Get Kids Ready for Summer Reading

Athena, one of Sedona’s young residents, was thrilled to see that one of her favorite books is now featured at StoryWalk.

As published in the Red Rock News

Encouraging voluntary reading, especially during the “summer slide,” is an essential step to helping children become better readers. That is why Sedona Public Library (SPL) will once again offer a fun and exciting Summer Reading Program—this year, the theme is Tails and Tales.  

All age groups will have achievable reading goals to foster their progress. For children ages 0 to 3, we encourage families to share reading experiences of at least 10 books. Ages 4 to 11 and ages 12 to 18 will have a goal of reading for 1,000 minutes or more. And all participants will be entered into a drawing to win some amazing prizes, including a carload trip to Bearizona, a visit to the Science Vortex of Verde Valley, AZ State Park passes, and many more. A very special thank you to all of our generous prize donors for their support.  

Interested? Register online or stop by the Library, and track your reading from June 1 through July 23. 

 To kick off our Summer Reading Program, the Library and City of Sedona are hosting gifted storyteller and musician Meg Bohrman, of Third Road Theater, on Friday, June 4, at 9 a.m. at Posse Grounds Pavilion. Enjoy the spectacular view while Meg shares the tale of Unanana and the Enormous One-Tusked Elephant, an interactive journey of story and song based on a traditional Zulu tale. This folktale appeals to ages 1 to 101, so bring a blanket and a drink and settle in for an all-ages event. Posse Grounds Pavilion is located at 525 Posse Ground Rd. Please remember to practice social distancing so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. 

Another date to save is Friday, July 16. Beginning at 6:45 p.m., come dance among the red rocks for a Dance in the Park event with Sedona Dance Academy at Posse Grounds Pavilion. Sedona Dance Academy owner Jessica Phillips and her group of local dancers will perform and teach a dance to all in attendance. Put on your dancing shoes! 

From May through July, SPL and City of Sedona are bringing you Story Time in the Park. Grab a blanket and join Miss Marcia every Thursday morning from 9 to 9:30 at Sunset Park, 655 Sunset Drive. Come enjoy stories, songs, fun, and laughter as we read some of your children’s favorite books aloud. Some of this summer’s story time themes are hats, picnics, swimming, and dinosaurs. Be sure to watch for some tails wagging at story time, because our friends at the Humane Society of Sedona have some special friends that like to listen to tales, too!  

At the May 27 Story Time in the Park, we will celebrate the 111th anniversary of the song The Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Bring your teddies and cuddle up for a good read! This story is recommended for ages 4 to 8, but all ages are welcome, of course.  

Save time after the story to walk the new StoryWalk, featuring the book Some Bugs, written by Angela DiTerlizzi and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. The journey begins at the toddler playground, providing 15 minutes of walking and reading in the great outdoors. As you meander down the paved and accessible path, each page of the book is displayed for you to read silently or out loud, and each story panel includes a fun activity, prompt, or reading tip in both English and Spanish. Skitter along like a little beetle, and when you get to the last page, you will find some beautiful bug art by Sedona youth artists! 

Over the summer, we are very happy to continue our bi-weekly Grab & Go Crafts program every other week. Also, tune in for the virtual program “Music Everywhere with Annette,” with Miss Annette’s fabulous videos posted our website. We are offering Monday Maker Mornings on June 14, June 28, and July 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Community Room, where kids can explore their creative side and make art with Miss Meghan. This program is best suited to ages 6 to12, and all materials are provided.   

Join Miss Maria for Spanish story time, featuring stories, songs, and more, almost every Saturday at 11 a.m. Check our calendar for dates.  And don’t forget that the Library offers Tween and Teen Books Clubs twice a month, and we host monthly Connecting Community with Science programs for kids to explore the wonders and excitement of hands-on science! Check our calendar for dates and times.  

Sign up for our in-person programs on our website or sedonalibrary.libcal.com. Children under 10 years of age must have an attentive parent/caregiver in the Library at all times.  

We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Reading Program events and at the Library. We are committed to being a community-centered library, and we want to get the message out… the Library is for everyone! We hope that you feel welcome and included in your community space.  Remember…Sedona Public Library is the heart of the community. We are here to serve you! 

Sedona Public Library is an independently run, 501(c)(3), privately owned, debt-free, nonprofit organization providing public services. We receive support from the City of Sedona and the Friends of the Sedona Library, property tax dollars from Yavapai and Coconino Counties, and gifts from businesses, foundations, and individuals like you. Thank you! Visit sedonalibrary.org to learn more. 

Sedona Public Library
Column for May 21, 2021
Written by Written by Viviane Kraus, Youth Services Librarian ​

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