Contact: Linda Herrick Swisher,
Public Information Coordinator
Hammond Public Library
564 State Street
Hammond, IN 46320
P: (219) 931-5100, ext. 310
F: (219) 931-3474
Email: swishl@hammond.lib.in.us
Web: www.hammond.lib.in.us
HAMMOND LIBRARY OFFERS SUMMER READING CHOICES
The Hammond Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is in full swing. When it comes to Summer Reading, HPL believes that one size does not fit all. The library offers six different summer reading program levels for all ages — newborns through adults. Summer Reading runs through Sat., Aug. 30.
The Youth program theme is “Fizz, Boom, Read.” Four program levels serve infants through students in sixth grade, with special library programming taking place each weekday through mid-August.
You may ask how a child who is too young to read can benefit from Summer Reading. Babies and young children hear stories and songs, and participate in finger plays to prepare them as they learn to talk, and later, to read. Early Literacy (ages 0-2) consists of monthly activity sheets, each with 30 early literacy skill-building activities. Read to Me is a program level for ages 3 to 5, where parents, grandparents or older siblings may read to a child. The goal is for these children to have 50 books read to them. Special library programming for these levels is Babies and Books (ages 0-18 months); Tiny Tots (18 months-2 years); Twos and Threes (ages 2 and 3); and Little Listeners (ages 3 through 5).
The Primary level is for kindergarten through third grade, and the Intermediate level is for grades 4 through 6. These programs operate on a point system, where every 100 pages read earns a child one point. For every five points earned, the child receives a prize. Once a child earns 30 points, the child gets a grand prize. Special library programming for these levels includes Beginner Science Club; Kids Can 2; Tween Lego Club; Tween Science Club; Summer Movies; and Reader’s Theater. In Reader’s Theater, children learn all facets of putting on a production. This culminates with a presentation of Richard Atwater’s “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” on Sat., Aug. 16 at 2 p.m., which is free and open to the public.
Youth who participate in Summer Reading are invited to a Mad Scientist Party on Sat., Aug. 30 to celebrate the end of the program. Information on all levels of the Youth Summer Reading Program is with Youth Services at (219) 931-5100, Ext. 336.
Teens in grades 7 through 12 get their own program, “Spark a Reaction.” Teens must have a valid Hammond Public Library card, and must check out all items from HPL. Teens who complete reading logs receive a small prize, and are entered into the drawing for the grand prize, a $125 Best Buy gift card. Teens who attend library programs receive an extra entry into the drawing. Teen library programming includes Teen Book Club, Teen Movies, and crafts such as chip bag pouches, lava lamps, and DIY duct tape. Information on this program is with the teen librarian at (219) 931-5100, Ext. 351.
Adults may participate in the summer program, “Literary Elements,” if they have valid Hammond Public Library cards and check out all items from HPL. Adults complete reading logs to be entered into drawings. Five mini-drawings take place throughout the summer, with the grand prize winner being drawn after Summer Reading concludes on Sat., Aug. 30. Sign up at the Circulation Desk.
Special Summer Reading promotions are also featured, through Sat., Aug. 30:
- Current cardholders have no limit on the number of items that may be checked out. New cardholders may check out five items.
- Hammond residents who check out five books may receive a free DVD checkout that day. Audiobooks and e-books are not included in this offer.
- Finally, library greeters will randomly distribute Patron Appreciation Cards, which are good for a free DVD checkout through Aug. 30.
Also continuing throughout the summer are free computer classes, book discussions, chess club, music lessons, and more.
The Hammond Public Library is at 564 State St., at the corner of Sibley and Sohl; (219) 931-5100.