Activities in the Children's Department

It’s SUMMER READING TIME! Believe it or not, the NPL Summer Reading Program is just around the corner! The 2007 theme is “Mission READ: To the Library and Beyond.” Readers of all ages are invited to enjoy a variety of fun activities and earn prizes for reaching weekly goals.

Children ages preschool through 6th grade are invited to register in person in the Children’s Department starting on May 31. Readers can earn book bucks to spend on great prizes by turning in weekly reading logs. All readers who complete the program by turning in 8 reading logs will be able to choose a free book. 4th-6th graders who complete the program can also sign up to attend a special ‘After-Hours’ party at the library. (If you have a child with special needs who would need an adjustment on reading goals, please talk to Tori Melican.)

Children who have registered for the summer program are also eligible to receive a ticket for a weekly activity. Tickets will be limited due to space, and will be distributed on a first-come basis. Some of the highlights include “Furry Friends,” an ISU Planetarium series, and free sno-cones. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events.

There will be a number of special events during the first week of registration (May 31 – June 8), including Henry & Mudge Stories, crafts, and the Ronald McDonald Show. Tickets for these programs will be distributed upon request when the child registers. A Scholastic Book Fair and raffle will also be held during the first week of registration.

For more information about any of these programs,
call the Children’s Department, 454-4668.

Prairie Fire Theatre Presents “The Billy Goats Gruff”

Normal Public Library is happy to host a Prairie Fire Theater performance of “The Billy Goats Gruff (An Opera in One Act).” The FREE performance will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in the library community room.

This FREE family program, geared for children in kindergarten and up, should last approximately 45 minutes. Following the performance there will be time to talk with the actors and ask questions.

Come and enjoy this interactive musical for children and families! Our thanks to Prairie Fire Theatre for presenting this free performance through a grant award.

ARKS Returns!

By popular demand, ARKS (Adults Reading Kids Stuff) returns for another summer! Adults age 18 and over can sign up to read children’s books and earn prizes. In-person registration begins May 31 in the Children’s Department. For more information, call 454-4668.

Movie Matinee Features Popular Musical

NPL’s Movie Matinee series continues this month at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17. The featured film is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, with such unforgettable characters as Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) and Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn). Bring a friend and enjoy the afternoon – free, and snacks provided!

Wireless Service Now Available at NPL

Wireless Internet service for patrons who wish to use their own laptops is now available inselect areas at Normal Public Library! Access points are in the ‘new section’ of the first floor (the west end, where most of the collection is located), and in the Community Room for those who are using the room for meetings. There is no wireless access available anywhere in the Children’s Department. Patrons using the wireless service will be subject to any filters that are on the library’s Internet connection. Also, please keep any power cords out of the traffic lanes.

Teen Advisory Council Activities

NPL’s Teen Advisory Council will meet May 10 & 24 at 4 p.m. The ever-popular “Dance Dance Revolution” is on tap for the 10th, while teens will present personal booktalks on the 24th. All teens in grades 7-12 are welcome, and snacks will be served. For more information, contact Linda Hutchins at 452-1757.

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If you would prefer to receive the Normal Public Library newsletter as an e-mail rather than in the mail, please do the following: send your e-mail address to Mari McKeeth, Lud19@hotmail.com

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If you don’t want to have an e-mailed newsletter – do nothing! We will only e-mail to those who request the option. If we don’t hear from you, you’ll continue to receive the newsletter in the mail.