Decorah Library announces children's summer reading program, "Dig Into Reading!"

The children's summer reading program, "Dig Into Reading!" will start June 10 with 5 consecutive weeks of fun and entertainment ending July 11th.  Kids achieving the 15 hour reading goal will be rewarded a free library T-shirt designed by 5th grader, Kalea Oftedahl, and sponsored by the Friends of the Decorah Public Library. Additional rewards of free food coupons from McDonald's, Pizza Hut and Pizza Ranch will also be available.
 
Phelps Family Fun Night will kick-off events for Decorah Parks & Rec. and  Decorah Public Library at Phelps Park Thursday, June 6th from 5:30pm-7pm. Featured will be carnival games, food and fun. Also featured will be entertainers, Jennifer Grouws and Lucas Blekeberg.
 
Summer reading program entertainment venues will be featured each week. "Mad Science" with Jim Birkel will perform at 3:00-3:45 Wednesday, June 12. Birkel will deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. Bob Kann will entertain Wednesday, June 19 at 3:30-4:15. Kann brings comedy, juggling, storytelling and magic. "Incredible Bats!" with Sharon Peterson will be featured Tuesday, June 25th at 1:00-1:45. Peterson, elementary teacher/librarian, will bring live Egyptian fruit bats and African straw-colored fruit bats for a presentation that will teach and inform the audience about the many benefits of this often misunderstood and feared creature. Iowa Public Television's Kid's Clubhouse Host, Dan Wardell, will bring his high-energy story time to the library Friday, June 28th with two back-to-back programs starting at 10-10:45 and again at 11-11:45. Dan encourages kids to turn off the TV, go outside and play, eat healthy foods and read good books. Lilly Jensen, Education and Outreach Coordinator of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, will present "Dig Into Archaeology!" Young archaeologists will have the opportunity to dig for artifacts and fossils at this come-and-go event planned for Wednesday, July 3 at 3:30-4:15 in the parking lot under the library building. The final celebration of the library's summer will feature the annual "Talent Show Starring Kids!" starting at 3:30-4:15 Wednesday, July 10th.  Children may sign-up at the library to perform their talent. Talents could include: telling jokes, performing a magic trick, reading a poem, singing, playing an instrument or piano, hula-hooping, whistling, displaying an art or craft piece, showing an invention, jumping rope, doing a card trick, juggling, gymnastics or dancing.
 
Toddle Time for ages 0-3 years meets Monday mornings throughout the year from 10:30-10:50 with stories, songs, finger plays, a puppet visitor and movement activities. Story Time meets Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings throughout the year for ages 3-5 years from 10:30-11:15 with stories, songs, finger plays, movement activities, a puppet show and a preschool craft.
 
Reading calendars will be available starting May 28th in the library or on the library web-site: www.decorah.lib.ia.us. Questions regarding the children's summer reading program may be directed to children's librarian, Sally Stromseth, by calling the library at 563-382-3717 or by email: childrens@decorah.lib.ia.us

Summertime at the library will be fun, exciting, energizing and educational as young patrons "Dig Into Reading!"