Dream Big

The summer reading programs at Rodman Public Library will kick off on June 4 and run through September 1. This year's theme for both adults and children is "Dream Big... READ!", and the teen theme is "Own the Night." There will be programs, prizes, hands-on creative opportunities and special events for each age group.

For each book read, adults will receive a ticket on which to write their name and phone number. For these tickets, there will be weekly prize drawings, with the ticket for the sixth drawing entered for the Grand Prize Drawing.

Participants of the Children's and Teens summer reading program will receive a reading record to keep track of the amount of time spent reading. Children who complete ten hours of reading will receive a certificate of completion and their choice of a new paperback book to keep, courtesy of the Alliance Rotary Club and Friends of Rodman Public Library. If they read a total of twelve hours, they will receive a special bonus prize. Students can also win prizes for their school based on the number of children who complete the required ten hours of reading.

Teens who complete twenty hours of reading will receive a new book of their choice to keep. If they read a total of twenty five hours, they will receive a special bonus prize.

The library will offer events for adults, teens and children, such as "Dream Journal Creation" and "Dream of Starting Your Own Business" for adults, "Light up the Night" and "Creepy Creations" for teens, "Dream of Dancing with the Canton Ballet" and "Dream of Being a Zoologist at the Akron Zoo" for children.

Children ages 7-12 can sign up for a "Summer Art Experience" at the library, made possible by the Alliance Quota Club and through a Summertime Kids Grant from the Stark Community Foundation. Local art teachers will offer a series of classes utilizing different art media. Instructors will teach hour-long classes; one class for 7-9 year olds and the second for 10-12 year olds. The library will offer six different classes for each age group, with each child able to sign up for three sessions. Registration is required for these classes. At the end of the program the children will receive art supplies to take home and extend their experience, as well as a certificate of completion.

The popular "Tales for Tails" series will continue over the summer also, allowing children to practice their oral reading skills. Join Ruth DeFranco and others who will bring their trained Therapy Dogs to the library to "listen" to stories. Children can sign up for reading sessions and cuddle up with a good book and an appreciative four-legged friend. The program will run on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. on June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24 and August 7 and 21.

Brown Bag Lunches will return for six Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m., June 13, 20, 27 and July 11, 18 and 25. Children ages 5 and up and parents will enjoy stories and activities along with lunch. Free hot lunches for those 18 years and under will be provided by the Summer Food Service Program of the Alliance City Schools, or participants may bring their own bag lunch.

Lapsit programs for two and three year olds will continue on Monday nights and Wednesday mornings at the Main Library. Storytime programs for ages four through six will continue on Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings. In June, sessions will be at the Carnation Mall Branch and in July and August they will be at the Main Library.

Registration for the Summer Reading program begins on June 4 for each age group. For more information contact the library at 330-821-2665, then press '0'