Local children have a blast during annual rocket launch
Annual event is part of Paso Robles Library’s Summer Reading Program
Ready for lift off! A family gets ready to launch a rocket together during the Paso Robles Library Rocket Launch event on July 18 in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Photo courtesy of Stan Tharp
Much to the delight of local children and their families, Paso Robles Library employees and volunteers hosted a rocket launch in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park on Saturday, July 18 as part of the 2015 Summer Reading Program. Last year’s event paved the way for another successful rocket launch, with preparations taking place earlier in the week as children created rockets using two liter soda bottles.
3-2-1 Blast off! Children participate in the Paso Robles Library’s annual Rocket Launch, part of the Summer Reading Program. Photo courtesy of Stan Tharp
“We had such a great response once again this year,” said Children’s Services Librarian Heather Stephenson, “with close to 150 rockets created at the Downtown City Library and the Library Study Center.”
With their soda bottle rockets ready, participants added water and, with bicycle pumps supplying air pressure launched their creations, with some rockets reaching heights of 60 feet. The Boy Scouts partnered with library staff to help make the event possible, according to Stephenson, bringing their expertise and launching pads, made from PVC piping.
Summer reading fun continues
With the Summer Reading Program well underway, more than 1,000 children, teens and adults have already joined the fun at the Paso Robles Library. The program, which started June 15, continues through August 15 and is free to the public.
Upcoming events for the summer reading program include:
• Tie Dye Day: Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 2-4 p.m. Participants (ages 10 through adult) are encouraged to bring something to tie dye and the library will provide the rest.
Children experiment with different amounts of air and water in their rockets to see which will make them soar the highest during the annual Rocket Launch. Photo courtesy of Stan Tharp
• Healthy Hero: Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Library Study Center and Friday, Aug. 7 at the Downtown Library. This program will offer kids a chance to learn about being personal heroes by making healthy choices; featuring a yoga session and the opportunity for kids to create their own healthy snack while learning important nutrition tips.
• Who Are the Heroes in Your Neighborhood? Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 3-5 p.m. Families are invited to this free program on 11th St. Ffirefighters, police officers, K-9 units, ambulance, Pacific Wildlife Care, the Estrella Warbirds and other community heroes will all be on hand to meet children and talk about what they do in our community.
• Family Movie Matinee: Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. Stop by the Paso Robles Library before this date to cast your vote for a favorite movie to be shown on that afternoon.
For more information on library programs and events, call 237-3870 or see www.prcity.com/library. The Paso Robles City Library is located at 1000 Spring St. and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Boy Scout leader Harley Voss gets help from son Erik as he demonstrates the launch technique to volunteers assisting with the Paso Robles Library’s second annual Rocket Launch in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. Photo courtesy of Stan Tharp
