DPL launches its Summer Reading Program

Children of all ages will explore aspects of our community this summer as Decatur Public Library presents “Build a Better World” during their Summer Reading Program.  Activities will include: story times hosted by community partners from all aspects of our city, magic shows, movie extravaganzas, and professional science programs.  We will have lots of crafts and activities and, of course, incentives for reading.   Events will be designed for all age groups, from infant to teen. 

The fun begins on Saturday, May 27^th with our Summer Reading Kick-off: “Dog Days of Summer.”  The day begins at 10:00 am when the Decatur Alabama Kennel Club will bring therapy dogs to the Youth Services department of the Library.  This is a great opportunity for reluctant or struggling readers to read to dogs, who are a supportive, kind audience that builds confidence.   At 12:00 pm the Morgan County Humane Society will set up in Margarete’s Garden (the courtyard on the Cherry Street side of the Library) with dogs looking for a forever home.  You can meet the dogs, learn about adoption, and maybe even meet a new family member!  At 1:00 pm we’ll have canine author Chopper in our Youth Services department for story time, with a repeat performance at 2:00 pm.  Finally, at 3:00 pm the Morgan County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit will be here to tell us about the crime-fighting dogs in the Sheriff’s department.  From 10:00 am -3:00 pm we will have crafts, activities, and Summer Reading sign-up.

Participants who register for Summer Reading get a reading log on which to record what they read this summer along with the guidelines for turning in the reading log for prizes.  Participation in the reading part of the program is not required; everyone is welcome to all of our programs.  We hope, however, that children will take part to maintain – and hopefully strengthen! – their reading skills.  Small prizes will be given out through the summer and larger prizes awarded at our Summer Reading Finale on July 28^th.  We will also have a grand prize drawing for a Kindle! 

Teens have their own set of programs this summer and are encouraged to read as well.  The teen events were designed with input from our Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) and include an Anime Club, Poetry Workshop, and a book swap.  Teens will also have service opportunities with a Community Clean-up at Rhodes Ferry Park and other chances to volunteer.

If you want to challenge yourself to read more this summer why not sign up for the 5^th annual Adult Reading Challenge? There will be book clubs, a local author meet and greet, and other programs for adults as well. Make it a family challenge to see who reads the most this summer.

Regardless of your age DPL has something to offer for everyone in the family.

We hope to see you this summer!

May Released Tasks

Decatur Public Library has a lot going on in May. On Tuesday, May 2^nd, Al Keith, certified respiratory therapist will be presenting Asthma Blues® at 4:00 pm. This musical program educates people of all ages on the how to control asthma. On Thursday, the 4^th of May, Mr. Jim Phillips will be presenting a program on the “Roads to Statehood: Life and Travel in early Alabama”. On Thursday, May 11^th, DPL will host free movie night. The movie stars Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Tommy Lee Jones, and Donald Sutherland. Licensing restrictions prohibit us from listing titles here, but more information can be found on our website. If you enjoy 3^rd Fridays Downtown in Decatur, be sure to come by and visit with us in Jones Park on 2^nd Ave. We are there every 3^rd Friday, letting people know what’s going on at DPL. The summer reading kick-off will be Saturday, May 27^th from 10:00am until 3:00pm. The library will be hosting several canines with programs and activities in the Youth Services department and in Margarete’s Garden. We invite you to join us for some or all of these programs this month. For more information check the website or call 256-353-2993 ext. 106.

The two released tasks this month are:

Task # 1 Railroads/Trains:  The Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869. It connected the civilized east coast to the west and made it easier to bring people and supplies to the unsettled parts in between. The task is to read any book that contains a railroad or train as an important part of the story.

Task # 2 Lewis and Clark Expedition: The Lewis and Clark Expedition set out in May of 1804 and returned in September of 1806. They explored a large area of the western United States and discovered many new species of plants and animals.  During their trip they passed through 10 present day states in the search for a water way across the continent. Those 10 states are Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. For this task read a book set in one of the states they crossed.

Happy Reading!

StephRhonda’s May Schedule*

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	1. 9-5:30	2. 9-4 Asthma Blues 4pm	3. Not Available Meetings & 5th Grade tours	4. 9-4 Book Club 12-2 Jim Phillips 4-6 pm	5. 9-3	6. 9-5
7. 2-5	8. 9-5:30	9. 9-5:30	10. 9-5:30	11. 11-1 3-6 5th grade tour Movie Night	12. 10-5	13. Not Available
14. Not Available	15. 9-5:30	16. 10-5 5th grade tours	17. 9-5:30	18. 10-5 5th Grade tours	19. 12-4 3rd Friday Downtown	20. Not Available
21. Not Available	22. 9-5:30	23. 9-5:30	24. 9-5:30	25. 9-5:30	26. 9-5:30	27. Not Available
28. CLOSED	29. CLOSED	30. 9-5:30	31. 9-5:30

** This is a very tentative schedule. We will be doing library tours for 5^th graders during part of the month and the schedule will change as needed to accommodate that. If you are making a trip to the Library to get stamps, call or email us to confirm ahead of time that we will be available.

Email: stephrhonda@decatur.lib.al.us

Phone: 256-353-2993 ext. 106