Compiled by Carrie Resch
Beat summertime boredom and the heat by visiting the local library this summer. The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library debuted revamped children and teen areas earlier this year and added the library’s first “tween” section.
Children and adults are invited to attend a host of free summertime library programs that range from story times for babies to dance classes for teens and adults. The library is also promoting “On Your Mark, Get Set… Read, Play, Enjoy!” in celebration of its 2016 summer reading themes: “On Your Mark, Get Set, READ” for kids, “Get in the Game READ” for teens. Now through Saturday Aug. 6, board games, card games and coloring sheets for all ages will be available in the Children’s, Tween and Teen Departments. Familiar classic games will be available along with new updated versions of classic games such as Simpsons Sorry, Angry Birds Memory Game and Frozen Surprise Slides.
The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library is located at 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information about any of the programs, call the library at (904) 827-6950 or visit the St. Johns County Public Library System website at www.sjcpls.org to view these and other upcoming library events.
Summer Reading Program for children, teens and adults
Children, teens and adults can all participate in reading programs this summer at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library and complete activities for a chance to win prizes. Children’s reading logs and summer entries for teens and adults will be available at the library starting June 1. There are no reading list requirements to participate in the program; participants can read books of their choosing.
Children’s Summer Reading Program: ‘On Your Mark, Get Set – Read!’
Babies through 5th graders can participate in the Children’s Reading Program (June 6 – July 23). To participate, pick up a reading log from the library and mark the days you read, someone reads to you or you attend a library program. Then, visit the self-stamping station near the library Reference Desk anytime during each week to stamp you reading log for the week and win a prize.
Teen Summer Reading Program: ‘Get in the Game READ’
From June 6 – July 23 teens can participate in the Teen Summer Reading Program and complete activities such as attending library programs, volunteering for service hours, and submitting short book reviews for a chance to win prizes. Each week, the library will host a drawing for a chance to win free teen books. At the end of the program, a grand prize drawing will be held and three teens will be given gift certificates for The BookMark book store in Neptune Beach.
Adult Summer Reading Program: ‘Exercise Your Mind’
The Adult Summer Reading Program for ages 18 and up begins June 6 and runs through Aug. 13. Adults will have a chance to win prizes by completing activities such as attending library programs, downloading e-content from library databases, and submitting book reviews. Participants will also automatically be entered in the St. Johns County Public Library System grand prize drawing at the end of the program.
Learn to dance with Dance Alday
Dance Alday will offer dance classes for ages 14 and up in celebration of the teen summer reading program “Get in the Game - READ” and the adult summer reading program “Exercise Your Mind.” Classes will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 18, 25 and Aug. 1. The classes are free and open to anyone ages 14 and up, including adults. Registration is not required.
July 18 – Line Dancing
July 25 – Salsa/Latin Dancing
Aug. 1 – Disco Dancing
‘Nature Detectives Workshops’ and ‘My Little Pony Club’
Registration for the library’s “Nature Detectives Workshops” for children ages 6-12 and the “My Little Pony Club” for children ages 6-10 opened May 16. Pre-registration for both programs is required as both space and materials are limited. To register, call (904) 827-6950 or visit the library’s Reference Desk.
“Nature Detective Workshops” for children ages 6-12 are back by popular demand for a seventh summer. All children ages 6-12 are invited to become Nature Detectives and learn about butterflies with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants on Saturday July 9 at 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. The hands-on educational workshops will also have take-home gardening goodies.
The “My Little Pony” club for children ages 6-10 will be held Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 15 and 29 and July 13 and 27. Children will have an opportunity to discuss their favorite ponies and friendship, play My Little Pony board games, watch an episode of the show and check out “My Little Pony” books.
Summertime LEGO Club for Tweens
Kids ages 8-12 years old are invited to participate in the summertime LEGO club on June 9 and 23 and July 7 and 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.
STAND Against Bullying magic show with Magician Mark Alan
Magician Mark Alan will present an interactive magic show intended to show kids how to stand up for themselves and others. The STAND Against Bullying magic show will take place Aug. 4 at 3:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend.
Teen Gaming Club
Twice per month, teen gamers aged 13-18 can visit the library to participate in the Teen Gaming Club and play E- and T-rated games including: “Pokken Tournament,” “You Don’t Know Jack,” “Just Dance,” “Super Smash Brothers” and more on the library’s PlayStation 3 and two WiiU’s. New and returning gamers are welcome; snacks will be provided.
This summer, the Teen Gaming Club will be held Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 1, July 6 and Aug. 3 and Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 6.
‘Just for Babies’
Babies and not-yet walkers are invited to join Ms. Suzanne for a lap-sit program with stories, songs, nursery rhymes and more. “Just for Babies” will be held on Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. on June 2, 16 and 30 and July 14 and 28.
Family Storytime
Children ages 16 months to 5 years old are invited to Family Storytime on Thursdays at 11 a.m. for stories, songs, dancing and finger plays followed by a craft. Large groups are asked to notify the library in advance. Family Storytime will take place June 2, 16 and 30 and July 14 and 28.
Bedtime Storytime
Kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited for a monthly bedtime storytime held in the Friends of the Library Community Room. The storytime will start with a craft and end with soothing stories and songs. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Bedtime Storytime will be held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and will take place June 8, July 20 and Aug. 17.
