State Sen. Castro launches summer book club for kids

A summer book club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during their summer school break is being sponsored by state Sen. Cristina Castro.

“The club is a perfect opportunity to encourage young readers to explore the limitless possibilities reading offers,” Castro, D-Elgin, said in a news release.

Students are required to read eight books of their choice and record the book names on a form to be returned to Castro’s Elgin office at 164 E. Chicago St., Suite 201, by Friday, Aug. 15. Every child who completes the challenge will be given a gift card for ice cream.

To download and print the summer book club form or complete it online, go to SenatorCristinaCastro.com. For more information, call 847-214-8864.

Shredding event, donation drive at Elgin library

A free community shredding event and donation drive will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, in the downtown Elgin parking lot of the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

Secure and contactless shredding of paper materials will be provided, and small paper clips or staples do not need to be removed from documents, according to a news release. Documents will be taken until the shred truck is full.

Donations of food and toiletry items also will be collected to benefit the Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center in Elgin.

The event is hosted by state Rep. Anna Moeller and state Sen. Cristina Castro, both D-Elgin, and the KCT Credit Union

For more information, call 309-854-2526 or email Erin@dyandh.com.

Rakow Center holding preschool gym Saturdays

Dundee Township Park District is offering open gym time for preschoolers from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays through Aug. 2 at the Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville.

Designed for children from ages 9 months to 6, balls, slides, sporting goods, tunnels and play equipment will be available, according to the park district’s website. Parents must accompany their children at all times.

The drop-in fee is $5 for one child and $3 for each additional sibling. After 10 visits, the 11th visit is free with a punch card. The program will not be offered Saturday, July 5. For more information, call 847-428-7131.

— Staff Reports