Recap of Recaps: June 13–June 19

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Here are some quick recaps and pictures from a few of the MANY fun and engaging summer programs that took place systemwide between June 13–June 19.

Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure Presented by Talewise at Sharon Forks Library

"Today we had an amazing audience that took in all that the Talewise presenter had to offer and thoroughly enjoyed science experiments that were beautifully woven into the story. Ms. Jasmine involved as many children in the experiments as she could, making sure to reinforce the concept of ‘hypothesis' by having the children guess what would happen next. There were experiments pertaining to the concepts of air pressure, wind energy, and chemical change. The presenter filled a bottle of water and had a pencil poking through the bottle and when she removed the pencil, to everyone’s amazement, the water did not pour out until squeezed. During a wind energy experiment, a leaf blower was used to blow hair and a roll of toilet paper into the air, eliciting loud squeals and laughter! The grand finale (a bit of water spraying out of a confetti can) was the icing on the cake. Patrons told me how much they enjoyed it, and some stayed back to chat with the presenter. Special thanks to our VolunTEENs for helping with set up, clean up, ticket collection, and counting, and to Britt for introducing the presenter and clicking some amazing pictures.” –hosted by Anuradha Murari and Britt Poteet

Attendees were delighted by a wind energy experiment 
during Science Heroes by Talewise

American Girl Adventures - Featuring Nanea 1941 at Cumming Library

“This week's American Girl, Nanea, lived on the island of Oahu in Hawaii during World War II. 

VolunTEENs greeted each participant with an "Aloha!" and lei placed around their neck. We talked about Hawaii, Nanea, and Pearl Harbor. One of Nanea's best friends is of Japanese ancestry, so Sariah shared personal relics and stories from her Japanese grandmother. She also shared Holly’s items from Japan and Hawaii that her father acquired while serving in the military. Attendees made a large tissue paper flower that they wore either in their hair or on their wrist. The highlight of today's program was special guest Dawn Mahealoni Douglas of Mahealoni’s Polynesian Entertainment, who demonstrated and taught hula dances. She shared historical information along with some artifacts of the history of Hawaii, and brought instruments that she demonstrated how to use. Attendees had an opportunity to play these instruments during one of the musical pieces. Dawn was especially sweet towards the young girls, and everyone had a wonderful time. Many mothers thanked me afterwards for this program.’” –hosted by Holly Raus, Julie Boyd, and Sariah Homan

Learning a Polynesian dance at American Girl Adventures

Bookmobile Visit to Homesteaders Mobile Home Community

“Nine children signed up for the summer reading program during our last visit to Homesteaders, a mobile home park located in the southern end of the county. When we arrived, we honked the horn and many children ran out of their houses excitedly to visit us. The kids really enjoyed the outdoor scavenger hunt where they had to look for ants, butterflies, spiderwebs, flowers, rocks, and leaves. They know very well that the Bookmobile is more than just books, it is fun and memories for a lifetime.” –contributed by Kandy de Martin

Young Homesteaders residents enjoy a scavenger hunt
during the June bookmobile visit

Adventure Academy at Hampton Park Library

"Today thirteen budding rocket engineers started the program off with a fun game of ‘Library Feud: Space Challenge.’ Contestants from each team came forward to hit the buzzer once they knew the answer to our space-themed questions. Participants had fun trying to beat each other to the buzzer, plus we learned some interesting facts along the way, which was a win for everyone all around! After sharing some information about different types of landers and discussing characteristics needed to design a safe, functional lander, I presented the challenge. Working in groups, attendees used cardboard, plastic, popsicle sticks, tape, bubble wrap, and other materials to engineer a lander that would protect an ‘eggstronaut’ (plastic egg) dropped from a ladder. We only had a few casualties, otherwise our ‘eggstronauts’ landed safely on the surface of our terrestrial planet (aka the meeting room floor). This was a super fun and easy program to do with lots of positive feedback from parents and participants. Our VolunTEENs even joined in the challenge, building alongside our young adventurers.” –hosted by LeAnne Craig

Building landers for "eggstronauts" at Adventure Academy

Pop Culture Game Night at Post Road Library

“Sometimes, it is difficult to get teens to come out of their shell but this group was ready to participate in some trivia. Most of the trivia was designed by our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) High School group in the spring using a program called Jeopardy Labs. They were excited about the musicals, Marvel, and movies categories most. Some of the attendees came together and those who did were quick to welcome the two who had come on their own which was so heartwarming to see. Since we got through both jeopardy games with 15 minutes to spare, I asked them extra trivia questions I'd saved. For prizes, I gave out extra buttons and stickers left over from previous programs, including some Marvel buttons from a previous Marvel-themed trivia. After the program, the attendees established they all went to Forsyth Central and wanted to keep chatting and hanging out.” –hosted by Erin Palmer