The Cortez Public Librarys Summer Reading Activities are lots of fun for kids while it helps bridge the summer reading gap!
According to scholastic.com, a break from books can mean big losses for at-risk readers. Scholastic goes on to say: (J)ust because school is out, it doesnt mean that reading and learning should stop. Teachers know that many children cant afford to take such a long break. Young readers who dont continue to read over the summer especially those who are reluctant or at-risk are likely to lose crucial ground. One summer off can sometimes mean a whole school year of struggling academic performance.
The program started May 28 and runs through Aug. 21. Its a reading incentive program where kids pick up reading logs and record every hour they read or are read to. Each eight hours they complete makes them eligible to come in and choose a book. At 40 accrued hours they get a prize, 72 hours a T-shirt (while supplies last). They may go through as many reading logs as they like, but they only get one T-shirt. This year were using the national theme of One World, Many Stories.
Our Family Entertainment Programs run for six weeks on Wednesdays, at 2 p.m. They started June 1 and end July 6. Heres our talented lineup:
June 8 Mysto the Magi is the Four Corners Family Entertainer. But he is not new to Magic. With more than 30 years of experience, he has won awards for both his stage and close-up magic. Mysto provides excellent entertainment for both adults and children. Come see all the fun and mystery this entertainer has to offer and be prepared to be Mysto-fied!
June 15 Norman Lopez is a talented Ute Mountain Ute flute player and storyteller from Towaoc. Hes anxious to share his version of One World, Many Stories and enchant listeners with stories that have been passed down to him in the Native oral tradition.
June 22 The Telluride Repertory Theatre Company (The REP) creates first-rate community, culturally relevant theater from original, classical and contemporary works, encouraging participation of all ages in the creation and enjoyment of the theatrical experience.
June 29 Beth Horners lively, traditional storytelling style often incorporates music, creating a unique performance that critics have called dynamite! A nationally acclaimed storyteller who has performed for adults, teens and children for more than 18 years, Beth takes her listeners on journeys of adventure, warmth, wonder, haunting eeriness and raucous laughter. Although she currently lives in the Chicago area, Beths roots are in central Missouri. Come listen to Beth as she takes us on a journey with One World, Many Stories.
Beth will perform her storytelling magic in an adult performance. Please stay posted for day and time.
July 6 Indiana Bones, Keeper of Legends (aka Mike McCartney) is an Emmy Award winning writer, producer and performing artist. Combining archaeology, action, adventure, ancient legends, mythology and folklore, Indy thrills and educates audiences with his unique storytelling abilities. Indy weaves stories for students, families, sci-fi lovers and museum goers alike. Indy is a full-time professional storyteller and guest lecturer at the University of New Mexico.
Our preschool Storytime program continues every Thursday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Older children can join us for a craft at 11:15 a.m. We also offer a summer Storytime at the Farmers Market every Saturday morning at 10:30 during the season, weather permitting. The Farmers Market Storytime opens June 4 and follows the same theme each week as our regular preschool Storytime. Attendance at Family Entertainment Programs and Storytimes counts as one hour of reading. Readers also can log in hours by reading to a young relative or friend.
The potential loss of reading skills makes three months seem much longer, doesnt it? Avoid summer setback by joining our Summer Reading Program. Just pick up a reading log. Wed love to see you. The library is located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Please call 565-8117 for more information.
The Summer Reading Program, Family Entertainment Programs and childrens Storytimes are supported by Montezuma County and the Friends of the Cortez Public Library.
Laura McHenry is the childrens librarian at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. She can be reached at 565-8117.