City – The Town of Silver City Public Library's Summer Reading Program offers such fun and entertaining programming that adults may find themselves wishing they could participate – and they can. From magicians to drama and performance, storytelling, singing scientists, robotics and lots of cool prizes, this free program has everything to keep children entertained, inspired and learning. Adult book lovers may also participate by reading, writing book reviews or completing weekly puzzles and quizes for a chance to win prizes, including Fire tablets and $50 MainStreet gift certificates.
This year's theme, "Libraries Rock," emphasizes music and geology, explained Chris Baumgarn, Silver City's children's and youth services librarian, who emphasizes the importance of keeping children learning during the summer months. He credits the Friends of the Library for working hard all year to raise funds for the program.
"We're really lucky to have such a terrific Friends group" said Baumgarn, who moved to Silver City from Las Cruces because of Silver City's progressive library services, and the opportunity to provide diverse, quality programming to youth. "I would put up our summer reading program against any other in the state, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The reason that we are able to offer such amazing programs and prizes is because of the Friends of the Library."
In addition to weekly offerings of craft making, videos, movies and board games, computer lab, food projects and music - and of course reading - each Tuesday features a special program, including singer songwriter Andy Mason, who will kick-off the summer reading program on June 5th with an entertaining and interactive music program for children of all ages.
Jaimie O'Hara "The Magic Guy" performs his wondrous magic act on June 12, and The Agile Improvised Odyssey for seven to 13-year olds offers an opportunity to develop and stage an original story following the "hero's journey," a pattern that many myths, folktales, and even movies follow. Parents are invited to watch the performance at the conclusion of this two-hour workshop, complete with simple make-up and costumes, facilitated by Charles Gamble, teaching artist with the Santa Fe Opera. For teens, Gamble leads Improv for Discovery, a two-hour workshop which uses techniques from theatrical improvisation and movement to nurture curiosity, creativity, and ability to make connections with others. No previous acting experience is necessary.
Other performers and special Tuesday programming include a visit from Smokey the Bear, Curious Chris the singing scientist, and Aspen Black, who will lead "Guitar Like a Star," which introduces children, teens, and adults of all ages to the basics of guitar playing the guitar. Guitars and ukuleles will be provided.
On June 25 the Asombro Institute of Science Education in Las Cruces will teach children about geology, and "Indiana Bones" comes to the library on June 19, offering his unqiue storyrtelling style – an adverturous blend of history, archeology, paleontology, action and puppetry, mythology and folklore.
Clay Play returns the week of July 16, as part of the Silver City Clay Festival, and the Public Library Mural Camp (July 9-20) will breathe new life into the faded wooden library sign on Cooper Street, and beautify a brick planter facing College Avenue.
The Summer Reading Program is really four programs in one, with different activities geared toward specific age groups. New this year is Rock a Bye, programming for babies up to two years, in which parents keep track of the reading time spent with their babies. Once they reach 30 books, they collect a prize and certificate. Children up to age five log every 15 minutes spent reading, while children ages six to 12 log every 20 minutes spent reading. Teen readers are challenged to read a minimum of two books of 200 pages in length to be entered into the grand prize drawing. Up to six prizes are awarded to each participating child, then they are entered into the grand prize drawing, held at the "End of the Summer Party" on Friday, July 27, at Penny Park. Prizes are on display at the library.
Pre-registration has already begun, though June 5 is the official kick-off when children may begin to collect prizes. Registration is free and open to all children and includes a free book bag. The library is located at 515 W. College Avenue in Silver City, and is open Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; and Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. For more information, visit http://silvercitypubliclibrary.org, call (575) 538-3672, or send an email to: ref@silvercitymail.com.