By Monica McClanahan –
OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Library invites the public to share in its celebration marking the seasonal end of three exciting library programs. The concluding Summer programs are Summer Reading for Children and Teens, Summer Art for Teens, and Summer Creative Writing for Teens.
All of these Summer programs will culminate on Wednesday, July 29, with a Grand Finale ceremony at the Oakhurst Community Center. The young participants in the four programs will be honored at a combined Awards Ceremony.
The library Summer Reading Programs were initiated in 2007 and continued through 2015. Originally the program included four-year-olds through fourth graders. The participants were motivated to read during the summer and, because of increased attendance and room capacity limits, the program was expanded to create a program for teens in grades 5 through 12.
At the end of each week, the children and teens turned in reading logs and received a new book and a coupon donated by one or more businesses in Oakhurst. Weekly prizes were awarded for the week’s reading minutes, and door prizes were awarded for program attendance.
On Wednesday, July 29, the 2015 Reading Program will conclude with first, second and third prizes being awarded in four age categories. Participants can look forward to a special award for the individual with the highest number of minutes over the six-week program. Additionally, each reader will be given the choice of one gift out of 40 gifts that were donated by the community.
The Summer Teen Art Program consisted of two sessions. During the month of June, local artist Charlene Rice taught three art classes, enlightening her students on ways to use mixed media on stretch canvas. Classes concentrated on the “Rhythm of Summer” and local landscapes were the predominate subjects as students focused on learning shapes, forms, concepts and styles.
During the month of July, professional animator and artist Eric Elliott taught teens from 6 to 12 grades various aspects of animation art. Eric’s career has focused on video games and he has taught 3-D Animation at Foothill College. His classes concentrated on drawing fundamentals, lighting, composition and drawing gestures.
In both of these free classes, thanks to a generous donor, the art supplies were included free of charge.
On July 29, students from both Art Programs will displaying their work at the Community Center and three pieces of art from each class will be awarded prizes.
Starting June 18, the Summer Writing Program welcomed local author Jennifer Moss, who taught a group of teens the art of Creative Writing. Over the course of six Thursdays, Jennifer encouraged her students to build interesting characters, guided them in writing an exciting opening and showed them how to create a fictional world.
Jennifer is a published author of four books and enjoys encouraging novice authors. At the Grand Finale, her students will receive a certificate of completion
Refreshments will be available at the Grand Finale ceremony and the public is encouraged to attend. The ceremony will be held at the Oakhurst Community Center located at 39800 Road 426B, and will begin at 10:00 a.m..
For more information contact the Library at (559) 683-4838 or visit Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library.
