Ethel Everhard Memorial Library

Dream Big! READ!

Programs for kids 12 and under

(Teen and Adult reading challenges TBA)

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At the Ethel Everhard Memorial Library

117 E Third St, Westfield, WI *  (608) 296-2544 * M-Th: 9-6, F-Sa: 9-12

The Reading Challenge:  1) Read 20 minutes or more at least five days each week.  2) Share your big dream.  Work on, or learn about your dream a little each week as part of this summer challenge.  Ideas to get you started can be found on the library website: westfieldlibrary.org , or at the library.  Sign up begins June 11^th

Weekly Programs:  Explore our Earth, and our current exploration of Mars.  You may attend any or all programs.  Hands-on activities will stimulate questions about our world and our solar system.  The final program will include a Martian Party in preparation for the landing of the Mars Rover, “Curiosity,” which is scheduled to land on August 5^th after its six-month journey from Earth.  (Children under 7 should be accompanied by a responsible person of 14 or older)      

CRITTERrrrr Man                         Wednesday, June 13        2PM

WARNING!!!  Be advised that this program is fun, but unintentional learning may result.

Chris Langenfeld combines natural and environmental education with fun and excitement through his alter ego, CRITTERrrrr MAN.  Let him inspire you to dream big!  Chris is aneducator at the Renewable World Education Center near Neshkoro, WI

EXTREMOPHILES!                                               Wednesday, June 20       2PM

Redefining Living Organisms                                                                                    

What is life?  What is required to sustain life on Earth?  Imagine how life on Mars might look based on what we know about Mars’ environment.  Make a Mars creature or a Mars Garden.  Learn about the rover that will be landing on Mars this August to search for further evidence of past and current life.   What is an Extremophile?  Take a guess or look it up.  Write down your answer and bring it to this program to win one of 20 packs of Extremophile trading cards from NASA.

Professor Oops!                                      Wednesday, June 27       2PM

AndWater's Wonders 
Cool science demonstrations and exploration of the most common, mysterious and unique substance on the planet—WATER, and its importance to all living things.  Audience participation and wacky fun make this an engaging program.

A water play station will be available for preschoolers.

Volcanoes and River Beds:                                  Wednesday, July 11    2PM

Evidence of Past Life on Mars?  

Working in small groups, we will simulate multiple volcanic eruptions to see how layers form, and also observe how water cuts through various kinds of soil to form rivers and streams.  All materials for projects are provided.  A sand sensory station and playdough table will be available for preschoolers.

Found and recycled Art                         Wednesday, July 18    2PM

See cast off objects in new ways.  You will see interesting ideas for art with found and recycled materials.  Create a sculpture or collage of your own.  Materials will be on hand, but you may bring in interesting objects or recyclables you find.  You can also take part in making a large piece to display at the library.  Finger painting will be available for preschoolers. 

MAKE & TEST MARS ROVER                                 Wednesday, July 25      2PM

You are a NASA engineer.  Design and make a rover to explore the Martian environment.  You may work in small teams or independently.  Materials provided.  Then, load the rover into our rocket model, fly to Mars, and watch it get ejected from the rocket to see if it will land in one piece, right side up!   MARTAIN PARTY TO FOLLOW.

REACH FOR THE STARS HELP YOUR COMMUNITY.  HELP YOURSELF.

 Sponsored by Usborne Books

Make your reading count double and help your community.  Plus, earn a book for yourself!  With “Reach for the Stars” you earn pledges by reading.  For every $20 in pledges, you earn a book of your choice to keep, while also raising funds for library books.  “Reach for the Stars” participants may sign up early for the Dream Big summer reading challenge as soon as your pledge sheet is in.  That means you start collecting the weekly prizes early as well.  Otherwise, the sign up starts June 11^th.  The dates to complete the “Reach for the Stars” reading are June 13^th through June 22^nd

You can also use the program to work off fines by collecting pledges and reading.  Have your fines “Read off” before summer begins!  Once you do this,  you can earn a free book with every $20 in pledges you collect.