We’re very excited about our theme this year, and why not?  Who doesn’t love animals?  We have lined up some fun and interesting programs for all ages.  Enrollment begins on Monday, May 17.  On enrollment, each child will receive a book bag, bookmark, a calendar of events, and a page to keep track of his or her reading time.  After the first half hour of reading, each child will receive a necklace chain and a brag tag.  As reading minutes accrue, children earn beads for their chains.

There will be ongoing activities that children can take with them, or can work on in the children’s area of the library.  Guess “Whose Tail is That?” and have your name entered in a drawing for a prize.

Check the calendar tab for all dates, but in June we’ll have a visit by Gary Pulliam and his horse, Socks, and a visit by Lisa Prouse, a pet groomer.  In July there will be a virtual Safari Magic Show, provided to us by SCKLS, the South Central Kansas Library System.  There will also be a visit by Dr. Lavica Gates, our local veterinarian, and a party at the end of July for all Summer Reading participants.

Tuesday mornings will be filled with storytimes, first at 10:00 for the 5 to 7-year-olds, and then at 11:00 for the 2 to 4-year-olds.  Children can expect songs, games, crafts, flannel board and scarf activities, and of course, stories.  We hope that caregivers will join in and have fun along with us!

On four Wednesday mornings this summer, Kayla Brown will bring her sweet dog Annie to the library for children to read to her.  Annie loves to snuggle, and loves to listen to stories.  Elementary school kids are invited to sign up for a time slot to read to Annie.  We ask that a caregiver be present with each child.

The Super Secret Book Club is back, with wrapped books children can borrow, take to their favorite reading spot, and unwrap for a surprise.

Throughout the summer we plan to provide you and your children with suggestions for animal-related activities, titles of books you can enjoy together, and ideas for summer fun.