Heights Libraries Summer Reading Programs Start Friday

The summer can be a welcome break for school-aged children, but that time off from the classroom can cause kids to lose some of what they learned during the school year.

The branches of the Heights Libraries have stepped in and organized several fun, literacy-based events to help keep kids engaged in learning over the summer.

“It’s not like doing a book report,” said Heights Libraries Youth Services Librarian Henry Drak in a press release. “We make reading fun for the kids, and tie it in to all kinds of activities that will spark their imaginations and get them excited about reading and learning all summer.”

This year’s theme for the children’s summer reading program is “Dream Big.” Children will be encouraged to track their reading over the summer months, participate in book clubs, storytelling programs, and events where crafts and music are featured.

The teens reading program is called “Own the Night,” and will feature book clubs, film screenings and, in collaboration with , “Radio Plays,” where kids will be able to write, perform and record a radio drama.

Children and teens can sign up for the program starting Friday, June 1, with a librarian at any of the of the Heights Libraries branches. A list of events and details of each, courtesy of the Heights Libraries, is below.

Children’s Events

Dream Big: Books Alive!

Tuesdays, June 5 through Aug 7, 4 p.m. at the

Dream big. Hear a thrilling tale, moving poetry, puzzling mysteries, winsome folktales and exotic adventures, all chosen and read aloud by professional librarians.

Hooked on Crafts   

Wednesdays, June 13 through Aug 1, 3:30 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Looking for a fun way to keep cool on Wednesday afternoons? Dream a big summer reading creation with a story and craft project each week from June 13 through Aug 1. Children age 6 to 10 welcome. Registration begins May 30.

Music that Fits in Your Pocket 

June 18, 7 p.m. at the

demonstrates how to play instruments that can fit in your pocket, like the ocarina of South America and the banakulas of West Africa. He also teaches children innovative ways of making music with their own two hands. This program is geared toward ages 5 to 12.

Dream Big Magic Show

June 30, 4 p.m. at the

Amazing magician Paul Gerber presents his "Dream Big" Library Variety Show: a fast-paced and very funny magic, balloon, puppet, juggling and storytime show!

The Monkey and the Crocodile 

July 2, 7 p.m. at the University Heights branch

Bring your family to meet local author and storyteller Lindsay Bonilla and help act out this story about whether a crocodile and a monkey can really be friends. Registration begins June 18.

Dream Big: Mythic Creatures

July 9, 6:30 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Have you ever danced with a dragon? Or touched a troll under his chin? Have you ever wanted to meet a mermaid? Or ever given a griffin a grin? Come learn all about these creatures and which ones are friendly to people ... and which ones aren't! Registration begins June 25.

Tween Thursdays  

Thursdays, July 12 through Aug 2, 1 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

If you are entering fifth through eighth grade, join us on Thursday afternoons for a different art or craft project each week in this four-part series. Registration required for each. Registration begins June 28.

Week 1: Duct Tape Wallets

Week 2: Make Your own Lightsaber

Week 3: Mod Bead Bracelets

Week 4: Personalized Paraphernalia (we'll bring shoelaces, you bring anything!)

I Dream of Being ... Dress Up Party  

July 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Noble Neighborhood branch

Do you dream of being a ninja, superhero, princess or knight? What about a ballerina, firefighter, doctor, or archaeologist? Bring the whole family dressed up or make something to wear here and celebrate all your favorite characters and people with crafts, stories, puppets, games and activities for children of all ages!

UH Olympics 

Aug. 2, 7 p.m. at the

While the Olympics are happening in England, you and your family can compete in our own wacky events! Registration begins July 19.

Dream Big: End of Summer Reading Party

Aug. 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

A summer of imagination could only end in the party of your dreams! Come celebrate all your hard work and wonderful reading with games, snacks, clowns, and some surprises you can't even imagine!

Events for teens

Own the Night: Radio Plays

Saturday, July 21 and 28, 1 p.m. at the Coventry Village branch

Travel through time and space to create a story that unfolds in the mind, using only sound. Write, perform, and record your own radio drama in this two-part collaborative workshop with Lake Erie Ink. You’ll learn about sound effects, create a sound table, and finally release your radio play as a podcast. Welcome to teens in sixth through ninth grades. Registration begins July 7.

Science Investigators

June 4, July 2, and Aug 6, 4 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

The first Monday of every month we will study and consider a different scientific topic. Guest speakers and documentaries will play a role in our group as well as individual reading and investigation. Please contact the library for full details.

The Wednesday Afternoon Book Club

Wednesdays, June 13 through Aug 22, 4 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Drop in every Wednesday afternoon for a totally informal book discussion group. This is the place to talk about what you're reading right now, pick up good recommendations, and hash out arguments like whether or not the Hunger Games movie lived up to the book.

TAB (Teen Advisory Board)

Tuesday, June 12, July 10 and Aug 14, 4 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Join the Teen Advisory Board as we plan programs and support the library.

Beat the Heat: Creature Feature Afternoons

Fridays, June 15 through Aug 3, 1 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

On select days in the summer the teen room will be showing movies. Contact us for full details.

Teen Bake Sale

June 15, 3 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Come support teen services by purchasing delicious baked goods!

Otaku Connection

June 18, July 16, Aug 20, 4 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Come watch some anime.

America's Next Top Monster

Aug 10, 4 p.m. at the Lee Road branch

Come compete to be America's Next Top Monster! Bring your best scary game face and costumes for our runway competition. There will be pizza, prizes, and more. Registration begins July 29.

Wii-Play Wednesday

Wednesdays, June 13 through Aug 22, 3 p.m. at the Noble Neighborhood branch

Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. we’ll bring out the Wii for you to play! Games include Super Mario Brothers, Wii Sports Resort and Super Smash Brothers. Children and teens ages 11 to 19 welcome.

BeTWEEN the Pages

June 26, July 24 & Aug 21, 3 p.m. at the Noble Neighborhood branch

We’ll share our favorite reads if you share yours! For tweens (approximately11 to 14 years old). Snacks provided. Registration is required and begins June 12.

June 26: “Book to Movie” Create your own movie poster and discuss your favorite books turned movies!

July 24: “The Paranormal” Vampires, witches and ghosts, oh my! Join us as we share our favorite spook-tacular reads.

Aug 21: “Heroes & Villains” What kind of hero or villain would you be? What special powers would you have? Come disguised as your favorite hero or villain and share what you’ve read, whether comics, graphic novels or good old-fashioned books!

Totally Teen T-Shirts

July 2, 3 p.m. at the Noble Neighborhood branch

We supply the craft materials; you supply the T-shirt and creativity. Join us for an artistic afternoon of decorating your T-shirt. We'll take pictures of all the creations and feature them on our website! Ages 11-19. Registration begins June 18.

Have You Read This Movie?

Select Fridays, 1:30 pm at the University Heights branch

These terrific movies were terrific books first! Read the book, then join us for the movie!

June 22: The Adventures of Tintin

July 20: Howl’s Moving Castle

Aug 17: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone