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Chilliwack summer reading club not just about books

Entertainment, crafts and storytelling all a part of summer series at Chilliwack Library
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Andrew Dalziel will perform at Chilliwack, Sardis and Yarrow libraries this summer.

Magic, crafts and yoga are all subjects you can learn about by checking a book out of your local library.

But this year, the Chilliwack Library is inviting families to “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” and check them out in person by joining them for a series of fun presentations. Every Wednesday in July and August, the library is hosting events in Salish Park, right beside the library.

It all begins with magician Andrew Dalziel on Wednesday, July 5. He will bring along his assistant Rocky the Raccoon, for this family-friendly show that’s sure to entertain. The party begins at noon and includes face painting, bubbles, a bouncy castle and more.

The library partnered with the City of Chilliwack to deliver this summer’s outdoor reading program, and that first big celebration is a great time for children to sign up for the popular Summer Reading Club, says librarian Jacquelynne Garden. But for those eager to get a jump on their summer reading, sign up for the Summer Reading Club which starts on June 19. There are different levels of reading and prize incentives for all ages, from preschool to elementary, to teens and even adult participants. There is even an accessible summer reading club through Fraser Valley Regional Library’s ebook and audiobook formats.

For all the levels of the club, this year’s theme is “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” and plenty of the planned activities reflect that.

After the July 5 “wild” kick-off party, the fun at the Chilliwack Library will continue the following weeks with Storytime in the Park activities, as follow:

July 12 – Elspeth’s Puppet Show

July 19 – Serena Grayson face painting

July 26 – Studio B Yoga

August 2 – Terrington Prest, drummer from Sto:lo

August 9 – Great Blue Heron Reserve

August 16 – Chilliwack Museum

August 23 – Kellie Haines, Ventriloquist

August 30 – Craft-a-Palooza

Each Storytime runs from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, phone the library for updates.

But Chilliwack Library isn’t the only branch that’s worked out some “wild” fun this summer.

Sardis Library will host Rob Dramer and Lillian Ireland’s popular presentation, Well Worn Trail. The couple has visited Chilliwack’s Libraries in the past, and bring the wonder of nature into the library for children of all ages. Dramer and Ireland are eductors, songwriters and musicians, and use puppets and songs to bring nature to life.

They’ll be at the Sardis Library* on Monday, July 10 at 11 a.m.

Then, on Saturday July 15, the older kids (12 and up) can head to Sardis Library to get a little wild with a Street Art project. Kids will design their own graffiti creation, with art instructor John Le Flock. He will demonstrate techniques like 3D lettering, colour blending, and cartoon design. Registration is required. Call 604-858-5503 to sign up.

Andrew Dalziel will also perform at Sardis Library*, on July 6 at 11 a.m.

He will perform a third time at the Yarrow Library on July 12 at 2:30 p.m.

The Urban Safari Rescue Society will visit all three libraries as well this summer. They’ll be bringing live animals with them, along with stories about the animals, and information about how we can protect and care for animals in the wild. They will bring an array of animals, from the crawly and creepy and the leaping and flying.

They’ll be at the Chilliwack Library on Saturday, July 22 at 2 p.m., at the Sardis Library on Friday, July 21 at 11 a.m., and the Yarrow Library on Tuesday, July 25 at 11 a.m.

For young artists, ages 12 and up, John Le Flock is back at the Sardis Library on Saturday, July 29. This time, he’ll be teaching Comic Strip Art and kids can create their own comic strip using basic cartooning skills. Registration is required by calling 604-858-5503.

Mad Science comes to all three libraries this summer, giving kids the chance to investigate the power of air with hot air balloons, vortex generators, and even a hovercraft. Mad Science is at the Chilliwack Library on Aug. 3 at 11 a.m., Sardis Library* on July 31 at 11 a.m. and the Yarrow Library on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.

Yarrow will have their very own Storytime in the Park on Wednesday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a family-friendly a morning with your preschool or elementary school-age children. There will be stories, games, face painting, literacy activities, free book prizes, and popcorn too.

Again for the artists, a Manga Art course will take place at the Sardis branch on Aug. 12, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn how to draw basic Manga figures, and create your own characters and settings using various techniques. This is designed for children aged 12 and up. Registration is required by calling 604-858-5503.

And Ventriloquist Kellie Haines will also be visiting all three libraries. In addition to her Aug. 23 show at the Chilliwack Library, she’ll be bringing her puppets and her skills to the Sardis Library on Aug. 14 at 3 p.m., and the Yarrow Library on Aug. 22 at 11 a.m.

Kids will definitely be walking on the wild side with Haines and her puppet friends, Magrau the bird and Kamilla the frog. She’ll tell stories and get the kids up singing and dancing. Parents will watch and wonder just who is doing all the talking.

Note: Sardis Library events are ticketed due to space limitations. Tickets will be made available the week before each event. For more information call 604-858-5503.

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Ventriloquist Kellie Haines will perform at all three local libraries this summer.


Jessica Peters

About the Author: Jessica Peters

I began my career in 1999, covering communities across the Fraser Valley ever since.
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