From the Director's Desk

We are rocking it at the Aurora Public Library District this summer! We have a full calendar of events planned for all ages as we explore the 2018 theme “Libraries Rock!” Activities get into full swing during the week of June 4th – 9th, so hurry right in and start rocking. All programs are free, and most do not require any advance registration, so you can stop by and participate as often as your schedule allows. We’ll be sharing stories, learning about dinosaurs, listening to and making music, and playing games.

Many parents worry about “Summer Slide”, the tendency of children to drop back in school subjects during the longer academic break. Bringing the entire family to the library to check out books and attend programs is a great way to prevent the slide.  Children who attend summer library programs keep their minds active and enter school in the fall ready to learn and ready to succeed. Your kids will be having so much fun, that they won’t even realize they are still learning!

Of course, kids also need lots of time for free play and being active as well. Physical activity actually promotes healthy brain development, so books make a great springboard into outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. For preschoolers, I always recommend a mixture of reading, writing, singing, playing, and talking as the best way to encourage pre-literacy skills. Some other great resources for parents are provided on the Reading is Fundamental and Scholastic web sites. For more ideas, come to the Jim Gill show on June 13th at the Aurora Public Library. Not only is Jim a great musician, he is also nationally recognized as an expert on the importance of play for children. It will be a fun, interactive program for the whole family!

We have wonderful programs planned for adults, too, including “One Man’s Civil War” presented by Judy Cook and a piano concert by Craig Brenner. There are special giveaways and prizes throughout the summer, and there will always be a friendly face at the circulation desk, just waiting to help you find the information or book that you need.

As always, please contact me at peggy@eapld.org with any concerns or suggestions you have for our Library District. Let’s Rock!