Libraries get creative for summer

It is often said that creativity knows no bounds.

The summer reading program, “Be Creative @ Your Library,” is out to prove that.

“I think that books and creativity go hand in hand,” Jenny Milliken, Williamsburg Community Library director, said.

Other librarians agree.

“We’ve got things, for boys, girls, young, old, ... this year it was hard to stop,” Leanna Heth, Ottawa Library Youth’s Services librarian, said about the libraries’ summer programs.

Ottawa Library activities include a skateboarding demonstration from White Chocolate Skate Shop of Lawrence, Wii gaming, a flip-flop decorating workshop, a “Twilight” party, a martial arts demonstration by Shuri-Jo Martial Arts studio of Ottawa and the Ottawa Music Petting Zoo.

The musical petting zoo will have a variety of instruments for children to try out and a separate station where musical instruments can be made and taken home.

Music will play a part at Williamsburg, as well.

Violinist Elizabeth Vogue of Ottawa Music will present “Sounds of Summer” at 2:30 p.m. June 3 and Kansas City blues musician Mark Montgomery will share his music and the history of the blues during “Singing the Blues” June 17. Montgomery will have two performances with a 1 p.m. show for children 10 and younger and a 2 p.m. show for older children and adults.

Regular summer programs at Williamsburg will be on Tuesdays with “Paint” for children age 3 to kindergarten at 10 a.m. and “Illustrate” for first-third graders at 11 a.m.

Recently retired West Franklin teacher Debbie Aubert will lead “Finding the Artist in Me” for fourth-sixth graders at 12:30 p.m., “Focus on Fun” for teens at 2 p.m. and “Sharing Memories @ Your Library” for adults at 3:30 p.m.

At the Pomona Community Library, summer reading programs will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Programs for children ages 2-5 will be Mondays, children ages 6-10 will be Wednesdays and ages 10 and older will be on Fridays.

Ottawa Library will expand its Storytime sessions. With the Tuesday morning session of Storytime approaching 50 children, it became necessary to add another session, which will be 10 a.m Fridays through the summer.

“We want it to stay personal,” Shannon Leonard, Ottawa Library Youth’s Services librarian, said.

The Richmond Public Library will have crafts at 3 p.m. on Fridays and at noon on Saturdays.

The Wellsville Library’s programs will be on Wednesdays.

For more information on summer reading, visit your local library.