Every Hero Has A Story - What's Yours?

Summer reading is on the way at Alexander County Library and Bethlehem Branch.  The theme for 2015 is “Every Hero Has A Story!” and there are many fun activities planned for all ages, birth to adult.   

Click here to watch Every Hero Has A Story Summer Reading Video

The program is free and begins on June 14.  Participants report time spent reading until August 1, 2015.  Students sign up and keep track of how much time is read online.  There is also an option to write titles of books.

Every participant will receive a goody bag with this year’s stadium cup.  Students will receive the bag when time is reported or a program is attended.

Research demonstrates students’ reading skills are diminished during summer break if reading is not practiced.  The library encourages youth to read at least 15 minutes a day to keep reading skills sharp. 

Reading therapy dogs, Abby and Kowboy, will be available for readers on Wednesdays during the summer at both libraries.

Many optional program events are included in the reading program.  The kickoff event for all ages will have Illusionist Caleb Sigmon at Davis Hall of First Baptist Church in Taylorsville on Friday, June 19 at 10 am.  Sigmon will also provide a free magic workshop for children rising 2^nd grade and up.  The program is free and open to the public, but workshop attendees must register with Miss Mel at Alexander County Library by Thursday, June 18.

                                   Caleb Sigmon, Illusionist

Other programs include: a hike at Rocky Face Mountain Park to conquer the mountain; Alexander County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit; and author Marty Hartman with his Adventures of Wally the Wheelchair. Students under the 3^rd grade will be required to have an adult accompany them on the Rocky Face hike. 

Local Sheriff’s Deputy and children’s author, Michael Harrison, will also have an evening literacy program at Bethlehem Branch on Thursday evening, July 16 from 6 – 7 pm.  Bethlehem Friends of the Library will provide drinks and homemade cookies.  Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to the Christmas in July event.

The final program event on Saturday, July 25 at 9 am will be a Superhero Training Camp for all ages.  Teens and adults can test texting and driving skills with the Sheriff’s Department driving simulator.  Experience drunk goggles and how impaired one is if under the influence of intoxicating substances.  There will be an obstacle course and other challenges for all ages. Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be provided for everyone that morning.  

There are also special programs for teens and preschool children.  Teens will participate in the fifth annual National Teen Lock-in on July 31.  There will be a national cosplay contest and teens are encouraged to create their own masquerade costume - be it a ball gown or a superhero.

Also, preschoolers will be asked to allow one of their stuffed animals to stay at "Library Camp" for three nights so teens can create a "Stuffed Animals Library Camp Adventure" movie.  Teen movie making night will be June 25.

Preschoolers can dress their favorite hero part for the storytime kickoff on Tuesday, June 16 at 10 am.  There will also be a "Frozen" party for the preschoolers as the final program for that age group. 

A bag lunch will be available every Tuesday at the main library in Taylorsville for youth ages 0 -18 and at the June Friday programs at Davis Hall and Rocky Face Park. See calendar for details.  

For more information, call the library at 828-632-4058 or check out the library’s website at http://www.alexanderlibrary.org/summer-reading

Hope to see you at Alexander County Library and Bethlehem Branch this summer!

Mel