TumbleBooks and TumbleReadables "eBooks for eKids"

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. They are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sounds, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book (and some classics) which you can read, or have read to you.

Tumblebooks are also available for viewing on the iPad. Check out the first batch of iPad-compatible TumbleBooks by signing into TumbleBookLibrary on your iPad and going to the Story Books section. Just below the "Story Books" heading, there is a link called "Click here for iPad-compatible titles". Click on this link, and the iPad books will be sorted for you. Next, simply click on the "iPad" button to launch the book of your choice. The book will appear in a small window at first. Click on the "full screen" button to expand it.

The creators of Tumblebooks have also created Tumblereadables, featuring elementary, middle school and young adult titles, as well as classics and graphic novels, and nearly 200 educational videos from National Geographic. Vineyard Haven Library has trial access to Tumblereadables for the summer, so please try them and let us know what you think.

Summer Reading for Kids, Teens, and "Grownups" at the Vineyard Haven Library

Registration for the Summer Reading Program at the Vineyard Haven Public Library begins June 25th, 2012. Children may visit the Children's Room at the library to sign up, log the books they read, and earn prizes including a T-shirt and gift certificates from local businesses. Teens ages 12 to 18 can register online. Teens who register online can visit the library circulation desk to claim a special prize, just for signing up

Special programs for children that are planned for the summer include a concert by Ellen Allard for ages 4 and up on Tuesday July 24th at 11am, and a performance by Marcus the Magician on Thursday, August 9th at 3:30. These events are made possible by a contribution from The Anderson Foundation. Other special guests planned for children's include author Jacqui Boulter, Joyce Maxner, Susie Bowman, storybook character Lilly, and Gus Ben David and his wild animals. Monday, July 9th will be MV Sharks day at the library. Details will be available at the library and on the library event calendar.

For the second year, the Vineyard Haven Library is offering a Summer Reading Program for “Grownups”. Adults who read a book a week (8 books July through August) will be eligible to win a gift certificate, books, and other prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Library. To participate, patrons may create an online account by visiting the library homepage. Patrons may log the books they read over the summer, write reviews, and register for prizes.

The summer reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Programs for children are supported by the Friends of the Library and are free for participants.