Awesome Summer Activities and Reading Programs for Students at Davie Library
by Jeanna White
As school ends and summer begins, thoughts go to trips to the beach, splashing in the pool, or a little rest and relaxation.
But summer is also a perfect time to boost your child’s developing literacy skills and love of learning. Studies show that reading just 4-5 books during the summer can prevent a decline in a child’s fall reading scores.
The Davie County Public Library has a number of fun, educational, age-appropriate summer programs that encourage kids to keep reading even when school’s out. And best of all, they are free!
Build a Better World
According to Youth Services Librarian Julie Whittaker, better known as Miss Julie to Pre-K and elementary school students across the county, the Davie County Public Library is ready to welcome youth for the Summer Reading Program of 2017, “Build a Better World.”
“We have 8 weeks of events and programs to engage people of all ages in activities that keep academic skills sharp, foster a “Better World” and prevent boredom during the summer months,” she said.
Sign-up for the “Build a Better World” reading incentive program begins on June 19th and is ongoing through August 7th. The purpose of incentive programs is to encourage reading everyday/regularly throughout the summer. Participants choose between two programs; the easy timed reading Build a Better World Easy or the Build a Better World Challenge with activities. Age is not a consideration; rather the reader’s ability and desire determine which program is best for each individual. The Easy Record is based on reading / listening to at least 15 minutes of literature each day, enter the number of minutes read on the sheet. Prizes are based on reading or attending a program each day of the week earning small prizes and free books when goals are met. Build a Better World Challenge involves completing four tasks and recording the number of minutes read each day, then returning the reading record to collect noted prizes. As a guide, 40 min a day, 5 days a week over 8 weeks equals 1,600. Opportunities to earn 2 free books are available.
Programs Available Daily – Some Require Pre-Registration
There are different programs almost every day of the week, but some require advanced sign-up. The following list of activities can be found at www.daviecountync.gov/400/Public-library. Those requiring advanced registration are highlighted below. Please download a printable calendar of events.
Mondays
6:30 pm– all programs are available to the public regardless of SRP registration. Consult DCPL’s web-calendar for program specific details.
M 6/26 & 7/24 only 2-5:00 pm – Teens Paint the Wall for Middle and High School artists or interested in art, see Tuesdays for description.
Tuesdays
10:30 am: Elementary Build It: Planned for elementary students; participants will consult books on the day’s Build It Activity and then build. 2 MAD Science Workshops are scheduled with limited seating, patrons must register to participate in these free workshops for elementary aged youth, and registration opens for these events on M, 6/19 for 6/27 and 7/17 for 8/1. All others open with free general admission.
2-5:00 pm: Teens Paint the Wall: For Middle and High School teens who would like to use their creativity and artistic talents to help paint 2 wall scenes in the Multi-Purpose Room. Mentored by volunteer Bruce White of Wild Mountain Designs & Art. (4th Tuesdays are Blood Drive, so this activity will be offered on M 6/26 & 7/24) Also available on Thursdays from 10am -12 pm.
Wednesdays
11 am Munchin’ at the Movies-rated PG usually less than 2 hours.
1 pm Snackin’ at the Cinema-rated PG & PG 13 usually 2 hours.
Participants are welcome to bring lunch or snacks, blankets & pillows; the library will provide a big screen showing of a recent release or theme related film, floor space, chairs and trash cans. Parents are responsible for deciding if movie content / ratings are appropriate for their family, and can check on www.commonsensemedia.org. A movie list is available on the DCPL’s calendar.
Thursdays
10am-12pm- Teens Paint the Wall
Reading & Code Clubs Brochures / flyers with specifics and registration are available at DCPL and on the library website. Please note these bulleted programs are not ‘drop-in’, as participants prepare in advance to read or discuss the selected book and equipment and space is limited. Register at DCPL’s Youth Services Desk or email jwhittaker@daviecountync.gov
o 11 am-12 pm Reading with Ranger- any age participant may sign-up for a 15 minute time slot to read to Ranger, a live Golden Retriever certified by Therapy Dog International. No drop in, registration 2 days in advance.
o 1-2pm-Next Chapter Book Club-for adults & teens with intellectual differences, see brochure for info.
o 2:15 pm Reader’s Clubs –Middle School and Young Adults enjoy snacks while discussing a common read. See brochure and calendar for alternating dates, and meetings with extra time for movie viewing.
o 3:30-4:30 Coding Club- Ages 8-14- SIGN-UP REQUIRED available 1 week in advance of class. 10 seats with 5 waiting spots. See program flyer for details of weekly lessons.
3:15-5:15 Games & Legos: the Lemoncello Game & Robo Lego carts will be out for families to engage in creative building or gaming as they wish. Parents are strongly encouraged to play with and supervise their children and friends during these opportunities for good quality interaction between kids and adults. Please supervise an orderly clean-up of materials used.
Fridays
Pre-K Story-Time- 11 am- is planned for and focused on the youngest patrons. Siblings and older folks who enjoy the magic of stories, rhyme, rhythm and song are welcome. Ellie, Miss Julie and Mrs. Archer alternate hosting story time throughout the year.
Saturdays
11am-12pm Reading with Ranger- any age participant may sign-up for a 15 minute time slot to Read to Ranger, a live Golden Retriever certified by Therapy Dog International. No drop in; 2 day advance registration.
New NC Kids Digital Library is Free!
Families can also take advantage of the NC Kids Digital Library. The new NC Kids eBook collection is targeted just for children, pre-K through elementary school. Children can enjoy a variety of both ebooks and audiobooks. Many of the selections for younger children can also be viewed as a video.
The Davie County Public Library is located at 371 N Main St, Mocksville, NC 27028 and can be reached at (336) 753-6030 or www.library.daviecounty.org. The library is open Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 8:30 pm; Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; and Sunday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
The library’s Cooleemee Branch is located at the Cooleemee Shopping Center on Highway 801 South. It can be reached at (336) 284-2805 and is open Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Saturday and Sunday.
