As the days get longer and hotter, many parents look for programs to keep their children occupied while out of school.
However, options are limited when it comes to free programs across the Golden Triangle.
Both Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System and Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System will have free summer programming for all ages, but especially for children and teens.
With the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities,” both main libraries in each system are prepared to entertain children of all ages with an imagination-is-the-limit experience, according to CLPL children and teen librarian Tori Hopper.
“It’s such a widely held belief that libraries are just books, and that’s not the case anymore,” Hopper said. “It’s definitely not the case with our library, and we’re trying to provide educational opportunities for children of all ages, zero to 18, and provide them with new experiences. … Libraries are a place where you can come discover things, and it’s not just about reading. We’re really working on being a point of connection for just enrichment for building new skill sets, which all relates back to helping kids seek better opportunities for themselves and their communities. If they’re in a library, they’re not elsewhere doing other things and they’re learning new things in a safe, encouraging environment. We want everyone to feel like they are welcome here, and your imagination is the limit here.”
At the CLPLS main location in Columbus, there will be programming every Tuesday at 10 a.m., Mother Goose Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Wee Baby Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The Caledonia Public Library will also have special programs on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. To kick off the summer, there will be a foam party in the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library back parking lot Saturday at 10 a.m.
Aside from the programming, CLPL has a computer lab, a green screen and special computer for movie-making, podcasting microphones, an Xbox, a Nintendo Switch and a 3-D printer among other things. Hopper created a “fast pass” system for teens interested in checking out one of the gaming systems that allows teens to move up in the queue of people signed up to check out the technology.
Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System
The SOCPLS also has a computer lab available for anyone to use, and throughout the summer both the children’s librarian, Loraine Walker, and young adult librarian, Rachel Watson, have free programs for their patrons.
On Wednesday, Walker kicked off the summer with a free petting zoo that brought in over 1,000 people, and she expects decent-sized turnouts for her programs. Children can enjoy activities with Walker from Monday through Thursday each week through the months of June and July.
“I’m so excited for this year’s programs,” Walker said. “Each year we plan for the next summer because it’s such a big deal for us and for parents to bring their children. I try to have something for everyone, that way if someone isn’t interested in Legos, maybe they will be interested in art.”
Walker will hold her storytimes every Monday at 10 a.m., and art teachers from the Starkville Area Arts Council will give the children a hands-on art experience every Tuesday at 4 p.m. There will be Lego Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and STEAM Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Special guests will have programs nearly each week at 2 p.m., but one special program Walker looks forward to is Harry Potter night, which will be for anyone ages eight to 18.
“We wanted to have something for the older kids, so we scheduled this at 6 p.m.,” Walker said. “There’s going to be a guy from Tennessee coming to teach the kids magic but through science. There will be electricity that you can see, and I think that’s going to be a big hit. Everyone loves Harry Potter, so we figured it would be a great and fun night for children eight to 18.”
Young adult librarian Watson is excited to have teens in for fun activities nearly every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday always at 4 p.m., including Anime Club and a game night. There is a designated teen room in the library for children 13 to 18 to enjoy at all times, but especially during the meetings. There are three specific programs Watson is looking forward to the most this summer.
“I can’t wait for the final program we have planned,” Watson said. “It’s the ‘Nailed It!’ day, which is modeled after the Netflix show of the same name. There’s also a light-up angler craft we have that is with copper wire, and it’s going to be fun. In June, there will be a time where we make edible water bottles, and I’m so excited to try that out.”
Walker and Watson both emphasized that everything the library does is free of charge.
“We will never make the patrons pay to take part in one of our programs,” Walker said. “Art supplies, Legos, anything needed for a program here is provided by the library for all to enjoy, and we welcome everyone to come in.”
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