Design a Bookmark Contest

Borders and the National Book Festival want you to design a bookmark! Kids in grades K - 8 are invited to design a bookmark that conveys their love of reading. Entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian by July 31, 2010. The winning design will be distributed at the National Book Festival in September!

Tandem Tellers

The official kickoff to summer reading is Wednesday, June 30th. Join us at 10:30am in the lower level program room for a storytelling performance by the Tandem Tellers. Hear tales of the briny deep and watery world and sing and dance to the accordian like ancient seafarers.

No registration is required - just drop in! For more information visit the children's Desk or call 401-847-8720 ext. 204.

Tween Summer Reading Program

This summer, for the first time, the Newport Public Library will be offering special summer reading activities for Tweens (kids going into grades 5 & 6 in September). Tweens sign up to participate in the children's summer reading program and agree to read and log 6 books over the summer. They are invited to participate in the many activities we are offering for children but in addition to that, we will be offering special Friday afternoon activities from July 9 - August 13th. Activities include a craft program, science program, movie, computer workshop and two book discussions. We will celebrate the summer with a pizza party finale on August 19th. Admission to the party is available by attending at least 1 Friday afternoon event. All of the details of the Tween program are available online.

It's going to be lots of fun! See you this summer!

Kate Klise in Rhode Island!

Kate Klise, author of Regarding the Fountain and many, many other wonderful books, is coming to Rhode Island! She will be at the State House in Providence on Saturday, June 12th for the kickoff to the first ever Youth Reading Across Rhode Island (RARI)! Regarding the Fountain is the first Youth RARI book and libraries across the state will be hosting special events all year.

On Saturday the 12th those who attend will hear Kate Klise speak at 1pm and will receive a free copy of Regarding the Fountain. The event will also include a book sale and signing, balloon creations by Mr. Twister, a performance by Joe's Backyard Band and popcorn, ice cream and sandwich vendors.

The Newport Public Library will have a table at the state house so be sure and stop by and say hello! For more information about Youth RARI and the event at the state house check out the Youth RARI blog.

Those of you in book club will remember that we conducted a telephone interview with Kate Klise back in October when we read her fabulous book Dying to Meet You. She was absolutely wonderful and I think she is the perfect choice for our first ever Youth RARI.

Join us at the State House on June 12th for an amazing event!