There is arguably no better time than now, after a long and challenging year of being in some form of lockdown, unable to travel and explore our grand and glorious planet, to break out and visit the earth’s seven continents, even if only via the library.
The Prosper Community Library is devoting the summer to precisely doing that under the banner of “Destination: 7 Continent Exploration.” Participants in the annual Summer Reading Program, which begins on June 1 and continues until Aug. 5, will include virtual trips to the seven continents: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia.
Readers will learn all about the continents, their cultures, foods, inhabitants, landmass, and natural beauty. Like all globe-trotters, though, summer reading participants will need a passport, provided by the Library to readers of all ages. Stamps can be earned by taking on and completing the reading challenges. Filled passports will be entered into drawings for interactive globes.
Also this summer, drop-in programs will be offered each day from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Monday program will repeat on Tuesday, and the Wednesday program will repeat on Thursday. The repeating days allow the library staff to provide programming while still maintaining some distancing and limited attendance for health and safety.
Planned activities include tube penguins, a blubber experiment, creating a Djembe hand drum, making a boomerang, contributing to a coral reef, and so much more. And, of course, staff will lead a related exploration of a different continent each week to learn and explore.
Moreover, structured programs will also be offered including bi-monthly book club meetings covering children’s Texas award-winning books for rising third to rising sixth graders. Wiggles Wednesday will occur on the library lawn at 5 p.m. for families with youngsters ages toddler to six. Teens will have an opportunity to participate in our own Amazing Race and atlas painting. Adults will be offered a monthly take and make craft.
Family friendly movies will be shown that tie into each week’s destination continent, and to celebrate Independence Day, a children’s parade around Town Hall will be held on July 1 which will include Mayor Ray Smith, members of the Town Council, first responders, and many others.
Handy calendars for the summer will be available at the Library, giving families a chance to plan their summer schedule. Event announcements and reminders will be posted on the Library Facebook page. As a reminder, past programs for all ages are always available on the library’s YouTube channel, a great place to access educational, engaging, and entertaining virtual programs.
Library hours will increase effective Monday, June 1 to Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information is available at https://www.prospertx.gov/residents/library/, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
