With the temps getting higher and school officially out all over the county, local libraries have launched their summer reading programs. This year, a few have expanded, opening their programs up to readers of all ages.
Most libraries are taking part in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries’ (ODL) “Unearth a Story,” which is a dinosaur-themed program for all ages that involves books, hands-on activities, family events, workshops and reading challenges, according to the ODL’s website.
Stroud Public Library has a long list of programs available this year, one of which is Unearth a Story. The program kicked off on May 28 and runs on June 4, 11, 18 and July 4. Tiny Tots will run at 11 a.m. with K-5th Grade from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and the new All Ages group at 6 p.m. The library asks that participants in the Tiny Tots and elementary school classes register first on the library’s website.
The teens and adults program is new this year.
“The OK Dept. of Libraries encourages summer reading programs for all ages and our library board hadbeenwantingtoexpand programming for some time now,” said Librarian Lisa Hoover. “This year we have an artist-in-residence, Marilyn Hudson, who is offering monthly family storytelling sessions and teen/adult crafting sessions during summer reading.”
The older readers’ sessions are set for Thursdays at 6 p.m., with the next session focusing on teaching 4.96” x 10” the basics of storytelling. It’ll include an “Open Mic” at the end for those brave enough to try it out. Other sessions include writing and journaling tips, art projects and more.
The library also has a special Route 66 program that was funded by the Route 66 Revitalization Grant.
Hoover said that it’s important to continue reading and building new reading skills, even while school is out, as it tends to fade.
“So, it is very important to help children maintain the reading level they had when leaving the school year and ready to begin their next level. And remember, library books and programs are free,” she said.
Chandler Public Library is also taking part in “Unearth a Story.” It’s geared for children aged three to eight. While registration isn’t required, it is encouraged, said Assistant Librarian Amanda Cross. The program will include a story and a fun craft.
“We have fun presenters joining us this summer that we think the kids will enjoy,” she said.
They also have a teen program starting on June 1, though sign-ups have already ended. It is grantfunded, so for now, a one-time program, though Cross said they hope to continue it in the future if the grant money is available.
“Summer reading programs are important because it helps promote the love of reading and introducing children to the library,” she said.
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma is also jumping on the “Unearth a Story” trend. The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Library is hosting the program during July and encourages families and students to come visit each week, said Regina Riley, director of the IowaTribe of Oklahoma Higher Education Department. The first 25 kids (pre-K through 12th grade) will receive a treat coupon from a local business, withDaylightDonuts, Sonic and Raising Cane’s taking part.
The library is also running a Mobile Reading Program in Carney, Agra and Perkins-Tryon with “Unearth a Story.” They will be at the Carney Schools parking lot on July 1 from 9:30-10 a.m. and Agra Schools parking lot from 10:30-11 a.m., then Perkins-Tryon Elementary School from 9:30-10 a.m. and Perkins-Tryon Middle School from 10:30-11 a.m. on July 22.They encourage everyonetocomeout,bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the stories along with treats and free books.
Riley said the library is also running Experience Oklahoma this summer, in partnership with museums and organizations in the state. It offers a checkout family pass free of charge. The passes can be used for seven days and allow families to visit the First Americans Museum, Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Oklahoma History Center Museum, the OKC Zoo (while supplies last) or check out a Forestry Discovery Pack.
All of the programs are open to the public, though to participate in Experience Oklahoma, you must have a library card. It’s free and available to residents of Lincoln and Payne Counties, as well as Iowa Tribe members everywhere. Also, it’s only available if the passes aren’t all checked out.
“Library summer programs provide free and engaging activities for families, while combating the ‘summer slide,’ which is a common decline in reading skills during the summer months,” Riley said. “Summer programs provide free access to books and encourage literacy skills to ensure students are prepared to return to school in the fall.”
Other local libraries running summer reading programs are the Haynie Library in Prague and the Meeker Public Library. Haynie’s program is open to all ages and starts in June and guidelines are available at the library. Meeker’s program is set for June 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1-3 p.m.
Contact your local library for more details on any summer reading programs.
Public Libraries
Chandler Public Library 1021 ManvelAve, Chandler, OK (405) 258-3204 Stroud Public Library 301 W. 7th St, Stroud, OK (918) 968-2567 Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Library itolibrary@iowanation. org Phone: (405) 547-2402 ext. 2201 Text a Librarian: (405) 939-6560 Meeker Public Library 616 Carl Hubbell Blvd, Meeker, OK (405) 279-1139 Haynie Public Library 1619W.MainSt,Prague, OK (405) 567-4013 Wellston Community Library 301 2nd St., Wellston, OK (405) 225-0954 Tryon Public Library 23 S. Main St., Tryon, OK (918) 374-2220 Sac and Fox National Public Library 920883 S Hwy 99, Stroud, OK (918) 968-3526