Exploring Ways To Avoid The ‘Summer Slide’
Libraries Launch New Summer of Adventure
By Becky Corning, Librarian, Pauline Robinson Library
We are changing up summer reading at Denver Public Library this year. Some of these refinements include offering different prizes and different ways to earn prizes. We hope the new program will be more relationship-based, more responsive to the needs and desires of our young customers, and do more to address the “summer slide” – when kids lose the progress they had been making during the school year.
Our new program is called “Summer of Adventure.” We consider 2017 a transition year, when we are trying to keep the best of the old program and try out some new ideas before we change things permanently.
One change will be that kids in kindergarten through 12th grade can earn prizes in ways other than reading. We know students learn in different ways. They can now do things like attending a library event or entering our “maker challenge” to work toward prizes.
We are also consolidating to two programs: preschool and younger, and K-12. (We previously split K-12 into “kids” and “teens.”)
Summer of Adventure begins June 1, but don’t worry if you haven’t signed up yet. You can still sign up through July 29. Prizes will be available from June 24 to Aug. 12. As in the past, we will still be offering many performances and other activities for kids to enjoy during the summer. Check this column, online at denverlibrary.org/events, or come in to the library for a printed schedule.
You can find more information about Summer of Adventure at www.summerofreading.org.
Pauline Robinson Branch Library – June events
Tech Help One-on-One | Mondays and Tuesdays, noon – 1 p.m.
Get technology assistance from one of our in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. Call 720-865-0290 to schedule an appointment for Monday or Tuesday.
Wearable Electronics (Teen) | Tuesday, June 6, 2 p.m.
Using conductive thread, some LEDs, and some batteries, we’ll make custom light-up bracelets, headbands, wallets — whatever you can sew, we can customize with lights. Fabric and electronics provided; participants are welcome to bring in their own cloth or clothing to customize.
Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays, June 7, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.
Owl Pellets (Teen) | Thursday, June 8, 4 p.m.
Carefully dissect an owl pellet and try to reassemble a real skeleton. Sponsored by Lincoln Hills Cares.
Anime Club | Saturday, June 10, 3 p.m.
Watch, read, talk, act, eat and breathe Anime. Ideal for grades 7–10.
Ann Lincoln’s Build a Better YOU (Comedy, Magic & Juggling) Show | Monday, June 12, 2 p.m.
In this high-energy performance, Ann will hit on three things that the kids can get help with at the library in order to improve themselves and the world: Learn Something, Do Something and Help Someone. Join us for this show filled with laughter, awesome magic and juggling routines, and then stay for snacks at our Summer of Adventure kickoff party.
Kickoff Party for Summer of Adventure | Monday, June 12, 3 p.m.
Enjoy snacks and games as we kick off Summer of Adventure, our annual summer reading program that will have some new twists this year.
Meet Your Neighbors | Tuesday, June 13, 6 p.m.
Come mingle, socialize, learn about community resources and gather together.
Mini Early Literacy Fair with If Not You, Then Who? | Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Drop in between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for literacy fun. Explore a variety of activities that focus on the early literacy skills: READ, WRITE, TALK, SING, PLAY, LAUGH. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers will play and learn with simple hands-on activities that can be re-created at home for endless learning and fun. Ideal for ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers.
Saturday Storytime | Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for our new monthly Storytime on Saturdays. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for everyone.
Teen Volunteer Recruit Meeting (Teen) | Monday, June 19, 3 p.m.
We need YOU! Are you 14-18 years old? Have you ever thought about volunteering at the library? As a library volunteer, you can help with the Summer of Adventure, help with gaming activities, or other library projects. Learn more about how you can get involved and gain job skills at the same time.
The Art of String Art | Thursday, June 22, 4 p.m.
Learn string art using a variety of templates and colors of string. You will start the project here and get string to finish at home. Space is limited, for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
Zooper Heroes with the Denver Zoo | Friday, June 23, 2 p.m.
Learn the stories of some of the Denver Zoo’s animals that have fantastic adaptations to help them survive the perils of the natural world. Spiderman and Ironman have nothing on these amazing Zooper Heroes.
Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, June 24, 12 p.m.
This month’s selection: The Collector of Dying Breaths: A Novel of Suspense by M.J. Rose. Drop-ins are welcome.
Park Hill Branch Library – June events
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program.
Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays, 11:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play and social time immediately follow the program.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
Storytime Yoga | Monday, June 5, 10:30 a.m.
Join us on an adventure through a story. During Storytime Yoga, YOU are part of the story as you move your body and breathe through different yoga poses.
Compassion Fatigue: When It Hurts to Care | Tuesday June 6, 4 p.m.
Compassionate people bear the suffering of others and often compromise their own health and wellbeing when they assume too much of the burden, and then experience compassion fatigue, a risk for all who care. We must always be aware of where we end and the other person begins – the importance of boundaries. Learn to care for yourself, as you care for others.
The Animals of Pokemon | Wednesday, June 7, 3 p.m.
Learn about the real defense strategies animals use to protect themselves, find shelter, and find food. For example, Froakie is based off of a frog and uses water as a defense. We will bring five animal ambassadors that have “characters” in the Pokemon games/shows. We will discuss natural history, stories, diets, habitats, conservation, and more.
Polly’s Global Walk | Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.
On Aug. 1, 1999, Polly Letofsky left her Colorado home and headed west. Over the next five years, she traveled across four continents, 22 countries, and 14,000+ miles, by foot, to become the first woman to walk around the world. Sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always inspirational, Polly’s program personifies the spirit of commitment and perseverance that will compel you to conquer life’s challenges, one step at a time.
Canvas Painting | Friday, June 9, 3 p.m.
Discover your inner artist and create a painting on canvas. Great for all ages.
The Broken Welcome Mat, with Author Helen Raleigh | Saturday, June 10, 2:30 p.m.
In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, celebrate the diversity that unites us. In The Broken Welcome Mat, immigration expert Helen Raleigh weaves in her own experiences as a Chinese immigrant, with U.S. history to create a vivid picture of America’s current Immigration policy—and its problems. Join the conversation for Improving America’s immigration system and creating a stronger, healthier America for generations to come. Books available for sale and signing.
Magic Club | Monday, June 12 and Monday, June 26, 4:30 p.m.
Do you already play Magic: the Gathering, or are you interested in learning? Stop by two afternoons a month to play and meet other teens. Ideal for grades 6-12.
I Get Around: North of 50 Transportation Fair | Tuesday, June 13, 4 p.m.
Maintaining your independence and staying connected requires reliable, accessible, and safe modes of travel. Explore, experience, and engage in dialogue on getting around with Reaching Older Adult Drivers (ROAD), Bikes Together, Walk2Connect, and Northeast Transportation Connections.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, June 13, 6 p.m.
Join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan events and projects, talk about your favorite books, music, movies and make your opinion count. Plus snacks. Ideal for ages 13 and up.
Puppets and Things on Strings | Wednesday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Preschoolers love Little Willy Worm, the Bookworm, as he narrates Jack and the Beanstalk with the help of a full-stage marionette puppet production. Kids love to participate in the stories. Kids will also meet Pansy, a lovable baby chimpanzee and see a drawing that comes to life right before their eyes and talks.
Anthropology of Denver’s DIY Music Scene: Volume 1 | Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
Westword contributor, artist and historian Tom Murphy will share his firsthand experience and research on Denver’s evolving underground music scene in a multimedia presentation with an emphasis on the era of the late ‘90s to 2012.
Tween Book Club | Thursday, June 15, 3:30 p.m.
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Activity: Sneaker key ring design
Park Hill Underground Comedy Club: Janae Burris | Thursday, June 15, 7 p.m.
Laugh with Janae Burris, recently voted the Comic of the Year at the 2016 Sexpot Comedy Awards, in our underground, after hours comedy club. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Eighteen and over only due to adult content.
Father’s Day Craft | Friday, June 16, 3 p.m.
Make a gift, create a card and wrap it up for Father’s Day. Children will make a nice gift to give to anyone important in their lives. Call for details. Ideal for ages 7 and up or for younger children with an adult.
Book-Nic | Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m.
Share the love of reading with your neighbors. Bring your own picnic along with picnic blankets and reading material. The library will provide dessert, and face painting too.
Kids’ Book Club | Tuesday, June 20, 3:30 p.m.
Alien in My Pocket: Blast Off! by Nate Ball. Activity: Film canister rockets
My Art Workshop | Tuesday, June 20, 6 p.m.
Step by step instructor-led canvas painting. Up to 15 participants, so come early. Ideal for grades 6-12.
The Secret Lives of Owls | Wednesday, June 21, 3 p.m.
Come on an eye opening and fascinating journey as we explore the mysterious lives of the various species of owls that make Colorado their permanent and part-time home. Broaden your understanding of these elusive raptors by participating in activities that focus on the awesome adaptations of owls, such as directional hearing, superior night vision, and silent flight.
Shelvis Is In the Building! | Wednesday, June 21, 7 p.m.
Lori Muha “Shelvis” transforms into the rock-and-roll superstar Elvis. Her tribute performance of Elvis gets the audience dancing and singing, and you are guaranteed to leave with a smile.
Shelter Pet Blanket | Friday, June 23, 3 p.m.
Team up to make a no-sew pet blanket to donate to a local animal shelter.
Strong Sisters: Elected Women in Colorado Film and Discussion | Saturday, June 24, 2:30 p.m.
Strong Sisters tells the extraordinary story of elected women in Colorado, including the achievements and differences that elected women have made in our state. Discussion with filmmaker follows screening. For more information, check out www.strongsisters.org.
MoonDance Botanicals | Tuesday, June 27, 6 p.m.
We will brew an aromatherapy blend to take home. Ideal for grades 6-12. Up to 20 participants, so come early.
West African Dance | Wednesday, June 28, 3 p.m.
Kids and their caregivers learn a variety of dances, rhythms and histories from multiple West African cultures. This workshop includes movement, singing, rhythm, and cultural attire.
Make and Play–Toy Workshop | Friday, June 30, 3 p.m.
Make some fun toys to enjoy this summer. Toys include a pool noodle finger rocket and sponge balls. This is a great family program; work together and create fun memories.