Fun Stuff for Kids
READ OUTSIDE THE LINES -- CHASING VERMEER
Activities especially for 4th, 5th and 6th graders!
It’s NOT memorizing sweet little poems about butterflies... though we will be reading poetry together. It’s about discovering different ways of looking at books and poetry… having fun while exploring literature and enjoying the creativity of words. "Read Outside the Lines" is a new series of programs revolving around great children's literature. The May series will be based on the award winning chapter book Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett.
Children in 4th through 6th grade can join the fun by delving deeper into a good book while increasing reading power. NOTE: It is not required to read Chasing Vermeer in order to enjoy these activities. And as an added bonus, every child who attends 3 or more programs will get a FREE copy of the book. Check out these great programs:
May 2 at 3:45 pm
Artist Jan Vermeer in his Studio
Picasso said "Art is a lie, but a lie that tells the truth."
Study and discuss Vermeer paintings with local art teacher Kim Zeiger. Then get the feel of Vermeer’s style when you color and paint one of his last paintings (to be displayed at the library or to take home).
May 9 at 3:45 pm
Map Making and Geography Games
Trace the route Petra and Calder follow during their hunt for the painting...
Then create your own treasure map (of the library? Or Pioneer Park, like the Hyde Park neighborhood in which Chasing Vermeer takes place?) and a treasure box.
May 16 at 3:45 pm
Anagrams and Other Word Games
Calder rearranges the letters in words to help solve puzzles.
We will get creative with letters and words. Here’s your first clue: A DEAR LEAN PET
May 23 at 3:45 pm
Pentominoes
Why did Calder always carry pentominoes in his pocket?
Make your own pentominoes and challenge your brain to invent a secret code of your own. Then, see if you can fit the pieces together– it’s harder than it looks!
May 30 at 3:45 pm
Hidden Messages and Secret Codes
Petra and Calder are challenged to solve the mystery of a missing painting by figuring out hidden clues and decoding secret messages.
You can have fun with codes and ciphers, too.
No registration required for these FREE library programs. Click here for a copy of the May 2013 Read Outside the Lines series flyer. If you are looking for more great books similar to Chasing Vermeer, then take a look at our special booklist compiled by Miss Bonnie.
Rock 'n' Read-- Stories that ROCK!
On May 11th from 1 to 5, kids of all ages are invited to come hear a favorite story or discover a new one as local "people of a certain vintage" unleash the power of age. May is Older Americans Month, but forget the rocking chair, these folks all have stories to share!
SUMMER READING FOR KIDS

The 2013 summer reading program will start June 17th and will end August 17th. Registration will begin June 1. Look for more details to come soon!
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Storytimes
The Winter-Spring session of storytime has come to an end. Our librarians are taking a break as we prepare for summer and start to visit all of the schools in Puyallup to promote Summer Reading. The
Summer Storytime session will begin June 21. For more information about storytimes
click here.
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Reading with a Doggie Friend
Bruiser the French mastiff, Pepper the mixed-breed, Coach the Lab, and Clover the Dalmatian love to listen to a good book! These trained therapy dogs visit the Library on a regular basis and provides kids with a no-pressure situation to practice their reading skills. Plus, who doesn't love curling up with a good book and a sweet dog who loves to listen? And don't worry if you make a mistake or say a word wrong, these dogs are just happy to see you.
WINTER/SPRING THERAPY DOG DATES (pdf):
Pepper: Tuesday, May 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Bruiser: Friday, May 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Clover: Saturday, May 11 from 2 to 3 pm
Coach: Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 2 pm
Pepper: Tuesday, May 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm