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We are blessed with two local library buildings in western Clark County. New Carlisle has its own library at 111 East Lake Avenue.
The Enon Branch Library is at 201 East Main Street, Enon. It is part of the much larger Clark County Public Library system, which does so much for the entire county.
I have always been impressed with how well these libraries cater to local interests and needs. And their summer event schedules just keep getting better.
While teachers and parents worry about young folks loosing reading, and learning skills over the summer break, our libraries are working hard on enriching local minds.
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In addition to the regular summer reading programs, some imaginative and creative events are being planned at these libraries for free.
Please check the websites to be sure that events have not been cancelled, or had times changed. Also events at the Enon Library sometimes repeat at another library in that system elsewhere in the county. Check the event schedule on the websites or Facebook page. The New Carlisle Public Library can be reached at (937) 845-3601 or NewCarlisleLibrary.org. Enon’s telephone number is (937) 864-2502 and website is ccplohio.org.
Visiting animals are big favorites every summer. Boonshoft Animals are visiting the Enon Branch Library on June 27 at 11 a.m. They always bring such fascinating animals. I remember meeting an opossum at this event a few years ago. It gave me a different perspective on those critters.
New Carlisle will host the P.T. Reptiles: Snakes Rock on June 22. I will not be near New Carlisle that day, but I’m sure there will be many kids who will happily take the place of this chicken.
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Petting zoos are indeed popular, but New Carlisle has scheduled a different sort of petting zoo featuring musical instruments. On June 25 at 6 p.m., after a bluegrass concert by Lafferty Lane, kids will be invited to touch fiddles, banjos, and other string instruments. Lafferty Lane is an all-girl bluegrass band from this area. The Springfield Symphony and Kinkaid’s Music will be letting kids touch and play musical instruments on July 6 at 1 p.m.
Harps will be the focus of a demo and hands on event at the Enon Branch Library on July 12 at 4 p.m. There will be three types of harps available for hands on exploring.
Who knows how many young folks will catch the musical bug and want to take some lessons?
Obviously music is a big part of summer programs at both libraries. Enon has a musical group called Shazzbots visiting on June 20. On July 11 the program is called Music Moves Me.
Zak Morgan, Grammy nominated children’s musician and songwriter, will be performing at the New Carlisle Public Library on June 22 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Songwriters Vaughn Welches & Jerry Gerace: In-The-Round will perform in the round on June 23 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
There are other events that have no musical connection, but they are too numerous to list.
Since my technical helper grew up and moved to Georgia, I’m looking forward to New Carlisle’s Tablet Help session on July 20 and August 17 at 1 p.m. Maybe they can help me with this iphone.
Not all the events are inside.
David McWhorter will lead a historical walking tour of New Carlisle beginning at 6 p.m. in the library parking lot. This tour will be repeated on Saturday June 23 at 4 p.m. Tours will include the Staley Hotel.
This is not a library sponsored event, but a walking tour of downtown Springfield for kids ages 9 – 12 years will be led by Kevin Rose on June 23. This begins at 10 a.m. at the Heritage Center at 117 South Fountain Avenue. All ages are welcome and registration is recommended.
However, don’t let yourself get side tracked on all the exciting events at the libraries. There are still thousands of books, magazines, recordings, DVDs, etc. available at our libraries in lovely air conditioned comfort.
This summer there is no reason for our brains to vegetate on lawn chairs or on the sofa binge watching television.
Feed your brains at our libraries and let them grow like your garden.
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