these days remind me of why I became a librarian

Day #2 of Summer Reading and I am so thankful that I get to sleep in and close the Library tomorrow.

Today looked like this:
  • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) Tuesday, K-5th grades: *Working in teams of 5-6, the kids had 10 minutes to build structures with 50 toothpicks and 100 mini marshmallows that would withstand an earthquake; earthquake simulated by placing structures in an aluminum foil pan full of jello and me shaking the bejeezus out of them. I was surprised how creatively the kids built the structures; we talked about what strengthens structures and what kind of buildings would handle the shock an earthquake better than others. Lots of laughter and lots of fun!
  • Vision Screenings
  • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) Tuesday, 6th-12th grades: *Tweens/teens made compost bottles--creating the beginnings of a compost pile in 2 liter pop bottles; discussed composting process.
  • Family Storytime: Theme was growth/plants; books: Compost Stew Mary McKenna Siddals, The Tiny Seed, Eric Carle; Planting a Garden, Lois Ehlert; kiddos planted seeds or potted flowers.
  • Adult Book Group: One summer month/year we do a graphic novel, this year I did reader's choice, so we went around and discussed: 1. Why we chose this particular graphic novel 2. What we did/didn't like about it. 3. Would we recommend it to others? Actually made for a lively discussion and I walked away with some fun recommendations from others.
Wanted to just mention that the Vision Screening is both an easy passive program and a great community collaboration opportunity. The local Lions Club wasn't able to host the yearly FREE vision screening at the preschool this year, so we offered to host it, and scheduled it after our K-5th grade program. We didn't have the best turnout, but any turnout is better than none. And we've established another connection with another non-profit community org!

Today was a record breaking day for us; a combined total of participants in today's programs totaled 96 people! I still am shaking my head at those numbers! So proud of our little library and all we are trying to do.

Hope everyone that's in the throes of Summer Reading '14 is having as much fun as us!

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