Northern Tier Regional Library’s Summer Learning Program 2018: Libraries Rock!
New activities and changes to our Summer Program
Northern Tier Library, along with many other libraries across the country, are moving towards a more comprehensive summer program that involves a diverse variety of learning opportunities including, but not limited to, reading books. Our Summer Reading Club will now become a Summer Learning Program. In the last few years we have steadily increased the number of learning opportunities that we offer throughout the summer. These go beyond logging books and reading, but include opportunities offered at the library that allow participants to learn skills and explore different trades as well. There will also be changes to how we measure Summer Learning. We will still promote reading and encourage families to keep reading at home but we will also reward learning opportunities such as drawing, exploring new places, or going for nature walks.
Another change is that we will not have plastic prizes at the end of the summer anymore. We think we should contribute to our planet by creating less pollution. Most of these low price items end up in the trash after a few weeks. We will dedicate these resources to better programming, a new cooking class, better art projects and crafts. Participants who complete our Summer Learning Program will receive a free book at the end of the summer, many different coupons and giveaways from neighborhood businesses, and tickets to participate in a wide variety of raffle items at the end of the program. Our Summer Volunteers will be available to answer questions if you have any, but you will find that these changes will improve most participants’ experience with Summer Learning.
Kick-Off Celebration
June 16, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join us to kick off Summer Learning at Northern Tier Library 2018: Libraries Rock! You’ll have the opportunity to sign up early for our Summer Learning program while getting a preview of the activities, classes, crafts, and storytimes that will be available throughout the summer. All family members are welcome to attend. We’ll have crafts and activities to enjoy and get you rockin’ for the summer ahead. A big thank you to Whole Foods in Wexford for their donation of food for this event!
Weekly Dress-up Challenge:
In order to receive an extra raffle ticket every week we encourage you to visit the library dressed according to each week’s suggestion:
- Week of June 18: Dress up as a superhero or community hero (police, nurse, firefighter).
- Week of June 25: Wear your clothes inside-out or backwards.
- Week of July 2: Red White and Blue! Show your love for America.
- Week of July 9: Dress up as your favorite book character.
- Week of July 16: Black and Gold! Show your love for Pittsburgh and wear anything Black or Gold.
- Week of July 23: Mismatch! Dress up in lots of different colors and patterns.
- Week of July 30: Dress up as rock star or a favorite singer.
Family Fun Mondays:
Mondays, June 18 – July 30, 10:30 – 11:30 am
June 18: Geodes Rock!
Jeff The Geode Guy is a geologist with 35+ years of experience who will visit Northern Tier Library to present his interactive program about Geodes, how they form and where they’re found. At the conclusion of the program, participants can have geodes cracked open, and will be the first to see the beautiful crystals inside them. Geodes offered: Small polished half geode – $4, Medium hollow geode for cracking – $6, Large polished half geode – $10. All ages. Registration is required.
June 25: Build a Toolbox with Home Depot
Our friends from Home Depot will share a hands-on building activity with us at Northern Tier. Come prepare to build and decorate your own project. Registration is required.
July 2: Rockin’ Robots
Seize the opportunity to experience a wide variety of programmable robots and new science kits that will make learning feel like child’s play. Crafts and other robot related activities will be available. All ages. Registration is required.
July 9: Pittsburgh Parks: Turtles
Our friends from North Park will visit the library and display a selection of instructional items related to magnificent turtles. All ages. Registration is required.
July 16: Building Challenge
Using recycled materials, come up with your own instrument. It can be a rattle, drums or something stringy. All ages. Registration is required.
July 23: PPG: Science Rocks!
Chemistry is all around you. Learn how PPG scientists use chemistry to make the world better, safer, and more colorful. Try hands-on science activities yourself! All ages. Registration is required.
July 30: Karaoke Party & Rockin’ Crafts
Get your singing voice ready and join us to sing, dance, and perform some of your favorite tunes. Spice up your outfit and make some cool rock star accessories. All ages. Registration is required.
Baby Playtime
Tuesdays, June 19 – July 31, 10:30 – 11:00 am
Come and enjoy a half hour of fun with your baby! We’ll share songs, finger plays, stories, and rhymes. Meet other parents and their babies, and enjoy some special time together. This program is intended for babies ages 0-18 months and will be held on Tuesdays, June 19-July 31. Registration is required.
Art Club Tuesdays
Tuesdays, June 19 – July 31, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
All artists needed! No experience necessary! Come and create something fun. This program is for ages 5-10. Registration is required to account for supply preparation.
Playtime and Storytime
Wednesdays, June 20 – August 1 (except for July 4), 10:30 – 11:15 am and
Thursdays, June 21 – August 2, 10:30 – 11:15 am
Come and enjoy some toys, puzzles, and LEGOs before the start of our family story time. This program is for young children and their families. Registration is required (Wednesdays or Thursdays).
Kids Cook Wednesdays
Wednesdays, June 20 – August 1 (except for July 4), 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Grab your aprons! We invite young aspiring chefs to experience, play, and learn during varied culinary activities. No previous cooking experience is necessary. This program is for children ages 6 and up.
Family Fitness
Thursdays, June 21 – August 2, 1:00 – 1:30 pm
Enjoy a half hour filled with games, circuits, drills, dance, exercise, and yoga in the company of your family. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes! This program is for young children and their families. Registration is required.
Friday Family Flicks
Fridays, June 22 – August 3, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us every Friday for this summer’s hottest films (and free popcorn)!
June 22: A Wrinkle in Time
Rated PG. 109 minutes
June 29: Sherlock Gnomes
Rated PG. 86 minutes
July 6: Coco
Rated PG. 105 minutes
July 13: Paddington 2
Rated PG. 103 minutes
July 20: Wonder
Rated PG. 113 minutes
July 27: Rock Dog
Rated PG. 90 minutes
August 3: The LEGO Ninjago Movie
Rated PG. 101 minutes
Drop-in Weekly Programming
Each activity will be available all week during library hours. One new activity each week for all members of the family.
- Week of June 19: Write your favorite song chorus. Come up with your own chorus or just write your favorite verse in a song.
- Week of June 26: Coloring Pages. Enjoy the coloring craze and visit the library to color. We’ll have different markers to use and a great variety of pages.
- Week of July 3: Book Review. Tell us about that great book you just finished and loved (or hated!). Who knows? You might convince someone to read the same book.
- Week of July 10: Make your own comic. Using the template provided create a short story in comic form.
- Week of July 17: Make an album cover. Design and draw a cover for an album/record of your favorite band or yourself.
- Week of July 24: Thumbprint art. Create a tiny rock star using your thumbprints and markers.
- Week of July 31: Libraries Rock! Write something or make us a drawing to let us know what libraries mean to you.
Summer Learning Bash
Saturday, August 4 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Come and celebrate the end of our Summer Learning Program! Arrive at 11:00 AM for a magic show, followed by some balloon twisting, and don’t forget your Summer Learning Program folder to receive your free book! Play games, make crafts, and enjoy a jump in the bouncy castle. A picnic lunch will be provided. We’ll have food, games, and tons of activities for the community to celebrate together!