If summer doldrums have set in with your kids, Catawba County Library System has the remedy. A slate of arts and crafts activities are scheduled this month to keep school-aged children engaged.

 “Be Creative @ the Library” Summer Reading program encourages youngsters to express themselves artistically and to keep reading.

Budding artists will learn to shellac a plaque at the Main Library this Thursday, July 9. April Green of the library staff will show how to attach pictures to wooden plaques, just like Mom and Dad did back in the day. Please re-register so there will be enough supplies for everyone. 

If you miss the Newton session, another is planned at 3 p.m. July 22 in Conover.

Performers from Sonya’s Dance Academy will show kids all the latest moves beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Southwest Branch. Other sessions are set for 3 p.m. July 15 at Conover, 4:30 p.m. July 15 at Claremont, 6:30 p.m. July 21 at St. Stephens and 3 p.m. July 23 in Maiden. A final session will be held at 4 p.m. June 30 in Newton.

Kids will learn how to decorate with seashells during a Beach Art session at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Southwest.

Youngsters will learn how to create a piggy bank from a bleach bottle at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 23, in Newton.

Tell a Tale sessions are scheduled July 29 at 3 p.m. in Conover and 4:30 p.m. in Claremont. Glenda Ramsey, a branch manager with the library system, will lead the storytelling sessions.

For a complete list of Summer Reading activities, contact any county library branch or log on to http://catawbacountync.gov/library and click on “events.”