Library program plans to tickle imaginations

"Be Creative at Your Library" is this year's theme for the Le Mars Public Library's summer reading program.

The fun begins June 15 and runs through July 24.

"It's about exploring ways to be creative through dance, music, visual arts and drama," said Lisa Vander Sluis, children's librarian. "Each week's theme is somehow based on the large theme."

Register for sessions now by stopping by the circulation desk or calling the library at 546-5004.

Last year about 250 children took part in the summer reading program.

To encourage more participation this year Vander Sluis and other library staff went to schools to talk to students about the six-week summer program.

"We're hoping for a little bit higher turnout," she said.

Children ages 3 through fifth grade can signup for scheduled sessions, but if children can't attend those they can still participate in the summer reading program.

"They can still participate in the incentive portion of the program where they read books and collect prizes," Vander Sluis said. "They will have to come and register at the library too."

Those participants can also attend family night events with the other children.

The five family nights will feature activities like watching a movie, judging a food art contest and spending an evening with vocal sound impressionist Charlie Williams "The Noiseguy."

"Family night is an opportunity for the kids to bring in their parents to a program at the library," Vander Sluis said.

Often parents drop off children at the library, but don't stick around for the program, she said.

New this year as part of the summer reading program will be a kick-off fundraiser June 10.

The event will feature a magician from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth County Historical Museum.

"It's the first time we've done a fundraiser for the children's programming," Vander Sluis said. "We're hoping it goes well."

Tickets are $3 per person or $10 per family and children age 3 and under get in free. There will be refreshments available during intermission.

Along with the fundraiser, the library is also holding a raffle selling chances to win a donated computer clean up and virus removal program valued at $80, Vander Sluis said.

The tickets are $5 a piece and the raffle will end the evening of June 10.

Money raised from the kick-off fundraiser and raffle will be used in all of the library's children's programming not only the summer activities, Vander Sluis said.

"I'm hoping it will allow us to bring in more special events whether it be an author or more entertainers," she said. "It just allows us to maybe purchase more materials that we need or would like to have."