Summer officially started just 10 days ago and it is already super HOT! I hope you are finding ways to beat the heat and stay cool. Here are several things you can do: read (inside!) for 20 minutes a day to take your mind off the weather; pretend to be on an adventure to explore the Arctic or search for a Yeti; or visit your favorite branch of the Library to meet up with others at a program for some cool, air conditioned activities. The awesome thing is that any of those activities will help you earn prizes and free books during the summer reading program! Keep cool, friends and hope to see you chillin' at the Library soon!
READ: Sun! One in a Billion by Stacy McAnulty
Meet Sun: He's a star! And not just any star--he's one in a billion. He lights up our solar system and makes life possible. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Sun in this next celestial "autobiography." Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully illustrated.
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
Questions to think about while you read:
- Share a fact about the sun that you learned from this book with a friend or family member.
- The sun looks pretty close to Earth up in the sky, but how far away is it actually? (hint, check out page 13).
- What is it called when the moon moves in front of the sun? There was such an event earlier this year!
PLAY: Indoor snowball fun
Snowballs? In SUMMER? Sometimes, pretending it's cool can trick your mind and body into believing that it's actually cool. Bring a little winter fun indoors on a hot day and let your imagination take you to a chilly, wintery day with these snowball games.
Supplies:
- Sheets of white paper
- Optional: spray bottle and paint in shades of blue
- Hula hoop or string (to make a circle on the floor)
- Empty plastic water or soda bottle and ping pong ball
To make snowballs, crumple up sheets of paper until they are a size and shape you like. You can stop here, or if desired, you can put some blue paints in a spray bottle with some water and gently spray it onto the snowballs to add a blue tint. Let dry before using.
Snowball games:
- Set a Hula-Hoop on the floor (or use a piece of string to outline a circle) and try to toss the snowballs into the circle.
- Place a laundry basket on a table and try to toss the snowballs into the basket.
- Place a ping pong ball on the mouth of an empty plastic water or soda bottle, then try to knock off the ball with the snowballs without knocking over the bottle.
Inspired by Barley and Birch
EXPLORE: Make a Sun Print
This is a fun way to make art using science! The ultraviolet rays from the sun have enough energy to change the color of the paper.
Supplies:
- Colorful construction paper
- Plastic wrap
- Leaves, flowers, or other flat items
- Small rocks to use as weights
Instructions:
- Collect leaves, flowers, and other natural items. Look for flat objects with interesting shapes.
- Place construction paper in the sunlight on a driveway, sidewalk, or table.
- Create designs on the paper with the natural items you found.
- Cover items with plastic wrap and weight the edges with rocks so the plastic lays flat and won't blow away.
- Leave project in the sun for 2-3 hours.
- After a few hours, remove the plastic wrap and natural items to see the designs you created with the sun's help!
From: Scholastic.com
JOIN: Attend a program!
View all school age programs and events offered this month.
Registration is required for all programs; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
