VW library ready to ‘Dig Into Reading’

Brumback Library news

The Brumback Library has announced that its annual Summer Reading Program will be held from Monday, June 10, through Wednesday, July 31. This year’s theme, “Dig Into Reading,” will focus on reading, library resources, and services as a pathway to fun, adventure, exploration, discovery and self-expression.

A myriad of events at the main library and the various village branches will highlight reading activities, along with games, crafts and much, much more. A number of contests and other exciting events have been planned throughout the eight-week program. As always, drawings, prizes and awards will be offered. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stop by the library at least once a week to record their children’s titles and check out a few more books.

Summer at the library will be great! To get the program off to an exciting start, Ellen Ford will once again be sharing stories, songs and games with her devoted fans. Ford will also entertain at 1 p.m. Monday, June 10, with dulcimer music. All ages are welcome to attend.

Illusionist Larry Wirtz will give a command performance that will delight one and all, while a ballerina from the Fort Wayne Ballet will leap onto the scene to share her talents, and a story as well.

A special program featuring the Crestview Elementary School art and music students is sure to capture everyone’s attention, while Mr. Puppet will visit with a number of his friends during a presentation highlighting this year’s theme. In addition, magical entertainer Jim Kleefeld and Monty the Mole will regale attendees with tales of adventure and intrigue.

Science Central will present a Rainforest Musical Chairs program, while Tom Phoolery will share stories and tales of discovery. A naturalist from the Johnny Appleseed Parks District in Fort Wayne will offer three programs that explore the life of underground animals, learn about Ohio birds and one on the life of Johnny Appleseed.

The Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation District has two activities planned, including “Soil is More Than Dirt” and “Exploring Wildlife in Van Wert County.”

Also planned in connection with this year’s theme are “Digging Into History,” by Joan Stripe and Gloria Fast, “Dig Into Weather” by Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy, “Digging Into Our Architectural Past” with Mary Minnig, stories with Lady Cassandra Wyndhaven, a “rehab fab” craft with Dawn Cooper, and “Dig Into Gardening” with the Van Wert Master Gardeners.

Linda Bagley will present a “Wubbulous” Dr. Seuss program as the “Cat in the Hat,” while the Van Wert County Engineer’s Department will highlight heavy earthmoving equipment and magician extraordinaire Tyler Nygren will present a magic show to please one and all. Belinda Miller will conduct a paper crafting program and there will be a number of combined story and craft times, walk-in craft opportunities and a variety of other programs and activities.

Summer Reading participants who have read at least five books by June 26 will be eligible to attend the Madcap Puppet Theatre presentation of “The Cinderella Files” in The Marsh Foundation auditorium and “Monsters University” at Van Wert Cinemas on July 2-3.

The Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball team will be visiting Brumback Library on July 19 and will meet with patrons of all ages, while the annual carnival for all eligible readers will be held from noon-3 p.m. Thursday, July 25.

Finally, Summer Reading participants will have the opportunity to attend a free Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball game in August.

This year’s program will also include the following age and grade-level appropriate activities:

Read-To-Me Club (infants and toddlers through age 2½) – Parents are encouraged to read 20 or more titles to their child. Special story times, activities and drawings will be offered.

The Listening Club (age 2½ through kindergarten) – Various activities, drawings, contests and story time sessions will be held. Adults or older children are asked to share 20 or more titles with a child and then record the titles on the child’s reading sheet.

The Reading Club (grades 1-8) – All children will be encouraged to read 20 or more titles, in addition to participating in a variety of programs and activities.

Beginning June 10 through July 31, children can get excited about reading. There will be stories of animals, weather, crops and plants, history, literary characters, sports and a whole lot more. With so many books waiting to be read, a myriad of programs and special activities each week, children of all ages will flock to the library to take part in this free program.

Registration has begun and runs throughout June and July. For further details and information, contact the Brumback Library at 419.238.2168 or any of the five branches located in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire and Wren.

Funding for each of the library’s summer programs is through a series of grants, gifts and donations. To date, more than 50 area businesses have made or pledged support. Major supporters include Eaton Corporation/Eaton Charitable Fund, Cooper Family Foundation and Raymond James Charitable Fund, local McDonald’s restaurant franchisee Jerry Lewis, Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association, Van Wert school administrators, teachers and staff, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Culler, Chuck and Karen Koch, John and Kim Carr, and The Read and Review Book Club of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert.

A more complete list of Summer Reading Program donors and supporters will be published in the coming weeks.