Library plans Summer Reading Program

Brumback Library information

The Brumback Library is pleased to announce that its 99th annual Summer Reading Program will be held from Monday, June 2, through Thursday, July 31. This year’s theme, “Fizz, Boom, Read!” will focus on reading, library resources, and services as a pathway to fun, adventure, exploration, and discovery. A myriad of events at the Main Library and the branches will highlight reading, science and technology activities, along with games, crafts, and much, much more!

Numerous contests and other exciting, educational events have been planned throughout the course of the 8½-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 child’s titles and check out a few more books.

To get the program off to an exciting start, The MadCap Puppet Theatre will present “Mark Twain’s Twisted Tales” in the Marsh Foundation Auditorium on June 9. Children and their parents who want to attend must preregister for the event. (All children must also be Summer Reading participants.) Children in all three reading groups will want to register to see “How To Train Your Dragon 2” on June 23 and 24 at the Van Wert Cinemas.

At the Main Library, a variety of exciting programs have been planned. Hum, buzz, and whistle with storyteller extraordinaire Ellen Ford. Investigate the fascinating world of science with “Mr. Molecule’s Fun Science Show”, “CSI: Van Wert” with Karen Bruewer, “Shocking Science!” with Science Central, and Mark Wood’s “Fun with Science”.

Magical entertainers Larry Wirtz, Jim Kleefeld, and Van Wert’s own Tyler Nygren will be popping in to amaze and delight their audiences, while Lindsey Newlove, Copper Tom, and Ellen Ford will be presenting musical programs that will positively rock!

The library is extremely pleased that Van Wert High School’s award-winning Robotics Club will be visiting with its nationally recognized program. The library will also be hosting its very first Duplo and Lego extravaganzas this year.

County Engineer Kyle Wendel will be bringing construction equipment for everyone to see and explore while discussing his role as an engineer. Architect Drew Anderson will speak about architecture and some of his notable projects and experiences over the years. To round out the aforementioned events, Mr. Puppet and his friends will be returning by popular demand, a ballerina from the Fort Wayne Ballet will be twirling onto the scene to share her talents and a story, Van Wert Soil and Water Conservation will be exploring the “Wonderful World of Birds”, while Johnny Appleseed Park District will turn its attention to the science of water. In addition, Johnny Appleseed will be “passing through” to talk about his travels and adventures. Participants will not want to miss “Fun on the Farm” with the Barnyard Buddies 4-H Club and the Fort Wayne TinCaps players in July.

Young children will want to attend story time sessions with Ronald McDonald, Bob Evans’ dog Biscuit, and Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat with Linda and Maria Bagley. School-age children and their parents are invited to join Lady Cassandra of Wyndhaven the day she shares her stories of the Renaissance and children of all ages are encouraged to attend a play written and directed by Ryleigh Hanicq.

Special craft time sessions have been scheduled with Dawn and Annabella Cooper in June and with Belinda Miller in July. Free YMCA swims, Girl Scout programs, story time sessions, combined story and craft times, walk-in craft opportunities, and a variety of other activities will be featured over the course of the program.

Near the conclusion of the Summer Reading Program, a children’s carnival will be held to reward the participants for their reading accomplishments. This year’s program will include activities for the following age/grade levels:

The Read-To-Me Club: Infants through toddlers age 2½. Parents are encouraged to read 20 or more titles to their child. Special story times, activities, and drawings will be held.

The Listening Club: Participants age 2½ through children entering first grade in the fall will take part in various activities, drawings, contests, and story time sessions. Adults or older children are asked to share 20 or more titles with the child and then record these titles on his or her sheet.

The Reading Club: This group is comprised of students who will be entering grades 2-9 in the fall. All children will be encouraged to read 20 or more titles in addition to participating in a variety of programs and activities.

Beginning June 2 through July 31, all children can get excited about reading. The library has stories about animals, farming, architecture, science, inventors, robots, magic, 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 want to flock to the library to take part in this free program. Registration begins on Monday, June 2, and continues throughout June and July.

For further details and information, contact the Brumback Library at 419.238.2168 or at any of the five branch library sites located in Convoy, Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire and Wren. Funding for each of the Brumback Library’s aforementioned summer programs will be provided through a series of grants, gifts, and donations.

To date, over 50 area businesses have made or pledged support. Major supporters include Jerry Lewis and area McDonald’s restaurants, the Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Culler, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Koch, Mr. and Mrs. John Carr, F&S Flooring, Orchard Tree Restaurant, and several others in the offing.