Share Your Stories and Artwork -- Online!

Kids -- have you checked out the library's Summer Reading Program website, yet? You'll find some fun new things there, like...

...stories to read online... (don't forget to keep track of your reading time on your Summer Reading Program timesheet!)

...and a place to write your own stories and submit them to be published online...

...and a place to upload your own artwork that you've created on a computer, or that you've photographed with a digital camera, and submit it to be published online.

We'd love to see what you have to share!

Babies and Toddlers and Books!!

Fridays are exciting days in Children's Services. Why? Because it's Baby & Toddler Storytime day! We have storytime for Babies -- newborn through 18 months -- at 10:00 a.m. on Friday mornings, AND we have storytime for Toddlers -- 18 months through 3 years of age -- at 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.

If you have a baby or toddler, we hope you'll join us for storytime. And be sure to get them started on the Summer Reading Program! Sharing books with babies is important -- and fun!

Roz Puppets are Coming to the Main Library!

This morning at 10:00, the Children's Services department of the Main Library will have a special puppet show featuring the Roz Puppets. The program will be repeated at the Main Library at 2:00 this afternoon and 7:00 tonight. Come and enjoy this creative interpretation as the puppets bring the classic story, The Emperor's New Clothes, to life.

Roz Puppets are traveling around the Allen County Public Library system as part of this year's Summer Reading Program. Want to know dates and library locations for all of their performances? Click here.

Saying Farewell

Today we need to say "fare thee well" to one of our staff who is leaving the Allen County Public Library. 

Heather Acerro joined the Children's Services team just over six years ago.  Since that time she has worked with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age kids, and all types of adults - teachers, parents, college students, children's literature enthusiasts - in a wide variety of programs. She has presented arts, sciences, reading, and homeschool programs. She has been a strong advocate for early literacy, reading in general, kids of all ages, and the Library. She has helped the Children's Services department make many positive connections within our community. She has served not only as a supervisor, but also as a mentor, coach, and friend to staff. Offering excellent customer service has always been the cornerstone of Heather's work at the Library.

Join us between 3:00 and 5:00 pm today in the Globe Room at the Main Library to share some time with Heather, to thank her for her years of service to the Children's Services department & to the Allen County Public Library, and to wish her well wherever her life journeys take her.

Are You Looking for Great Kids Books...?

Then don't miss our Mock Election Kick-off, coming up soon! School-age children and adults are invited to attend and hear some stories from award-winning books...find out how to find great books for kids...and learn more about our Mock Elections, in which you are invited to vote for YOUR favorite children's books.

It's all happening on Tuesday, June 14, from 2:00-3:00.

Hope to see you there!

Team Read!

Reading through the summer time is important and fun -- in addition to the FREE Summer Reading Program offered at the library, parents will also want to explore Team Read. Team Read is a FREE reading program for children entering 1st - 3rd grade next year. Children are paired up with trained teen reading coaches for weekly summer reading activities.

Team Read runs from June 20 - July 28, 2011.

Fill out an application and turn it in at any Allen County Public Library location to attend the program at the New Haven or Georgetown branch libraries. There is limited space at library locations for this program, so turn in your application early!

Team Read will also be offered at local Boys & Girls Clubs, Old Fort YMCA and several local parks. For more information about Team Read, contact Nancy Magi at 260-421-1260.

We're Counting Down the Days...

...till June 6. That's the day we've been waiting for! The day the Summer Reading Program starts!! Woo hoo!! We can hardly wait!!

Have you checked out the


Summer Reading Program website yet?
You'll find lots of great info there, like WHO can participate, HOW to get started, WHEN things are happening, and WHAT gifts kids and adults can receive. Coming soon, kids will find some fun interactive games and online stories, as well as a place to submit their own stories and artwork!

Gifts? Did I mention gifts? Yes, I did, and here's the scoop:

At Sign-up, children will receive a voucher for a FREE Tincaps baseball ticket.

Upon completing Level One, pre-readers (babies, toddlers and preschoolers) will receive an FREE egg shaker toy; readers (kids who can read on their own) will receive a FREE throw-yo toy!

Upon completing Level Two, children will receive a FREE tote bag!

Upon completing Level Three, children will get to pick out their own FREE book!

Adults may participate as well. Starting Monday, June 6, adults 18 and older may pick up a Reading Partners bookmark, complete 6 of the 14 reading activities with a child, and fill in and return the bottom portion of the bookmark to any library location for a chance to win a FREE $100 gift card to Walmart, Meijer or Target.

It's all about reading! It's all about fun! And it's all happening at the Allen County Public Library this summer! We hope to see YOU and your family!