Ransom District Library

Ongoing Kid Programs

Elementary Kids: Read—Write—Dance
Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
April 10th - June 26th

We will continue this program in which kids aged 7 – 11 can come to the library to do some creative writing, hear good stories and poems read out loud, and stay active afterward with a little dance-time (dancing is optional, but encouraged). This past winter, our young participants wrote some awesome things, and maybe now the nice weather will let us write out doors!

Story Time
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15
April 11th – June 27th

Story Time fun will continue this spring on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Bring your child to sing songs, listen to stories, try creative movement, make a craft, and socialize. Mr. Joe, as always, will be playing his guitar.

Guitar Club
Youth & Beginners
Thursdays, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
April 12th – June 28th

Guitar Club has had enough participants that we will split it in two! The Thursday program will continue as it has, but will now be limited to elementary and middle-school aged kids (beginners of any age are also welcome, but should check with Joe). We will continue to learn the fundamentals of music reading, basic technique, and chord-style playing (and yes, Mom & Dad, it’s free!). Start time will continue to be informal—come when you can. Older and/or more experienced players, please see info on the opposite page for the new Guitar Jam version of the club.

Guitar Jam Club
Teens & Experienced
2nd and 4th Fridays
of each month, 3:00 – 4:30

Although Jam Club is listed as a teen program, any guitar player aged twelve and up is welcome to attend this program for intermediate and advanced guitar. We will talk theory (at least as it applies to the guitar), technique, and style, and put what we can into practice with some jam sessions. Come develop your rhythm and improvisation techniques, and get comfortable playing with other musicians.

Parachute Playtime
Fridays, 11:00-11:30 a.m.
April 13th – June 29th

Our weekly physical-activity program for 3-5 year-olds will continue, and maybe make the trip outside! Mr. Joe has learned that sometimes the parachute needs to go back in the box to make room for other fun, so figure on some toddler bowling, ball kicking, and throwing as well. We will also include a read-aloud at the start of the program.

Upcoming Events

Joe Reilly Concert - Sunday May 20^th @ 2:00 p.m.

“Joe Reilly is a singer, songwriter and environmental educator from Ann Arbor. His way of working with children is empowering, inspiring, and educational. Offering an interactive musical program for children and families that teaches ecology and environmental science through original songs, Joe makes learning fun for all ages!” (from Joe’s bio)

A Kalamazoo native, Joe has been delighting young and old listeners in our region for years. Come hear his wonderful act at the Ransom Library as part of our Sunday music series. Suitable for children of all ages. Learn more about Joe Reilly’s music and message at www.joereilly.org.

Summer Reading Kickoff with Magician Jeff Wawrzasczek - June 14^th

Get registered for Summer Reading (registration will actually begin after the half day of school on June 13^th) and enjoy some great magic! Magician Jeff Wawrzasczek will offer his legendary magic show in the late morning. His performance will involve the Summer Reading theme, “Dream Big, Read.” After a break for lunch, Jeff will provide a hands-on magic workshop for elementary school kids, and then one for teens and tweens. Participants will learn magic tricks with which they can surprise friends and family. This may be as close to Hogwarts as some of us ever get. Some young wizards may want to register for both workshops!

Here is the day’s schedule:

Magic Show 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Workshop for ages 6-12 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Workshop for ages 11-18 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

(Please register for the workshops by June 7^th– no registration necessary for the magic show)

Nature Center’s “Who Gives a Hoot” Live owl! - Monday, June 25 @ 2 p.m.

In keeping with the 2012 Summer Reading nighttime theme, Ransom Library welcomes the Nature Center and their owl program, “Who Gives a Hoot.” Nature Center professionals will discuss the habits and habitats of owls, which are nocturnal animals. This program will feature at least one real live owl to see! Appropriate for children, K – 9^th grade.