If you haven’t signed up for summer reading at Liberal Memorial Library, then pop into the library or apply online at our website (www.lmlibrary.org). We’ve already had hundreds of children sign up already. The goal is to get more kids signed up, more kids to complete the program and more total hours read than last year. We will still accept applications for a little while longer (and since the program is free and fun, you have no excuse not to sign up). One of the best parts of the summer reading program is the weekly sessions that we have. This year, we have six different groups – the wee ones, toddlers, preschoolers, grade 1 & 2, grade 3 & 4 and grade 5 & 6. Since the theme of the summer reading program is Fizz, Boom, Read, each of the weekly programs is going to be a lot of fun, because we are going to have science experiments, stories, crafts, music and other activities.
Last year we had worms as a mascot for the summer reading program. Kids had a great time digging through the newspaper bedding to find the worms cowering in the bottom of the box. This year we are having another mascot – since the theme of summer reading is a science theme, what better animal to have at the library than a monkey? Well, since I would probably be fired for ordering a real monkey on the library’s credit card, we are going to discover the scientific importance of sea monkeys. In the first weekly session (which is this coming week), each group is going to try their hand at growing sea monkeys. I’ve dug out the magnifying glass, so we should be able to see something almost instantly. The sea monkeys will stay in the library until the end of the summer reading program so that each week the kids can see them grow.
While you are at the weekly programs, make sure to check out a few books. Right across from the circulation desk, we have a lot of books from the American Library Association’s summer reading list on display. This list has some great books for kids of all ages – from story books to chapter books. We’ll keep replenishing the display with books that are favorites with kids. Don’t worry, there won’t be any boring books on display.
We also have some great special programs lined up for the beginning of the month. Professor Popcorn from K-State Extension is going to come on June 4th. We’ll have two groups – one at 2:00 and one at 2:30. This program is limited to 20 participants from grade one to six in each group and is going to be an exploration of food science.
One June 11th at 2:00 we have a science show – Fizz, Boom, Pop, Science Rocks. Kids (and adults) are going to see the exciting side of science and what happens when things get mixed together. It’ll be fun for all ages. It’s free and open to as many people as we can squeeze in the library!
If you don’t have a library card, now is the time to get one. Kids of any age can get a library card with their parent’s permission. To get a first card, mom or dad needs a photo ID and a piece of mail that was sent to them (like a utility bill) so that we can verify an address. The card will be mailed to you and then you are ready to start checking things out.
Don’t forget to start reading and logging those minutes once you sign up for summer reading. Set aside time each night to read. Turn off the TV for a half an hour, and read as a family. Mom and dad can set a good example by signing up for the adult summer reading program and completing a bingo over the course of the summer.
Check out our website (www.lmlibrary.org), call (626-0180) or come into the library to find out what is going on each week. It’s an exciting summer at Liberal Memorial Library as we plan to Fizz, Boom, Read!
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