A library card might just be the best way to beat the mid-summer Moab heat.
In an attempt to maintain and sharpen the skills developed over the school year, The Grand County Public Library has created a variety of cool and creative summer programs for kids and parents alike.
The programs, as well as offering children to escape into books, offer encouragement in the form of prizes.
Library youth services director Charlotte Hurley is facilitating the children-friendly “Fizz, Boom, Read!” program, which allows participants to explore the science of everyday things.
“Yep, I’ve read three books already this summer.” 9-year-old Dominic Trask said. “I’m trying for three more to win the big prize.”
The library launched its annual summer reading programming on June 4 and it runs through August 6. The program takes place on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Residents can discover new books, meet new friends, stay cool, and enjoy family-friendly programs by participating.
“We love it,” Moab resident Jim Sutton said. “We come to tons of programs throughout the year.”
Hurley said the program is designed to keep kids reading during the summer so they don’t lose the skills they developed during the school year. Upcoming events revolve around Albert Einstein and his love for building houses of cards, the chemistry of water rockets, and how music engages the brain.
In addition to the “Fizz, Boom, Read!” program, the library offers other summer programs. These include the “Read it down” program, which allows kids to “read down” the costs of their overdue-fees and the “4h” program that forces kids to engage in the democratic process and self-organize to play with the library’s X-Box and extensive Lego set.
“These sorts of programs don’t just incentivize reading, but also teach kids accountability and how to engage in fair and friendly social interactions with their peers,” Hurley said.
More than 60 participants engaged in the July 2 workshop about snails, Hurley said.
All of the programs provided by the library are free. The schedule for the different events can be at www.moablibrary.org/child/.
What: “Fizz, Boom, Read!” summer reading program
When: Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Where: Grand County Public Library, 257 E. Center St.
“These sorts of programs don’t just incentivize reading, but also teach kids accountability and how to engage in fair and friendly social interactions with their peers.”
Library erupts with fun during summer program for children
