July 1, 2020 - This year, Oakhurst Library’s Summer Reading Program goes virtual for children, teens and adults sheltered at home because of Covid-19.

The 2020 Virtual “Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover” summer reading program which began June 24 will continue through Wednesday, July 29. The virtual summer art program for children, teens and adults begins on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. To register for these programs, log online to www.maderacountylibrary.beanstack.org.

Dale Rushing, the library’s branch manager, said the reading program for children ages 3 years through grade 4, will feature Captain Jack Spareribs and Maynard the Monkey back for another summer of “magic tricks and shenanigans” on July 8; “hilarious antics and crazy caricatures” with Steven Riley on July 15; snakes, birds and reptiles with Reptile Ron on July 1 and 22, and a “mystery finale” on July 29.

Teens in grades 5 through 12 will meet Reptile Ron and his menagerie of reptiles on July 1, learn about camping and riding horses on July 8, write a story and enjoy Steven Riley’s “hilarious antics” on July 15, detect and observe robotics in action with Joel Bradshaw on July 22, and experience a “mystery finale” on July 29.

The Summer Art Program is sponsored by both the Oakhurst and North Fork branch libraries. On July 7, local youth will learn the principles of sketching from local author Steven Riley. Then, on July 14 and 21, he will teach them the “Joy of Watercolor.”

According to Rushing, a “first-time ever” adult reading program is also being offered this year that runs from July 1-24.

“Adults who read 350 minutes per week will earn a ticket that will be entered into a drawing for prizes the final day of the contest,” she explained.

The four prizes include one Fire HD-10 Tablet 64gb, wireless Bluetooth ear buds (in-ear headphones) and $25 gift cards from both Amazon and Starbucks. Adults register at the same website as children and teens. Winners of all reading contests will learn about the prizes they earned at 10:00 A.M. on July 29, the final day of the contest.

Rushing said the library has limited gift bags for both the summer reading and summer art programs. She suggests that people call the library at (559) 683-4838 for more information. The phone number for the North Fork Library is (559) 877-2387.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library and many other community businesses and service organizations. To see sponsors, log on to www.oakhurstfobl.com.

Source: Oakhurst Branch Library