Reading is fun for the entire family, and the Chandler Public Libraries offer a variety of programs to help foster a love for reading and learning.
Read to a Dog Program
Children are invited to practice reading with a new friend who is warm, friendly and a perfect listener. The Read to a Dog program connects young readers with a registered therapy dog.
Research has shown that reading to a dog relaxes children and allows them to feel more comfortable while reading. For children who struggle feeling nervous, judged or embarrassed while reading out loud, reading in front of a furry friend has been proven to promote a sense of calmness, joy and love of reading.
A Universe of Stories: Summer Reading Challenge
Although it started June 1, it’s not too late to take the Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme: A Universe of Stories, encourages everyone to be part of a fun, online, summer reading adventure. It easy to participate: Read 20 minutes a day, log your reading time online, complete challenges and attend library events to earn points and qualify for prizes. Library events are interactive, engaging and sure to inspire readers. Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.
A Universe of Stories: DIY-Watercolor Pinwheels | June 20
11 a.m. – noon | Chandler Hamilton Library, 3700 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, Arizona 85248
Create a beautiful summer pinwheel with watercolors. All supplies are provided, and the event is appropriate for ages 9-11. This event is supported by donations from the Friends of the Chandler Public Library.
A Universe of Stories: Nebula Light Boxes | June 20
1 -2:30 p.m. | Basha Library, 5990 S Val Vista Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85249
When a star explodes, it creates an amazing display of color in the night sky, visible as patch of luminous matter. This craft project will show you how to create a nebula light box to capture and play with light. You'll bend and loop materials so the slightest change of angles results in a display of light in your hands. Supported by the Maricopa County Library District.
A Universe of Stories: Weaving Galaxies | June 20
2 - 3 p.m. | Sunset Library, 4930 W Ray Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85226
Teens: Get out of the heat teens and come on down to the Chandler Sunset Library to weave the universe with professional artist Lisa Brethour. Lisa creates art as a means of creating a postcard to those around her-- a visual expression of their connection. Who knows, you might be an out-of-this-world artist. Supported by donations from the Friends of the Chandler Public Library.
A Universe of Stories: Dr. T-Rex Science | June 21
2 - 3 p.m. | Basha Library, 5990 S Val Vista Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85249
Do you have an interest in cool science projects? Come to the Basha Library and check out Dr. T-Rex's out-of-this-world experiments. You'll have a blast. Tickets are free of charge and will be available an hour before the program starts at the Information Desk. Tickets are limited for this program.
High Five Early Literacy and Learning Spaces
Each of the four Chandler Public Libraries provides spaces for parents and caregivers to bring their children (ages 0-5) to learn early literacy skills they will need to succeed in school. These new Early Literacy and Learning Spaces are part of the Library’s ongoing High Five reading program that helps parents develop teaching skills they can take home to foster an ongoing learning environment.
While all of the early literacy programs at Chandler Libraries are focused on the five early literacy practices -- read, play, write, sing and talk -- each of the High Five Spaces is uniquely designed and furnished.
Common design elements and amenities at the High Five Spaces include: bookshelves that are limited in height, making the reading materials more accessible to the children and making their movements move visible to the parents; softer floor surfaces that are more comfortable for pre-walkers; high-quality interactive elements that reinforce literacy lessons and that are placed at eye-level and within children’s reach; and computers with interactive learning games.