Julie Cannavino
For the News-Leader
Summer is approaching rapidly. Many of us look forward to Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July fireworks and lazy beach days with friends and family. Another wonderful thing that summer brings is the Summer Reading Program and the special programs that we have for Nassau County youth at our libraries.
Michelle Forde, the Youth Librarian for Nassau County Public Library (NCPL), says the goal of the programs that she arranges for the summer is “to provide exceptional programs that encourage a lifelong love of reading and learning.” She also notes that the programs strive to fill the learning gap by getting children into the library and keep them reading during the summer when they are out of school.
NCPL is excited about the programs we have this summer! If you have a reptile lover in your house, you will not want to miss the “Wild Wonders Animal Show.” They will present “Scaly Sensations,” an interactive program that is both educational and entertaining for all ages. This program includes local and exotic reptiles and uses story, music and humor to enhance and excite learning of our natural world.
If comedy is more your thing, bring your children to the “Mark Alan Magic Comedy Show.” His shows are funny and filled with music, comedy, magic and audience participation all while promoting the importance of reading.
Singing and dancing is popular for all ages and we have several programs along this theme. Chris Kastle is a songwriter, storyteller, author and educator who presents an engaging sing-along program that encourage students to have fun with music and movement while actively listening to and singing the stories that music can tell. If your child loves to dance, have them attend “All Together Now: Let’s Dance with DJ Roy Green.” They will learn dances together with Roy leading them step by step.
For your budding puppeteers, come check out “Captain Character Puppet Magic Show” which is an exciting and interactive puppet and magic show with music and unique puppets.
Playing a musical instrument can become a life-long passion for many people. Sometimes it just takes some exposure to instruments for children to find one they love. That is why we are offering “Musical Instruments with Joel Pace.” It promises to be a fun and interactive hands-on experience. Children will play and learn about many unique musical instruments including piano, electric guitars, xylophone, maracas, banjos, drums, cymbals, accordions and more!
Our summer programs would not be complete without a nod to our local superheroes. “Community Heroes Touch a Truck” is a program which celebrates our local community heroes who are dedicated to serve and protect. Learn fire safety, Stranger Danger safety tips, meet the Nassau County K-9 dogs, see fire trucks and police vehicles, visit Nassau County Animal Services furry pets and meet Smokey the Bear.
NCPL also has programs set up for our teens including dance nights, comedy and magic shows, and an animal program with the Florida Fish and Wildlife where teens can meet a FWC K-9 and see animals rescued by the Ark Wildlife Rescue Conservation.
We hope that Nassau County youth will enjoy our summer reading programs. Many of these programs are offered on several days and locations. To find more information and to keep up to date with all our events please visit nasasureads.com.
