"Reading Will Be Doggone Fun At The Columbus Library"
 
By now a lot of parents are beginning to ask themselves, “What are we going to do with the kids when school lets out?”

Well, the Columbus Public Library has just the answer for that question: THE SUMMER READING PROGRAM. Designed to keep kids reading during the summer months, the Library’s program incorporates fun into the reading equation because Reading + Fun= Life-Long Readers.

The state-wide theme this year is “Laugh It Up @ Your Library.” However, here at this library, we have gone one step further by including dogs in the theme. So, at the Columbus Public Library, the theme is: “It’s Doggone Fun @ Your Library.” We have great activities to put a real “bark” into the theme. Dr. Anne Krammer from the Columbus Animal Hospital will be giving a presentation on dogs. Both the Columbus Animal Shelter and the Platte County Humane Society will be giving programs on the care and training of dogs. In addition to these and many other presentations, we will have a number of games and activities planned. There will be a variety show where kids can show their special talents or just come and have a good time. At the very end of the summer, we will have an ice cream party for all who have participated. So, as you can see, we plan on having a “doggone fun” time this summer.

Oh, one more thing! Prizes. We have lots and lots of prizes to give away as bonuses for reading. Prizes range from smiley-face hackey sacks, gift certificates for meals and treats at local restaurants, and sun visors. Sometime during the summer, we will also be giving away Beanie Babies. The prizes will be kept secret until that week, so to know what we are giving away, you’ll just have to come and find out.

Registration for the Summer Reading Program starts the week of June 2 and runs August 1st, so if your children are unable to make it that first week, they can join in the fun anytime during the summer. The best part is that registration is free--no cost to you. All your children have to do is come and be ready to have a great time.

Every Monday, we will be showing a movie from 1:30-3 p.m. On Tuesdays, we will be having fun programs and activities from 1:30-3 p.m. On Wednesdays, we have story times at 1:30 p.m., and on Thursdays, there will be story times at both 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fridays will be when kids and their parents can enjoy the Library on their own.

So, if you haven’t yet given any thought to how to occupy your child’s time this summer, think no more than the Columbus Public Library and its Summer Reading Program, beginning on June 2. Neither you nor your children will be disappointed. If you have any questions, please contact me at (402) 564-7116.