Early June is the traditional kickoff for various summer youth reading programs at public libraries. However, there are plenty of other events at local libraries to involve the entire family.
For example, families and children can come to a "Hot Summer Nights" concert with the Wooley Sisters on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m., sponsored by the Draper Library, but held a block south at the Draper Historic Park Gazebo, 12550 S. 900 East. Families should bring blankets to enjoy the country music.
Another fun event will be the Puppet Players, who will visit the Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way, on Wednesday, June 18, at 2 p.m. This will be for all ages.
The Salt Lake City Library will host a bilingual storytime for children on Monday, June 2, at 7 p.m. and again on Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. — both at the Main Library, 210 S. 400 East. It will also be held on Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m. at the Day-Riverside Branch, 1575 W. 1000 North.
The city library will also feature a special children's concert with Cathy Funk and Marcy Marxer on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. at the main downtown library. The two folk singers are eight-time Grammy nominees.
Salt Lake County's "Laugh It Up @ the Library" program begins on Monday, June 2, and continues through Friday, Aug. 15. This free program is for pre-readers through young adults and features prizes and various activities to motivate reading.
The Salt Lake City Library System will offer a "Stereophonic Summer for Teens" this year. This reading-oriented program begins with a "Battle of the Bands" on Saturday, May 31, 6-11 p.m. at the Main Library, 210 E. 400 South.
All teens have to do to participate is pick up a punch card at any city library. Teens earn punches by reading books; attending library events; being creative and writing poems, songs or short stories, making a film, or creating art; or by volunteering or being an activist in community events. Prizes will be given for every four punches received, as well as entry into a drawing for free concerts and movies.
The Orem Public Library is sponsoring a "Summer Reading Passport" program this year. Kids can begin this summer reading adventure on Monday, June 2, by picking up a passport at the library, 58 N. State, Orem. There will be prizes and author lectures. Call 229-7161 for more details.
Here are some books for third-graders, courtesy of the Salt Lake County Library System:
"Cam Jansen and the Chocolate Fudge Mystery," by David A. Adler. Cam Jansen and her friend Eric uncover a mystery while selling fudge door-to-door. Part of a series.
"Annie Pitts, Swamp Monster," by Diane deGroat. Third-grader Annie Pitts is excited about getting the part of swamp monster in a high school student's low-budget horror movie until she finds out how much hard work is involved.
"Lucky in Left Field," by Betsy Duffey. Lucky the dog tries to regain his spot as left fielder on his master's losing baseball team after a new coach arrives and banishes Lucky from the ball park.
"My Father's Dragon," by Ruth Stiles Gannett. A young boy determines to rescue a poor baby dragon who is being used by a group of lazy wild animals to ferry them across the river of Wild Island.
"Not-So-Normal Norman," by Cynthia Stowe. While his father is out of work because of a back injury, Anthony decides to try to earn money, and his first job is watching a huge tarantula named Norman.
Here's a sampling of other library events during the coming weeks:
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.: Preschool storytimes at the Central Branch Davis Library, 155 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton.
Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.: Preschool storytimes at the South Branch Davis Library, 725 S. Main, Bountiful.
Tuesday, June 3, 4-6 p.m.: Chess Club meets at the Columbus Library, 2530 S. 500 East. For all ages. (Also, Wednesday, June 4, at the Bingham Creek Library, 4834 W. 9000 South.)
Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m.: Internet basics at the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 S. 400 East.
Wednesday, June 4, 10 a.m.: "Book Baby" at the Day-Riverside Branch, 1575 W. 1000 North. For babies up to age 2 and their caregivers. (Also at four other libraries during the month.)
Thursday, June 5, 7 p.m.: "Introduction to Windows" at the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South.
Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m.: The Flux Capacitors concert at the Sprague Branch Library, 2131 S. 1100 East.
Thursday, June 5, 7 p.m.: Teen board meeting at the Bingham Creek Library, 4834 W. 9000 South.
Friday, June 6, 3:30 p.m.: "Laugh Academy" at the Bingham Creek Library, 4834 W. 9000 South. Learn how to tickle your funny bone. (Also Wednesday, June 11, 4:30 p.m. at the Draper Library, 12441 S. 900 East.)
Saturday, June 7, 4-5:30 p.m.: Public reception for the "Myths and Legends" art exhibit at the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South.
Saturday, June 7, 2-4 p.m.: "Dinosaur Discovery" at the Day-Riverside Branch, 1575 W. 1000 North.
Tuesday, June 10,10 a.m.: "Time for Twos" at the Sweet Branch, 455 F St. A fun reading program for toddlers.
Thursday, June 12, 10 a.m.: Storytime with Salt Lake Stingers players at the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South.
Thursday, June 12, 7:30 p.m.: Stacey Board concert at the Sprague Branch Library, 2131 S. 1100 East.
Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m.: "Teen Poetry Cafe" at the Riverton Library, 12860 S. Redwood Road.
Saturday, June 14, 1-3 p.m.: "Dog Day Afternoons" at the Anderson-Foothill Branch, 1135 S. 2100 East; the Day-Riverside Branch, 1575 W. 1000 North; and the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South.
Wednesday, June 18, 2 p.m.: "Laugh Out Loud with the Puppet Players" at the Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way.
Wednesday, June 18, 4:30 p.m.: "Laugh Academy" at the Draper Library, 12441 S. 900 East.
Wednesday, June 18, 7 p.m.: Hogle Zoo animals at the Holladay Library, 2150 E. Murray-Holladay Road.
Thursday, June 19, 7:30 p.m.: Sister Maryam and Royal Roots concert at the Sprague Branch Library, 2131 S. 1100 East.
Friday, June 20, 3:30 p.m.: "Jungle Wonders" at the South Jordan Library, 10300 S. Beckstead Lane.
Saturday, June 21, 3 p.m.: "Crazy Critters" from Hogle Zoo at the West Jordan Library, 1970 W. 7800 South.
Tuesday, June 24, 2 p.m.: "Three Stooges Funny Festival" at the Sandy Library, 10100 S. Petunia Way.
E-mail lynn@desnews.com.