Families Invited to Summer Reading Kickoff at Library

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sanibel Public Library offers in-person programs including tech help and children’s programs. The library’s public online calendar has the most up-to-date information about programs for all ages.

The Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party is back. Stop by the library, 900 Dunlop Rd., from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 3 for games, snacks, and prizes. During the party, families can sign up children (ages baby to teen) for the Summer Reading Program. If you can’t attend the Kickoff Party, you can register for Summer Reading online with Beanstack at www.sanlib.org/children, starting on June 3. Participants will receive a special gift.

Over the past decade, children have read “for others” during the Sanibel Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program. The great thing about the program is readers earn books for their personal collection, and for patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Since its inception in 2012, readers have helped to contribute more than 12,000 books to the hospital. New books are needed every year because books are given to young patients to take home. This summer as in year’s past, kids age baby through sixth grade will earn books (and more). Teens can earn volunteer time when they read a book and write a book review, thus gaining the ever-needed service hours.

For readers who are traveling this summer, the Library’s eShelf offers a great selection of eBooks and audiobooks (in several languages) for readers of all ages. The Reading for Others program runs from June 3 to July 29.

On Mondays in June and July, stop by to see a family-friendly film, like “Zootopia” or “Hoot.” Monday afternoon movies start at 1p.m.

Teens are invited to join Megan Willis of Sanibel Public Library for pizza and trivia at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8. The trivia will be based on famous friendships in books, movies, and television. Volunteer hours are given for attendance.

Staff from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will present ‘Mollusks on the Move,” at 3p.m. Friday, June 9. The program will start with a short children’s book about what makes a snail a snail, with shell painting activity to follow. A live local mollusk will be available for a gentle touch. Program is designed for children and accompanying adults.

Family Storytime (for children age five and under) will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 and  June14 with Ms. Megan. Literacy is a family bonding experience at Storytime, with stories read aloud, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, develop motor skills, and increase creativity. Program includes an art/craft center. Parents and caregivers should plan to be engaged with their child for this program.

On June 21 Family Storytime moves to 4 p.m. with Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Children are invited to come to the library in their pajamas, with a blanket. Bring a stuffed animal to leave in the library overnight. Photos will be taken of their wild night at the library and sent to families periodically. Come back the next morning at 10 a.m. to reunite, and enjoy some breakfast and cartoons.

Firefighters from the Sanibel Fire & Rescue District are coming to the library at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 20. Meet in the parking lot for a fire truck presentation. Be prepared to stop, drop, and roll.

Sanibel Public Library offers programs for adults, including tech help and virtual author programs. The library’s public online calendar has the most up-to-date information about programs for all ages.

The Sanibel Public Library Foundation, along with the Joan Hunt Cory Children’s Fund, underwrites the annual summer reading program. The Children’s Fund was established in 2008 to honor longtime library volunteer and supporter Joan Hunt Cory.

Sanibel Public Library is closed Monday, May 29 in honor of Memorial Day. The Library reopens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 30. The Library’s eShelf and online services are available 24/7, for eBooks, music, movies, magazines, and more.

Sanibel Public Library cards are available to all residents of Sanibel and Lee County, Florida, at no charge. You must present your valid driver’s license (or similar government ID) to staff, showing your current Lee County address. Visitor cards are available for a $10 fee and are good for one year. Computers, printers, scanners, and fax service as well as magazines and daily newspapers are also available. For more information about the Sanibel Public Library, call (239) 472-2483, or visit online at www.sanlib.org.