Staff Reports
Celebrate how much "Libraries Rock" at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library during the Children's Summer Reading Program. Starting June 4 and ending Aug. 4, the free program is open to children and young adults between the ages of 3-17 and features prizes, performers, and events.
"The children's summer reading program is a wonderful opportunity to keep 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 of summer reading programs keep kids excited all summer about reading, coming to the library, and learning."
This summer, kids earn grand prize entries by reading and doing good deeds for their families, neighbors, friends, and community. At sign up, children receive logs to track the time spent reading and performing good deeds. A grand prize entry is earned for every completed log turned in on the library website or at the library.
Grand prizes include Kindle Fire tablets, sponsored by the Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library, three bicycles, sponsored by First Midwest Bank, laser tag at Xtreme Family Fun, day passes for Black River Coliseum, pool passes for R.W. Huntington Pool provided by the Poplar Bluff Parks Department, comic books provided by Ken's Comic Man, Marble Slab gift certificates, Brick Oven Pizza coupons, tickets to The Stage Company's production of "Junie B. Jones is NOT a Crook", and more.
In addition to the grand prizes, children can get bonus prizes by earning and redeeming points during the program. Points are earned by turning in Reading Logs and Everyday Hero Logs, checking out books, attending events, and signing up for the reading program.
Prizes are only part of the Summer Reading Program, which also includes special events and performers. The cast of the Stage Company's production of "Junie B. Jones is NOT a Crook "will join a special Saturday "Story Time," starting at 1 p.m. June 9.
Interesting instruments and toe-tapping classic folk songs will entertain kids when Ringing Strings comes to "Story Time" on at 6 p.m. June 11, and 10:30 a.m. June 12 and 14.
The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge will visit to teach youngsters about snakes (at 10:30 a.m. June 19 and 21), plants and pollinators (at 10:30 a.m. July 17 and 19) and bats (at 10:30 a.m. July 31)
"The Reading Magician" Marty Hahne, returns for four shows sponsored by Southern Bank. He will be performing two shows on July 10 at 2 and 5:30 p.m., and two shows on July 11 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Jenna Whitworth, with Fundamental Music Therapy, brings the joy of music to life in her interactive "Story Times" at 6 p.m. July 23 and at 10:30 a.m. July 24 and 26.
Free tickets are required for entry to these presentations and will be available at the children's library starting June 4.
Many programs for family fun do not need tickets, including story times, crafting and sewing, concerts, and movies.
"Story Time," part of the library's year-round programming, expands during summer and will be held at 6 p.m. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.
The University of Missouri Extension Family Nutrition Education Program teaches children about healthy eating habits with heroic fun and games at the library at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays from June 6 through August 1 (except for July 4 and 11).
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 this summer.
Bring your own chairs or blanket for "Music on the Lawn," returning at 6 p.m., Friday, June 8 with a family-friendly program of "Disney Songs." Stop by the library theater for "Summer Family Crafting" and choose a craft project to do by yourself or with friends and family 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. June 26. (Supplies for crafts will be provided by the library.)
A free "Sewing Class for Kids," suitable for beginners, will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 24. At this class, kids (accompanied by a parent or guardian) can learn a few basic sewing skills as they learn to sew on a button.
To participate, sign up beginning June 4 at Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 318 N. Main St., or online at poplarbluff.org. For more information about events, pick up a free library flyer or contact 573-686-8639