Library plans summer activities for kids

By Jane Greiner
Sun contributor
The Glen Lake Library in Empire aims to help make reading a year-round activity for area children. Library director David Diller said that the library has two programs starting this month which are designed to encourage kids to read as a part of their summer activities.
“So much is going on in the summer,” Diller said, “I wanted to make some options available.”

Summer Kids Program
This program consists of a weekly library event or activity such as a magic show or a writing workshop for youngsters. These events vary in content and age groups. “Of course, kids of all ages are welcome, Diller said. “No one will be turned away at the door.”
Diller noted that Bonnie Kay’s program for preschoolers called “Stories and More” has been very successful over the past three years. By scheduling the summer program in the same time slot, he hopes that the Thursday morning schedule, which worked well during the school year, will continue to be favorable for reading activities during the summer months.
All the sessions will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the library except the August 1 writing workshop, which will be held at the Cottage Bookshop in Glen Arbor.
Kids Calendar
June 22 Learn about Great Lakes fish with biologist Todd Kalish of the Michigan DNR. (Best for ages 3 and up.)
June 29 Aquatic tales and fun with Sharon Wiles (Pre-kindergarden)
July 6 Katharine Robey presents her new book “Hare and the Big Green Lawn”. (ages 4-8)
July 13 Juggling and Magic with Ben Spitzer. (All ages)
July 20 Bird stories and activities with Amy Juhala. (PreK)
July 27 Stories and More with Bonnie Kay. (PreK)
August 1 Meet authors Lynn Rae Perkins and Chris Raschka, at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor. (All ages)
August 10 Creative movement with Hughthir White. (K — 3 grade)
August 17 Writing workshop with Dawna Dziedzic and Dianne Glupker, authors of “Green Lights of Michigan”. (Grades 3 and up)
Summer Reading Club
Diller said the Library is also setting up a summer reading club in which children are given a notebook and invited to keep track of the books they read over summer vacation. The intention is to continue good reading habits through the summer. If they read 10 books, they get to pick a book to keep from a selection the library will have available. If they read 20 books, they get a Glen Lake Library book bag as well.
Anyone with questions can call the library at (231) 326-5361. Or check the new library website at www.glenlakelibrary.net. The website will carry information on the library, a calendar of events, and access to the on-line card catalog.