Fizz, Boom, Read!
By Tara Bannon
Join us at the Denver Public Library for an amazing Summer Reading Program. The Park Hill Branch library will be having fun and educational events and activities this summer, including dissecting owl pellets, hands-on science projects, live animal performers and book clubs for grades 2-12.
Storytime and Book Babies will also be offered all summer long at their usual times on Wednesday nights and Thursday and Friday mornings.
Did you know that children and teens who do not read over the summer lose ground on the new literacy skills they have acquired? According to the Colorado State Library and the Colorado Department of Education, on average by the end of the 5th grade, students who do not read during the summer are behind their counterparts by two years. Indeed, the use of the public library during the summer time is more predictive of vocabulary gains than attending Summer School.
All activities are free and open to everyone. Registration for the Summer Reading Program starts on Monday, June 2 and lasts through Saturday, July 26. The last day to pick up prizes is Saturday, Aug. 9. Prizes are based on age and include scientist duckies, backpacks, burrito coupons, Elitch’s tickets and brand new books that kids can keep forever. Call or stop by if you have any questions about the programs or activities. Calendars of events are available. See you at the library this summer!
Park Hill Branch Library Events
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
All ages are welcome for this storytime. We may do a craft, play musical instruments, or have some fun with the parachute. No registration required.
Book Babies: Early Walkers | Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, action songs, and rhymes developed to meet the needs of babies on the move and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required.
Tales for Twos | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a storytime just for two-year-olds and their caregivers. We will share books, sing songs, and provide movement activities. No registration required.
Book Babies: Pre-Walkers | Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, Rhymes, and lap songs developed to meet the needs of infants and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required.
Pajama Storytime | Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s PJ storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas. Stuffed animals and blankies welcome. No registration required.
The Big Read | Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Come be part of the Big Read. Lighthouse Writers Workshop will lead a discussion of the book Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. Check out a copy today at your favorite branch. Learn more about the Big Read at http://www.neabigread.org. *FREE copies available for the first few people to register.
eBooks 101 | Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for summer by making sure you’ll know how to use your tablet, laptop, or smart phone when your vacation comes around. Access library materials 24/7 and never worry about returning something late. Bring your device with you and download some books with us. No registration required.
Rock and Read | Saturday, May 10, 3 p.m.
An active program geared towards children ages 3-7 and their grown-ups. We will incorporate books and literacy with music, dance, and movement activities. Siblings are welcome to attend. No registration required.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, May 13, 6 p.m.
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count. Join us for monthly meetings.
Genre Chat Book Club | Thursday, May 15, 3:30 p.m.
A book club for grades 2-3. We will explore a variety of book genres, and participate in discussions, crafts, and activities related to the story. This month we will read Cinderellis and the Glass Hill by Gail Carson Levine. Registration is suggested but not required. Call 720-865-0250 or visit the library to sign up.
Teen Book Club | Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.
A reading group for teens in grades 6-12 that meets to talk about books, eat snacks, play games, and have some laughs. Bring your friends. We’ll be talking about Battle Royale by Koshun Takami. Registration is suggested but not required.
Pauline Robinson Branch Library Events
After School is Cool (ASIC)
Come join us for more fun activities in May, Monday through Friday at 4:15.ASIC will conclude its programs for the school year on Friday, May 9.
NE WalkFest | Saturday, May 10
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More than 30 themed walking trips are planned for all ages. Registration for the Walkfest will take place in front of the library or pre-register online. Join us for a family friendly walk. For more information, visit www.NEWALKFEST.com.
Family Storytime | Saturday, May 17
11 a.m.
Stories ~ Music ~ Fun
For all ages – bring the entire family
Pauline Robinson Book Club
Celebrating our 15th year, the Pauline Robinson Library Book Club’s May Selection is Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer; drop-ins are welcome on Saturday, May 24, at 12 noon.