Summer is a sizzling time at the library
Published 12:18 pm Thursday, June 28, 2018
Is there a better time of year to read what
you like, learn new things and have fun
with friends? That is what the Jessamine
County Public Library’s Summer Learning
program is all about, and I’m happy to
extend an invitation to you and your family
to join in on the fun.
Library staff have worked tirelessly to prepare
exciting programs, events and workshops
for our community this summer.
For seven fun-filled weeks those who attend
will have an opportunity to interact with
animals, follow along on an African safari
(live), meet a ventriloquist and enjoy giant
puppets. You can play breakout games, and
craft with beads, paint and fabric. You can
also learn about the library’s creative space,
computer software, and even how to make a
movie. Come with us on nature hikes where
you get to learn about birds, plants and wildlife
photography. Don’t miss Make Music
Day on June 21.
These are just some of the things happening
at JCPL in June and July. Check out the
event calendar on the library’s website for
more information and a list of all programs.
Summer Learning is of course also about
reading. Books make great companions on
vacation, on your porch, at the pool and at
summer camp. The grip of a great story is just
as powerful whether you are holding a paperback
or an eReader in your hand.
If you prefer to listen to books, we have a
large collection of titles for all ages that can
be enjoyed on CD players, tablets and smartphones.
Why not try an audiobook next time
you take your riding mower for a spin in the
backyard?
I believe that one of the greatest
gifts we as adults can give our
children is the love of learning and
reading. We can do this by showing
our kids that we enjoy reading to
them, we are readers ourselves and
we love our public library. Research
shows that children who read regularly
over the summer are less likely
to lose skills and knowledge gained
in the previous school year. As a result, they
are better prepared to resume learning when
they go back to school in the fall.
Summer Learning at JCPL is a wonderful
way for every member of your family
to keep their minds engaged and form and
strengthen their reading habits. Not only are
our events and workshops free of charge, we
also offer reading incentives for children and
teens. Moreover, there are fantastic prizes
available to lucky winners of all ages — the
more you read, the greater your chances are
of winning.
You may turn in reading logs online or
in person through July 22 to enter to win
prizes for your age group. Reading logs can
be picked up and turned in at the library,
located at 600 S. Main St., or by
visiting the library website.
So, please join us on a learning
and reading adventure this summer.
Make it your time to explore
all the things the library has to
offer. For example, did you know
that we have a fully equipped recording
studio or that you can
borrow iPads, sewing machines
and musical instruments?
Try an art or craft you have always been
curious about, discover a new favorite author,
learn to play the guitar or help a child become
a better reader.
Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best, “You’ll never
be bored when you try something new, there
really is no limit to what you can do.”
For more information, visit jesspublib.org.
Adult reads –
Recommendations were
made by Jessamine County
Public Library Collection
Development Librarian
Bonnie Danner.
“Country Dark” Adult reads
By Chris Offutt
A young Kentucky bootlegger and
Korean War veteran resorts to violence
when his family is threatened. The first
novel in more than two decades from
this award-winning author is set in his
native Rowan County.
“Conan Doyle for the Defense:
The True Story of a Sensational
British Murder, a Quest for
Justice, and the World’s Most
Famous Detective Writer”
By Margalit Fox
A true-crime murder mystery featuring the
creator of Sherlock Holmes.
Who knew that Arthur Conan Doyle was a detective
in real life?
Youth Reads –
NON-FICTION
“Maker Lab: Outdoors:
25 Super Cool Projects”
By Jack Challoner
This book includes 25 super fun
science projects and experiments to be
done outside. Spark your childs’ creativity
while helping them develop science skills through hands-on
learning.
With stunning photography, succinct step-by-step instructions,
and detailed explanations, “Maker Lab: Outdoors”
takes readers on a journey of discovery. A must-have for every
young scientist curious about their surroundings, and for makers,
crafters and those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
“Royals”
By Rachel
Hawkins
Daisy, a sixteenyear-
old Floridian
with mermaid-red
hair; a part-time
job at a bootleg
Walmart, and a perfect
older sister who’s nearly engaged
to the Crown Prince of Scotland has
no desire to live in the spotlight. But
relentless tabloid attention forces her
join her sister in the castle. The crown
— and the intriguing princes’ roguish
brother — attempt to make Daisy into
a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite
the royal rulebook to suit herself.
Do you crush on the monarchy? Want
more insight on what it would be like
to suddenly find yourself in a romance
with a prince? Then read this humorous
Cinderella tale filled with mayhem and
romance.
“The Fandom”
By Anna Day
Violet’s in her element. Cosplay
at the ready, she can’t wait to feel
part of her favorite fandom: The
Gallows Dance, a mega book and
movie franchise that she and her
friends know every word of (canon
and fanfic included).
But at Comic Con, a freak
accident transports Violet and her
friends into the story for real. And
in just the first five minutes, they
cause the death of the heroine, and get taken prisoner
by the rebel group she was supposed to lead to victory.
It’s up to Violet to take her place, and play out the
plot the way it was written. But stories have a life of
their own, and when you change the script in one place,
the rest gets revised too. Fan fiction or cosplay teens
will delight in the continuing plot shift as they try to
guess the shocking and revealing ending.
“I Have Lost My Way”
By Gayle Forman
When three lost teens meet due to
a fateful accident that draws these
strangers together, the day progresses
and their secrets start to unravel
as they begin to understand the way
out of their own loss might just lie in
helping the others out of theirs. For
readers who want to get in touch
with their feelings this tale of a fateful
accident that draws three strangers together
over the course of a single day
discusses love, loss and self-discovery.
PICTURE BOOK
“Llama Llama Loves to Read“
By Anna Dewdney (Author), Reed Duncan (Author)
Anna Dewdney’s beloved Llama Llama is growing up and learning to
read! Throughout the school day, the teacher helps Llama Llama and the
other children practice their letters, shows word cards, reads stories, and
brings them to the library where they can all choose a favorite book. By
the end of the day, Llama Llama is recognizing words and can’t wait to show Mama Llama that he’s
becoming a reader! This book celebrates a major milestone in a child’s life and the pride that goes
along with achieving it.
EARLY READER
“Baby Monkey,
Private Eye”
By Brian Selznick (Author,
Illustrator), David Serlin (Author)
Baby Monkey may be a baby (and
a monkey) but he has a full-time job
as a private eye. Baby Monkey solves five cases (one for
each chapter) by looking carefully for visual clues. Readers
are encouraged to look closely to find the hidden clues
throughout. Baby Monkey’s adventures come to life in an
exciting blend of picture book, beginning reader and graphic
novel. This funny and engaging book is ideal for sharing
aloud and for emerging readers.
Recommendations
were made
by Jessamine
County Public
Library Teen
Services Librarian
Jacqueline
Cooper.
Recommendations
were made
by Jessamine
County Public
Library Children
Services Librarian
Juliana Gaddis.
