"Build a better world" this summer at Poplar Bluff Municipal Library during the Children's Summer Reading Program. Starting June 5 and ending Aug. 5, the free program is open to children and young adults between the ages of 3 to 17 and features prizes, performers and events.
Children can earn a chance to win a prize with every completed Reading Log they turn in during the program. Additional prize entries can be earned by turning in completed Everyday Hero Logs. Everyday Hero Logs help keep track of how much time children spend doing good deeds and service for their families, neighbors, friends, and community over the summer. Reading Logs and Everyday Hero Logs can be submitted from June 5 until 5 p.m. Aug. 5 on the library's website or at the library.
Prizes include Kindle Fire tablets, sponsored by the Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library, three bicycles, sponsored by First Midwest Bank, day passes for Hydro Adventures, a pool party at Black River Coliseum, comic books provided by Ken's Comic Man, laser tag at Moore Xtreme Family Fun, pool passes for R.W Huntington Pool provided by the Poplar Bluff Parks Department, Marble Slab gift certificates, and coupons for Brick Oven Pizza, Godfather's Pizza, Lemonade House Grille, Pizza Hut, Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Sonic and Subway.
Prizes are only part of the Summer Reading Program, which also includes special events and performers. Free tickets are required for entry to these shows and presentations due to limited seating. The free tickets are available at the library starting June 5.
Ticketed events include Special Story Times: The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge visits to teach kids about animals who build nests (June 13 and June 15 at 10:30 a.m.), animals that burrow (July 11 and July 13 at 10:30 a.m.) and animals with exoskeletons (Aug. 1 and Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m.). Interesting instruments and toe-tapping classic folk songs entertain kids when Ringing Strings comes to Story Time on July 25 and July 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Special presentations and performances require free tickets: Comic book artist Nathan Rice comes to the Poplar Bluff Library on June 17 and July 15 at 2 p.m. to show kids how to draw comic books. "The Reading Magician" Marty Hahne, returns for four shows, sponsored by Southern Bank; he performs two shows on June 20 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and two shows on June 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Poplar Bluff Iron Mules Robotics Club will demonstrate their robots at 3 p.m. June 24. Kids learn all about the weather with Bob Clubbs on June 28 at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Drop in for story time at the library with The University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Program, no free ticket needed. Children learn about healthy eating habits with heroic fun and games at Food Fitness Story Times on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. from June 7 through Aug. 2.
The library's year-round programming continues this summer. Story Time will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. At Theater Thursday, sponsored by Sterling Bank, attendees can enjoy a free family movie, drink and popcorn starting at 4:30 p.m. every Thursday.
Story Time Enrichment brings in community organizations and experts for story time with an extra dose of learning and is held monthly in the Sensory Garden, weather permitting. June 13 at 4:30 p.m. features water safety with the Black River Coliseum. On July 18 at 4:30 p.m., the Butler County Health Department presents a heat safety story time.
"The children's summer reading program is a wonderful opportunity to keep your kids reading all summer," said Erin Rigby, children's librarian. "It can be difficult to motivate kids to read when there are so many activities competing for their time. The events, prizes, and activities we have during our summer reading program can keep kids excited about reading, coming to the library, and learning throughout the summer."
To participate, sign up beginning June 5 at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 318 North Main St., or online at www.poplarbluff.org. For more information about the events, contact the library at 573-686-8639.