Dearborn Kids: Spend This Summer With A Good Book!

It's what every parent dreads: School lets out, summer vacation starts, and immediately it seems that learning has gone from a priority to a distant memory for your kids.

But the Dearborn Public Library wants to help local parents keep learning–and, more specifically, reading–part of kids' lives throughout the summer months.

June 18-Aug. 3, the library will offer various programs, events and activities for children, teens and adults as part of its Summer Reading Program.

All events take place at the .

Here's a look at what's coming up to make reading part of your–and your child's–summer.

Let’s Go to the Movies: Summer Edition

Take a break from the hot summer sun and enjoy a family movie every Monday at 2 p.m. from June 18-July 30. Registration is not required, but space is limited, so arrive early to secure your seats!

• June 18: Meet the Robinsons
• June 25: Night at the Museum
• July 2: Kung Fu Panda
• July 9: Monsters Inc.
• July 16: Ratatouille
• July 23: Princess and the Frog
• July 30: Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Dream Big—Tween Crafts

Crafting fun for kids in grades four and higher will run every Friday June 22-July 27 at 2 p.m. Space is limited, and registration begins the Monday before each session. No younger siblings, please!

• June 22: Glow-in-the-Dark Book Covers
• June 29: Candle Craft
• July 6:  Recycled CD Disco Balls
• July 13: Alien Pet Rocks
• July 20: Sharpie Tie Dye (participants must bring their own item to tie dye)
• July 27: Pony Bead Fireflies

Preschool Storytime

Weather permitting, we’ll meet by the fountain for storytime at 10 a.m. on Thursdays from June 21-Aug 2, excluding July 5. Join us for stories songs and rhymes that celebrate our wildest dreams! All family members are welcome, but storytime is geared for children 2-6 years old.

In the event of rain, storytime will be held indoors.

Family Walkabout

Families with kids of all ages can join library staff for a strolling storytime and nature activity. Strollers are encouraged. In case of rain, the program will be cancelled. No registration required. The program will take place June 26 and July 31 at 6 p.m.

Chalk Fun

Drop by to help the library decorate the sidewalks for Summer Reading. Write a poem, draw a picture, or just play hopscotch in the afternoon sun. In case of rain, the program will be cancelled. No registration required.

The all-ages program will take place at 1 p.m. June 18, July 2 and July 16.

Teen Star Wars Party

Kids ages 13-17 only are invited to undergo Jedi training! This special event for teens on July 18 from 2-3 p.m. will include asteroid hunting, princess-rescuing and saving Han Solo. Snack included. Registration begins July 3.

Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

Fun and games to end the summer and celebrate three months of reading. The party takes place Aug. 9 from 6-8 p.m.

What to Read With Your Kids This Summer

You know that reading is an important part of keeping childrens' brains stimulated during the summer months. But choosing books that are age-appropriate, fun to read and challenging for growing readers is tough.

Thankfully, bestselling author James Patterson is doing the hard work for you.

Patch has teamed up with Patterson’s ReadKiddoRead program to promote reading lists for every age. Here's a link to great lists for every age group.

Happy reading!

• Best Illustrated Books (ages 2-7)
• Terrific Transitional Books (ages 6-9)
• Favorite Pageturners (ages 8-12)
• Advanced Reads for Teens and Tweens (11 and up)

Stop by the Children’s or Adult Reference desks, or visit www.dearbornlibrary.org for up-to-date information on programs and events as they are added.