‘Read Around the Block’ party, run to launch library’s summer reading
MADISON – On May 30, Madison Public Library will kick off its 2015 summer program with “Read Around the Block.”
“Read Around the Block is a marvelous way to connect our community with the library’s extensive programs and resources as summer vacation starts for Madison students,” branch manager Sarah Sledge said.
At 8 a.m., Hogan Family YMCA employees will lead entrants in warm-ups. LifeSouth will start its blood drive.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., races will be open to strollers; toddlers; preschool; kindergarten and first-graders; second- and third-graders; fourth- and fifth-graders; and parents. Winners will receive ribbons.
‘Goofy’ relay races also will be held, assistant librarian Teresa Allison said.
At 9 a.m., guests will enjoy birthday cake. A rally of big trucks will take the parking lot. Cottage Crepes food truck will sell concessions. “Animal Tales” will begin at 10 a.m.
The activity fair will include Sci-Quest, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Walgreen’s, Sarrell Dental, Dyslexia Center and Early Works Museum.
Youngsters can explore bubbles, chalk, face painting, balloons and outdoor games. 104.3 WZYP will entertain. WOW parties will introduce two surprise Super Heroes for photos.
The 2015 summer reading theme for children is “Every Hero Has a Story!” For teenagers, it’s “Unmask!”
On Tuesdays at 4 p.m., a children’s program will feature space center staff, Alabama Youth Ballet, Therapy Dogs, Air Force parachutes and even Wonder Woman. On Wednesdays in June and July, a family movie will air at 2:30 p.m.
“For every two hours of reading, children will place a bubble on our wall with their name,” Allison said. All reading logs are due by July 25 for prize drawings. Teens will complete book reviews/Tumbler Challenges for end-of-summer prizes.
Friends of the Madison Library are hosting the event. Officers are president Dave Butler, vice president Cindy Hall, treasurer Helen Townsend and secretary Shandi Burroughs.
The annual run honors the late Helen Lee. To contribute to the Lee’s Memorial Endowment, mail checks to Huntsville Library Foundation, P.O. Box 443, Huntsville, AL 35804 or visit huntsvillelibraryfoundation.org.
For more information, visit Hmcpl.org/summer.