Recap of Recaps: July 23–July 29

Submitted by Joanie Goforth

Here are a few recaps from some innovative and educational programs that took place systemwide between July 23–July 29. 

Tween Writing Camp at Cumming Library

Youth Specialist Holly Raus offered a new hour-and-a-half-long camp that spanned three consecutive days for kids ages 8–12 this summer. These types of camps and workshops, even when offered online, can cost hundreds of dollars, so we are pleased to be able to offer our patrons this kind of value. A total of 32 attendees learned everything from giving and receiving constructive feedback to how books get published, along with explorations of poetry, fiction genres, ‘fractured fairy tales,’ graphic novels and much more. Here are some of Holly’s highlights (click the links for a full run-down):

Day 1: “The first day of Writing Camp for Tweens got off to a fabulous start with great attendance and kids who were very enthusiastic about writing and participated in all discussions with insight.”

Day 2: “Editing can be painful. Even if you wrote the most beautiful sentence in the history of writing and it makes the angels sing, if it doesn't serve a purpose to your story, cut it out!”

Day 3: “Several writers shared their homework assignments aloud and they did a wonderful job of using their crazy tabloid newspaper headlines as prompts. One writer asked if they would receive a button if they attended, so I designed a ‘Writing Camp’ button. The wonderful VolunTEENs made them, and every attendee today received a button!" –hosted by Holly Raus

Book Spine Poet at Tween Writing Camp

Attendees used white boards to practice writing techniques at Tween Writing Camp

Science for Everyone with Michael Green at Hampton Park Library

"Michael Green aka The Science Machine came to the HP library today and wowed everyone with some amazing science tricks and experiments. I loved how he performed the 'trick' and then taught the science behind it. He kept both the kids' and the adults' attention throughout the program. He enlisted volunteers for almost every experiment and was so engaging with the audience. He taught some scientific vocabulary to our patrons and gave explanations for several amazing chemical reactions. We had so many wonderful compliments after the program from our participants.” –hosted by LeAnne Craig

Michael Green had the crowd's attention at Science for Everyone

A fun demonstration required an assistant at Science for Everyone

Bookmobile Visit and Storytime at Cumming City Center Kidz Day

“For this second visit to Cumming City Center’s Lou Sobh amphitheater, Kandy and I presented an ice cream themed storytime for Kidz Day. Families responded to the library's social media posts and came out to enjoy storytime, the bookmobile and inflatables provided by Cumming City Center. The kids were excited to learn some new songs and fingerplays about their favorite summer treat, but ultimately, it was Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream that held their rapt attention.The kids were delighted to be ‘sprayed’ by Skunk during a puppet show based on Night Animals by Gianna Marino. We closed with a conversation about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, letting parents know that the storytime books count towards that goal. We genuinely enjoyed the venue and look forward to providing more programming for them in the future.” –contributed by Katie LeDuc

Ice Cream story time at Cumming City Center Kidz Day

Cirque Du Todd at Post Road Library

“We had a sold-out show for our final performance of the summer. Everyone loved Todd and the room was filled with laughter and joy for the entire program. I especially love how he engages with the children who heckle him. He made a joke about being cheap and a heckler said, ‘How cheap are you?’ which earned a ton of laughs. Everyone who left said they had a great time.” –hosted by Sara Baggett Preston

Cirque du Todd enlists the help of a volunteer!

Fencing: The Art of Swordplay at Sharon Forks Library

"James Wallace with Dunwoody Fencing Club did an excellent job with this program. He explained the history and logistics of fencing, then introduced the equipment, scoring, footwork, and blade work through demonstrations. Then came the fun part! Patrons were able to practice the footwork and motion of the blade work they learned about through a series of drills and instruction. James was enthusiastic and encouraging, spending one-on-one time with each patron. James added plastic epees to the drills and patrons partnered up to put their knowledge into action, competing in matches! Patrons thanked me for hosting the program and explained how fun it was. Many patrons left wanting to continue practicing fencing.” –hosted by Lacey Wood

Competing with plastic epees at Fencing: The Art of Swordplay

Attendees learned proper form during Fencing: The Art of Swordplay