ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
It is officially time for the annual summer reading program at Liberal Memorial Library, and as staff tells it, there will be a lot to do.
This year’s summer reading program theme is “Color Our World”. Sign-ups are currently taking place and the form is available at www.lmlibrary.org and on the Liberal Memorial Library Facebook page. This year’s program starts with a kickoff party at noon on June 2 and will end June 27. A full calendar of events can be found at https://tinyurl.com/3xmhuzft.
“There is always so much to be excited for with summer reading, but this year the performers and programs we have to offer are fantastic,” Liberal Memorial Library Director Royce Kitts said. “Staff has done an amazing job of decorating the library and putting the finishing touches on what most assuredly will be a fun month of summer reading.”
The program is open to all in the community. The children’s program is open to children ages 0-11 years old, and they can earn prizes by reading four, eight, and 12 hours. They must fill out and turn in a reading log by Saturday, June 28 to qualify to earn prizes, and for every 15 minutes read, color in one circle on the reading log. Participants who bring in their reading log in after 16 circles filled get a prize, and they’re eligible to earn other prizes for 32 filled circles and 48 circles.
With the teen program, it is open to children ages 12 to 17, and they read books in the categories listed on the reading log to color each square with corresponding color. Once they have reached number eight on the list, they can come to the library to pick up a prize. If they are unable attend one of these programs – Family Craft Day, Blacklight Paint, Polka Mike, Richard Penner, or the summer reading closing party with Mad Science – they can substitute reading a book of their choice instead. Upon finished coloring the mystery picture, they can turn in their sheet to receive a raffle ticket for a grand prize.
The adult program is open to adults ages 18 and up, and they can play the library’s Color Our World Bingo to receive prizes and raffle tickets for chances to win more prizes. Bingo sheets and raffle tickets must be turned in by Saturday, June 28 for chances to win prizes.
“The main reward is seeing the joy the performers bring to the kids who attend performances. After that it would be seeing the pride local businesses take in being a part of our program,” Kitts said. “It’s a fantastic way for a business to give back and be recognized as someone who supports the library. Summer reading is a fun way for kids to stay engaged with literature over the summer, and a fun way to add a little more zest to reading for our teens and adults.”
Kitts said there are particular benefits for children who participate in the summer reading activities.
“The importance of participation in summer reading for kids is mainly so they can continue to build on the reading skills the have learned the past year so that they are better prepared for the next year,” Kitts said. “The performers we have this year are time tested fun. You will most definitely see your kids having fun, and also bring out the joy within us all.”
Overall, however, the summer reading program is open to everyone, Kitts said.
“For adults, the summer reading program is a way to rediscover that love of reading,” Kitts said. “With prizes for all age groups and lots of exciting programs and performers, the library will offer a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy a fun, free family-oriented activity.”
Kitts added he hopes everyone has fun with this year’s summer reading activities.
“Our main expectation is that people have fun and enjoy the program. One of our goals this year is to narrow the gap between the number of people who sign up for summer reading and the number of people who complete the program,” Kitts said. “We encourage everyone to attend our summer reading kickoff, we will have 10 booths of games and activities, giveaways, hot dogs, and at 1 p.m., Dan Dan the Magic Man will take the stage. See everyone at your library!”
