Make a Splash: Read!

The Valparaiso Public Library is once again hosting their Summer Reading program! June 7 through July 17, the library will feature a variety of programs for kids of all ages. 2010summerreadinglogo

Along with the activities, the library offers Independent Reading Programs. On Monday, June 7, reading sheets and booklets will be available for pickup. Get them during the first four weeks of Summer Reading and record each book read throughout the Summer Reading program. Saturday, July 17, is the last day to turn in completed reading sheets and booklets. They must be turned in by 5:00 pm to be eligible for prizes, certificates, and to be counted towards the Traveling Trophy.

The following are Summer Reading programs, broken up by age groups:

Programs for Young Children

Toddler Time
Registration: May 25
Sign up by phone or in person
For ages 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years old
Time: Tuesday, 9:30 am or 11:00 am or Thursday, 9:30 am
Four sessions start June 8 and end July 1
Fee $3.00. Class size limited to 25 children

Preschool Story Hour
Registration: May 26
Sign up by phone or in person
For ages 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 years old (not in Kindergarten)
Time: Wednesday, 9:30 am or 10:45 am or 1:00 pm
Four sessions start June 9 and end June 30
Fee $3.00. Class size limited to 25 children

K - 5th Grade Programs

Monday Happenings
All programs will be held in the Library's First Floor Meeting Room unless otherwise noted. Registration for programs with fees must be done in person at the Youth Services Department. Free programs- register in person or by phone at 462.0524 #4.

Monday, June 7, 12:00 pm
Live Indoor Ice Carving!
For children of all ages and their families Chill out with Chef Dave Hemdal and Chef Kevin Pedersen of Strongbow Inn as they show us how they carve huge 300 pound blocks of ice into elaborate sculptures. You're sure to be amazed by this "cool" and creative indoor demonstration. Registration begins May 24. Limited to 75 participants. Free.

Monday, June 14, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm
From The Farm: Kids and Parents Cooking Party with Philip Potempa!

For children of all ages with a parent Join Times columnist and cookbook with author Philip Potempa for a fun and entertaining opportunity to learn easy and fun "kid-friendly" folksy recipes for family time. From quick and easy "coffee can" homemade ice cream to simple "no-bake cookies", this "hands on" demo offers great ideas for creating wonderful future family activities and memories to share and cherish. Great prizes and surprises also! Registration begins May 24 in person. Limited to 75 participants per session. $5 per person due at registration.

Monday, June 21, 10:00 am
Nature Scavenger Hunt at Rogers-Lakewood Park

For children who have completed grades K-5 with a parent Join Carrie Crisan, Assistant Director of Valparaiso Parks and Recreation, as you explore the trails, the woods, and the lakefront on a nature scavenger hunt. Bring your bug spray, curiosity, and sack lunch. Stay after the scavenger hunt to eat lunch together. Registration begins June 7 in person. Limited to 20 participants. Must be accompanied by a parent and must have a signed permission slip on file prior to the day of the program. $3 due at registration.

Monday, June 28, 11:00 am
Where Does Our Water Come From?

For children who have completed grades K-6 Jim Pingatore from Valparaiso City Utilities will teach us all we've ever wanted to know about the water cycle, including what happens to the water when you flush the toilet. He'll also share hints on how to conserve water in our own homes and give you the answers to any questions you may have about water. Registration begins June 14. Limited to 50 participants. Children grades K-3 must be accompanied by a parent. Free.

Monday, July 12, at 1:00 pm
Underwater Exploration!

For children who have completed grades K-8 Joe Hiestand from the Scuba Tank in Downtown Valparaiso will be at the library showing us exciting footage from his diving adventures and you're sure to see unique underwater creatures and plants. In addition, he'll teach us how to conserve the oceans and reefs. You'll also have the chance to try on a real scuba set (maybe you'll want to bring your camera)! Registration begins June 28. Limited to 75 participants. Free.

High Seas Adventures!
Evening programs for children who have completed grades K-5

Pirates
June 15, 7:00 pm
Ahoy! Learn about Blackbeard, and other fearsome pirates. Can you talk like a pirate? Join us to practice your pirate speak skills and try your hand at a fun pirate craft. Registration begins June 1 in person. Fee of $1.00 due at sign-up.

Mermaids
June 29, 7:00 pm
Fact or fantasy? Join us for magnificent mermaid tales, tails, and crafts. Registration begins June 8 in person. Fee of $2.00 due at sign-up.

Summer Crafts
For children who have completed grades K-5. Parents are expected to assist their children during each craft. Limited to 20 children per session.

June 10, 2:00 pm or June 11, 11:00 am
Night Sky Tees

Make a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt! Registration begins May 27 in person. Fee of $1.50 due at sign-up. Bring your own pre-washed T-shirt.

June 24, 2:00 pm or June 25, 11:00 am
Starry Night Lantern

Light up the party with this patriotic lantern! Registration begins June 10 in person. Fee of $4.00 due at sign-up. Bring your own clear, large jar.

July 8, 2:00 pm or July 9, 11:00 am
Under the Sea Tote Bag

Carry your books in style! Registration begins June 24 in person. Fee of $4.00 due at sign-up.

July 15, 2:00 pm
Splashy Puppets

Decorate a fantastic fish or frog puppet. Decide between a fish/frog at time of registration. Registration begins July 1 in person. Fee of $1.00 due at sign-up.

Saturday Night Movie Matinees
For children of all ages, with a parent. Bring your own snacks and blanket and join us for free movie matinees. Free! Registration is required. Register in person or by phone. Dates and details below:

  • Saturday, June 19, 2:00 pm Shark Tales. Registration begins June 5.
  • Saturday, July 3, 2:00 pm Little Mermaid. Registration begins June 19.
  • Saturday, July 17, 2:00 pm The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. Registration begins July 3.

American Girl
July 6 or July 7 at 2:00 pm
Molly's July Celebration!
Molly will be featured and a craft, activity and snack will be included. For those who have completed grades 2-6. Registration begins June 22 in person $4.00 fee due at sign up. Limited to 20 children per session.

Clever Cooks
June 17, 2:30 pm
Make-Your-Own Soft Pretzels!

Make soft pretzels and Orange Julius just like at the mall! For children who are 8 years old by 9/1/10 and have completed grades 2-6. Registration begins June 3 in person $3.00 fee due at sign-up. Limited to 20 children.

July 14, 2:00 pm
It's Fair Time!

Have fun making elephant ears, caramel corn and lemon shakeups! For children who are 8 years old by 9/1/10 and have completed grades 2-6. Registration begins June 30 in person $3.00 fee due at sign-up. Limited to 20 children.

4th of July Tie Dye
For Children who have completed grade 3 and older

July 1, 2:00 pm (Rain date: July 2, 2:00 pm) Make your own patriotic tie dye T-shirt! Meet in Youth Services for brief instruction before going outside to tie dye. Registration begins June 17 in person. Fee of $1.00 due at sign-up. Bring your own pre-washed white T-shirt.

Beach Reads Book Bingo
For children who have completed grades K-8

July 13, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm Everyone is a winner as we play bingo for books that you can take to the beach. Registration begins June 29 by phone or in person. Free!

Last Splash of Summer Water Balloon Toss
For children who have completed grades K-8
Friday, July 16, 2:00 pm
We'll say goodbye to summer with a fun water balloon toss. Prizes awarded to those who stay dry! We will meet at Tower Park for this fun event. Registration begins July 2 in person. Limited to 40 participants. All participants must be accompanied by a parent and have a signed permission slip on file prior to the day of the event. Free.

Young Adult Programs
For students who have completed grades 6 and up

Friday, Jun 18, 2:00 pm
Repurposed Tote

We'll fuse together plastic store bags to create unique and colorful tote bags. You'll enjoy making these one of a kind pieces. Registration begins in person June 4. $3 due at registration.

Wednesday, June 23, 7:30 pm at Uptown Cafe
Book Discussion at Uptown Cafe: Eclipse

Join us for cool drinks and book discussion at the Uptown Cafe. Prepare for the big screen premier by joining us for a discussion of Eclipse, book 3 of the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. (The movie opens June 30) Participants will have a chance to win movie passes! Free! Registration begins June 9. Register in person or by phone. Limited to 20 participants. First 12 people to register in person will receive a free copy of Eclipse.

Friday, July 9, 2:00 pm
Artist Trading Cards

Come collage, paint, or draw your own set of Artist Trading Cards. These small works of art are to be traded with other artists, so we'll swap our creations as well. Feel free to bring supplies if you like to work in a particular medium. Registration begins in person June 25. $3 due at registration.

Wednesday, July 21, 6:30 pm
Pizza Party

For YAs who successfully complete Summer Reading - Join us for pizza! Bring your favorite music & games to share...and ideas for 2010/2011 YA programs. Register when you complete Summer Reading requirements.

Visit the Valparaiso Public Library at 103 Jefferson St, call 462.0524 #4, or visit www.pcpls.lib.in.us