Summer Reading Program Is One Of Many Activities At Carlinville Library

BY TOM EMERY

The Carlinville Public Library will offer a busy slate of activities this summer, led by one of its most popular programs for young readers.

“Read, Renew, Repeat” is the theme for the 2024 Summer Reading Program, which includes fun and enriching activities for all ages in June and July.

“We’re really excited about this year’s program,” said Hannah Miller, the director of the Carlinville Public Library. “We have our old favorite activities, as usual, but we’re doing a lot of new activities as well, things that will be new and fresh to our patrons of all ages.”

The Summer Reading Program is a good way to introduce children to the joys, and benefits, of reading. Studies have consistently shown that children who are introduced to reading at an early age often continue their love of reading for a lifetime.

The program will run from June 1 through July 19, with activities throughout each week. Registration is requested for children in the Summer Reading Program.

On June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, the library will host a special Kick-Off Party to celebrate the beginning of the program. Activities will include bubbles, face-painting, crafts, and games.

Weekly story sessions will be offered for youngsters to meet other children, while enjoying a fun, creative selection of stories, crafts, and activities led by library staffers and special volunteer guests.

Children of birth through kindergarten age will meet for Storytime each Tuesday at 10 a.m., as is usual at the library. Youngsters age 5-12 will gather from 1-2 each Tuesday for a “summer reading class” with wholesome, thought-provoking stories and crafts to prevent the “summer slide.”

All groups will enjoy stories, crafts, and activities led by community volunteers, including teachers and other special visitors. Reading logs will be available for everyone during the program.

On Monday, June 10 at noon, the action moves down Nicholas Street for a special Storytime Picnic at the Macoupin County Housing Authority playground. The one-hour picnic will feature stories, crafts, and games.

Other activities this summer include Crafternoons for Kids, which features open-ended crafting inside the cool air-conditioning of the library. The library will provide the crafts and supplies.

Crafternoons will be held on June 6 and 20 from 2-3:30 p.m., as well as July 10 and 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome at the Crafternoon sessions. In addition, there will be an adult 4th of July Craft session for adults from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, June 13.

There will also be special events each Friday, starting at 1:30 p.m. on June 14 with children’s storyteller and performer Will Stuck, who is returning to the Carlinville library after a wildly successful appearance in 2023.

Another fun program will be presented by magician Professor Longhair at 1 p.m. on June 21, with a special appearance from staff at the Treehouse Wildlife Center from Jersey County on June 28 at 1 p.m.

The library’s normal activities will continue through the summer, such as LEGO Challenges on Friday, June 7 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and LEGO Freebuild from 2:30-4;30 on both June 7 and July 5. The Stop-Motion Animation Club will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on June 14 and July 12.

“We hope to see everyone at these programs throughout the summer,” said Miller. “We’re really excited about them, and we think that readers of all ages will enjoy them, too.”

For more information, contact the Carlinville Public Library at 217-854-3505 or [email protected].