by Kate Evans
The Paw Paw Public Library summer reading program is off to a roaring start with a variety of fun activities. It began on June 14 and runs through July 14.
The 30 Days of Reading program encourages reading in all ages, but is geared specifically for kids under 18, especially fourth to sixth graders, said Library Director Ginny DeFrancesco.
Kids need to register for the program and keep a log of the books they’ve read. If they sign up, they are eligible for a $25 prize, she said. Sign-up began on Monday, June 14.
Tales and Tails
The program focus is Tales and Tails and includes storytelling, creating and singing about tales, crafts, unnatural walks, releasing butterflies, matching scat, studying animal tracks, puppet shows and more, said DeFrancesco. They have a nature center at the library.
The butterfly release program will take place in mid-July, depending on when they hatch, she said. It will be scheduled during the Friday morning reading time, but anyone that wants to come and watch is more than welcome.
DeFrancesco’s unnatural trail hike has kids finding items on the trail that she’s hidden that are manmade items. It’s scheduled for July 9 at 2:00 p.m. Storyteller Adam Booth is set for Friday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. He will tell light stories about Appalachia.
DeFrancesco said they’re planning a Love Your Pet Day for teens and pre-teens where they could bring their pets, spend time with a veterinarian or animal care person and learn about pet care. Veterinarian Dr. Jane Doyle is scheduled to be there on Monday, June 14 for the program. Program participants may also have a pet show and hold a fundraiser for an animal shelter.
Bat games and making bat houses are also planned during their All About Bats program. They are also planning to visit an animal rescue shelter and a mini-farm with horses.
Other summer programs
DeFrancesco said that there are separate summer programs that are happening in Paw Paw. There is the Friday morning reading and crafts at the library, which begins Friday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. The Friday morning storytime and crafts program is for ages up to seven years old.
On Monday and Friday Morgan County Starting Points will have activities like crafts and games at the pavilion in the park starting at 12:30 p.m. DeFrancesco plans to do her unnatural walk there on July 9 at 2:00 p.m. for ages 10 years old and up. The plan is to have parents and kids go from the Friday morning library programs on to the park for the Starting Points programs.
The Friends of the Library will also hold an afternoon of different games for all ages at the Paw Paw Town Park on Thursday, July 15. DeFrancesco said that the program was well-received last year.
Appalachian storyteller Ann Pancake will be coming to do a program at the library later in September.
Library hours
Paw Paw Public Library is open every day through the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Thursday when it’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The library closes from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every day.
Paw Paw Public Library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information about the summer program, call 304-947-7013.
Paw Paw library
