“Night” is this summer’s theme at McAlester Public Library. Beginning June 1, programs, prizes, story times, book discussions, contests, writing courses and performances will all reflect a nocturnal motif.
All activities are free, and detailed calendars and programs are available at the front desk of the library, 401 N. 2nd.
“For many years, McAlester has been fortunate to have wonderful Summer Reading Programs for children. Early literacy and children’s programs during summer months help young children build reading and language skills, and prepare school-age children for success,” said Head Librarian Christine Sauro.
“We are also proud of our teen programs, which motivate teens to read and discuss literature, and the adult programs, which encourage adults to experience the joy of reading.”
Anita Ross, Children’s Librarian, will urge children to “Dream Big—Read” with two months of programming that kicks off Wednesday, June 6 with puppeteer Joann McMillan. Children, with the help of McMillan’s giant puppets, will learn about nocturnal animals, and be urged to read more about them, in performances at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“This summer we will discover the night,” Ross said. “We hope kids will join us for the fun and bring their dreams to life at the library.”
Every Wednesday until July 25, a different performer will give morning and afternoon shows. Among those scheduled are: singer Monty Harper, Vanessa Miller and her children’s theater, “mad scientist” Derick Brock, storyteller Michael Corley, storyteller Marilyn Hudson and Native American storyteller Will Hill.
Additional children’s activities include storyteller Captain Jeff Colman for a special performance at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 21; a four-day babysitting workshop the second week of July; Tuesday afternoon game times; and Thursday afternoon movies. Lapsits for children age five and younger will be on Tuesday mornings starting June 4. Story and activity times for children six and up will be on Thursday mornings starting June 7.
A daily “Lunch Bunch” will be open to anyone age 18 and younger. From noon to 12:45, free lunches from the Summer Food Service Program will be available in the Whiteacre Room.
Outreach worker Lori Turman will also take six weeks of programs for children to two other Pittsburg County locations. On Mondays beginning June 4, she will be at the Savanna Public School at 1 p.m. with activities and crafts that include “make and take” bats, skunks, monsters and fireflies. And on Thursdays beginning June 7, she will be at the Choctaw Nation Community Center in Crowder at 1 p.m. with crafts and programs that include “Pajama Party” and “Camping with the Frogs.”
Erin Austin, Teen Librarian, begins “Own the Night” programs June 1 with a Teen Room Decorating activity at 2 p.m.
“We have a lot of great activities planned,” said Austin. “I’m ready to get started!”
Regular Wednesday activities include 11 a.m. crafts, with projects that include: dry-erase calendars, make-it-yourself bath scrubs, toilet paper roll crafts, string dolls and bleached T-shirts. Cooking classes will meet at 4 p.m. each Wednesday, with recipes that include: cheddar pulls, chili mac, Avalanche Bars, bacon-wrapped smokies, fudge pie, and Slushburgers.
There will be a special date for crafts and cooking classes the week of July 4 due to the holiday.
Other special summer activities include a self-defense class Wednesday, June 20; Apples-to-Apples and Vampires vs. Werewolves teen challenges; and a week-long Book Fair July 16-20.
Additional regular teen activities include: Thursday 2 p.m. game times; Yu-Gi-Oh Club meetings the second and fourth Tuesdays at 2 p.m.; Magic: The Gathering Club on June 15 and July 6 at 2 p.m.; Book Club June 18 and July 23; and Teen Movie Time June 19 and July 31 at 2 p.m.
Teens are also eligible to attend the daily Lunch Bunch in the Whiteacre Room. Teens will be eligible to win a free Kindle E-Reader with their participation in summer activities.
For the grownup set, Assistant Librarian Kathy McGilberry has scheduled programs that include a free nine-week memoir and family history-writing course called “Tuesdays with Memories;” a June 5 kickoff visit from author Mike Rabon, author of the rock ‘n roll memoir “High Strung,” and many other programs and activities centered on the “Between the Covers” adult theme.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Jennifer Kidney begin our course with the class ‘Effective and Creative Journaling,’” said McGilberry. “Other classes will include four weeks of genealogy and family history lessons from David Beall of the Pittsburg County Genealogical and Historical Society, time for writing exercises created by Dr. Kidney, and much more.
“’Mr. Archives’ Bill Welge of the Oklahoma Historical Society will present a class on Creating Oral Histories as part of the course, as well.
Other June programs include “Natural Sleep Remedies” with Robin Gleason of Solis Health Food store; and “Oklahoma Depression History” with Tom Crowl. In July and August, programs will include “Bedroom Makeovers” with Kermit Peters of Beautiful Rooms and Accessories; “Oklahoma Hauntings” with Marilyn Hudson; and a panel discussion on “The Future of Reading and Writing” moderated by local author J. Michael Matkin, and made up of members of the McSherry Writers group and other literary professionals.
Regular events such as book clubs, crafts workshops and Socrates Café will continue at their usual times, and additional summer events will include a free Friday afternoon Zumba exercise class and special movie screenings with the “Night” theme.
A big Open Mike Night August 9 will close out special adult and family summer activities, when a drawing will determine the winner of a free Kindle E-Reader.
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