Summer is on its way, and local libraries are gearing up to keep the community reading through it. For Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and Bryan Public Library in West Point, the next few months are going to be busy.
So what summer programs does each library have on the horizon? How are they encouraging children to read? And what other special events will be going on to make the summer fun?
What’s going on at the Columbus library this summer?
Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System Director Erin Busbea said she and her staff are also gearing up for a full summer.
“I for one am so excited about the Summer Library Program!” Busbea wrote in a text message to The Dispatch. “Library staff have worked so hard to create a summer schedule that is full of so many fun events for everyone! We have something for all ages.”
While Caledonia, Crawford and Artesia each have a slate of events and programs cued up for the summer, the season kicks off at the Columbus branch with a foam party and book swap from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. No book is necessary to participate in the book swap, which is a partnership with Friendly City Books.
After the kickoff, the system will bring eight performers to its Columbus location at 10 a.m. Tuesdays throughout June and July, starting with Colorful Creatures with Freedom Ranch on June 3. The only exception is the Dinosaur Experience, which is slated for 2 p.m. July 22.
Teen programs will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Columbus branch, including Anime and Manga Club and Dungeons and Dragons.
The Lowndes system will also be holding a summer reading challenge for children and teens, with the specifics available on the library’s website next week, Busbea said. Challenge booklets will also be available at the kickoff event, Busbea said.
Activities will also be available for adults throughout the summer, like Coffee and Crafts, Anime and Manga and more. There will also be a new adult book club, Books and Bites, beginning June 16 and meeting at the Columbus library’s meeting room at noon the third Monday of each month.
For more information and updates, visit lowndeslibrary.com/.
What’s going on at the Starkville library this summer?
Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library System Director Phillip Carter said summer reading at libraries throughout the county will be a lot more than just books.
“It’s a community celebration of learning and fun,” Carter wrote in an email to The Dispatch. “From live animal shows and amazing magicians to hands-on STEM activities, our programs help make reading come alive. It’s an exciting way to help kids avoid the summer slide in reading skills, stay engaged, and create joyful learning experiences right here in our hometown.”
While the Sturgis and Maben libraries each have their own events slated for the summer, the Starkville branch is hosting eight visiting children’s performers in June and July. Events kick off at 10 a.m. June 4 with the Tickled Pink Petting Zoo.
Other educational performances are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursdays throughout June and July, except Animal Tales of the Southeast, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. June 26.
The Starkville library is also hosting its weekly programs and storytimes for children, and a three-day food camp for children July 15-17, though online registration for the camp is required.
Children’s Librarian Loraine Walker said the library is also hoping to incentivize kids to read with a reward system, where every 15 minutes a child reads a book or has a book read to them, they can select a prize from a treasure chest.
Teen activities are also slated for 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A teen book club reading through the Gareth Hinds graphic novelisation of “The Odyssey” will also meet at 4 p.m. Thursdays. Finally, there will be Saturday activities on June 21 and July 12.
Teens will also have their own summer reading challenge, where they can win prizes for every book they read or challenge they complete, along with being entered for the chance to win a grand prize. Registration is available online at bit.ly/326teensrp.
Adult activities will be available throughout the summer, like the Common Threads Fiber Arts Club, the Silent Book Club, Writing Club and more.
For more information and updates, go to starkville.lib.ms.us/.
What’s going on at the library in West Point this summer?
Jayme Evans, youth services librarian for Bryan Public Library in West Point, which is part of the Tombigbee Regional Library System, said summer programs for children are also on the horizon for the month of June. There will be storytimes at 4 p.m. every Monday, except June 16, and a special performance or activity at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for the month.
Registration for the summer reading challenge for both children and teens is also currently available. A drawing for a grand prize will be held on June 26.
“We want everybody to come by and grab something to read this summer,” Evans said.
For more information, registration links and updates, follow Bryan Public Library on Facebook.
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