Claymont Library Summer Reading Program includes rocket scientist
Children’s coordinator Mary Jo Sabetta will lead the Summer Reading Program at the Claymont Public Library.
Claymont Public Library children’s coordinator Mary Jo Sabetta wants children to recognize the possibilities, and that is why she has invited a local rocket scientist to speak at the Summer Reading Programs on June 28.
Recent University of Akron graduate Aaron Hoffman of Dover earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Systems. While at the university, Hoffman was a member of the Akronauts Rocket Design Team, a student design team devoted to developing designs to allow the students to excel at the collegiate rocketry level and prepare them for work in the space industry. Hoffman is in the process of moving to Washington State for a job.
“I really wanted to get children interested, knowing that there is opportunity. Even if you’re from a small town or in a rural county, there is still opportunity for you,” Sabetta said.
There are so many reasons that make summer reading an important program at the library.
“One is to prevent that summer slide that a lot of children experience,” Sabetta said. “Another reason is to engage children with really fun activities and help them get an appreciation for reading. And being at the library, they can see that learning is fun.”
The program provides adventures in eating too. Local author Trang Moreland will be at the Uhrichsville Library on June 22 with a program for adults. She will have a book-signing for her cookbook “I Am You,” which features Vietnamese and a few American recipes. Samples will be available to try.
Children also will get the opportunity to try making s’mores during the Family Adventure in Camping program and play camping games. Safety will be on tap when a special guest from the Uhrichsville Fire Department visits for Smokey Bear Fire Safety on July 16.
Sabetta said, “I’m as excited as the kids, and it rubs off.”
A make it and take it project will be available each week of summer reading including beaded flower garden markers, rockets and dinosaurs. Each week will have a different theme.
Those interested in the program can sign up June 10-15. The library will be at the Uhrichsville Farmers Market on June 14 for summer reading sign-ups, schedules, library card applications and story time at 6:30 p.m. It also will be at the Uhrichsville Farmers Market on June 28, July 12 and July 26 with story time at 6:30 p.m. each night.
Week one is Sign-up Week. There also will be a coloring and art contest. Pick up a coloring sheet or create your own 8 ½ by 11 piece using any medium. Entries are due June 22.
Week two will include the Family Adventures with Food program with the OSU Extension. Learn how to use chopsticks, listen to stories and have a healthy snack.
Week three is Rocket Week. Make a fruit rocket snack, meet a rocket scientist, and make a straw rocket and see how high it flies.
Week four is Family Adventures in Gardening. Make a garden-themed card for someone, plant a garden plant, hear a garden story and make a beaded flower garden marker.
Week five is Family Adventures with Water and Bubbles. Make a boat activity, take home a water experiment kit from COSI, make homemade bubble solution and try a variety of bubble wands.
Week six is Family Adventures with Camping. There will be a class on snacking, make s’mores and play camping games, and Smokey the Bear Fire Safety with a special guest from the Uhrichsville Fire Department and a guest from Camp the Backyard will be there.
Week seven is Dinosaur Week. There will be a dinosaur make it and take it, dig up a dinosaur bone, and take home a dinosaur kit from COSI.
The grand finale event for both libraries will be held at Heritage Park in Dennison on July 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be games, food, special guests and a drawing for door prizes for those present.
The Claymont Public Library offers a variety of services at its two locations. The Uhrichsville Library is located at 215 E. Third St. and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Dennison Library is located at 15 N. Fourth St. and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.