Sanibel library to kick off summer reading program
The annual Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party is coming up at the Sanibel Public Library.
Stop by on June 1 from 10:30 a.m. until noon for games, snacks, raffles and surprise guests. This year’s theme is “Adventure begins at you Library.” During the party, families can sign up children ages baby to teen for the program to earn books for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Those unable to attend can still register to log reading on Beanstack at the library and at www.sanlib.org.
With support from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation, the library has launched a series of virtual author talks to include bestselling authors and thought leaders. The next one will take place on June 3 at 2 p.m. with Matt Shindell, author of “For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet” and curator of Earth and Planetary Science at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
A historian of science with a background in science studies, he is responsible for the collection of spacecraft, instruments and other artifacts related to the exploration and study of the Earth and solar system. Shindell co-hosts the museum’s podcast, ”AirSpace.” He curated the exhibition, “Exploring the Planets,” and is leading a curatorial team developing the exhibit “Futures in Space.” Shindell also authored “The Life and Science of Harold C. Urey” and coauthored “Spaceships, Our Future in Space” and “Discerning Experts,” and he is co-editor of “Smithsonian American Women.”
A question-and-answer session with the author will follow.
To register for the author talk, visit https://libraryc.org/sanlib/upcoming.
Additionally, the library has the following programs scheduled:
On May 29, Crafternoon with Ms. Shannon will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Ages 4 and up and their caregiver can join staffer Shannon Gafgen to make an octopus painting. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples of craft options to complete.
Family Storytime for ages 5 and under and their caregiver will be held on May 31 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with staffer Shannon Gafgen. Sing, read, question and move around during the stories, followed by early literacy centers of play to flex minds, motor skills and creativity. The program will include an art/craft center.
On June 4, Baby & Toddler Storytime and Playdate will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For ages birth to 3, babies and their caregivers will take part in a short story time, sensory play, literacy activities and more.
Part of the Summer Reading Program, a CROW Wildlife Program will be held on June 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. Featuring a special animal guest, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife volunteers will provide a program on animal conservation.
On June 5, Crafternoon with Ms. Shannon will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Ages 4 and up and their caregiver can join staffer Gafgen to make a work of art. A variety of craft supplies will be available, along with examples of craft options to complete.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the calendar at https://sanlib.org/.
Library cards are available to residents of Sanibel and Lee County at no charge. Visitor library cards are available for a $10 annual fee.
The Sanibel Public Library is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting on June 1, it will be open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call 239-472-2483 or visit https://sanlib.org/.
The Sanibel Public Library is at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.