AROUND CHAPIN AND IRMO

Summer means more free time for relaxing, hobbies, and reading. Since books, are so important to a child’s education, here are a few steps to help your child learn to love reading. Be an example, and let them see you read, whether it be a magazine or a novel. Make sure books are in the house and spend reading to them. Let the kids chose the books they are interested in, and make regular trips to the library. The Irmo and Chapin libraries have programs to help you begin the learning and reading connection with your child.

USC Mascot Cocky will help the Chapin Library kick off its summer reading program May 31, 5-7 p.m. There will be face painting, balloon animals, rock painting, and food vendors in the parking lot.

The Irmo Library also kicks off its summer reading program with a party on Tuesday, June 5, 4-5 p.m.

Tim Sonefelt will have a Rockin’ Reading Revue with Larry the Duck, music, and puppets at the Chapin Library June 12 at 2 p.m. and at the Irmo Library June 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Congratulations to Bryce Myers of Chapin, who won the Palmetto Scribe Contest at Irmo Library, and to Caroline Dietrich, Aleeyah Housey, and Madeline Howard, who received certificates of recognition for their contest entries.

Now that school is out, it’s time to start planning for next year. If you are thinking about homeschooling, the S.C. Association of Independent Home Schools has a “Getting Started” workshop June 7 and June 19 at 7 p.m. at 613, St. Andrews Rd. Call 803-814-0353 for more information.

A bored child is not a happy child! The Ballentine Community Center is offering classes for kids this summer. Quilting and sewing classes are Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m. from June 5 through July 31. Cost is $20. Charcoal sketching and drawing classes cost $30 on Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00 p.m., beginning June 6. Deadline to register is June 1. Call Charlene at 781-2031.