Randolph libraries dive into ocean-themed summer reading initiative

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

ASHEBORO – Dive into “Oceans of Possibilities during a deep-blue themed summer reading adventure for children, with over 100 performances, storytimes, hands-on activities and other events in June and July among the libraries in Asheboro, Archdale, Franklinville, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman and Seagrove.

Teens can join in too, and adults will have opportunities to enhance their reading experiences with speakers, book clubs and more. Most events this summer will be in-person, although some will be virtual.

Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet

Visit www.randolphlibrary.org/summer for all the details, or contact your local library.

“Library summer reading initiatives offer children and teens a no-pressure way to stay engaged with learning while out of school so they are less likely to experience a ‘summer slide’ when they return in the fall,” says Library Director Ross Holt.

In addition to all the activities, children and teens can report minutes or numbers of books read to their local library for rewards and prizes, including an Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablet at each library, provided by the Friends of the Library.

The Friends also are sponsoring a virtual performance each month available at all libraries and on library Facebook pages. During the week of June 20-25, Grammy-winning, internationally-touring, purple-tuxedo-wearing family fun phenomenon Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will host a rhyme writing workshop, offering kids a chance to write and perform their own rhymes.

Parents Choice Award-winning duo Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet will appear via library Facebook pages during the week of July 11-15, inviting audiences to sing, dance and learn Spanish and English in a joyful blend of cultures, in “Being Bilingual Rocks.”

In-person performers include Caleb Sigmon as Blackbeard the Pirate in Asheboro and family-friendly rock ‘n’ rollers Big Bang Boom at Randleman.

Also appearing at Randleman will be he Amazing Teacher Steve Somers and magical storyteller Mark Daniel. The North Carolina Zoo and Wild Tails NC will bring live animal ambassadors to several libraries.

Asheboro will host the Shepherd Shakespeare Company with a kid-friendly version of The Tempest, and shadow puppeteer Matt Sandbank. All libraries also will offer an array of storytimes, craft activities, STEAM events and more, and the Mobile Library will be on the move around the county.

For further information, contact the Asheboro Children’s Room at 336-318-6804, or your local library.

Appearances by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Alina Celeste & Mi Amigo Hamlet receive support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.