Libraries announce summer reading programs
Spiderman showed up to help with last year’s Summer Reading Program at Russellville Public Library. Other superheroes could make appearances at this year’s program, with the theme “Every Hero Has a Story.”
By Alison James for the FCT
alison.james@fct.wpengine.com
Summer is often thought of as a time for pool parties, backyard cookouts and family vacations, along with a break from school for local students. But for Franklin County librarians, summer is a time to encourage children to read.
Russellville Public Library will host its Summer Reading Program, made possible by a grant from Dollar General, beginning June 11 at 10:30 a.m. The program theme is “Every Hero Has a Story,” and it will last six weeks.
“Our focus is going to everyday heroes like doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, firefighters,” said RPL director Ashley Cummins.
Kicking off this summer’s sessions will be a special program by the McWane Science Center out of Birmingham, focusing on “superhero science,” and the last program of the summer will highlight superheroes.
Each week, however, will feature some kind of special attraction for participants – like the fire department bringing the firehouse.
“The kids really like the firehouse, but it also does a good job of teaching them fire safety,” Cummins said.
All ages are welcome to participate in the summer reading program, although Cummins said activities are probably geared toward elementary and middle school-aged children.
“In the summer is when we really get to have fun with the school-aged kids,” Cummins said. “It’s just good to keep them interested in education, and we like to make it fun … We always want to encourage them to read.”
Parents should plan to remain with the children for the duration of each summer reading session, every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Parents should register their children by June 5 – by calling, messaging on Facebook, emailing or stopping by the library – to ensure the library has enough food and all necessary supplies. The program will wrap up with a special awards ceremony.
In addition to the summer reading program, the library will also offer storytime Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. for 30 minutes to an hour. No sign-up is necessary. Other plans in the works include weekly board game days and a special “Harry Potter Fridays” program that will feature a movie, snack and trivia.
Cummins said she is also looking for library volunteers, as well as superhero cosplayers, to assist in library programs this summer.
Weatherford Public Library in Red Bay will also follow the national theme of “Every Hero Has a Story” for its summer reading program, which began yesterday at 10 a.m. and will run every Tuesday through June 23. Library director Linda Ezzell said parents may still sign their children up to participate through the rest of the program; stories and activities are open to children in third through sixth grade.
“Most of the kids have been used to reading, and we try to keep them in that realm … and not get slack on that,” Ezzell said. “It’s a fun thing too, but we encourage them to read as much as they can. We just want them to read for the enjoyment of it and learn to become a reader.”
WPL will also have a McWane Sciene Center program, in addition to other entertainment throughout the month.
Parents can call or go by to sign their children up, and they should plan to remain with younger children for the duration of the program each week.
To reach the Russellville Public Library, call 256-332-1535. To reach the Weatherford Public Library, call 256-356-9255.
