Now that summer vacation has begun for Lowell Area Schools students, that doesn’t mean learning or having fun while learning should come to a halt. In fact, both Englehardt and Alto Kent District Library (KDL) branches have a range of activities for people of all ages this summer.
Summer Reading Program for All Ages
This year’s Summer Reading Program started on June 4 and continues through August 11. Broken down into age groups, babies younger than two, youth ages 2-10, teen ages 11-17, and adults 18 and over need to accumulate 500 points through various activities over the summer. Reading books, attending library programming, and even a list of odds and ends can help rack up the points. Upon completion, those 17 and younger will receive a free book. Regardless of age, if the Summer Reading Program is finished, an entry given to win one of 10 iPad Minis.
Progress can be tracked online or on a paper log. The KDL website has information about each group, including book recommendations.
Programming for Kids
Summer will have no shortage of programming for kids of all ages at both Englehardt and Alto branches. Family Storytime for children 6 and younger takes place Mondays at 10:30am at Alto and Thursdays at 10am at Englehardt. Families can read, sing, and move
around together.
Wednesday afternoons you’ll want to check out Englehardt’s lineup of events for all ages. Each week a different theme, performer, or program will entertain and educate. See the Englehardt events list for school-age children for specific events and additional information. Alto has its own schedule for kids 6+, including Pet Rock Art, and Full Moon Friday.
Wednesday evening at Englehardt kids can also read to dogs as part of the Ruff Readers program beginning at 6:30. Trained therapy dogs will be on-hand, with their owners/handlers, to listen to books. Stop by and take an accelerated reader test with Arrow Readers on the Move, pick up a new book, and read to a furry friend all at the same time. Accelerated reader testing can also be done at Alto
Some of the programming is the same so if you attend an event and love it so much you can do it all over again at another branch. Those in 3rd – 8th grade are invited Monday late afternoons at 4:30 for Tech Explorers. All things Minecraft, coding, robots, computers, and animation will be covered June 4 – August 27 at Englehardt.
The way to a teen’s interest in library events must be through their stomach. Englehardt will host Candy Sushi Creations on June 12, Food Fun! On June 26, and Sweets Decorating Techniques on July 17. Pre-registration is required for all three of these events. Other events geared for teens include Henna, Draw Some Awesome, and Gears of Nerf.
Busy, Busy, Busy
This is only a sampling of what’s available at just Englehardt and Alto. Other branches in the KDL family have similar and different programming open to anyone who would like to attend. And the best part? All of these events are free!
While you’re visiting Englehardt, Alto, or another KDL branch, check out a book, movie, game, or many of the other things offered. If you haven’t heard of KDL Go Packs, look at what is offered and check something out which will promote family fun.
Summer is a time for kids to take a break from being in a classroom. But planned activities are a great way to catch up with friends, find something to relieve the “I’m bored” phase, and have fun over summer break. Participate in the Summer Reading Program and earn a book if you’re school age once you’ve completed your goals. An added bonus is if you’re also taking part in Arrows Readers on the Move, books read for accelerated reader can count as time ready for the KDL program too!
Look online for event scheduled at each branch. Or while you’re at one of the branches, take a summer programming brochure. Make a KDL branch one of your summer destinations!
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