Reading Rocks with the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

Each summer we create a list of things we want to during the slower summer months, with a heavy emphasis on FUN.  Folding learning into our daily fun is second nature around here, and I'm always looking for new ideas.  I've created a pinterest board just for play learning, and I recently added this post - 10 Tips to Get Kids Reading This Summer.  I definitely recommend it - not only does it include some great ideas, but also a shocking statistic regarding the average slip in math and reading skills that kids experience over the summer.  It was a good reminder of the importance reading, and the push I needed to finally post about some of our favorite reading programs! 

The first program I'd like to share with my local readers is READING ROCKS! from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. In addition to a traditional summer reading program - with some pretty fun prizes - there are scheduled events that appeal to a variety of ages and interests.  The program runs through the end of July, so there are still plenty of upcoming activities.  I've included a partial list with dates and locations below - for more information, visit the READING ROCKS page and click on Programs on the left sidebar. (Be sure to scroll all the way down - my two favorite events are all the way at the bottom!)

The Frisch Marionette Company’s Variety ShowJoin the Frisch Marionettes and see hand puppets and trick marionettes perform songs, dances, and comedy routines. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
     Wednesday, July 25, 2:00 p.m. Green Township Branch Library

Hip Hop Dancing with Steve Irwin Learn some new dance moves and get your groove on wit hip hop dance instructor Steve Irwin. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
     Thursday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. Main Library - Children’s Learning Center

The Magic of Tom Bemmes Join magician Tom Beemes for a magical time full of lots of fun and intrigue the entire family will enjoy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
    Wednesday, July 11, 2:00 p.m. Price Hill Branch Library
    Wednesday, July 18, 7:00 p.m. Blue Ash Branch Library
    Thursday, July 19, 2:30 p.m. Madeira Branch Library
    Thursday, July 26, 3:00 p.m. Mt. Healthy Branch Library

Learn About Reptiles with Cool Critters Outreach
Meet and learn about reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Don’t forget your local has plenty of books to help you learn even more about how these cold-blooded creatures live. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
    Thursday, June 28, 2:00 p.m. Bond Hill Branch Library
    Thursday, July 5, 1:00 p.m. Avondale Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. Main Library – Children’s Learning Center
    Tuesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. Mt. Washington Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m. Hyde Park Branch Library

Honey Hill Farm Petting Zoo Feed and pet friendly animals from the Honey Hill Farm (including a miniature horse, miniature donkey, an alpaca, bunnies, goats, sheep, and ducks). Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
    Saturday, June 30, 2:00 p.m. Monfort Heights Branch Library
    Saturday, July 7, 2:00 p.m. Sharonville Branch Library
    Saturday, July 28, 11:00 a.m. Delhi Township Branch Library

"Once Upon a Time… with ArtReach ArtReach, a division of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, will bring new life to classic fairy tales. Children will have the opportunity to bring some of their favorite fairy tales to life. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.  
    Tuesday, July 17, 2:00 p.m. Wyoming Branch Library 
    Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m. Mariemont Branch Library

"Sounds Like Fun" with Crystal Clear Science A fun and face paced program that will unlock the secrets behind the sound of music and so much more. Do some amazing experiments using everyday items, listen to a cup talk, a rod sing, and find out why you sound so weird when you hear the sound of your voice on a recording. Sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library.
    Wednesday, June 27, 2:00 p.m. Blue Ash Branch Library
    Thursday, June 28, 3:00 p.m. Miami Township Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 3, 2:00 p.m. Bond Hill Branch Library
    Thursday, July 12, 2:00 p.m. Madisonville Branch Library
    Thursday, July 26, 3:00 p.m. Symmes Township Branch Library

Planning your BEST Summer with the 100 Days of Summertime eBook

Summer List 2010

If you've been reading the blog for very long, you know I'm a bit of a list addict...and I'm a firm believer that everything goes more smoothly with a bit of planning.  I've been making summer and holiday lists for years now to help ensure that our family makes time for the most important things.  It's been fun this year to finally solicit input from the girls and include their ideas into our activity lists.

As a planner and a list maker, I was very excited when Jen from ListPlanIt.com 's sent me her new 100 days of summer ebook to review!  Filled with ideas for the summer season, as well as downloads from ListPlanIt and Pinterest boards for additional inspiration, this book is a great resource regardless of how organized you might be at the moment. The variety of ideas appeal to a wide audience - no matter what you're doing, Jen has it covered - from travel plans to summer holidays, creating a camp like environment at home and even rainy day activities.

I mentioned downloads - for those of you who are looking for organizational assistance all year long, this ebook includes 31 downloads from the ListPlanIt site - a great way to see (for just $5!) whether you might be interested in a membership to ListPlanIt.  I received a complimentary ebook for review, and liked it so much I became an affiliate.  If that doesn't speak to how much I liked it (and how much I think you will too!) I don't know what does. :)  I would love it if you'd use my link to make a purchase if you are interested!

Summer is filled with possibility, let's make the most of it!