The Melody’s monthly playlist: Upcoming July events

“The Summer Slide” — where students return to school in the fall in a weaker academic position than they were before the summer break — has been of interest to educators since 1906, according to the Brookings Institution. One way of battling the dip is with summer reading programs, such as the one at Pines Regional Libraries (of which all Macon-Bibb public libraries are members of). 

In partnership with the national nonprofit Collaborative Summer Library Program, Pines Regional Libraries is attempting to spark a lifelong love of reading and all types of readers are welcome to crack open a book.

Slower readers don’t have to worry as the reading program doesn’t have a required number of books to finish, but rather an amount of time spent reading, said Melanie Guam, Washington Memorial Library’s Children’s Services Director.

“We have paper reading logs with stickers or a free app (Beanstack) to track reading minutes. For children, 12.5 hours of reading earns a halfway prize and 25 hours earns a book prize. We also have small weekly prizes for kids who show us [the librarians] their reading log once a week” she said. 

Kids can sign up all summer long and many grade schools have recommended summer reading lists available for readers who aren’t sure where to start. 

Teens and adults are also welcomed to join the summer reading program and are eligible to win reading prizes, too. 

Pines Regional Libraries have a reading goal of 4 million minutes. They currently have 1.6 million minutes. The program runs through Aug. 8. 

July 4-15: don’t miss events 

July is the pinnacle of summer with events like the Fourth of July, family reunions, barbeques and trips to Lake Tobesofkee. Summer memories are made in July so hit the town with a few of these local activities. 

First Friday

Friday, July 4

Times vary

Throughout downtown Macon

— July’s First Friday will feature FIFA watch parties at Ocmulgee Brewpub and right next door at Bearfoot Tavern. 

— McEachern Art Center will hold their Summer Georgia Artist Exhibition featuring works from artists Craig Coleman, Wendy Deschene, Reed Gallo, Jenni Horne, Hannah Mock, Isabel Neely, Meredith Ochoa and Jeff Schmuki. 

— The 567 Center for Renewals will have their Corks and Canvases event. 

— Local theme bar Switch, is deep into the 1990s lore with themed drinks, throwback decor and pizza bagels. 

— Not a drinker? Then Sweet Eleanor’s has you covered with their “Afterglow” parties on Friday and Saturday nights. This is a sober late night event with low lights, coffee, mocktails and small plates.

More information available on the First Friday Facebook page or at newtownmacon.com.

Sparks Over the Park 

Friday, July 4

Sandy Beach entrance: 6880 Moseley Dixon Road

Admission: $3 per person with children ages 6 and under free. 

What’s the fourth of July without fireworks at Lake Tobesofkee? Luckily we don’t have to find out this year since the tradition returns with its 29th Annual Sparks Over the Park event. 

Gates at all Lake Tobesofkee parks, including Claystone, Sandy Beach, and Arrowhead, will open at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy everything the lake has to offer, including swimming, boating, picnicking, disc golf and more. 

The Plum Tuckered band will perform live from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park.

The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. Sandy Beach offers the best view of the show, while visitors at Claystone should plan to watch from the west end of the beach for the best vantage point. Park gates will close at 8 p.m. for security purposes, so guests are encouraged to arrive early and plan accordingly.

Silent Book Club

Sunday, July 5

5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Rose Room Macon 378 Second S.

Make reading a less solitary affair with the Silent Book Club at the Rose Room downtown. Attendees can mingle with a drink at the bar from 5-5:30 p.m. The reading hour is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by an hour of book talk time to discuss what you’ve read and share a favorite book to lend to a stranger.

Summer You Pick

Friday, July 10

6:30-8 p.m.

1291 Allen Road

Admission: $35

Georgia can be unforgiving in the summer but it also can be beautiful. Experience a bit of that beauty in a sunset field of flowers while you spend the early evening choosing which flowers work best for your homemade bouquet at Field Cut Flowers,15 miles outside of downtown Macon. 

Participants receive a Field Cut Flowers cup where they can place their hand picked daisies, hydrangea blooms or dahlias. Farm appropriate footwear, hats, sunscreen, bug spray and water are recommended. 

Learn more at fieldcutflowers.com.