Last night we hosted the annual GCPL volunteer dinner, and it was so nice to see everyone come together and enjoy each other’s company. We want to give another gracious thanks to all the library volunteers and acknowledge the wonderful work they do for the library and their Greene County Community!
If you’re interested in volunteering at your library, you can learn more at our site or by asking your librarian today!
Encouraging a child’s love for reading can and should start as early as birth according to Dolly Parton. The Imagination Library sends a new storybook right to your door each month free of charge in the hopes to inspire reading at a young age. While early literacy has a lot of technical benefits from early comprehension skills to kindergarten readiness, reading with your kids can also be a great way to spend quality time together as a family.
Greene County mom Sarah shared that her daughter Anna has recently graduated from the Imagination Library but says her family is forever impacted for the better. Anna still benefits from the program as she continues to show interest in reading and learning new things.
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I recently read the quote “Once you can read, you can learn anything,” from the book Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Has this been true for your child since enrolling in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
We have always read to Anna, and I believe this quote rings true. I do think reading to children is important in developing early literacy skills and to instill interest in reading. I know for Anna, reading has helped expand her imagination and develop her vocabulary. The Imagination Library makes reading exciting because you get a new “Dolly book” every month. It’s like getting a present in the mail!
Do you have any “new book rituals”? Things you do each time your child gets a book in the mail?
Sadly, we received our last book already, back in May. When we were receiving books, Anna was just excited to get something in the mail. You know, the books were addressed to her, and it made a big difference! Of course, we would read the new book at bedtime. Even after our time in the Imagination Library, my daughter still gets excited to find and read new books!
Does your child have a favorite book and what about it stands out to them?
Her favorite book switches from week to week. She honestly just loves to read new stories, which is fun for our family to do together! I think she loves the unique voices we do for characters in the story. The Imagination Library helped us create reading rituals that we will continue to do.
What encouraging words would you give to a parent whose child is not enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Why should they join?
You should definitely join! Children love getting new books in the mail, and it helps add variety to bedtime reading. You may get an awesome book that your child loves that you might otherwise have never known it existed! Participation in the Imagination Library proved to be a wonderful bonding experience for our whole family, and I recommend it to everyone.
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Help your child discover the wonderful world of reading and sign them up for The Imagination Library today at https://greenelibrary.info/imaginationlibrary/
The Imagination Library in Greene County is supported through The Greene County Public Library Foundation, hosting their annual fundraiser on October 4. Visit the their website to learn more about this and other ways you can help support childhood literacy in our community.
Enjoy a storytime from Cameron at the Bookmobile and his trusty bookmo spider George!
Enjoy This Beach is Loud, and learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Greene County at https://www.greenelibraryfoundation.org
Curiosity and reading often go hand in hand; when you find a new interest that you want to learn more about, what do you often do first? Read about it. Whether it’s an online article or a book you find at your community library, reading can open the door to a new world with all the cool things you want to discover. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends young children a free storybook each month in hopes of inspiring them to be lifelong readers and learners.
Greene County mom Brhi says her daughter Paisley is curious like most children and loves to learn new things. So, you can only imagine the excitement Paisley feels when a brand-new Imagination Library book shows up in the mail, and she gets to embrace her curiosity with a new story.
Brhi shared why she loves the Imagination Library and how she has watched Paisley grow because of the program.
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I recently read the quote “Once you can read, you can learn anything,” from the book Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Has this quote been true in your household, and if so, what have you noticed about your child’s literacy development since you started reading with them?
This is absolutely an accurate quote. Being able to look something up in a book or even online, has helped feed my daughter’s curiosity about things like sea life, beehives, how water towers work, and Australia to name a few. Not only can we learn anything, but her Dolly books also spark her imagination! It opens up the whole world to her.
My daughter’s literacy development has accelerated quickly, and I believe it is a result of being read to at a young age. She “reads” her own books and can figure out the story, or at least the one that she believes should happen, by looking at the pictures. My favorite part is when she inflects her voice and changes it for different characters. She displays the same antics that her father and I perform when reading her books to her.
Do you have any “new book rituals”? Things you do each time your child gets a book in the mail?
We check the mailbox each day and know around when Dolly will be sending us a book. It’s a very exciting day when one arrives. I usually announce, “DOLLY SENT US ANOTHER BOOK!” My daughter rips the plastic off as if it is a present she’s been waiting for all year from Santa. We hustle into the house, do dinner and bath time, then head to our loft to snuggle on the couch under a pile of pink blankets and read the new story. It is a comforting ritual and will forever be memories I cherish.
Does your child have a favorite book and what about it stands out to them?
Paisley’s favorite book Dolly has sent us is still ‘Squeak!’ by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, which we received almost 2 years ago! She particularly likes that her dad reads it and does all the sound effects. It’s a wonderful read! She is also partial to a book called ‘Sweet Pea’ by Shelly Coberly. She loves this book because she believes it is titled after. It’s a wonderful book that is short and rhythmic. We all know it by heart after reading it to her for the last 4+ years!
What encouraging words would you give to a parent whose child is not enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Why should they join?
Enrolling in Dolly’s Imagination Library is one of the most special, yet effortless things we can do as parents to help ensure our children are receiving age-appropriate books with life-lesson teaching stories. It has created many special moments in our life and it’s FREE! Books are automatically mailed to you each month after you sign up. You can’t find a more valuable program than that!
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Help your child discover the wonderful world of reading and sign them up for The Imagination Library today at https://greenelibrary.info/imaginationlibrary/
The Imagination Library in Greene County is supported through The Greene County Public Library Foundation, hosting their annual fundraiser on October 4. Visit the their website to learn more about this and other ways you can help support childhood literacy in our community.
Whether it was Curious George, Stellaluna, or The Lorax, these stories stay with us well into our adult lives as fond memories from childhood.
Not only does reading with your child provide these bonding experience but it also helps to improve your child’s literacy skills and overall love of reading. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives our youngest readers the chance to have their future favorite storybooks mailed right to their door for free!
Elizabeth signed her son Richard up for the Imagination Library and says he gets so excited to receive his new “Dolly book” every month. Elizabeth shared her family’s experience with the program and what makes it so beneficial.
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I recently read the quote “Once you can read, you can learn anything,” from the book Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Has this quote been true in your household, and if so, what have you noticed about your child’s development since you started reading with them?
This is very true! I have noticed how vast my son’s vocabulary is since we started reading together. He really enjoys learning new words and reading new stories.
Do you have any “new book rituals”? Things you do each time your child gets a book in the mail?
Yes! Each time he receives a new book from “Miss Dolly,” we sit down in our recliner chair and read. I always ask him before reading what he thinks the book will be about based off the title and the image on the cover.
Does your child have a favorite book and what about it stands out to them?
His favorite book from the Imagination Library is “Daniel’s Good Day,” and we read it once a week. He loves the illustrations and story. His other favorites are any of the Bernstain Bears books. He loves the colors and stories. 
What encouraging words would you give to a parent whose child is not enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Why should they join?
I would encourage every parent to enroll their children in the imagination library because I have seen the joy and educational benefits it brings my son. It’s so wonderful to get a new book each month in the mail to read and share with your children. We’re very grateful to Dolly Parton and The Imagination Library in Greene County!
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Help your child discover the wonderful world of reading and sign them up for The Imagination Library today at https://greenelibrary.info/imaginationlibrary/
The Imagination Library in Greene County is supported through The Greene County Public Library Foundation, hosting their annual fundraiser on October 4. Visit the their website to learn more about this and other ways you can help support childhood literacy in our community.
Have you ever wanted to see live sea creatures at the library? Learn about ocean conservation with Newport Aquarium’s WAVE Foundation while getting up close and personal with live sting rays, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and so much more.
I had the opportunity to discuss why it’s important for kids to learn about aquatic animals and their ecosystems with Erin Shultz, WAVE’s Education Manager.
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Can you tell us a little bit about the WAVE Foundation and its mission?
WAVE Foundation is a nonprofit partner of Newport Aquarium, and we get to extend the footprint of our impact out into the community. Our mission is to excite, engage, and educate our community about the wonders of aquatic life and the importance of conservation. We do this through educational outreach programs to schools, libraries, and other community centers. We also host volunteers at the Aquarium and facilitate conservation action projects in our local community and around the world.
This year’s summer reading theme is Oceans of Possibilities; what would you like kids & teens to take away from your programs when it comes to ocean life conservation?
Conservation is a global effort. We may not be able to see marine life from Ohio or Kentucky, but our actions every day impact our local ecosystems, and the global ecosystem as a whole. Every time you use a reusable item instead of single-use plastic, that is beneficial. Each piece of trash you pick up, and every time you talk to a friend about conservation; you make a positive difference for our environment. Even small acts are important to the global effort!
What should our patrons expect from your tide pool, shark cart, and ray cart experiences? What should they know going in?
Ask questions! Kids, teens, adults, EVERYONE! We have loads to share about all the animals we are bringing, but our main goal is to support your curiosity and help you explore. You will get a chance to see the animals up close to truly understand their incredible survival skills and connect this to our support of conservation every day.
What’s your favorite part about doing these presentations for kids & teens?
This is truly my favorite part about my job. I love to help community members learn about animals they may have never even heard of before, and certainly never dreamed of being up close with. Animals that live in the ocean have unique adaptations to support this survival and sharing these incredible stories is what I love most. So, bring your curiosity, engage fully, and we will be sure to have a great time this summer!
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Don’t miss the Newport Aquariums WAVE Foundation and their amazing aquatic animals at your community library this August!
August 2 – Xenia Community Library
August 5 – Bellbrook Community Library
Aug 11 – Beavercreek Community Library
Over the years, Kathryn Dowell and her family have frequented the Beavercreek Community Library and taken part in lots of storytimes, crafty programs, and the annual Summer Reading Club. Kathryn’s three children, Indigo (11yrs), Iona (9yrs), and Idris (6yrs), love the Beavercreek library, or as they call it “The Mr. Tim Library,” and they’re passionate writing club goers as well as voracious readers!
Kathryn discussed how Summer Reading Club brightens her family’s experience during the warmer months and how fun it is to participate together.
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How long have you and your family participated in Summer Reading Club at GCPL, and what made you want to start?
Too many years to count. We always love Library programming! I scour the program catalog for the many offerings.
As a parent, what would you say the benefits of participating in Summer Reading Club as a family are? What do your kids think the most fun parts of Summer Reading Club are?
As a parent, I’m happy to say that my kids are very motivated readers. During Summer Reading they are reading books IN the Library before we even leave. My kids say they are happy to be rewarded for what they love to do; READ!
What does your family enjoy most about Summer Reading Club?
We love the themed programming. From Jeri at Fairborn and their Sew Much Fun projects to blacklight painting at Xenia, we enjoy all the creative ways the library makes the theme fun.
Because of COVID, the past two years of Summer Reading Club have looked a little different. This year it looks like things are on their way of going back to “normal.” What are you most looking forward to for Summer Reading Club ‘22?
I appreciate how the libraries and staff continue to support our family with virtual offerings, make and take bags or extra space in programming.
I know you and your family are avid library-goers. What would you tell someone or another family that may on the fence about visiting the library or joining the Summer Reading Club?
It’s only great things! With programming for all ages and interests, there is fun for everyone and their levels of comfort.
What’s one of your favorite memories from Summer Reading Club that you have with your family?
We love the Wave foundation visiting with their animals. We appreciate Peace Lutheran allowing their space. We’re excited that the WAVE Foundation will be at a few GCPL locations in August; we’ll definitely be there!
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Summer Reading Club is more than a library program; it’s an experience you get to have with your family. At the library we strive to foster a sense belonging and provide a space for you and your loved ones to hang out and bond over your favorite stories and fun activities.
The summer fun isn’t over yet! Summer Reading Club runs through July, and there’s still time to track your reading and win prizes. Your library also has tons of family-friendly activities, including visits from Newport Aquarium’s WAVE Foundation in August.
This summer, read as a family and maximize your fun at the library! Learn more at greenelibrary.info/src.
Mark Wood is a Summer Reading Club favorite, and he’s back again this year with a brand new sea-themed fun show! Now a full-time entertainer, Mark started his show business career in the third grade and taught himself magic from books he borrowed from his local 
library. For the past 40 years, Mark has entertained library patrons during the summer months with his fantastic fun shows.
I had the pleasure of discussing Mark’s new show and what he loves about entertaining our youngest library-goers.
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What made you want to start the Mark Wood Show?
I saw a magician perform at my elementary school when I was 8 years old, so I started doing magic tricks I learned from books at the Jackson City Library and then performed shows at various events in southeast Ohio. I never stopped doing magic, so I have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years.
What’s your favorite part of performing for kids/families?
My favorite part of entertaining audiences is watching the reaction on the children and adults faces when they enjoy what I am doing.
Having performed at libraries in the past, what do you love about the Summer Reading Program and how do your shows incorporate the yearly theme?
I always incorporate the library reading theme in all my summer programs. I believe it is so important to encourage the young audiences to read books and see how much they can learn about everything by just reading! All the fun things the librarians do for the summer reading really helps draw in new patrons and keeps everyone interested!
We’re so excited to have you back at GCPL! What do you hope our patron’s get out of your Silly Sea Adventures Show?
My 2022 reading show “Silly Sea Adventures” is full of comedy, magic, and lots of audience participation. I hope everyone can come see my exciting program. I have performed at many of the libraries in Greene County and always look forward to returning!
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Don’t miss Mark Wood’s Silly Sea Adventures on July 5th at the Fairborn Community Library and July 6th a the Yellow Springs Community Library!
Join the Cooking Caravan for creative culinary experiences at GCPL this summer! The Caravan is a group of chefs, artists, actors, and musicians devoted to enriching health and feeding artistic hunger.
I had the chance to discuss some of the culinary programs with the Caravan’s Artistic Director John.
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GCPL is excited to host a number of your Chef Battle programs! What’s the most fun part – for Caravan staff and the audience alike – of these performances and why?
First of all, we are excited to perform our Chef Battles at several Greene County community libraries this summer! The most exciting part of our Chef Battle is that we have no idea what the outcome will be. We show up with ingredients, tools, and chefs. Zero recipes, zero concepts. A few audience members are picked as sous chefs and we make something up. There’s so much fun to be had when making things up as you go along.
On your website, your mission states you feel it’s your duty to inspire and illuminate the minds of tomorrow; what is the overall message you wish you wish kids & teens to take away from a Cooking Caravan performance?
“What’s in the fridge is what’s for dinner?” We advocate to work with what you have. Whether it’s ingredients or instruments, our job is to give our participants an experience that challenges them and inspires them to continue creating. There’s also a more practical application, though. Cooking is a basic skill that every human needs to know and explore at some level. If we can open your mind to even one new ingredient, our mission is accomplished.
What should our patrons expect from your Chef Battle experiences? What should they know going in?
They should expect a healthy amount of braggadocio and shenanigans. Our environment is stripped down, but the personalities are BIG. Our chefs’ main skill is their ability to unlock the ideas of their sous chefs. The sous chefs ultimately decide what to do with the ingredients, and the chefs are there to teach the fundamentals, handle any complicated or dangerous skills, and guide the experience. There is also an announcer that keeps the most important member of the team engaged: the audience (who are also the judges)!
Anything else you wish to share with our patrons?
Our Chef Battle produces bite-sized portions for the audience to sample and judge. One chef/sous chef team will walk away victorious, but everyone will walk away entertained. We only use whole produce, seeds, oils, herbs, and spices, and sometimes grains. There is never any meat, nuts, or dairy in the ingredients. There aren’t any heated elements in the battle; it’s just raw food, simple techniques, plating, and presentation. We can’t wait to see you all this summer!
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Don’t miss the Cooking Caravan at these GCPL Community Libraries:
June 27 – Fairborn
June 28 – Yellow Springs & Xenia
July 12 – Beavercreek