Gadsden County youth and families enjoyed interacting with a variety of animals this past weekend at the Gadsden County Public Library’s “Animal Tales” program. The annual summer program brought creatures like a wolf dog, kookaburra and a snake for participants to view and even touch. Animal Tales was held at all three branches of the Gadsden County Public Library system.
Cool down with a book, enjoy kids programs
Are the hot summer days weighing you down? Stop by your local library branch to cool down, peruse the stacks and maybe catch a show or join in an activity or two. Throughout the summer the library provides a variety of activities and programs aimed at entertaining, educating and providing hours of enjoyment.
Each week, children’s librarian Kris Odahowski sponsors a new, creative summer program designed to teach, while providing a safe, fun environment to foster growth of local children. Programs include preschool story time and play groups that utilize a progressive, interactive approach to childhood literacy.
Library officials say the approach helps foster a lasting love of reading.
Fun for adults, too
The library’s not just for kids! Local library branches also host a wide variety of adult programs. One of the most popular adult programs is “Pie and Prose,” an innovative series conceived by literacy director Mari VanLandingham.
The program provides latent readers many benefits by modeling good interpretive reading skills and helps to develop important critical listening skills. It also affords library patrons an opportunity to interact with local writers, build new vocabulary and learn about local issues, all while enjoying good company and delicious pie.
Work out Zumba style
Zumba is back! Zumba comes to the Cowen Public Library at 7 p.m., Aug. 7, and the William A. “Bill” McGill Library at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 23. Zumba is a free event for ages 18 and older.
The class is instructed by Jasmin Richardson Sutton of Zumba with Chocolate Waisted Fitness. Stop by your local library today to fill out a fitness waiver form before attending a class.
Zumba is sponsored by library director Tabitha D. Washington and the Gadsden County Public Library system.
Donate school supplies…
As the new school year draws near, the library system is partnering with many local organizations to support Gadsden County youth. The Magnetic Mu Mu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. is collecting school supplies for “Operation Big Book Bag,” a national project the sorority hosts every year.
The sorority will collect school supplies and toiletry items at each branch of the Gadsden County Public Library until Aug. 4.
…and food, too!
The Woodmen Life Chapter 31 in Quincy is partnering with Fight Hunger, collecting nonperishable and ready-to-eat food items for Gadsden County elementary children. The organization will be collecting at all three library branches until August 14.
The library extends a friendly invitation to anyone who wishes to participate in these or the myriad other programs it offers.
For more information, contact your local library branch: William A. Bill McGill Library, (850) 627-7106; Havana Public Library, (850) 539-2844; or the Cowen Public Library at (850) 663- 2707.
Special to The Herald
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