WP library going beyond the Beaten Path

Posted

BY PCC STAFF

WEST POINT - West Point Public Library urges families to get ready, get set, and go to the library and sign up for Read Beyond the Beaten Path. The West Point Public Library launches its Read Beyond the Beaten Path summer reading program on Monday, June 6. During the next two months, the library will host a range of free activities for children through adults to encourage and support a love of reading. Youth participants will receive a sash and earn camp buttons by returning weekly reading logs as well as earn tickets to enter into one of three grand prize drawings. Adults can get in on the action too by earning raffle tickets for themed baskets. All children (ages 2-12) who return at least one reading log will receive a free book at the end of the summer! Registration begins May 31st and can be done online or in person.

“We’ve planned a wonderful program for kids to make the library a great place to read, learn, and discover what’s available for their enjoyment,” said Dara Sanders, library director.

Similar to last year, the majority of the youth programs will be held outside this summer in the shelter house on the square across from the library. This includes our Preschool Story Time on Mondays from 10:00-10:45 am and our Wednesday Afternoon Summer Programs/Performers with the majority beginning at 1:00 pm. The library is excited to welcome Absolute Science’s Butterfly Encounter Tents and Bubble Stations, the ISU Insect Zoo, Sheltered Reality, Lee County Conservation, and Lee County Extension to our library this summer. For older kids, who are entering grades 4th - 6th, Lego Robotics will be offered on Thursdays from 2:00-3:30 pm beginning on June 9th.  For our adult patrons, we are excited to have our Geri-Fit program continuing on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00-1:45 pm. Geri-Fit is a video-led strength training exercise class for older adults. On Fridays, Mahjong is played starting at 1:30 pm. All skills levels are welcome and we are happy to teach anyone wanting to learn.

In addition to our regular programs, we are also offering four special events. The first two are for adults and include a Painting Party on Tuesday, June 21, from 6:00-8:00 pm (registration required) and Duffy Hudson, award winning impersonator, impersonating Edgar Allen Poe on Tuesday, July 14, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Next for those kids in grades 5th and up, we are offering a Scrapbooking 101 class on Tuesday, July 12, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Registration is limited to 7 participants so please call the library to sign up. Finally, on Tuesday, July 19, we are having a movie night open to all ages. Come dress alike with a friend and join us to watch Parent Trap. Prizes will be awarded to those who come dressed as the best twins! Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

There’s also a serious side to summer reading. Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss. “Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperformed those who don’t. Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests,” Sanders, added. “Our library is committed to supporting lifelong learning and educational enrichment for all families.”

Throughout the summer, when you stop by our library, you will be able to go on an Animal Track Scavenger Hunt, take a StoryWalk™ around town, guess how many items are in a jar, and check out the Putnam Museum Pass!  Don’t forget about our book sale on June 9th - 11th during our normal operating hours. There is so much to see and do at the West Point Public Library this summer, so if you would like to learn more, print out a complete calendar of events, and/or to register please give us a call at (319) 837-6315, visit our website www.westpoint.lib.ia.us, or stop by the library.  

Dara Sanders, program, public library, raffle, summer reading program, Wednesday afternoon, west point

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here