Library launches

summer program
By Scott Nicholson

The Watauga County Library is serving up two months of activities, magic, and fun during its upcoming Summer Reading Program.

The series is for different age groups of youths, from preschool to teens, headed by the Children’s Services department. Other events are for the entire family.

The main branch of the library on Queen Street in Boone will host the following events:

On June 8, there is an ice cream social at 3 p.m., followed by Bingo at 4 p.m. On June 10, Amazing Al will perform a magic show at 11 a.m., followed by a magic workshop at 1 p.m. Sign-up is requested.

June 11 is Family Night, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and with the theme “Visit The Wild West.”

On June 13, the first meeting of the Movie Makers is at 2 p.m. On June 16, Hula Hoop Craft will be held at 3:30 p.m.

On June 22, patrons can meet the ranger of Elk Knob State Park at 3 p.m. June 25 is family night at 5:30 p.m., with the theme “Let’s Go To The Beach.”

The Catawba Science Museum will present its Physical Science Showcase at 2 p.m. on June 23, while the N.C. Museum of Natural Science will present reptiles and amphibians on July 1 at 10:30 a.m.

The program is sponsored by Citi-Financial and sign-up is required.

On June 30, a tie-dying T-shirt workshop will take place, with participants asked to bring their own shirts. A field trip to Elk Knob State Park is scheduled for July 6.

A program on musical rain sticks is scheduled for July 8 at 11:30 a.m.

A pajama party is the highlight of the July 9 family night, beginning at 5:30 p.m. On July 14 at 3 p.m., the library is hosting a recycled fashion show.

On July 16, there will be a Chinese acrobatic performance.

On July 20 at 4 p.m., Eric Dobell will host a mind reading program.

On July 23, there will be a magic show at 2 p.m. The final family night follows at 5 p.m., with “Game Show Mania.”

The following programs take place at the western branch at the Cove Creek Community Center in Sugar Grove. For youths up to fourth grade, the first event is a magic show at 1 p.m. on June 11.

That’s followed by a magic workshop at 2:30 p.m. to learn the secrets of the trade.

Gemstone mining will be featured at 2 p.m. on June 17. Space is limited so sign-up is required. Bubbleology will take place at 4 p.m.

On June 23, the Catawba Science Center will present the Physical Science Showcase at 4 p.m. On July 1, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences will exhibit reptiles, with space limited to 30 people. The exhibit begins at 2:30 p.m.

On July 23 at 11 a.m., “Game Show Mania” is scheduled, with fun for the entire family.

Art classes for first through fourth graders are scheduled on July 14, 16, 21 and 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Classes are free and will be taught by Melissa Jaroszewski. Space is limited so sign-up is required.

Other upcoming library events include Cher Cosper on June 9 at 6:30 p.m.

As a part of the Master the Art of Reading series, Cosper will be presenting Painting Italian Landscape with Acrylics.

The Watauga County Library Club’s upcoming reading list includes: June, “World of Pies” by Karen Stolz; July, “Sula” by Toni Morrison; August, “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson; and September, “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer.

For more information, call the Watauga County Library at (828) 264-8784 or visit www.arlibrary.org.