Storytelling with Mike Anderson at library
On July 11, storyteller, children’s author, and musician Mike Anderson will visit the Ascension Parish Library for a special performance. Anderson is one of the most versatile folk performers and educators in the Midwest. Best known as an outstanding mountain dulcimer player, he also plays guitar, banjo, jaw harp, nose flute, bones, and more. As an author and elementary school teacher, Mike has honed his skills as a storyteller and is one of the best yarn-spinners and worst pun-tellers anywhere. The combination of music, storytelling and humor will make this an experience to remember. Anderson is scheduled to perform Wednesday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish Library in Galvez, then that same day at 2 p.m. in Gonzales. This program is supported in part by a Decentralized Arts Funding Grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in cooperation with the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and Louisiana State Arts Council.
The fun continues with two other programs for young children. Join us for “1001 Nights”, as the library explores a world of genies, dreams and wishes. Having a wish come true sounds like a lot of fun, right? Just ask for something you want, and you’ll get it. As participants learn in this program at Ascension Parish Library, it’s not always that simple! “1001 Nights” is scheduled in Gonzales for Friday, July 13. The sessions are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Both sessions will feature the same activities. This program is free and open to all children in grades 2 and above, but registration is required. Call the library and reserve your place today.
Again this year, the library has planned make-and-take crafts for children of all ages. Make-and-Take crafts are a great opportunity for children to express their individuality and creativity through a short art project. Parents are welcome to help their children create a one-of-a-kind item at 5 different make-and-take crafts this summer. While crafts are open to children of all ages, children under the age of 8 need parental assistance with the craft. Our make-and-take craft for this week is “Recycled Owls.” Whoooo wants to have a great time getting creative at the library? If the answer is you, join us for our fun Recycled Owl Craft. We’ll use recycled tissue paper rolls, file folders, and our imaginations to make adorable little hoot owls. This make-and-take craft is scheduled as follows: July 12 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. in Galvez and July 13 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. in Dutchtown.
Tween programming continues with our July Tween Book Clubs and a Tween Spa Day. The Tween Book Club, open to all children entering 4th through 8th grade, will feature open discussions on whatever books the tweens want to discuss. Our Tween Book Club is scheduled in Galvez for Tuesday, July 10, at 4 p.m. Registration is required to attend. Call the library and reserve your place today.
At Tween Spa Day, we will learn some easy and fun ways to look beautiful and to feel beautiful. This program is scheduled in Donaldsonville for Thursday, July 12. Sessions are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Both sessions will feature the same activities. This program is free and open to all tweens in grades 4-8, but registration is required.
Sign up for the “Dream Big: Read!” summer reading program when you stop in to participate in any of these events. Children from birth through eighth grade are eligible to join our reading program. Studies show that children who read at least ten minutes per day during the summer are more likely to retain and improve the reading skills learned during the recent school year. Parish children who join the reading program can track their reading by minutes read to earn prizes. Any child who is registered for the reading program can complete it by reading 100 minutes during the months of June and July. All children who complete the reading program will receive a blue 2012 “Dream Big: Read!” book bag.
For more information on summer programs for children, call the Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales at 647-3955, in Galvez at 622-3339, in Dutchtown at 673-8699, or in Donaldsonville at 473-8052. All library programs are free and open to the public.