A Different Drummer

They're intended for children in kindergarten through fourth grades, but everyone is welcome at the Washington County Library System's summer reading programs -- and sometimes specifically invited.

"We hope to get all members of the community to come to our professional programs," says library spokeswoman Sherry Rodgers. "We've even contacted the Senior Center in Lincoln this year because we are hosting Afrique Aya, and that's one show the entire community ought to come see."

In addition to the dancers and drummers who share the music and culture of West Africa -- performing at 10 a.m. June 29 at the Lincoln Public Library and at 1 p.m. June 29 at the Prairie Grove Public Library -- the special programming also includes Super Science -- "a demonstration of science that rocks (but not rocket science)" -- at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Elkins Public Library and Tommy Terrific's baseball themed magic show at 10 a.m. July 25 at the Farmington Public Library and 1 p.m. July 25 at the West Fork Public Library.

Rodgers says it's not unusual to see public school students, daycare groups and a wide range of youngsters -- plus their parents -- at the summer programs, which this year revolve around the theme "On Your Mark, Get Set ... Read!" Almost all libraries in the U.S. now follow the same theme, she adds, which helps librarians with planning and resources.

This summer, the plans in Washington County also include two workshops for children in grades 5 and up: "Take a Hike," a guided hike at Devil's Den State Park, and "Eat Like You Live Here," a program on how to make healthy snacks from local produce. Registration for those activities should be made at 442-6253.

-- Becca Martin-Brown

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 06/17/2016