Libraries ask youth to 'Be Creative' during programs

Local youth can "Be Creative @ Your Library," the theme of the summer reading program at the Alexandria and Mary E. Babcock libraries.

Pam Hankinson, children's librarian at Alexandria, said the summer reading program kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, and continues through Tuesday, Aug. 4.

"The opening program will include a husband-and-wife team who are owners of the Ridge Museum near Newark," Hankinson said. Jerry and Joan Maines will share Native American storytelling, crafts and artifacts from their museum.

"They've always had interest in Native Americans, and they go to schools to promote Native American life with the kids," Hankinson said.

The summer reading program is geared toward children who are 18 months old through fifth grade, Hankinson said.

"We ask the kids to read 400 minutes through June and July, and they're asked to come in four times," she said. "For every 100 minutes, they check in and get a treat."

During the fourth check-in, participants will receive a book of their choice. At the conclusion of the program, youth can select from prizes like stuffed animals, action figures and gift certificates.

Following Tuesday's kick-off, other special activities will include "Animal Origami" at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. Sarah Dalton will teach children how to fold paper and make a variety origami critters.

Be Creative Story Time Programs will be held on Thursdays, June 18 and 25 and July 2, 9 and 16. Young children are invited to the story room to be creative with books, songs, finger plays and simple crafts.

At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, kindergartners through fifth graders will learn how to make their own paper with Luellen Felumlee from the Licking County Recycling and Litter Prevention.

"Spool Knitting" will be taught by Jo Ettorre at 2 p.m. on June 25 and July 9. Ettorre will demonstrate spool knitting, also known as knitting without needles. Children age 5 and older are welcome, and parents may want to assist younger children. Participants may bring scrap yarn, old sheets or fabric scraps to the workshop.

A variety show will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26. Kids of all ages are welcome to share their talents such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument and any other creative talent.

For Alexandria teens in grades 6-12, there will be a photo scavenger hunt from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at the library.

Other teen events include:

• Thursday, June 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., Water Bottle Rockers.

• Monday, June 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Cooking with Fire (dinner provided),

• Tuesday, June 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Art Night with Susie Shaw.

Stephanie Stephens, teen coordinator, said the Alexandria Library recently installed computer software called "Alice" by Carnegie Mellon. It teaches middle and high school age students about computer animation.

"Any student with a library card may come in and use the software for free," Stephens said.

In Johnstown, children's librarian Julie McElhaney said the summer reading program began May 26 and continues through Friday, July 24.

The program is open to infants through fifth-graders.

The Babcock library's first summer program event will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, with a preschool story time.

"Preschool story times will be every Wednesday morning through July 15," McElhaney said. "It's for infants up through kindergarten. It's more of a family story time."

Puppets will take the stage at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, during Puppet Palooza, involving the book "Three Little Fishes."

Other June programs are "Campfire Fun" at 11 a.m. on June 18, and a "Cookie Contest" at 11 a.m. on June 25.

"Campfire Fun involves things you do when you go camping," McElhaney said. "We'll have a campout at the library for a little while. For the cookie contest, kids are supposed to bring in half a dozen cookies they make or buy, whatever they like. We'll have prizes for various cookies."

Babcock's Teen Program, for grades 6-12, is called "Express Yourself."

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, the library will host a fashion show, with teens designing fashions.

At 2 p.m., on Wednesday, June 24, "Espresso Yourself" is planned. It will give participants a chance to sample coffees and hot chocolates.

Babcock also offers an adult summer reading program, with participants filling out an entry form for every book they read.

"There will be a prize drawing at the end for a nice tote bag and mug," McElhaney said.