The Youth Services Department of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library announces its Summer Library Program (SLP) schedule and its science-based theme, “Fizz, Boom, Read!” All programs are free to the public.
Registration is required only for the main library’s K-6 SLP, Mother Goose’s SLP, and the Caledonia SLP. All daycares and groups over 10 people are required to call in advance for special arrangements. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all programs.
“While literacy is the main focus of SLP, the library is excited to branch out into the STEM areas that can be easily overlooked during summer retention efforts,” said Lindsey Miller, library youth services coordinator. The library will host programs at each branch and main programs out of the main Columbus branch.
Summer kickoff
“As a kickoff, we will be hosting a Water Science Day in front of the library June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.,” said Miller. “This will include a water curtain provided by the Columbus Fire Department, who will be on hand with the fire truck to discuss water safety.” Fun water experiments will be the main attractions, and children 6 and older are encouraged to come ready to get messy.
Children and teens will be issued a reading log on the first day of all programs. Those who return filled out reading logs on the last day of programming receive certificates honoring their reading achievements, and literacy fun packs from the Mayor of Columbus. Teens will also have their names entered in a drawing for gift cards from area businesses.
Highlighted presenters for the K-6 SLP Animal Tales (hands-on experiences for youngsters that explore animal classification with live animals) include Tommy Terrific the Magician, and Mr. Richard, the children’s musician. Tommy and Mr. Richard will gear presentations towards various branches of science.
Other K-6 SLP activities include a presentation by the Lowndes County 4-H Extension Office and a Mad Scientist Day with hands-on science experiments on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m.
Mother Goose will hold her traditional Summer Library Storytimes in the library meeting room on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and again on those afternoons at 3:30 p.m. June 5 through July 24, for children 3 to 5.
“We will also be hosting teen events on scheduled Saturdays at 1 p.m.,” explained Miller. “These will include Movie Days, a Science Day (brought to us by the MSU Chemistry Department), and a Zombie Bash for teens ages 12 to 18.” Registration forms for programs at the main branch of the library should be returned by June 7 to the Circulation Desk.
Other branches
Artesia and Crawford Branch programs will be hosted through the Community Summer Camps at the respective community centers on alternating Thursdays through June and July. Artesia’s programs will be conducted at 1 p.m. Crawford’s will be at 2 p.m. There is no required registration for these programs.
Caledonia Branch programs will be Mondays in June at 11 a.m. Registration at the Caledonia Public Library is required for this program; appropriate ages are 6 to 12. Programs include science experiments with literary tie-ins. Registration forms for programs at the Caledonia Public Library should be turned in by May 29.
Miller said, “We will begin donations for craft supplies at the beginning of May. Details will follow soon about our Adult Summer Library Programs.”
The library’s Youth Services Department thanks these groups for supporting this year’s Summer Library Programs: The Friends of the Library, Columbus Fire and Rescue, Columbus Police Department, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Sunflower, the City of Columbus (Mayor’s office), Columbus City Council, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, the 4-H Extension Office, Roscoe and Sampson, the Reading Dogs, and volunteers and patrons who have donated craft supplies.
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