The Summer Reading Program at the Newport Beach Public Library is in full swing. Kids of all ages and their families are encouraged to take a break from the sun and sand and find adventure in any of the Newport Beach branches: Balboa, Corona del Mar, Donna and John Crean (Mariners) or the Central Library.
This year’s theme: “One World Many Stories” runs through Aug.12 and the calendar is filled up with special events and story times.
Children can also sign up for a special reading incentive program where they will “read their way around the world” by filling in a game sheet which leads them to earning prizes for reading and makes them eligible to enter the drawing for a grand prize.
The Around the World theme is carried throughout the calendar of events, which are all free.
Kids can make creations at Asian craft time or Australian craft time.
Musician Brother Yusef will share the African American tradition of the Blues and incorporate singing, rhythms and movement into his visit to the Mariners Branch.
Pacific Animal Productions will make a stop at each of the branches this summer with real animals from around the world: A monkey, fox, snake, parrot, alligator and other live animals who are ambassadors for educating children about endangered animals and habitats.
Other fun for the summer library lineup offers a variety of performances. Magician Allen Oshiro, specializing in illusion acts, will amaze an audience. The Noiseguy, Charlie William – a voice-over artist and sound impressionist who is anything but quiet in the library. David Cousins, holder of five world juggling records, will entertain audiences of all ages with his incredible juggling and comedy act.
Storytimes are also offered throughout the summer for all age levels. The storytime curriculum includes Books and Babies, Toddler, Preschool, Family, and Pajama programs.
Seating will be on a first come, first seated basis, there are no reservations and seating is limited by room capacity. Funding for Summer Reading Program is provided by generous donations from the Friends of the Library.
Here are Paige Turner’s book suggestions that will take your child to faraway places this summer: “Toot and Puddle” by Hollie Hobbie; “This Is the Way We Go to School: A Book About Children Around the World” by Edith Baer and Steve Bjorkman; “How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World” by Marjorie Priceman; and “I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World” by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page.
For more information, and calendar of events, contact Newport Beach Public Library Children’s Services at (949) 717-3830 or visit the website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org
Newport Beach Public Library locations: Central Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue; Crean Mariners Branch Library, 1300 Irvine Avenue; Balboa Branch Library, 100 East Balboa Blvd.; and Corona del Mar Branch Library, 420 Marigold Avenue.
