LITERACY

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Literacy

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Great Bend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Oceans of Possibilities,” continues in July. Children and adults can sign up any time, said Children’s Librarian Amy Mayhill.

“Each time you check out this summer, you will be entered in our weekly checkout contest. We will draw winners each week in the following age categories: Children, Teens, and Adults.”

Read to Luna

Children can come to the library on Mondays in July from 10:30 a.m. to noon to take a turn reading to Luna, a trained therapy dog who enjoys listening as someone reads out loud to her. Children will read in intervals of 10-15 minutes, depending on how many of the library’s reading friends are there to take their turns.

Storytimes

Whale Tales storytime activities are at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. These are for babies and preschoolers, kindergartners and soon-to-be fi rst graders. Programs are on the main level of the library in the Children’s Area. Upcoming themes are: • July 12 - Seahorse Swimmers/Smoky Hills PBS. They will read a book, show a short video and help children make a craft based on the PBS show “Wild Kratts.” Each child will receive a copy of the “Wild Sea Creatures” book by Chris and Martin Kratt. • July 19 - Dive in with Jellyfi sh • July 26 - Beach Day

Coral Reef Readers also meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. Activities are designed for children in grades 2-5. These storytimes are held in the basement meeting room. Upcoming themes are: • July 12 - Water Safety, presented by lifeguards from the Wetlands Waterpark. Learn from professional lifeguards about their jobs and ways to stay safe in the water. • July 19 - Whales and Sharks • July 26 - Save Our Oceans

Library treasure hunt

Peter Pan has hidden Captain Hook’s treasure and has left clues with other famous pirates around Great Bend for a treasure hunt that continues through July 22. Start at the Great Bend Public Library if you’re feeling adventurous. Read the clues that will send you on a hunt to fi nd the famous pirates in downtown Great Bend that will lead you to treasure.

This hunt involves walking and can be done any time of day. Plan for one hour or more to complete this activity. Other programs • Dan Dan the Magic Man, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, for all ages. Great Bend’s favorite magician and crew are back with another mesmerizing adventure. • Pirate Train, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, for pre-K through fi fth grade. (Registration required.) Learn how to dress, talk and walk the plank like a pirate. Battle, sing, eat and hunt for treasure to earn your pirate diploma. • Wichita Exploration Place Presents, 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 20, for all ages. • Oil & Gas Museum: The Power of Possibilities - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, for all ages. • Harry Potter Escape from the Black Lake, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 29, for all ages. (Registration required.) The library will host an escape room inspired by the events from the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This event is designed to be completed by the whole family. Tasty treats and adventure for everyone. • Adult & Teen Create: Book Folding, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21. Teens grades 6-12 and adults 18 years and older.

Here are some prizes kids can win by joining the summer reading program.

PHOTOS BY Susan Thacker This land shark invites everyone to sink their teeth into a good book during the Great Bend Public Library’s summer reading program.

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Children do a wiggle-dance to “Shake Your Sillies Out” with Miss Amy, children’s librarian at the Great Bend Public Library, during storytime.

Teen Spot Events for grade 6-12 • Teen Cafe, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, July 11 - Have some coffee and learn how to make Oceans of Slime and Japanese Basket Rockets. • Take and Make on select Fridays. Stop by the Teen Spot to grab a to-go kit with supplies to make a craft. July 15, Mermaid Shell Pendants; July 29, Summer Friendship Bracelets. • Casual Game Friday - 3:304:45 p.m. on July 22. Teens will compete in Mario Kart 8. • Choose Your Own Scavenger Hunt - through July 16. • Summer Self Care Session - 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 19. Shanna from The Center for Counseling and Consultation will lead participants through routines that encourage us to live intentionally. • Exploration Place Presents Amazing Anatomy: Shark Dissection - 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 20. (Registration required.) Sign up using the code @gbshark in the Remind app or on remind. com, or text the code to 81010. • Sweet Summer Science - 1 p.m. Thursday, July 28. An afternoon of tasty experiments. Make solar oven s’mores, fi zzy lemonade and ice cream in a bag.

Adults, too

The library’s Summer Reading Program is for adults, too. Check out book clubs, movies and crafts.

What About August?

The Great Bend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program wraps up at the end of July, with a celebration at the Wetlands Waterpark in early August. All ages can earn a ticket to the Wetlands party by meeting their summer reading goal by the end of July.

Things slow down at the library in August as the staff take a breather before the start of another school year, said Children’s Librarian Amy Mayhill.

“We still encourage families to come in and check out books.” For those planning a summer vacation, check out some books, including audio books, to take along on the trip. Don’t worry if you can’t return them right away; the library does not charge late fees but asks readers to return materials when they are done with them.