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The following is from Dinah Harris, director of the Jackson-Madison County Library about this year’s Summer Reading Program:
“It is no surprise that the Summer Reading Program will look a little different this year. We were challenged to find a way to engage the community, especially children, while following safety guidelines regarding COVID-19. While it was difficult, we are proud of what we have created.
Our Summer Reading Program will run from June 1 through July 17. Patrons of all ages can participate in our challenges, which are geared toward encouraging literacy, for chances to win prize bundles. Challenges can be picked up at any time during the summer reading program, and completed challenges can be dropped off at either library location. The last day to turn in completed challenges for a chance to win will be July 17.
Children can look forward to Playdate in the Park and Legos at the Library. Playdate in the Park is intended for children from birth to five years old, and will take place at Conger Park every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. We will be able to create new library cards, and children may check out a book from the selection provided. It may be hot, so don’t forget sunscreen and a drink!
Legos at the Library is intended for children five to twelve years old and will be at the Main Library on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Pre-registration is required for this program. We will have Legos set out in the Program Center for participants to build and play.
We’ve been missing our teen patrons, and will be resuming Anime Club this summer on June 1, and will be meeting the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Ages for Anime Club are 13 to 18. Anime is shown via Crunchyroll, and all programs are rated G, PG, or PG-13 per myanimelist.com.
Teens (13+) and adults alike may enjoy a selection of horror movies shown outside in Rotary Park next to the Main Library. “Tails of Terror” features animal themed horror movies, including Tremors, Crawl, Cujo, and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds. These will be shown every other Friday evening at 7 p.m., with rain dates between. Please check our Summer Library Program Guide for specific dates and movie ratings. We will also provide lemonade for everyone in attendance.
For ages 8 and up, the library will also host an escape room based around the popular franchise Animal Crossing. Though these games are wildly popular with children, they also hold a special place in the hearts of many teens and adults. Groups of up to six may register for a time to participate in the escape room, which will challenge their reading skills, problem solving skills and teamwork. Patrons may call the library or register online for their time.
Crafts are always a big component of any Summer Reading Program, and we embraced that this year with some great take-home crafts kits! From Shrinky Dinks to pet rocks, pet toys to bee gardens, we will be providing weekly Take and Make bags to every participating household, as long as supplies hold out. Each family may take one new craft every Tuesday, which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also be sure to keep an eye on all of our social media, where we will be posting photo and video submission prompts.
We have all of this and more planned for the 2021 Summer Reading Program. We hope to see you all come in and participate as we continue to provide opportunities for learning and engagement for our community.
As always, we are very grateful to our Friends of the Library, who generously provide the library with the funds needed to make the Summer Reading Program possible each and every year! Thank you!”