The Memorial Library is again partnering with the Children’s Library to host
activities for the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. This year the theme is Record Breakers, and we’ll be celebrating some American pioneers, from space travel to aviation, as well as throwing in a tall tale celebrating a woman who may not have been real, but certainly broke some records!
Our first event on 22 July will (almost) coincide with the 44th anniversary of the moon landing. Children will learn about some of the first animals in space, the Apollo missions and what it was like to be the first humans on the moon. We even found a copy of the customs form the Apollo 11 crew had to submit when they returned to Hawaii! We’ll be writing some space-themed poetry, and maybe even a limerick or two.
The following week, 29 July, we’ll be hosting a paper airplane competition! First things first though, and we’ll talk about lift and how planes stay in the air and
some of the early aviation pioneers, the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh 
and Amelia Earhart. Once that is covered, kids will have a chance to fold and fly paper airplanes, with prizes for the plane that flies the furthest, the longest and is the most creative!
On 19 August, we’ll be reading the story of Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett by Stephen Kellogg. Although she is a tall tale, Sally Ann set records throughout the frontier, from wrestling alligators and out-screaming eagles to out-grinning bears. Kids will learn about the different elements of a story and have the chance to write their own tale of a character who could out-do everyone around, even when it was not expected of them.
We’ll be posting some pictures of the events and the poetry, planes and tales so keep an eye out over the next month! If you (or your child) is 8-12 and you’d like to attend any of these events call us at 01603 774747 to reserve your place today!
American Library 