ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Summer will officially be here in a couple weeks and for many young people, the extra free time can mean more time spent at the library.
This year’s summer reading program at Liberal Memorial Library will begin Monday, June 3 with a kickoff party from 12 to 4 p.m. As Director Royce Kitts tells it, there is a lot to be excited about for this summer’s activities.
“This year's summer reading program is big on entertainment. The library will feature an average of two performers a week throughout the six week program, so there will definitely be a lot for people,” Kitts said. “The best part is the joy and happiness the events bring to the kids in our community. This is possible through the grants and donations we receive from people and groups in the community.”
The slate of entertainers includes Mad Science at 2 p.m. June 3; Jay and Leslie, Laughing Matters at 2 p.m. June 6; Dan Dan the Magic Man at 1 p.m. June 11; Pint Size Polkas with Mike at 1 p.m. June 13; PBS Storytimes for Children at 11 a.m. June 18; Aaron Fowler at 2 p.m. June 20; Richard Penner – Circus Arts at 2 p.m. June 27; Jefferson Knapp at 1 p.m. July 1; Llamas at the library at 10 a.m. July 3; and Thad Beach at 1 p.m. July 9.
Sign-ups for summer reading can take place in person at the kickoff event June 3, or online at www.lmlibrary.org, and Kitts said he hopes to have a lot of participation for this summer.
“Summer Reading is a great way for kids to stay engaged with their reading skills. 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. The children benefit in participating in the summer reading program by reinforcing the learning that takes place during the school year. We say this every year, but participating in summer reading will help prevent that 'summer slide.' Studies have shown if children keep up with their reading throughout the summer, they have an easier time going back to school when it starts back up, so the summer reading program is a tool to help bridge the gap from one school year to the next. Not only that, but the performers we have lined up for this year represent a nice mix of performers new to our library, and some crowd favorites. New for this year will be the addition of more storytellers and the circus arts performers. I also really enjoy how we get a bunch of different people in the library. We get teachers in here who didn't have time to browse during the school year, we get newcomers to town who are introduced to the library, and we get a bunch of children who are excited.”
Like every year, Kitts said he expects the staff to remain plenty busy during this year’s summer reading program.
“We expect it to be busy. As always, show up early to get a good seat,” Kitts said. “I love seeing all the children come out and be so excited about everything. A couple years ago, when the llama display was here, we had roughly 400 people show up, and the majority of them were children, and it was amazing to see them so enamored with these llamas. And since they’ll be coming back, I hope we see that again.”
Overall, Kitts said, the summer reading program should be a good time for everyone.
“Sign-ups start June 3 at the kick-off party and the summer will be filled with entertainment and games for everyone, so if there's something that might not quite fit what you're looking for, keep checking on our calendar because there's bound to be something that will spark your interest,” Kitts said.
