Summer reading about to begin: "Get a Clue" @ your library
The school year has flown by and it’s time to think about summer plans. Along with baseball, swimming, and family vacations, I hope you will take time for reading this summer!
We will kick off the Summer Reading Program at the Hastings Public Library on Tuesday, May 29, with our 2nd Annual Heavy Equipment Petting Zoo. That day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the east half of the city parking lot across Denver Avenue from the library will be blocked off and area businesses will park trucks and other equipment there so that kids can “touch a truck.” This is your chance to get “up close and personal” with this equipment!
The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Program is “Get a Clue @Your Library.” Children preschool age through fourth grade are encouraged to form the “reading habit” and read for at least 20 minutes each day. Those who are not yet independent readers may participate by having someone read to them. This is a wonderful way to “turn kids on” to reading!
Those who will be in 5th or 6th grade next fall are asked to keep track of the books they read this summer. They will receive points for reading, and 1,000 points will earn them an invitation to a special party in August.
Teens who will be entering 7th through 12th grade in the fall may also participate. They will receive points for reading, but may also earn points by doing volunteer work at the library. There will be a special party in August for those teens who earn 1,000 points.
Children in the Summer Reading Program are invited to attend special programs on Tuesday afternoons at the library. These include an interactive music program, a visit with a detective from the Hastings Police Department, a presentation by a Nebraska State Patrol officer and his drug dog, as well as shows presented by two magicians. On Thursday afternoons the library will show feature-length films, all rated G. A complete schedule of the programs and film titles will be available for children to pick up when they register for Summer Reading.
The Summer Reading Program at the Hastings Public Library is funded by the Hastings Kiwanis Club as part of their commitment to youth. We thank them for their continuing support which makes it possible for all children to participate free of charge.
Adults should not feel left out. The library offers an Adult Summer Reading Program as well that runs from May 29 to August 4. Pick up a “Summer Reading Journal” at the library to record your reading. Any person who is out of high school may sign up for the adult program, and you read any number of books that you choose. You may count books from any library, bookstore or your own collection, and unabridged audio books also count.
The adult program also includes a “Club Competition.” We would like to see which book club or service club has the highest participation in Summer Reading. You simply indicate the name of your book club or service club on your reading journal when you submit it to the library and then watch for the results!