Library summer reading program starts next week
File photo Moses Lake Public Library patrons take advantage of a special program in April. The summer reading program kicks off next week with special programs throughout the system, including Grant County libraries.
MOSES LAKE — Robots and making musical instruments, poetry, a visit from the Pacific Science Center, puppets, live theater, science experiments – wow. There’s a lot going on during the summer reading program sponsored by the North Central Regional Library.
The library system includes branches from Oroville to Mattawa, including all libraries in Grant County.
“Build a Better World” is the theme for 2017, and many of the activities are focused around science and engineering. Children can sign up for the program at all 30 NCRL libraries.
Special events start June 20 and 21 at most local libraries. Home Depot will sponsor a children’s workshop at 10:30 a.m. June 20 at the Moses Lake Public Library.
The NCRL Puppeteers will perform at 3 p.m. June 21 at the Ephrata Public Library. The Puppeteers have been part of the summer reading program for at least a decade.
Sarah Knox, NCRL’s science-engineering librarian, will present “STEM with Sarah” at 11 a.m. June 21 at the Soap Lake library. Knox’s program features hands-on science demonstrations and experiments. With the focus is on science and engineering, science projects are scheduled at all libraries throughout the summer.
Musician Ian Dobson will bring his show to the Quincy Public Library at 10:30 a.m. June 22. Dobson teaches kids how to use recycled materials to make and play their own musical instruments.
The Puppeteers will perform at the Warden Public Library at 4 p.m. June 22. The troupe will perform at the Royal City library at 11 a.m. June 21.
Special events are scheduled at libraries throughout the summer, including a visit from the Book-It Theater. The Seattle-based troupe presents plays based on children’s books, and its summer presentation is “El Deafo,” an adaptation of a 2015 book about a girl’s struggles with hearing impairment. Book-It Theater appears at 10 a.m. June 29 in Ephrata and at 3 p.m. June 30 in Moses Lake.
The Pacific Science Center will visit the region with its “Volts and Jolts” exhibit, teaching kids about electricity. The Grant County PUD also has a science program for kids, focusing on electricity and hydropower. Children’s book authors and illustrators Erik Brooks and Elisa Kleven will talk about writing books and illustrating at presentations throughout the summer. Singer-songwriter Deb McVay will also be performing at libraries over the summer.