Summer Reading: It’s not just for kids

By Susan Braunstein - Programming Library Associate

Have you just finished a great book and want to talk about it with other people? This summer the library has created summer reading opportunities for people of all ages to do just that.

Adults can share what they think about a book on the library’s Facebook page. It’s simple. Search “Rapid City Public Library” from your Facebook account, once there write a short review on the page. Your review will get you entered in a drawing to win a basket of prizes at the end of the summer.

You can also visit about your favorite reads at Quick Pic Picnics held on the third Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Picnics are scheduled for June 17, July 15 and August 19. This is a summertime version of the Lunch and Learn program, but in the summer it switches to a casual book discussion with a free lunch provided by the Friends of the Library.

Those attending will have a chance to learn how to find resources at the library. The host will demonstrate book-related sites such as Library Thing. Sign up by the Monday prior to the event if you would like lunch.

Teenagers have their own special spot in the summer reading program. Teens in grades 7-12 can participate. Teens who read three books are eligible for a drawing with prizes that include MP3 players, flash drives, and Borders and Play N Trade gift certificates.

For each book read, the teen has to submit a name, title and author of the book and brief synopsis. The library prefers to receive this information on the library’s MySpace account, http://www.myspace.com/rcpl_teens. There will also be a paper form available. It can be turned in downtown or at General Beadle.

Families are encouraged to join the fun by participating in the summer long scavenger hunt. The hunt is designed to help people discover some of the unique features of the city. Questions will take you in all directions and to a variety of locations. Having fun together is part of the motivation, but you also have a chance to win something cool when you bring the completed log into the library and are entered in an end of the summer drawing.

The children’s summer reading program kicked off on June 6. But it’s not too late to start reading. Children who read or are read to for at least 15 minutes a day for 25, 50 & 75 days will have the opportunity to win prizes. Each child keeps track of his or her reading by filling in the stars on a reading log. Children who read all 75 days will be entered into drawings for big prizes at the end of
the summer!

Reading logs can be picked up at either library or downloaded from the library’s website. The last day to turn in reading logs is August 20. The same day all of the summer reading programs come to a close. An end of the year celebration will take place August 22.

Don’t miss the amazing free programs planned each month this summer. In June, long-time favorite magician Cody Landstrom will be here on June 26. He will hold a magic workshop for children at 10 a.m. downtown and 1 p.m. at General Beadle. There is a limit of 50 participants for each location so call the library and sign up for this workshop. Following the workshops, the public is invited to watch his magic show.

Who doesn’t love puppets and Markie Scholz from Dragons are Too Seldom Puppet Productions will perform a special show on July 8 that she wrote just for summer reading this year. It is called, “Quest for the Junkyard Dragon,” and you can see what it is like on http://dragonsaretooseldom.com/shows.html. She will perform at 10:00 a.m. downtown and 1 p.m. at General Beadle.

August will have a focus on the work of artist Dick Termes. The H.O.P. (Hands On Partnership for Science, Literature, and Art in South Dakota) exhibit of his work will be featured throughout the month of August at the downtown library.

Termes will also teach Polyhedron Workshops on August 5. Students will create 25 different polyhedron models in a hands-on workshop and gain an understanding of how often the polyhedra are used in nature and by humans. Registration is required and you must be third grade or older to attend. For additional insight, visit www.termespheres.com/workshop.html. There will be room for 40 students at each location, 10 a.m. downtown and 1 p.m. General Beadle. Termes will also be available after the downtown workshop to answer any questions about the H.O.P. exhibit.

All of this information and much more can be found on the library’s website, www.rapidcitylibrary.org. Just click on the link for summer reading.