The Brooklyn Public Library continues to show us that libraries are no longer places of solitude. They are encouraging the whole community to turn the volume up with its 8th Annual Summer Reading kick-off event tomorrow. This FREE block party celebration for families on the plaza of the Central Library aims to keep the minds of kids and teens active while school is not in session by offering them book lists and activities throughout the summer. Live entertainment and activities for children and adults will occur throughout the day.
Avoid “summer slide”- the slide that happens during summer breaks which cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected. Summer reading habits can help prevent the slide, and the Library’s block party is to help encourage summer reading.
Last year's Summer Reading Party with Sly the Fox. Photo by Al Pereira.
SCHEDULE:
10:30 am – CarnegieKids Presents The Itty Biddies
The rocking Itty Biddies combo will lift you out of your seats from the first note. Their soaring vocals, sweet ukulele, melodic piano, groovy bass, and fat drums take the audience on a journey of the imagination through storytelling and song. Kids and adults will be invited to bring to life a magic suitcase as they head to Africa for a safari, travel by boat beneath the stars, and explore New York City by way of our beloved subway. The Itty Biddies’ cabaret-pop music will have you singing and dancing all the way home.
11:30 am – Press Conference
BPL’s Executive Director and Elected Local Officials will be in attendance to kick-off the Summer Reading program and will also be on-hand for interviews.
12:00–3:30 pm – Other Activities
Face Painting and Balloon Sculptures
12:30 pm – Wildlife Theater – Polar Opposites
Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are two sides of the world that look and feel the same. However, very different types of animals call these icy lands home. Students explore the similarities and differences through two shows, “Polar Bear and the Beat” and “A Penguin State of Mind.”
1:30 pm – Magic of Amore…
Feel the excitement as you witness colorful handkerchiefs turn to magic canes and objects materialize out of thin air. Visual magic combines with the encouragement of reading in this electrifying show. Never seen before illusions and audience participation make this a show you and your patrons will long remember. If you dream big anything is possible. Ever dream of flying like Peter Pan or passing through Alice’s Looking Glass? Perhaps you dream of performing magic like Harry Potter or becoming the Cat in the Hat! Get ready to become part of a show that will make you dream big and experience edge of your seat fun! From the moment the show begins until the grand finale the children will be mesmerized and mystified by Amore.
2:30–3:30 pm – ZUMBATOMIC
Zumba is a perfect combination of fun & fitness! Everyone will be exposed to international rhythms and learn different dance moves.
Details: Thursday, June 7 10:30am – 3:30pm
Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library, Grand Army Plaza. In the event of rain, activities will be moved to the Dweck Center