Summer swings at Solvang Library
Those lazy, hazy days of summer don’t have to just be
frittered away, because Solvang Branch Library has plans for lots of new and
appealing pastimes.
The library’s summer schedule was introduced recently
with a party for about 100 kids. They watched Shawn McMaster’s magic show, and
the youngsters were then treated to an ice cream social.
So here’s what’s happening at the library between now and
the start of the new school year:
• Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30
a.m. Stories, songs and fun for little ones. The library announcement advises, “Stay
for a craft afterwards and make a new friend.”
• Cuentos los Sabados/Saturday Stories: Saturdays, 10:30
a.m., a bilingual storytime in Spanish and English. “Listen together to
stories, stay for a craft afterward.”
• Summer Reading Programs: Read, win prizes, have fun.
The popular pre-kindergarten through summer reading program’s theme is “Catch
the Reading Bug.” Young readers receive coupons and prizes every time they read
five books. The summer teen reading program is called “Metamorphosis.” Local
merchants will donate prizes, including gifts, ice cream sundaes, chocolate and
other goodies. Those wishing to sign up as a reader or as a sponsor should
contact the library at (805) 688-4212.
• Writers from grades 7 through 12 can participate in a
workshop led by Cara Goodall, a fellow in the South Coast Writing Project at
UCSB and a credentialed teacher, currently at the Family School. Students will
meet and explore a variety of writing forms and exercises, including nature
observations, autobiographical sketches, poetry, and techniques for daily
journaling. There is no fee but registration is required. Workshop schedules
are available at the library.
• Randal McGee and Groark, appeared June 25. Randal McGee’s
pal Groark the Dragon tickles kids’ funny bones. Groark gets in trouble and
Randal points him in the right direction. The pair, together 27 years, also
provide stand-up comedy, banter, original songs and funny stories.
• Craft workshops: Get Buggy, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday, July 1, 2 and 3, 3:30 to 5 p.m., with paper mache and tempera paint.
Kids will make little reading bug costumes, just in time to swarm all over the
Independence Day parade. Kids under the age of 5 should bring an older helper
with them.
• Dancing Drum: July 12, 10:30 a.m., offering an
opportunity to participate in the universal language of rhythm. Led by Steve
Campbell and Lindsay Rust, the program is the result of their research in
Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the United States.
• Singing Arts and Centipede Chants: A friendly
sing-along with Bonnie Lockhart, July 15, 6:30 p.m. There will be musical
stories and games, and maybe even learning how to chirp like a cricket.
• Swazzle Space Bugs: Swazzle, a puppet company, sends
intrepid intergalactic insects on exciting adventures.
• Zoo to You: What’s Buggin’ You?” takes place July 29 at
10:30 a.m. Zoo to You brings education and adventure together to tell about
bugs and bug eaters.
• P&T Puppets: Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m., the P&T Puppets
perform “The Grasshopper and the Ant.”
Master puppeteer Peter Brizzi brings to life Aesop’s
timeless fable, a lesson in hard work and also kindness. The tale is told with
music in the background and dramatic insect puppets on the stage.
• Entertainer Zak Morgan: Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m. Morgan
combines folk music, stand-up comedy and his skills as a teacher to entertain
children.
He works with recorded music during his live performance,
and has been described as a cross between of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss.