The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library will host various reading events for students of all ages throughout the summer.
Kids events
Toddler Movement ClassTuesdays, May 16-30, June 6-27, July 11-25, Aug. 1-2910:15-10:45 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.
Active walkers up to pre-kindergarten and their caregivers are invited to join the library’s “Shaky Egg” dancing and singing as part of its Toddler Movement class. The class is designed specifically for interactive readers and caregivers to actively participate. For the safety and enjoyment of all children attending, latecomers will be asked to attend the second session or visit the following week.
Pre-K Storytime Class
Thursdays, May 11-25, June 1-29, July 6-27, Aug. 3-31
10:15-11 a.m.
Caregivers and children age 3 and older are invited to join the library for lengthier themed stories, singing, Shaky Egg dancing and more, culminating in a craft that focuses on teaching scissor, glue and coloring skills. This class is specifically designed for children who can sit independently for longer stories and to help children prepare for VPK, Kindergarten, and beyond. For the safety and enjoyment of all children attending, latecomers will be asked to attend the second session or visit the following week.
“Early Literacy for Happy Babies” Class
Thursdays, May 11-25, June 1-29, July 6-27, Aug. 3-31
11:15-11:45 a.m.
The library will host lap-sit infants, pre-walkers and their caregivers during this class featuring rhymes, rhythm and songs to help build early literacy skills. This class is specifically designed to develop a love of reading with one-on-one interaction between caregiver and infant with 15 minutes of class time and 15 minutes of post-play. For the safety of all babies attending, caregivers with active walkers are asked to attend Toddler Movement class.
Family Bedtime Storytime
Wednesdays, May 31, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16
6-7 p.m.
The whole family is invited to join Ms. Suzanne for a monthly Family Bedtime Storytime in the Children’s Department. This Wednesday evening event will feature story time in reverse, starting with a craft that focuses on teaching scissor, glue and coloring skills, and ending with soothing stories and songs. The craft starts at 6 p.m. and the stories begin at 6:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to wear their jammies.
LEGO Club for Kids
Thursdays, June 1, 15, 29 and July 13, 27
2-4 p.m.
The library invites children ages 6-10 to “Build a Better World” by practicing engineering skills in the LEGO Club for kids. LEGO bricks will be provided and LEGO books will be on display for visitors to check out at these events. as well. Caregivers must stay with their children in the room for the duration of these events.
My Little Pony Club
Wednesdays, June 7, 21 and July 5, 19
2-4 p.m.
The library invites children ages 6 – 10 to join its My Little Pony Club, back for its third summer. Visitors will explore the “Magic of Friendship” using “My Little Pony” and MLP books as inspiration. Caregivers must attend the club meetings with their children. Pre-Registration is required and opens May 19 online on the library’s branch page at www.sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch. Visitors having trouble registration are asked to stop by or call the Library at (904) 827-6950.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Magic Show with Magician Mark Alan
June 8 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Elementary School-age children and their caregivers are invited to a special summer reading kick-off magic show. Celebrating this year’s theme, “Build a Better World,” will be featured magician Mark Alan. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of this magic show.
Nature Detective Workshops for Kids
July 8 at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The library invites children ages 6-12 to “Build a Better World” by learning why bee pollinators matter and how they can help. Guests will investigate bees with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants and the St. Johns County Beekeepers Association. There will be a contained live hive of bees at these workshops as children and caregivers learn about these vital pollinators. Children 10 and younger are required to attend these workshops with their caregivers. Pre-Registration is required and opens May 19. Registration can be completed online on the library’s branch page at www.sjcpls.org/branches/ponte-vedra-beach-branch. Those experiencing difficulties with registration are asked to stop by or call the Library at (904) 827-6950. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library and the Garden Club of St. Augustine.
Harry Potter Magic Show with Magician Mark Alan
July 20 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Elementary School-age children and their caregivers are invited for a special summer reading wrap-up magic show celebrating Harry Potter with magician, Mark Alan. Guests are encouraged to dress up in house colors. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the event for the duration of this magic show.
Be Our Guest: 2017 Beauty and the Beast Movie and Crafts
July 25 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The library invites elementary school-age children to read and craft like Princess Belle during a screening of the new live action Beauty and the Beast movie on the library’s big screen. Following the movie will be a special craft and a book display. Children are encouraged to dress as any character who inspires them to read. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the event.
Magician Mark Alan’s S.T.A.N.D. Against Bullying Magic Show
Aug. 3 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Magician Mark Alan will return just before school starts with a fun, interactive and impactful magic show that will teach children how to embrace their inner heroes by standing up for themselves and others by taking a S.T.A.N.D. Call the library at (904) 827-6950 with any questions. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the event for the duration of this magic show.
Tween and teen events
“Just for Teens” Gaming Club
Wednesdays, June 7, July 5 and Aug. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturdays, May 20, June 17, July 22, Aug. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Teens (ages 13 – 17) are invited to the library’s monthly, teen-only social gaming events. Play “E” and “T”-rated games on the library’s PlayStation 3 and two Nintendo WiiU’s, which are set up on three separate TVs for simultaneous playing. Snacks and board games will be provided as well. Call the Library at (904) 827-6950 for more details.
Teen Art Club
Saturdays, May 27, June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Rising 6th to 12th grade students who love to color and create manga, collage art and more are invited to bring friends and join the library for Teen Art Club. The library will supply paper, magazines, glue, scissors, coloring instruments, coloring sheets and art books.
Summertime Middle School Book Talk Informational Meeting
May 31 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Summertime Middle School Book Talk
Wednesdays from June 14, 28 and July 12, 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ms. Suzanne invites rising 6th to 9th grade students (for the 2017 – 2018 school year) to “Build a Better World” by forming the library’s first-ever Middle School Book Talk events! Pre-registration for this meeting and subsequent events is required and opens May 19. Those interested are asked to stop by the reference desk or call the library at (904) 827-6950 to register. This meeting will help choose the books students will read and help decide how the Book Talk events will run. Different mediums (art, writing, and more) will be used to explore the books read.
“Houses of Hogwarts” Board Game Bash and Movie
June 22 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Tween Harry Potter book fans ages 8 – 12 are invited to dress up in their favorite house colors and visit “Hogwarts” during this board game bash and movie. Play Wizard’s Chess with the Gryffindors, get sorted by the Ravenclaws with a talking Sorting Hat, make Harry Potter-inspired crafts with the Hufflepuffs and find out “who done it” with the Slytherins and the Harry Potter Clue game. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” will be played in the common room. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at this event.
Harry Potter Trivia Throwdown and “Fantastic Beasts” Movie
July 6 from 2 to 5 p.m.
Youth Services Team of Ms. Anne and Ms. Suzanne challenges tween Harry Potter book fans ages 8 – 12 to a game of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit followed by a screening of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” on the library’s big screen with surround sound. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite house colors. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at the event.
Summer VolunTeen Appreciation Party
July 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
The library invites teens who helped “Build a Better World” by becoming a teen library volunteer (VolunTeen). The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library will thank VolunTeens for their efforts this summer with a special pizza lunch and video gaming just for you!
Magician Mark Alan’s S.T.A.N.D. Against Bullying Magic Show
Aug. 3 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Magician Mark Alan will return just before school starts with a fun, interactive and impactful magic show that will teach children how to embrace their inner heroes by standing up for themselves and others by taking a S.T.A.N.D. Call the Library at (904) 827-6950 with any questions. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the event for the duration of this magic show.
