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Monday, July 23, 2012

Hot Programs at the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County

Just because the Reading Rocks program is coming to a close in the next week doesn't mean there aren't fun things to do at the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County.  Michael Schelle, social media specialist for the library, was kind enough to share several exciting opportunities for fun and learning that are still available!

Looking for free activities you can do with your kids this summer? The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County is always a great place to go with the family, but here are a few special programs going on this summer that Moms will really love!
Spending, Saving, Sharing for Kids (Wednesday, July 25th at the Norwood Library)
It’s never too early to teach your children the importance of a piggy bank! Join the Library for a special storytime for kids (ages 3 to 6) that incorporates the basics of spending, saving and sharing into an interactive story. The event is free but seats are limited, so click the link above to register online (it takes just seconds).
Free Summer Lunch Program for Children (click the link and search keyword “lunch”)
Make sure your child gets a good lunch every day this summer! The Library is teaming up with Cincinnati Public Schools and the Freestore Foodbank to provide free lunches to kids ages one to 18, with no registration needed and no income requirements. With 14 branches participating, there’s sure to be a lunch near your family, including at the Groesbeck, Main, Sharonville, Madisonville and Deer Park libraries. Call 513-369-6900 for details and a full list of locations, or click here to visit our Event Calendar and search for keyword “lunch” to view all our lunch programs.

Children practice reading aloud to registered therapy dogs at Tales to Tails.
Reading independently can be hard for children to learn, especially if they feel self-conscious about their reading level. One of the Library’s more unique programs, Tales to Tails gives kids a chance to read aloud to a certified therapy dog at several branches across Cincinnati. These pets are natural listeners, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your child’s confidence rises! Tales to Tails goes on every Friday at the Main Library at 3:00 PM in the Children’s Learning Center, or click here to visit our Event Calendar and search for keyword “tails” to view programs at other branches.
Books Alive! For Kids®

 The Library is partnering again this summer with Learning Through Art, Inc. for a series of 10 performances of the award-winning Books Alive! For Kids®. This interactive program combines sight, sound and touch by presenting a book, engaging children in a performance, and providing a hands-on, “make-it-and-take-it” craft. The Books Alive! For Kids Summer Library Tour 2012 features “What A Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele and illustrated by Ashley Bryan.

 This year, the series is performed in conjunction with the “What Children Believe” international art exhibition being hosted inside the Main Library Atrium. Take your children to a performance at a branch near you, then bring them downtown and show them the artwork of children around the world!
Artwork by Sorina Calinescu of Romania (age 11) is on display as part of the exhibit, “What Children Believe.”

It’s a hot summer in Cincinnati, but there’s always something cool (and free!) to do with your family at the Cincinnati Library. Save the date for any of these great programs, or simply grab your Red Cards and head down to your local branch for family fun anytime!


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Saturday, July 21, 2012

More Summer Reading Fun!


I wrote a few weeks ago about one of our local library programs and a staggering statistic regarding the reading and math aptitude loss many children experience over the summer months.  For those of you who aren't local, I would highly recommend you check out the local libraries in your area.  Looking for more reading inspiration?  Allison at No Time for Flashcards has a fantastic summer reading challenge going - with roughly a month left her challenge participants are more than half way to their goal!  Help them meet the amazing goal of 25,000 books and enter to win fun prizes just for entering your book totals.

What are you reading this summer?  Are you participating in a reading program?

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Melon Bowl of Fruity Fun

We grew melons this year for the first time - it has been so hot and dry the past month I wasn't sure they would survive. The girls have loved finding newly set fruit and watching the melons grow and change, and we have talked a lot about how to tell if they are ripe. (I'm still not sure about the watermelons, but I am fairly confident about the canteloupe now!)

Sweetpea isn't a big fan of the flavor, but Sugar Plum LOVES it - and I think she's going to love eating out of the melon "bowl" with a few of our blackberries thrown in!

What are you growing this year? How are things coming along? Happy harvesting!

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