Bookmark: Every Hero Has a Story This Summer at the Library

In addition to the Summer Reading Game, the Library will also offer kids the opportunity to attend a weekly series in which they can create their own comic book hero, a series featuring superhero science and activities and even a hero film festival.

The Summer Reading Game – Back and Better Than Ever

For many Pelham children, it’s not officially summer until the Summer Reading Game begins, which this year starts on Friday, June 26, at 2:00pm, with sign-up continuing through July 31. The kickoff will feature local art teacher Mike Teator, who will draw the world’s greatest comic book heroes and tell their stories. (Mr. Teator will also teach the comic book hero course.)

As always, the Reading Game is open to children in pre-school through grade 8. Pre-school children can sign up and get a book prize once they have listened to six stories. School-age children get a free book upon reading three age-appropriate books. Kids who read more can get additional prizes from the Treasure Chest.

Participants will celebrate at the annual make-your-own-sundae ice cream party on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 1:30-2:30pm.

Create Your Own Comic Book Hero or Learn the Science of Superheroes

This summer, the Library will feature two weekly programs for elementary and early middle school students. Both will follow the “heroes” theme, and come to the Library thanks to a gift from the estate of Karin and Ted Mayer. (Additional programs listed here are courtesy of the Friends of the Pelham Public Library.)

For children ages 8-12, Mr. Teator will help children create their own comic book hero in a program that will be held Mondays from June 29 to July 27 (4:15-500pm) Registration is required for this series.

For children ages 5-10, The Chalkboard Kids will blend literature and STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] into a creative learning experience, leading five programs along the hero theme on Tuesdays from June 30 – July 28 (4:00-4:45pm). Registration is required for each individual program. The Library may limit sign-up if necessary.

Acting Out Books at Picture Book Theater

For children ages 5-8, Librarian Lil has a treat: she—with the help of the children—will act out “hero” stories on Mondays from June 29 to July 27 in a Picture Book Theater program from 2:00-2:45pm. Registration is not required, but come ready to act out classic stories such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “The Little Red Hen.”

Every Hero Has a Movie, Too

A summer full of heroes just wouldn’t be complete without movies, so the Library is having a summer-long hero film festival to celebrate. Every Monday from June 29 to Aug. 17, the Library will screen a movie at 7:00pm. You’ll see “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story” and more!

With so much going on all summer, watch the Bookmark, Library e-newsletter and pelhamlibrary.org for details about library programs on a week-to-week basis, or stop by the Library for a brochure.

“Every hero has a story and every kid has a hero within,” said Lilly Hecker, librarian for children’s services. “Find yours this summer at the Library.”

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Story Time: Tuesdays, for ages 3-5, 10:30-11:00am; Wednesdays, for ages two and under, 10:30-11:00 a.m. The Library’s Story Time for pre-schoolers continues this summer. Attendance is limited to the first 40 people who sign in, caregivers included. Sign-up begins at 10:15 a.m.

Team Meetings for “The Battle of the Books”: Monday, June 1. The team for grades 5 and 6 will meet from 6:00-7:00 p.m.; the team for grades 7 to 9 will meet from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Unfortunately, no new team members can be accepted.

Summer Reading Program Kickoff: Friday, June 26, 2:00 p.m. Join artist Mike Teator for the kickoff of the Library’s Summer Reading Program, including the opportunity to sign-up for the Summer Reading Game. Mr. Teator will draw some of the world’s greatest super heroes and tell their stories. Sign-up for the Game will continue through Friday, July 31.

Create Your Own Comic Book Hero Series: Mondays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 27; 4:15-5:00 p.m. Suitable for children age 8-12, this series will be taught by Mike Teator. Registration is required for this series.

Picture Book Theater: Mondays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 27; 2:00-2:45 p.m. Join Librarian Lil in acting out classic children’s stories with familiar heroes. On June 29, the book is “Where the Wild Things Are”; on July 6, it’s “The Three Billy Goats Gruff”. Registration is not required.

Family Night at the Movies: Mondays, June 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 27, August 3, 10 and 17; 7:00 p.m. See your favorite hero movies all summer long. The June 29 movie, “Brave,” tells the tale of how Princess Merida must use bravery and archery to break a horrible curse. On July 6, the Library will screen “The Incredibles,” the classic movie about a family in which everyone – including the baby! – has superhuman skills. Registration is not required.

The Chalkboard Kids’ Hero Programs: Tuesdays, June 30, July 7, 14, 21 and 28; 4:00-4:45 p.m. For children ages 5-10, this five session series will discover some of the science and action behind super-heroes. On June 30, attendees will do “Superman Training” featuring targets and an obstacle course. On July 7, the program will discover the miracle of Superman’s flight, and weather permitting, also learn about solar energy. Registration is required for each individual program.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Book Club: Thursday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. For its final meeting until next fall, the Book Club will discuss “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks. Copies of books are at the circulation desk and all are welcome to the meeting.

One-to-One Computer and Device Instruction: Call the Library if you’d like to make an appointment for individualized instruction in popular computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, or bring your smartphone or tablet to the Library and get started with apps that give library patrons access to free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-music and more.

(All Library programs are free and open to the public. To sign up for events that require pre-registration, call the Library at 914-738-1234. Out of courtesy to fellow attendees, please be on time and let the Library know if you are unable to keep an appointment.)

LIBRARY NOTES

Summer Hours: The Library shifts to summer hours on Saturdays, starting May 30, when it will be open from 10:00am to 1:00pm. It will resume longer Saturday hours after Labor Day.

System Upgrade on Wednesday, June 3: The Westchester Library System will be upgrading its online systems on June 3, starting at 12:30am. Some features will not be available until approximately noon that day.

Modest Fee for Non-Resident Holds: Starting July 1, the Library will charge non-Pelham cardholders 25 cents for each physical item—a book, DVD, CD and so forth—placed on hold or reserved to be picked up in Pelham. This fee will be added to the cardholder’s account, even if the item is not picked up. Fees will not be incurred for requests for materials outside of the Westchester Library System.