Finding something to do in the summer for little to no cost can be a daunting and nearly impossible task.
However, libraries have one solution: free summer programming.
Both Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System and Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library System have programming for young children, teens and adults that are completely free.
“The program offerings for adults, teens, and children are very vast,” CLPLS Director Erin Busbea told The Dispatch in an email. “There are story times, craft programs, writing groups, just a huge variety of things going on. The schedule for June can be found on our Facebook page. … The July schedule will be released later this month.”
While both library systems offer programs for all ages, their most attended programs are for children. Busbea said depending on the event, attendance typically ranges from 50 to 200 children.
SOPLS Director Phillip Carter said the children’s summer reading program lands between 70 to 150 participants, but for events like the Tickled Pink Petting Zoo, attendance can range from 700 to 1,000.
Both credit the systems’ staffs for coordinating efforts and bringing the programs to life each summer.
“Summer reading (program) doesn’t happen without the amazing staff here,” Carter said. “… I am just here to make sure we can afford it and figure out what we can and can’t do. The staff come up with engaging programs to give to our patrons, themes, paint signs, blow up balloons, run interference to keep kids from stampeding our presenters.”
Lauren Townsend brought her two children, Wade and Noble Grace Townsend, to Tuesday’s program at the downtown Columbus branch where children listened to a book being read then created a chain of paper with compliments written on each paper link.
“We always enjoy coming to the library in the summertime,” Townsend said. “It gives the kids something to do, and it also encourages reading throughout the entire summer. This is the first one we’ve been to, but they love art so they were really interested in (the program).”
The funds for both systems’ programs comes from their respective Friends of the Library group, from fundraisers and grants the groups can apply for as a nonprofit. Carter said SOPLS spends about $10,000 to $15,000 a year on summer reading programs, reading incentives and performers.
Busbea and Carter said summer reading programs are important to combat the “summer slide,” which is when children lose some knowledge gained during the previous school year. Carter said the programs help kids stay involved in reading and learning all summer long while they’re not in school in an effort to prevent that regression.
“Summer programs are so important because they keep children invested in learning during the summer months by engaging them through various programs and story times,” Busbea said. “We have a reading challenge that is going from June 1 through July 31, and of course reading is strongly encouraged. We have a really cool app (Beanstack) that parents and caregivers can help the kids keep up with their reading throughout the summer, and they also can win little prizes along the way.”
Busbea said the June programs are at the downtown Columbus location and the Caledonia Public Library. July programs will take place at the downtown Columbus location, the Artesia Community Center and the Crawford Community Center. A full rundown of the programs and times can be found on the CLPLS Facebook.
Likewise SOPLS has programs at its various locations including the Starkville, Maben and Sturgis branches. The Starkville Public Library Facebook posts individual graphics for various events, and a full calendar of events for the summer has been posted.
Each library system has something happening nearly each day the branches are open throughout the summer, and it is all completely free to take part in.
“There is no cost for any participation,” Busbea said. “We want people to just show up and enjoy the program or event with zero expectations of purchasing anything or paying to get in.”
Business reporter Grant McLaughlin helped contribute to this story.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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