Libraries plan summer reading programs
Pool parties, icy cold treats and vacations to faraway places are often the hallmarks of summertime, but there’s another opportunity for fun each year designed to combat the doldrums and keep summer exciting – as well as educational.
Russellville Public Library and the Weatherford Public Library in Red Bay will offer their annual summer reading programs, with sign-ups open now.
In Russellville, community members are encouraged to participate in the “Build a Better World,” summer reading program throughout the month of June. All ages, from newborns to senior citizens, are invited to come to the library and read for prizes, as well as to take part in special events offered throughout the summer.
RPL is expanding its program this year. In addition to the traditional activities for ages 4-11, the library will also host the Lap Baby (read to me) program for ages 0-3; a teen program; and additional special events for adults and seniors. All library programs are free to participate.
Library Director Ashley Cummins said she decide to expand summer programs after discussions with people in the community and after seeing how other libraries had organized teen and adult programs.
June 2 is the last day to register.
Lap Baby
Children from 0-3 are invited to the library for a special Story Hour each Wednesday in June, beginning at 10:30 a.m. “It’s a sing and read group,” Cummins explained. Volunteer readers will help bring the program to life.
Summer Reading Program
This program is the cornerstone of RPL’s summer offerings, open to ages 4-11. Children are invited to a special program each week at the library on Fridays at 1 p.m. Cummins said the library is in the process of involving local community members to help provide interactive programs that will engage children, like a ventriloquist/comedian for one session.
Teen Read
The Teen Group program at RPL will meet each Thursday in June, starting June 8. There will be prizes, snacks, craft time and more. Unique book-related art projects are in the plans, like blackout poetry. “We give them an old book and a black permanent marker pen, and they can black out lines, leaving only the words they want to use to make their poem,” said Cummins, who has seen the project done in other programs. “I just thought it was really fun. Something different.”
Adult Programs
The library is also offering adult programs each Tuesday in June at 1 p.m. Several guest speakers will present at the library, like historian Jim Phillips, June 6. “He’s coming to do a talk on D-Day and bringing a lot of things he has collected from the World War II era,” Cummins explained. “That should be a really good program.”
RPL’s “Build a Better World” teen summer library program is sponsored by the Friends of the Russellville Public Library and local businesses. The Russellville Public Library is located at 110 E. Lawrence St., in downtown Russellville. For more information call 256-332-1535.
In Red Bay, young readers will also be treated to the “Build A Better World” themed program, for kindergarten up to sixth graders. Library Director Linda Ezzell said Red Bay’s program will be offered every Tuesday from May 30 through June 27 at 10 a.m. Young readers will enjoy a variety of special programs and guests related to the theme.
For children younger than kindergarten age, a story hour will be held at the same time as the summer reading program.
Ezzell said the Weatherford Public Library program is typically attended by 60-70 children. People are invited to begin signing up starting May 22, but anyone who doesn’t sign up is still welcome to attend.
Weatherford Public Library is located at 307 4th Ave. S., in downtown Red Bay. For more information, call 256-356-9255.
