Libraries celebrate Valentine's Day

How do you love your library? Valentine's Day-oriented activities highlight the next few weeks of events at area libraries. From "Heart Strings" to Valentine origami to making your own cards, there are offerings for kids and families.

"Heart Strings" runs Feb. 2-14 at the East Millcreek Library, 2266 E. Evergreen Ave., and allows families to create a string of hearts that describe why they love their public library. Packets to create the strings are available at the library and the event includes prizes and a drawing.

Children of all ages can create their own valentines on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kearns Library, 5350 S. 4220 West. Materials are provided.

A demonstration on how to create a Valentine origami will be featured on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Tyler Library, 8041 S. Wood St. Register for the event by calling 944-7641.

Children can also make their own valentines at any Salt Lake City System library on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2-4 p.m. That includes the Main Library, Chapman, Day-Riverside, Foothill, Sprague and Sweet branches.

One other big upcoming library event is the celebration of Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday. Events will be held on Feb. 27-28 at the Main Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South, and at all city library locations on Feb. 28. There will be a theatrical performance, plus stories, games and crafts.

— Here are some library books suitable for sixth-grade reading levels:

• "The Westing Game," by Ellen Risking. The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of heirs who must first uncover how he died before they can claim an inheritance.

• "Invitation to the Game," by Monica Hughes. Some unemployed teens in the highly robotic society of the year 2154 resign themselves to a boring existence until the government invites them to play "The Game."

• "Spirit Quest," by Susan Sharpe. Aaron, 11, vacations off the coast of Washington and becomes friends with a young Indian boy who is preparing for his spirit quest.

• "Dangerous Ground," by Gloria Skurzynski. While taking one last driving tour of Wyoming before moving out of state, Angela, 11, accompanies her 78-year-old grandmother, whose strange behavior suggests she is losing her sanity while in Yellowstone National Park.

• "Sixth Grade Secrets," by Louis Sachar. A rival club has designs on the Pig City Club's box of secrets, which incites a feud among classmates.

— Here are some other upcoming library events: