As the school year comes to an end, many parents wonder how to keep their child from experiencing the dreaded “summer slide.” Summer slide is the decrease in reading skill level due to forgoing literacy activities during summer. Experts agree that continuing to enjoy books is one of the best ways to counteract it so that children can return to school in the fall at the same reading level as the previous spring. Your local library can help!
Public libraries across Wisconsin are gearing up to offer summer reading programs for all ages. At Shawano County Library, the program begins June 1 and runs through August 10. The children’s program is for ages 0 through 5th grade, the teen program is for 6th through 12th grades, and the adult program for those aged 18 and older. Stop at any county library to register and pick-up your reading log to get started!
In addition to the reading portion, many great programs, crafts, and activities are planned at the libraries this summer. In all, over 125 programs are scheduled throughout the county’s libraries during June, July and August! From children’s performers to coding to knitting and gardening, there will be something for everyone! Program times and locations are located on the library’s Facebook page, online at shawanolibrary.org, and program calendars are available to pick up at the main and branch libraries.
Feature programs include:
- Saturday, June 1~ mobile escape room at Sundrop Dayz
- Thursday, June 13, 12:30p~ Bus trip to National Hosta Convention in Green Bay (pre-registration is required)
- Saturday, June 15~ Children’s activities at Shawano County Historical Society Rhubarb Festival
- Friday, June 21, 8:45pm~ Outdoor movie night at Shawano County Park viewing LEGO Movie 2 (PG)
- Saturday, July 13~ old time photo booth at ShawanoFest
- The escape room is available by appointment by contacting the main library. In June, “Lightsaber Wars” will have participants helping the Rebel Alliance intercept data from the Imperial Forces. In July, Jedis will need your help in destroying the Death Star in “Death Star Destruction.” Finally, August will feature “Escape the Abyss” where participants will embark on a daring escape from under the sea. Challenge your group to one or all escape experiences!
- Wednesday Workshops for teens will occur weekly and feature great hands-on programs such as creating thinking putty, DIY neon sign, DIY squishies, 3-D pen bubble wand, DIY erasers, and finger light sabers.
Pop-up libraries will occur weekly during summer school in Shawano and Gresham. Look for the delivery van at Gresham and Shawano Middle schools on Thursday mornings and the Boys & Girls Club on Thursday afternoons. At the pop-up library, patrons can get library cards, checkout materials, and register for summer reading.
The Shawano County Library consists of the main library in Shawano, branches in Birnamwood, Bonduel, Mattoon, Tigerton and Wittenberg as well as a county-wide delivery service. For questions, please contact the Shawano County Library at (715) 526-3829.
