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2008
Dixon Public Library
Summer Reading Program
 

Reading Through Time

Learning about History at the Library

June 9 – July 26, 2008

Registration begins May 1st.

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Registration

Registration for the Summer Reading Program will begin May first and will continue for the duration of the program.   Although you may register at any time during the seven-week program, we encourage you to register in May or June.  The sooner you join, the more fun you'll have!

The Dixon Public Library Summer Reading Program is for youth of all ages. 
The main purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to show kids that reading and learning can be fun.  No tests are given, and aside from the registration form, no paperwork is required.  Children are rewarded for picking out materials they want to read.

Those who have registered for the program will receive a prize each week that they check out books.  Although children needn't attend group programs to get their weekly prize, we encourage them to join us for our weekly activities.  Each week we will focus on a different period in history, with related guest speakers, movies, activities, games, crafts, and more.

New this year!  When children check out books each week, they may choose “Mummy Money” instead of a prize.  They can save up their “Mummy Money” to get extra special prizes from the Sphinx Bin.   Children who attend weekly programs will have the opportunity to earn more “Mummy Money.”

All of our summer library programs are family friendly.  Although we encourage children to attend only those programs geared to their specific age group, we are flexible.  Older children are always welcome at programs designed for our littlest participants. (The older children usually end up being a big help, and enjoy it too.)  With the exception of “Mystery Thursday” – a program only for 11-14 year olds -- younger children may attend those programs intended for older children.   We do ask, however, that when bringing a younger child to a program intended for an older audience, that the parent remain in the program room with the younger child for the duration of the program.

The Dixon Public Library Summer Reading Program is free to those with a Dixon Public Library card in good standing.  All residents living within the city limits of Dixon are entitled to library cards.  To get your library card, simply bring your driver’s license or other proof of address to the circulation desk.  For children, a parent’s ID will suffice.  Those children living outside of the Dixon city limits may purchase a Summer Reading Program card for $10. 

 For more information, call the library at 284-7261, and ask for Youth Services, or stop by the Youth Department during regular hours of operation:

Mon., 9am-8pm
Tues-Thurs, 9am-6pm
Friday, 9am-5pm
Saturday, 10am-3pm

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New this year!

Saturday Programs for Families

Saturday, June 14, 10:30-11:30am
Folk Music with Chris Valillo

Old Time Music for all ages.  Sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council.
This program will take place in the Youth Department of the Dixon Public Library.

Saturday,  June 21,  9am to 2pm
Ancient Greek Mythology
and the Naming of the Constellations

Learn about the myths of the Ancient Greeks, and the naming of the Constellations inside a Planetarium brought by the Discovery Center to the Loveland Community House auditorium.  Then head upstairs to learn about the history of Dixon, Illinois, with a tour of the Loveland Museum.   Planetarium shows last 30 minutes and will take place at 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 1:30pm.  Loveland Museum Tours will last 30-45 minutes and will take place at 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm.  Although you may show up for these programs without a ticket, to guarantee a spot for a specific time, get a ticket ahead of time at the Youth Circulation Desk.  The Loveland Community House is located just a short distance from the library, at 513 W. 2nd Street.

Saturday, June 28, 10:30am-11:30am
  Rumplestiltskin Marionette Show

Stevens Puppets presents an old story from the times of kings, queens, and magic. The show will take place in the Youth Department of the Dixon Public Library, with a brief demonstration of these hand-carved marionettes following the show.

Saturday, July  26,  10:30-11:30am,  and 1:30-2:30pm
Final Summer Reading Program Party

View a slide show of pictures taken during Summer Reading Program activities. 
View contents from the time capsule prepared by library children a decade ago.
 Enjoy old-fashioned treats.

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 Drawing Contest:  Color and turn in a “Life in Ancient Egypt” coloring sheet by June 12. 
Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
Learn about Ancient Egypt.  (On Monday night a real Egyptologist from Midway Village will speak!)  Write your name in hieroglyphics, and play the Mummy Wrap Game.
Monday, June 9, 6-7 pm
Wednesday, June 11, 10-11am   OR  2-3pm

 Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Sand, mummies, and more. 
Thursday, June 12, 10-10:45am   OR  11-11:45am  OR  1-1:45pm

 Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, June  12, 9 – 4 pm
Your choice: Beaded Jewelry fit for a Pharaoh,
King Tut Headdress, or Egyptian Mobile. 

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds 
Thursday, June 12, 3-5pm.  Different activities each week.

 Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for 18 mos – 3 years
Read stories and play games about camels.
Friday, June 13,  9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45am  OR  11-11:30am

Saturday, June 14, 10:30am-11:30am
Folk Music with Chris Vallillo
Old Time Music for all ages.  Sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council.
This program will take place in the Youth Department of the Dixon Public Library.

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Drawing Contest:  Color and turn in a “Life in Ancient  Greece” or “Life in Ancient Rome” coloring sheet by June 19.   Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
We’ll focus on the Ancient Greeks – who provided us with not only the Olympics, but with the very foundations of western civilization.
Monday, June 16, 6-7 pm
Wednesday, June 18, 10-11am  OR    2-3pm

 Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Ready, Set, Go!   Greek-Style Fitness and Nutrition.
Thursday, June 19, 10-10:45 am  OR  11-11:45am  OR  1-1:45pm

 Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, June 19,  9 – 4 pm
Greek and Roman mosaics. 
Decorate a small box with colored wood chips and mirror tiles. 

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds
Thursday, June 19, 3-5pm.  Different activities each week.

 Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for 18 months – 3 years
Sports and the “Terrific Toddler Olympics.”
Friday, June 19,  9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45am  OR  11-11:30am

Saturday, June 21,   9am to 2pm
Ancient Greek Mythology and the Naming of the Constellations
Tours of Loveland Museum.  Planetarium in Loveland Auditorium.   See Saturday Programs for Families for more details.

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Drawing Contest:  Color and turn in a “Life in a Medieval Castle and Village”
coloring sheet by June 26.  Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
Learn about the Medieval World of Knights, Lords, and Ladies.  Make a castle or knight out of recyclable materials.  Paint your name in illuminated letters.
Monday, June 23, 6-7 pm
Wednesday, June 25, 10-11am  OR  2-3pm

 Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and Knights…
Thursday, June 26, 10-10:45am  OR  11-11:45am  OR  1-1:45pm

Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, June 26, 9 – 4 pm
Your Choice: Castle Sticker Scenes, Stained Glass Paper Art, or “Little People”

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds 
Thursday, June  26, 3-5pm.  Different activities each week.

 Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for ages 18 mos – 3 years
Have a royal good time with fun stories and activities about kings and queens.
Friday, June 27,  9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45am  OR  11-11:30am

 Saturday, June 28, 10am-11am
  Rumplestiltskin Marionette Show
Stevens Puppets presents an old story from the times of kings, queens, and magic. The show will take place in the Youth Department of the Dixon Public Library, with a brief demonstration of these hand-carved marionettes following the show.

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Drawing Contest:  Color and turn in a Renaissance coloring sheet by July 3. 
Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
Learn about Leonardo da Vinci, first Renaissance man.  Try your hand at sculpting, play the Spice Guessing Game, History Bingo, and more.
Monday, June 30, 6-7 pm
Wednesday, July 2, 10-11am  OR  2-3pm

 Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Join the great spice hunt.  Explore the world by land and sea. 
Thursday, July  3, 10-10:45 am  OR  11-11:45am  OR  1-1:45pm

 Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, July 3, 9 – 4 pm
Many of the advances of the Renaissance came about through cross-cultural sharing.  Make a beautiful jeweled picture frame using decorative papers from many cultures.   From 1-3pm we will have an additional, special Petunia Festival Craft. 
Make a jeweled, feathered crown with the assistance of Pinky and the Royal Members of the Petunia Festival Court.

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds
Thursday, July 3, 3-5pm.  
Magician Rick Eugene will conduct a magic class.  
Learn from a pro.
Take home the materials you need to perform amazing tricks.

 No Teeny Time Travelers this week
Happy Fourth of July!

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Drawing Contest:  Color and turn in an “Indian Tribes of North America,” “Colonial and Early America,” or “American Revolution” coloring sheet by July 10.    Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14

Monday, July  7, 6-7 pm
Lots of History Bingo for those who really love this game.  Test your history knowledge and win prizes!
Wednesday, July  9, 10-11am
Native American Program.  Dr. Clifford Knapp, Retired NIU Professor and Student of Native American Cultures, will present a program entitled: “Exploring the Native Americans Who Called Dixon Their Home in the 17^th Century.”  Refreshments and crafts follow the program.
Wednesday, July  9,  1:30-3pm  (Come at either 1:30, 2:00, or 2:30pm.)
“American Girl Tea Party.”  Join us for an old-fashioned tea party!   Your favorite “American Girl” doll is welcome to come also.  Along with sipping tea and eating snacks, we’ll learn about tea, tea parties, and proper manners.  Crafts and games will be available out in the Youth Department before and after your tea party.

 Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Learn about the First Peoples of the Americas – from the Iroquois to the Navajo.
Thursday, July 10, 10-10:45am  OR  11-11:45am  OR  1-1:45pm

 Drop-In Crafts -- For all ages
Thursday, July 10, 9 – 4 pm
Your Choice:  Native American headdresses, yarn baskets, or leather bracelets.

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds 
Thursday, July 10, 3-5pm.   Different activities each week.

 Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for 18 months – 3 years
Native American games, finger plays, and stories.
Friday, July 11, 9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45am  OR  11-11:30am

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 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and Westward Expansion – all part of the 1800’s.
Monday, July  14, 6-7 pm 
Local teachers, the Buikemas, dressed in Civil War Costume, will talk about the Civil War.  Special activities will follow their talk.
Wednesday, July 16, 10-11am  OR  2-3pm
An expert from Midway Museum will talk about the westward expansion of the 1800’s and the transcontinental railroad.  Special activities will follow the talk. 

Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Listen to music from Abraham Lincoln’s time, hunt for Civil War soldiers, and learn about the “The Little Engine That Could.”
Thursday, July 17, 10-10:45 am  OR  11-11:45  OR  1-1:45pm

 Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, July 17, 9 – 4 pm
Your choice:
Paper Quilt Cards, Log Cabins, or Pressed Flower Pictures.
Supplies left over from previous week may be available for
Leather Bracelets and Yarn Baskets.

 Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds
Thursday, July 17, 3-5pm.   Different activities each week. 

Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for 18 mos – 3 years
Saddle up and enjoy  some fun cowboy stories.
Friday, July 18,  9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45  OR  11-11:30am

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All children who complete a time capsule worksheet or drawing (for the library children of the future to view in 2018) will receive a Mummy Money coupon.  Details at Youth Circulation Desk.

 Terrific Time Travelers - Programs for youth ages 6-14
What did your great-grandparents do for fun when they were young?
Monday, July  21, 6-7 pm
Mark Herman, Curator of Education at Midway Village, will talk about Old Time Baseball.  He will be in full uniform, and will bring some of the equipment of vintage baseball.  Cracker Jack snacks and Root Beer will follow his presentation.
Wednesday, July  23, 10-11am  OR  2-3pm
The Morley Traveling Museum.  John and Kathy Morley will show us a number of old-time children’s toys as well as reveal the way folks played music before the ipod.  Prepare to be amazed!

Little Time Travelers – Programs for children ages 3-6
Old-Fashioned Fun!  Some of the Morley’s Old-Time Toys will be available for the children to see and touch.
Thursday, July 24, 10-10:45 am  OR  11-11:45  OR  1-1:45 

Drop-In Crafts – For all ages
Thursday, July 24, 9 – 4 pm
Enjoy the bright colors of the groovy 1960’s.  Weave a mat with tie-dyed papers. 
In addition, craft supplies left over from previous week’s crafts may be available.

Mystery Thursday for 11-14 year olds. 
Thursday, July 24, 3-5pm.   Different activities each week.

 Teeny Time Travelers - Programs for ages 18 mos – 3 years
Toys – past and present.
Friday, July 25, 9:30-10am  OR  10:15-10:45am  OR  11-11:30am

 Final Summer Reading Program Party
Saturday, July 26, 10:30-11:30am  OR  1:30-2:30pm
View a slide show of pictures taken during Summer Reading Program activities. 
View contents from the time capsule prepared by library children a decade ago. 
Enjoy old-fashioned treats.   Last day to spend Mummy Money!

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Volunteer Thank you Lunch

Wednesday, July 30, 12-1pm

We’ll end our trek through history with a big thank you for our wonderful volunteers.

 Interested in volunteering?
We really appreciate the work of our library volunteers.  The annual summer reading program could not take place without them.  If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s summer reading program, or at other upcoming library programs, please leave your name at the circulation desk, or call the library at (815) 284-7261 and ask for Beth McCormick, Children’s Librarian.

 Parents with children participating in the Summer Reading Program are more than welcome to be volunteers – if their children are old enough to “share” them with the group.  Sometimes parents with older children find that their older children enjoy helping along side of them.  While teens ages 15 and up may volunteer independently, students younger than that should volunteer alongside of a parent volunteering.

New this year: Students ages 11-14 may volunteer independently after attending a Student Volunteer Training Session.  Training sessions will be held on Thursday, June 5, from 3-5pm, and on Saturday, June 7, from 10-12pm.  Sign up at the Youth Department Circulation Desk.

 Interested in making a donation? 
Although monetary donations are always welcomed, materials such as the following will be gratefully accepted:

 Magic markers, glue sticks, craft odds and ends of any kind.
We will find a use for them!

 Marbles for marble run. 

Prizes.  New or hardly used fast food toys, hot wheels cars, stickers, etc..,
We can always use more of these!

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Thanking Our Sponsor:

Leydig Center

Many thanks to:

Sauk Valley Newspapers,  The Golden Kiwanis, The Kiwanis Club of Dixon, Dixon Builder’s Supply and the Dimmig Family, The Longtin Family, Gail Hoyle, Carol Chandler, and American Legion Auxiliary – Dixon Unit No. 12.

Thank you to the many organizations and families helping with  programs:
The Illinois Humanities Council, The Discovery Center,
The Midway Village and Museum Center ,
The Loveland Community House and Historical Museum,
the Morley Family, The Buikema Family, and Dr. Clifford Knapp. 

And finally, a special thanks to local artists Elizabeth Jahn
and Nancy Beckingham for their spectacular creations.

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