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The Kokomo Howard County Public Library knows how to keep kids entertained in summer and get them reading as well. Its annual Summer Reading Program has been a huge hit so far, and there is more to come.
Following are some of the reading program’s highlights from June.
Mud Day
Kokomo Howard County Public Library Russiaville Branch Librarian Susan Bednarz likes to play in mud. More to the point, she encouraged the children who attended the International Mud Day celebration on June 29, sponsored by KHCPL at their Mesa Drive location in Russiaville, to do the same.
In 2009 at the World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education in Belfast, two members of the Nature Action Collaborative for Children, Gillian McAuliffe from Western Australia and Bishnu Bhatta from Nepal, discussed the challenges children faced when playing in mud; particularly in drought ridden areas such as Western Australia.
From those discussions came the World Forum Foundation designation of June 29 every year as International Mud Day; a day to appreciate the earth that we live on and have fun with mud.
At the Russiaville event, the ages ranged from toddlers to middle schoolers, all working with different types of mud, or mud-like substances such as cocoa powder and a “slime” that looked just like stretchy mud.
Many would-be artists did mud finger painting, made mud pastries, and happily played with toy trucks in a tire This was Bednarz’s second time running the event.
“All I am doing is outdoor programs all summer,” Bednarz remarked as she helped one of the participants make “mud ropes,” smiling all the while.
Escape Room
The people were trapped in a dark, monster-filled forest. Their only hope of escape was to find and read the clues left by other campers to eliminate the monster, gaining their freedom. That dramatic scenario was put together by Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Teen Librarian Brittany Vanzo at the library’s Escape Room event in June.
A darkened room on the library’s second floor stood in for the forest, with clues and camping equipment scattered about to indicate a “monster” attack. The clues were sometimes helpful, and sometimes misleading.
“They have 30 minutes,” said Vanzo. “They have two main clues: one is a laminated map that they have to use their flashlights to see a secret message on it. The second one is a book that I created called “The Lost Camper,” where I filled the pages with a poem.”
This is the second escape room that Vanzo has designed for KHCPL, and she says this is a “work in progress.” The first room Vanzo designed was a bit daunting for some of the younger adventurers, so for this one she simplified the clues and used a smaller space.
The average time that the “campers” take to escape this room varied with age, but this particular group took a little longer to find the answer and eliminate the monster. “Sometimes they over-think it,” she remarked.
When the group did finally come to a conclusion, they seemed quite satisfied with the experience. “We have been to a lot harder escape rooms, so we weren’t sure when we were done,” one adventurer said.
Hello, Moana!
It’s not every day that a princess visits the library but recently Moana, the teenage “master wayfarer” made her way to Kokomo Public Library’s Main and South branches. The adventurous princess entertained several fans with songs, dances, and a photo session afterward.
Part of the KHCPL’s All Together Summer Reading Program, Moana, provided by Royal Events: Indiana’s Premier Character Experience, sang several songs and danced with the assembled group. The princess repeated the message that individuals should not be afraid to be themselves and to embrace life’s adventures.
Royal Events, according to owner Megan Mahaney, is a Disney Corp.-licensed business that provides entertainment for events like public appearances, birthdays, festivals, business functions, and more. For more information on Royal Events: Indiana’s Premier Character Experience, contact Mahaney at 317-966-4756 or go to www.royalevents-characters.com.
There is much more to enjoy with the Summer Reading Program, which runs through July 22. Here is just a taste of what’s coming up next!
Hedgehog Hannah
What animals will you get to meet and learn about? Maybe a fox or an alligator? You'll have to wait and see. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., July 6, to learn why it's important to keep as many animals in the wild as we can. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 10-11 a.m. and at the South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 2-3 p.m.
Summer Slumber Party
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., July 6, for a Summer Slumber Party. Visit the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for s’mores, stories, and songs in your PJs!
Clue! Who Dunnit?
Teens will have the chance to don a new identity and play a game of Clue! Solve a mystery with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., July 8, from 3-5 p.m. The event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Sand Art
Do you enjoy running on the beach or playing in the sand? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., July 11, from 5-6 p.m. for some fun with sand art. This event is designed for children ages 3-13 and will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Unlazy River
Choose a fun pool floatie (or bring your own) to use as you complete a chalk obstacle course around the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Mon., July 17, from 10-11 a.m. There will be lawn games, a sprinkler, and a snack, too! This event is designed for children ages 3-11.
Shark Week STEAM – Chomping Shark
Turn a regular clothespin into an amazing chomping shark as part of Shark Week STEAM at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This fun project for the whole family takes place on Mon., July 17, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
For more information about any upcoming Kokomo Howard County Library event go to www.khcpl.org.